Often what clearly identifies a group as a cult in the fact that the members of the community are poor, hungry and often in need of basic material goods, while the leader of the group has many households, possessions and is living in luxury. Sadly, group members may not consider themselves as being harmed by this situation, but for those examining the group externally, we can see physical harm occurring. Likewise, in most cults, the leaders of the group are aware that the situation they have created is not legitimate. To protect themselves, they do not allow their membership extended access to any one out side the group. Cult leaders are fearful that group members may realize that the situation is unjust and therefore try to limit the member’s contact with the outside world.
Cults are not considered alternative religions, though they may be structured like a religious organization and claim to be a religion. Most of the time, cults are founded on economic purposes, not even ideological factors. The bottom line, cults are harmful to their members.
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