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What is a cult?
"A cult is an ideological organization, held together by charismatic relationships, and demanding high levels of commitment".
(Photo: Santa Monica Pier. My cousin, Justin, and my brother, Taj. Mid 80s)
What is a cult?
The International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA), a global network of people concerned about psychological manipulation and abuse in cultic and other high-control environments, defines a cult as follows: A cult is an ideological organization, held together by charismatic relationships, and demanding high levels of commitment.
Cults are at risk of becoming exploitatively manipulative and abusive to members.
Many professionals and researchers use the term "cult" to refer to a continuum of manipulation and abusiveness.
Different people respond differently to the same cultic environment.
ICSA does not produce an official list of "cults."
Because of the ambiguity in the concept "cult," ICSA tries to use the term judiciously and focus inquirers’ attention on potentially harmful practices, rather than a label.
Reference: The International Cultic Studies Association: https://www.icsahome.com/aboutus