religious cult

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Definition

Noun: 1. A system of religious beliefs and rituals centered around a specific figure, object, or principle: A "religious cult" is a group or movement characterized by its devotion to a particular deity, person, or set of ideas, often with unique practices and a distinct social structure separate from mainstream religious traditions.

Usage
  • The term "religious cult" is used to describe a group with a cohesive belief system and ritual practices that may be novel or exist on the margins of established religions.
  • It can have a neutral, academic meaning but often carries a negative connotation in common usage, implying excessive control by a charismatic leader or practices considered deviant by societal norms.
  • In academic contexts (like religious studies or sociology), the term is often used descriptively, while terms like "new religious movement" may be preferred to avoid bias.
Examples
  • Academic/Descriptive:
  • Common Usage (with negative connotation):
  • Historical Context:
Advanced Usage
  • "to be devoted to a cultus": This formal phrase, often found in academic or historical texts, means to be dedicated to the system of ritual worship of a specific deity or sacred object. It is a more technical synonym for being part of a religious cult.
    • The temple priests were entirely devoted to the cultus of the sun god.
Variants and Related Words
  • Cult (noun): A shorter, more common form that can refer to a religious cult, a fashionable trend, or intense admiration for a person or thing. Context determines the meaning.
    • There's a cult following for that old film. (secular admiration)
    • He joined a mysterious cult. (likely a religious cult)
  • Cultic (adjective): Relating to or characteristic of a cult.
    • The group's cultic practices were unfamiliar to outsiders.
  • Cultish (adjective): Resembling or suggestive of a cult, especially in demanding excessive devotion.
    • The company was criticized for its cultish corporate culture.
Synonyms
  • Sect: A subgroup of a larger religion, often with differing beliefs. (Can be less pejorative than "cult").
  • New Religious Movement (NRM): A modern, scholarly term often used to describe groups that might be called cults in popular language, aiming for neutrality.
  • Denomination: A recognized branch of a larger religion (e.g., Baptist, Methodist within Christianity). This typically lacks the negative connotations of "cult."
Related Phrases
  • Cult leader: The charismatic individual who leads or founded the religious cult.
    • The cult leader demanded absolute obedience from his followers.
  • Cult following: A group of dedicated fans or adherents. This phrase is most often used in a secular context (e.g., for films, music).
    • The movie didn't do well initially but later gained a cult following.
Noun
  1. a system of religious beliefs and rituals
    • devoted to the cultus of the Blessed Virgin

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