How many people must join before a cult is a culture?

4

I’m pretty sure there is no culture in cults.

However many Christianity, Judaism and Islam have.

3 for a cult.

4 for culture.

i made you click twice even thought you knew what the second link was gonna be. maybe i should start a cult . . .

@Blondesjon Another cult

@chyna @Blondesjon You guys are forgetting something,

The numbers don’t matter. It could be 1 or it could be 1 billion.

According to Michael Shermer, who is a historian of science and author, a cult is characterized by

1) Veneration, glorification and inerrancy of the former or current leader to the point of virtual sainthood or divinity
2) Acceptance of beliefs and pronouncements on all subjects without applying critical thinking
3) Persuasive techniques from benign to coercive are used to recruit new followers and reinforce current beliefs
4) Hidden agendas exist and the true nature of the group’s beliefs and plans is obscured from or not fully disclosed to potential recruits and the general public
5) There is deceit, therefore recruits and followers are not told everything they should know about the group’s inner circle, and particularly disconcerting flaws or potentially embarrassing events or circumstances are covered up
6) Sometimes there is financial exploitation and recruits and followers are persuaded to invest money and other assets (in very rare cases there’s also sexual exploitation)
7) There is absolute truth which also means that the group has discovered final knowledge on any relevant number of subjects
8) Absolute morality is also being claimed, which means the group’s system of right and wrong thoughts and actions are are applicable to members and non-members alike. Those who strictly follow the moral code become and remain members and those who do not are dismissed or punished

I posted a Fluther question which also focuses on the various definitions of cults.

http://www.fluther.com/disc/68521/how-do-you-define-a-cult-and-what-are-some-good/

Some forms of Christianity are cults, while others are not.