Cult facts for kids

A cult is a group of people who share a set of beliefs or a religion. The word "cult" often describes a group that is not a mainstream religion. It can also mean a group that has different ideas from traditional society or established authorities. For example, some New Age religions were sometimes called cults because their practices were seen as different from common ones.

The word "cult" first appeared in the early 1600s. It originally meant a system of ritual practices. It was used to describe the respect or honor paid to a god or a divine being.

A cult is often a small, newly formed religious movement. These groups might have beliefs or practices that many people find unusual. Also, cults have often been led by people who are not chosen by the group members. These leaders tend to make all the decisions for the group.

What Are Cults?

A cult is usually a small group that has recently started. These groups often have beliefs or ways of doing things that are different from what most people are used to. Sometimes, people in a cult might follow a leader who has a lot of power. This leader often makes all the important choices for the group.

How Did the Word "Cult" Start?

The word "cult" has an interesting history. It first came into use a long time ago, in the early 1600s. Back then, it simply meant a system of special practices or ceremonies. It was used to describe the honor or respect that people showed to a god or a spiritual being. Over time, the meaning of the word changed to describe groups with beliefs that are not common.

Images for kids

• 

  Max Weber (1864–1920), an early scholar who studied groups like these.

• 

  Jim Jones, a leader of the Peoples Temple group.

• 

  Cross burning by Ku Klux Klan members in 1915.

• 

  A protest against the Aum Shinrikyo group in Japan, 2009.

• 

  Falun Gong books being destroyed in China in 1999.