The key characteristics of a cult...

The group displays excessively zealous and unquestioning commitment to its
leader and (whether he is alive or dead) regards his belief system,
ideology, and practices as the Truth, as law.

Questioning, doubt, and dissent are discouraged or even punished.

The leadership dictates, sometimes in great detail, how members should
think, act, and feel (for example, members must get permission to date,
change jobs, marry--or leaders prescribe what types of clothes to wear,
where to live, whether or not to have children, how to discipline children,
and so forth).

The group is elitist, claiming a special, exalted status for itself, its
leader(s) and members (for example, the leader is considered the Messiah, a
special being, an avatar--or the group and/or the leader is on a special
mission to save humanity).

The group has a polarized us-versus-them mentality, which may cause
conflict with the wider society.

The group teaches or implies that its supposedly exalted ends justify
whatever means it deems necessary. This may result in members'
participating in behaviors or activities they would have considered
reprehensible or unethical before joining the group (for example,
[torture,] lying to family or friends, or collecting money for bogus
charities).

The most loyal members (the "true believers") feel there can be no life
outside the context of the group. They believe there is no other way to be,
and often fear reprisals to themselves or others if they leave (or even
consider leaving) the group.

http://tinyurl.com/omnwtu

Sure fits your cult, right Ed?

--- Xnews/5.04.25