What’s the difference between a cult and a religion? Is it merely the number of followers? Some believe that a cult is any organized belief that isn’t their own. Chuck Smith of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa (Christianity) used to refer to Catholicism as a cult.
Early in their histories, religions such as Christianity, Islam, and Mormonism were all considered cults. All three of them are clearly recognized as religions today.
One writer suggests that the only difference between a religion and a cult is the amount of time it has survived (link below).
What do you think? Are you in a cult, a religion, or neither?
https://www.baltimoresun.com/opinion/bs-xpm-2011-10-13-bs-ed-mormons-20111013-story.html