Maybe we should define the difference between a sect and a cult.
Main Entry: sect Pronunciation: 'sekt Function: noun Etymology: Middle English secte, from Middle French & Late Latin & Latin; Middle French, group, sect, from Late Latin secta organized ecclesiastical body, from Latin, course of action, way of life, probably from sectari to pursue, frequentative of sequi to follow -- more at SUE 1 a : a dissenting or schismatic religious body; especially : one regarded as extreme or heretical b : a religious denomination 2 archaic : SEX 1 3 a : a group adhering to a distinctive doctrine or to a leader b : PARTY c : FACTION
Main Entry: cult Pronunciation: 'k< Function: noun Usage: often attributive Etymology: French & Latin; French culte, from Latin cultus care, adoration, from colere to cultivate -- more at WHEEL 1 : formal religious veneration : WORSHIP 2 : a system of religious beliefs and ritual; also : its body of adherents 3 : a religion regarded as unorthodox or spurious; also : its body of adherents 4 : a system for the cure of disease based on dogma set forth by its promulgator 5 a : great devotion to a person, idea, object, movement, or work (as a film or book); especially : such devotion regarded as a literary or intellectual fad b : a usually small group of people characterized by such devotion
(both from the Meriam-Webster Dictionary)
Generally, when one considers a sect, definition #3 comes to mind. For a cult, definition # 5 is most common.
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