Definitions
- Referring to a religious group or movement that is considered a subset or branch of a larger religion. - Describing a belief system or practice that is not widely recognized or accepted within a particular religion. - Talking about a spiritual or religious practice that is not considered mainstream or orthodox.
- Referring to a religious or social group with extreme or unconventional beliefs or practices. - Describing a group with a charismatic leader who exerts control over members. - Talking about a group that isolates itself from mainstream society and may engage in harmful or illegal activities.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words refer to groups or movements outside of mainstream religion or society.
- 2Both can have negative connotations.
- 3Both can involve unconventional beliefs or practices.
What is the difference?
- 1Size: Subreligion can refer to a small group or movement within a larger religion, while cult often implies a smaller, more isolated group.
- 2Beliefs: Subreligion may have beliefs that differ from the mainstream religion but are not necessarily extreme or harmful, while cult often has beliefs that are considered extreme or dangerous.
- 3Leadership: Subreligion may have leaders who are recognized within the larger religion, while cult often has a charismatic leader who exerts control over members.
- 4Acceptance: Subreligion may be recognized and accepted by some members of the larger religion, while cult is often rejected by mainstream society.
- 5Connotation: Subreligion has a neutral or positive connotation, while cult has a negative connotation due to its association with harmful or extreme practices.
Remember this!
While both subreligion and cult refer to groups or movements outside of mainstream religion or society, they differ in size, beliefs, leadership, acceptance, and connotation. Subreligion is a subset or branch of a larger religion, with beliefs that may differ from the mainstream but are not necessarily extreme or harmful. Cult is a smaller, more isolated group with extreme or unconventional beliefs and practices, often led by a charismatic leader who exerts control over members.
