Re:You might as well ask... (Score 1)

the only non-derisive definition i've ever heard of a cult came from ancient Rome. at the time there was essentially a national religion, which everyone followed and "believed" (at least publicly). then on the side you had _many_ different "secret cults." these were formal and secretive groups that were usually established for an expressed purpose. say for instance to worship a specific deity for a specific purpose. the most significant feature of the cult was a strict adherence to an explicitly set process of rituals. on the other hand, the roman's just loved their rituals in general. so i guess that doesn't really answer any questions. anyway, in Rome it was alright to belong to many different secret cults (and really, who's going to know that you are if they're suppose to be secret) because they all had their individual purpose. they don't seem to have deeply affected how a person lived their life on a constant basis, but rather added more of a mystic ceremonial world they could find peace with the gods in.