How to Define a Cult: Unpacking Terminology

The first rule of all cults is that they are not a cult. Another common rhetoric (by cult leaders) is to then claim that no body knows what a cult is due to definitions being so vague. I have to admit, they may have a minor point there.

Definition of Cult

The Oxford Dictionary defines a cult as: 

• a system of religious veneration and devotion directed towards a particular figure or object.

This explanation is woefully inadequate in identifying harmful groups as it can refer to anything from a Jim Jones through to a group of devoted stamp collectors. 

Definition of Cultish

Similarly, the adjective "cultish" is also obscure, as this definition from the Cambridge dictionary demonstrates:

• intended to be very popular with a particular small group of people.

Both terms, "cult" and "cultish", refer to groups of people having some form of shared relationship based around a common theme. In colloquial speech, it is debatable as to whether or not the phrase is neutral or carries a negative connotation. The nuances continue with some people (in particular cult leaders) claiming it is only used as a derogative term to indicate disapproval of a group.

Other Terms 

While it can be debated as to whether terms like cult and cultish are inherently negative, as a consequence of the argument, alternatives are sometimes used. These include: 

• Sect

• New religious movement (NRM)

• High-demand group

• Spiritual community

• Minority religious group

• Esoteric organisation

• Intentional community

Each of these terms carry subtly different implications depending on context and perspective, which can be useful.

​Big C and Little c 

My personal opinion is that the term "cult" is embedded in society and attempts to avoid using the word are futile. That said, not all cults are equal. Expert opinions on what a cult is are a great resource, however, they are not comprehensive enough to clearly separate the wheat from the chaff, so to speak.

I like to distinguish between Cults with a big "C" from cults with a little "c", in much the same way trauma is be described as having a big "T" or  little "t". Cults with a big "C" are harmful, while cults with a little "c" are less likely to cause harm.

Cult Experts

Cult experts generally define a cult according to specific criteria. One of the most renown being Steve Hassan's "BITE" model and Influence Continuum. Others such as Rick Ross and Janja Lalich have their respective criteria also.

I've examined the models and definitions of these experts and cross referenced key features with definitions of coercive control that are used domestic violence, to create a list of 12 key characteristics which, I believe, can be applied to any group to determine the level of cultish behaviour.

In particular, I was inspired by experts comments about cults being definable on a scale of 1-10 that reflects the likelihood of harm members are exposed to. Subsequently, I devised a rubric and ranking scale that I call Renée's Cult Ranking System.

The Beauty of Using a Rubric and Scale to Define a Cult

The beauty of the rubric is that it does not focus on ideology or religion. Any group whether it be based on faith, a hobby, well-being, or any topic of interest, can fall under the category of being a destructive cult if its behaviours are manipulative to a point of coercive control.