Definition of a Cult
Cult as a word has been around a for long time. Its original form was the Latin word cultus which means worship. As the word evolved it took on a new meaning. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as "Worship; reverential homage rendered to a divine being or beings" and as "a particular form of religious worship, in reference to its external rites and ceremonies." Yet, this is not the word as it is known today. According to Webster's Third New International Dictionary, a cult is a "minority religious group regarded as unorthodox." Another definition that is closer to its connotation today comes from the Oxford English Dictionary. "a religion or sect considered to be false or unorthodox or extremist, with members often living outside of the conventional society under the direction of a charismatic leader." In the current events of today's modern society, cults have many times been brought to the forefront, most often with negative connotations. The now famous cult Heaven's Gate might come to mind. Also, the incident at the Branch Dividian Compound where self-proclaimed Christ, David Koresh and most of his
With this surgence of cult activity over the last three decades, there is need for a more specific definition of the word, so as not to include legitimate religions that are not hindering the rights and freedoms of its members. There is enough ambiguity in the way the word is defined as to cause confusion about whether the organization is harmful and is a cult, or is a religion and does not harm its members. For example, the Catholic Church could be considered a cult by the first definition in the Oxford English Dictionary. Other established religions would also fall under the category of a cult, by the first definition. If all religions, legitimate or otherwise were considered cults, and all cults were considered religions, there would be confusion on the constitutional right to exercise that particular religion/cult. This is why a narrowing of the second definition in the Oxford English Dictionary is needed. There are three areas of the definition of cult that need more added to it or need to be in the definition all together. First, is the idea of what the leader usually is. The leader tends to be in compl
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Approximate Word count = 760
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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