littlek
No...the essence of "debate" is the
negotiation of "meaning" and all meaning is context sensitive. Those who would dismiss the word "cult" may merely be wishing to dismiss its current "negative status" in order to keep its etymological associate "religion" either positive or neutral.
The devolpment of a "cult" into a "religion" is obviously influenced by historical and social factors. We might note for example how Jehovah's Witnesses now appear to have revised their "cultish" rejection of blood transfusions presumably partially in order to avoid mainstream legal intervention in the case of minors. It may also be interesting to note the apparant revised status of "The Unification Church" which appears to be cashing in on the current "Islamic Problem".
http://www.guardian.co.uk/usa/story/0,12271,1245929,00.html
