List Of Purported Cults

This List of purported cults lists a number of organizations that have notably been referred to as cults by diverse, non-related, reasonably unbiased sources. Because the terms often have a pejorative meaning, its application to specific groups is controversial. The definitions and common use of the term are examined in depth at the article on cults.

Criteria for listings

Very few groups or organizations are willing to accept the label of "cult," and a number of groups have vehemently resisted such a classification. This list presents a number of groups notably referred as cults by a number of sources as follows:

Destructive cults

The actions of these groups have been shown to be responsible for the deaths of a large number of the members of these groups, or to outsiders. See also, Cult suicide. The anti-cult activist Steven Hassan classifies "cult groups" into "destructive cults" and "benign cults". By "destructive" he apparently means that they exploit their members, not that they're likely to commit crimes such as murder or suicide.http://freedomofmind.com/resourcecenter/faq/#2

Alleged cults

Governments seen as promoting religious tolerance (by law or otherwise) have taken action specifically against these groups. Prominent members of these groups have been involved in felony criminal actions; mainstream media reports have investigated their inner workings and publicized their findings in a manner seen as highly negative by the groups in question.

Controversial groups

These groups have come into conflict with mainstream religious organizations and/or restrictive governments, and are sometimes viewed with suspicion; but in general they are tolerated by society and left to their own actions.

Minority groups

These groups have beliefs or practises that differ from the mainstream. Although some religious leaders and anti-cult activists would classify them as cults, most observers would not regard them as especially controversial.

External links

New religious movements, list

 

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