• HardlightCereal@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      That definition was invented by christians seeking to destroy small religions through stigma. It’s on the same tier as the witch hunters defining a witch as an evil sorceresss. Obviously made up and fake, obviously pushing a harmful agenda.

            • HardlightCereal@lemmy.world
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              1 year ago

              Since the 1940s, the Christian countercult movement has opposed some sects and new religious movements, labeling them “cults” because of their unorthodox beliefs. Since the 1970s, the secular anti-cult movement has opposed certain groups and, as a reaction to acts of violence, frequently charged those cults with practicing mind control. Scholars and the media have disputed some of the claims and actions of anti-cult movements, leading to further public controversy.

              In the English-speaking world, the term cult often carries derogatory connotations.[14] In this sense, it has been considered a subjective term, used as an ad hominem attack against groups with differing doctrines or practices.[9][15] As such, religion scholar Megan Goodwin has defined the term cult, when it is used by the layperson, as often being shorthand for a “religion I don’t like”.[16]

              Like I said, Christians invented the new definition due to hate. We shouldn’t use it.