Cult
From the Latin word 'cultus'; meaning worship.
A word with many religious meanings (and some secular as well) that should be used with great care to avoid misunderstanding.
General Religious Usage
A small, recently created religious group; not a variant of an established religion. Often headed by a single charismatic leader.
Traditional Theological Usage
A style of worship and its associated rituals. It can be applied to any faith Group.
Evangelical Usage
A religious group that considers themselves to be Christian but that denies one or more historical beliefs of Protestant Christianity.
Anticult Movement Usage
A small, evil religious group, often with a single charismatic leader, who engage in deceptive recruiting, brainwashing and other mind control techniques
Sociological Usage
A small religious group that exists in a state of tension with the predominant religion; e.g. Christianity in Pakistan.
Popular Usage
A doomsday, dangerous, destructive religious movement whose members risk their life to belong.
