Religious Cult (Noun)
Meaning
A system of religious beliefs and rituals; "devoted to the cultus of the Blessed Virgin".
Classification
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents.
Examples
- The isolated community was suspected of being a religious cult that practiced unconventional rituals and brainwashed its members.
- The charismatic leader of the group was accused of manipulating his followers and turning the organization into a full-fledged religious cult.
- Historians have long studied the ancient Greek mystery cults, which were secretive and exclusive systems of worship.
- The new age movement was often criticized for being a pseudo-religious cult that preyed on vulnerable individuals.
- Scholars have identified several key characteristics that distinguish a mainstream religion from a fringe religious cult.