On religions, cults and Guardian crosswords...

[itsjustaname]

Comments

[oldhob]

Interesting. I'd never looked at the dictionary definition before.

The Cult Information Centre has the following definition.

It uses psychological coercion to recruit, indoctrinate and retain its members

It forms an elitist totalitarian society.

Its founder leader is self-appointed, dogmatic, messianic, not accountable and has charisma.

It believes 'the end justifies the means' in order to solicit funds recruit people.

Its wealth does not benefit its members or society.

[redcountess]

Perhaps the crossword writer chose "cult" to describe Rasta because of the Haile Selassie deification, even though the Emperor never organised or promoted the religion?

[meico]

I agree with the definition that oldhob posted... Being a cult requires more than just being small.