Contents
Overview
The word cult has two definitions:
As a Dangerous Group
Most often, the word “cult” refers to a dangerous group that uses undue influence to control the thoughts, behaviors, emotions, and informational-access of its members, thereby controlling the reality they perceive and experience. Cults can be large or small, decentralized or organized, and may or may not be religious. Some are led by a charismatic leader and many are difficult to leave.
Some groups might not be cults proper but may exert cult-like influences. The degree to which a group uses cult-like influences can be measured using the B.I.T.E. Model.
As a Local Variation of Conventional Worship
The second meaning of the word “cult,” from Latin cultus, is used in anthropological contexts to describe local variations of polytheistic religious worship, e.g. “Cult of Dionysus.” It represents a community-based variety of worship which may involve a specific figure, ethos, or set of values, but is otherwise culturally-conventional. The term “hearthcult” is sometimes used to describe specific community-based forms of Heathen practice.
