Your not liking it doesn't make a religion a cult and other truths that stink.

November 4, 7:32 PMOrlando Alternative Religions ExaminerYgraine Gidney-Mitchell

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For years those who wish to remain ignorant of the diversity of religions in this country have trotted out the word "cult" to automatically diminish those religions.  By using the word cult to describe a religion immediately evokes a negative connotation that usually involves kool-aid and orgies.  Cults are perceived as dangerous things that can be eradicated where religions cannot be as a result of that pesky  First Amendment.  Therefore the word cult is used by bigots and the ignorant to justify their prejudice or chosen stupidity without ever forcing them to evaluate their positions and viewpoints.

There are many definitions of Cults.  Some are academic, some are anthropological, some are legal and some are merely dictionary definitions.   Many of the accepted definitions do, in fact, include negative religious descriptives that include things like "A cult has an omnipotent leader who refuses to allow the adherents to have contact with their families."While this certainly is a bad thing done in the name of religion, why that makes the religion a cult any more than "forces members to give up 10% of their income" is beyond me.  I stick with the following definition:

A first generation religion wherein the members can have actual contact with the founder.

That definition makes no value judgments because the value judgments imply that all religions are good and all cults are bad and that is that.  That particular way of thinking is far too easily manipulated .  

It is a personal belief of mine that there are some very dangerous beliefs found in the big three traditional religions. If dangerous or discriminatory religious practices are hallmarks of cults, the big three would by classified as cults without question.   Stranger still is that the old Cult Awareness Network of the 80's & 90's is now run by the church of Scientology who got, one might guess, tired of being called a cult.

Conversely the Religious Tolerance movement calls cults NRMS  a.k.a. New Religious Movements.  No value judgments, just an explanation that this is a new religious viewpoint..  

My religion, Satanism, is often labeled a "cult."  Yet it isn't one by any accepted definition.  It is not a first generation religion.  While no minors are welcome in ritual or membership prior to the age of 18 we can actually be welcoming the third generation into our ranks. 

Sadly no one can have literal contact with our founder, but we do have something many cults rebel against and that is a written dogma.  We feel sadness that Dr. LaVey has been dead for over a decade but we are thankful his work lives on.  The Satanic Bible  teaches our religion and prevents the "cult-like"  activity of changing the rules to fit the need of the leader,

So, Satanism fits no definitions of a cult.  There is no disassociation with family and friends.  There is no life-time tithing or sacrificing all worldly goods.There are no sexual demands.  There are no demands on what one is allowed to do in the world except a command to not break the law.  As a religion that embraces individuality Satanism can't even pretend to be cult-like.

Of course many consider any "occult" religions to be "cults."  This demonstrates a distinct lack of imagination.  The word "occult" means hidden and refers to religions that have what is religiously known as a "mystery tradition."  This does not mean that the religion is meant to be mysterious, but rather that the mysteries of life, of the psyche are in fact revealed through these traditions..  Satanism understand that others consider it an occult religion, but Satanists themselves do not see themselves as occultists.  Everything about Satanism is written.  The entire religious canon is available. 'hard pressed to be some spooky cult out to fool folk when your whole tradition is at Barnes & Noble.

  There is nothing to fear in religions who are open and honest.

America is blessed with thousands of religious practices as diverse as our people. Yet there are Americans who will use the word cult to purposely evoke fear towards other religions.  The reason for this should be obvious and it isn't the saving of souls:  It is financial jealousy and religious bigotry.  The minster who's time at the pulpit is spent trashing another religion must have very little positive to say about his own.  Fear them above any so-called "cult."