[Locke]

The best definition of a cult is a religion that's just getting started; after all, Christianity was considered a cult in it's early days. Now, that's not what people use "cult" for today, especially most Christian. They use it to refer to any religion that shares a background with the big three theistic religions(Judaism, Christianity, Islam), but differs on several key points, or even to abhorrency, any religion they don't like. Now, cult does have a proper use, but it is thrown about so liberally today that it's not worth using for fear of giving the wrong impression, as "cult" has become more of an attack than it should be. Now, what I really hate is when Americans bash Mormons; America has been at both cold and hot war, at times, with Mormons almost since they came into prominence. Many people would not vote for Mitt Romney simply because he was a Mormon. Now, as a Christian, I disagree with Mormon theology and Christology; however, I have nothing but respect for Mormons because of the way they live. They have much better testimonies than most Christians, hell, most other religions can boast, they live by strict moral guidlines that are enforced, and it is clear that their faith is real to them. When Mormons come to my door, they come dressed up, and they ask if there is anything they can do, even if I refuse their religion. They are respectful, upright, and there is little debate over points of doctrine, as it is all centrally controlled, and controlled very well; if you are a Mormon, you know what you believe, and you stick to it. My only gripe with their religion, other than the afterforementioned theology and Christology, is that they tend to change their beliefs to fit the culture they live in. Their polygamy agenda was surpressed a century ago due to widespread rejection of them due to the practice, and when racisim went out, so did the belief that blacks didn't do their part in the fight against demons. But on a whole, they are far more commendable than most Christians.

So, in short, "cult" has become too loaded a term to be used properly anymore. Too many people use it in ways that are only derrogatory, and perhaps "speck in your brother's eye, log in your own" should be applied more often. No wonder people think that Christians are hypocritical.