Cults

Cult, like many other terms in the study of deviance, is rife with negative connotations. This is likely because the word has been used to describe certain apocalyptic religious groups of the past few decades that have left thousands dead and many more traumatized. Within the discipline of sociology, however, the term refers to a type of new religious movement that holds beliefs and practices distinct from other religious movements, sects, or organizations. The latter definition seems to be the most useful for the scientific study of new religious movements. More specifically, sociologists also distinguish a “sect” as a group of individuals who break off from a more conventional religious organization, typically in the quest of what they believe is the original vision of the religion. Therefore, both cults and sects are generally offshoots of a traditional religion or belief. These beliefs can be nonreligious as well (e.g., political ideologies). The difference between a cult and a sect lies in the level of innovation in beliefs. Cults often create a brand new vision of a faith or ideology, while sects are typically small schisms from an established faith. It is this contrast between the two that distinguishes cults as deviant organizations.

Yet, even among scholars, the term cult is often defined in varying ways. The characteristics of cult members, leaders, potential converts, and the relationships among these individuals are also given several distinct denotations. This may occur because scholars studying cults come from different disciplinary backgrounds. Despite the variation in definitions, there are some consistencies in how sociologists conceptualize cults. For example, most contend that cults expect a high level of personal commitment from individual members and that many are isolated and separate from the rest of society. Using these two components, a concrete example of the difference between a sect and a cult can be illustrated by the comparison and contrast of two religious movements that reject much of conventional American culture's values and beliefs. In recent news, the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints group led by Warren Jeffs, in Eldorado, Texas, was exposed as encouraging children as young as 12 years of age to marry adult men. Indeed, many of their practices and beliefs come into conflict with the beliefs and practices of mainstream society. In addition, the leader issued warnings to his members that the outside world contained dangerous situations and people and that they should remove themselves completely from it. Therefore, the group was socially isolated and separated from the rest of the world. This group satisfies the sociological definition of a cult.

In comparison, the practices and beliefs of Amish community members are quite different from those of the outside world. The Amish decline to use electricity or automobiles, are absolute pacifists, and deny that schooling past eighth grade is worthwhile. However, the Amish come into daily contact with mainstream society. Many are entrepreneurs in construction and therefore provide services to other American people. More important, their religious beliefs are not novel and innovative but rather a deviation from conventional Christian beliefs; the Amish use the Old Testament of the Holy Bible as their guide in life. In contrast to the Warren Jeffs group described above, the Amish would be distinguished as a sect.

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