When does a religion become a cult ?

[rt2dz]

I haven't read the whole thread AND it has been quite awhile since I took a sociology course and went over this stuff, so excuse me if I come off sounding stupid, but...

I know there is a list of traits for cults and religions and if I remember right, all religions technically start off as a cult.

And as far as getting around the "law", some things (multiple spouses), I *think* can be filed under freedom of religion rights with the government. Other things, rape, is just too hard to prove without coperation on the part of the victim and their families (in some cases). It's horrible, but that is the way of a free society. That is why there are so many groups out there trying to help and re-train this people, getting them to freedom.

 

[jimmiej]

A normal religion isn't so secretive -- it has no problem letting the outside world what it's doing.

Exactly. In our church (Baptist), we inform all prospective members of exactly what we believe before they join (or decide not to).