Cult

:This article does not discuss "cult" in its original sense of "religious practice"; for that usage see Cult (religion). See Cult (disambiguation) for more meanings of the term "cult".

Related Topics:
Cult (religion) - Cult (disambiguation)

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In religion and sociology, a cult is a relatively small and cohesive group of people (often a new religious movement) devoted to beliefs or practices that the surrounding culture or society considers to be far outside the mainstream. Its marginal status may come about either due to its novel belief system or because of its idiosyncratic practices.

Related Topics:
Religion - Sociology - Cult - New religious movement

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However, in common usage, "cult" has a negative connotation, and is generally applied to a group by its opponents, for a variety of possible reasons.

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