CULT:
a controversial and misunderstood word greatly misused by the media where it
means a GROUP nobody likes through association with BRAINWASHING. In THEOLOGY the term
"cult" has been used to refer to forms of WORSHIP and the RITUALS associated
with them such as those at the JERUSALEM TEMPLE in ANCIENT JUDAISM. Sociologically, it
refers to small religious groups which are in tension with established religious
TRADITIONS and society generally. Rodney STARK and William Sims BAINBRIDGE give an
OPERATIONAL DEFINITION of cult as: "a religious body which does not have a prior tie
with another established religious body in the society in question. The cult may represent
an alien (external) religion, or it may have originated in the host society, but through
innovation, not fusion. Whether domestic or imported, the cult is something new vis-á-vis
the other religious bodies in the society in question." On the basis of this
definition, they identify three types of cult: "Audience Cults" which resemble a
very loose lecture circuit where people participate in lectures, seminars and workshops as
well as buying books and subscribing to magazines which promote a general spiritual point
of view. "Client Cults" where mobilization is partial, rather than all embracing
and people participate as clients, for example attending occasional SPIRITUALIST meetings,
when they have specific needs rather than join as members. Finally, there are "Cult
Movements" proper where membership is required and there is a development toward the
status of a SECT.
