At what point is a religion an occult?

Really, whats the difference, one is more acceptable to the so called 'normal stigma of society'...with so many different people in this world so many cultures, why do people say that their faith is the one true faith???what would happen if everyone was wrong???a few centuries ago, e-v-e-r-y-o-n-e believd the world was flat, isn't it interesting to know that man has proven itself wrong time and time again

Actually, the root of cult comes from Latin cultus which means to to adore. Anthropologists tend to use cult to describe a group that forms around a central person or idea with no negative connotation. Most people use cult to describe a religion that uses psychological manipulation on their members. Real religions don't resort to psychological manipulation. E.g. Christianity doesn't use psychological manipulation at all when they tell people they will be tormented in Hell for eternity if they don't believe a guy ~2,000 years ago was nailed to a tree for them. Thus, the distinction between Religion and Cults is clear.

Years ago I realized that Christianity itself is a loaded term. Of course Christians believe Jesus existed and was the Christ but why should non-believers have to refer to the religion this way. What if some guy named his religion 'The One True Religion' wouldn't other people object to referring to it this way? I came up with an alternative name for Christianity as 'The Jesus Death Cult.' While I worked for the state I was informed that I had to use the politically correct term Christian when I was speaking officially for my department.

Religion represents the teachings and life of the Lord, Jesus Christ...
The occult is the worship of Satan

So what about the group of mormons that were stayin in a secluded ,,,something or rather they were labled being in a cult is that the same thing? or is that just what other religions say/lable them, when they dont want to be associated with them?

I'd just like to point out that 'occult' is an adjective, not a noun.

Myth: any religion older than your own.

Cult: any religion newer than your own.

Well religion is considered mainstream while Occult is considered of shoot. . .Every Religion has groups in it's own ranks that it considers Occult even Christianity. . .

Religions:

Christianity
Jewish
Muslim

___

Cult:
Church of Scientology, to learn more about the Co$ google lisa mcpherson

'Religion represents the teachings and life of the Lord, Jesus Christ... '
thanks orion for not recognizing any other religion but your own...

Myth: any religion older than your own.

Cult: any religion newer than your own.

I agree with filletofspam...
funny, but true...

id agree with filletofspam
and no, religion isnt just about 'jesus christ'
thre are many different kinds of gods in religion,
and jesus is just one

'occult' refers to paganism. The word you're looking for is 'cult', not 'occult'. A cult is a religion rooted in a charismatic leader. It has nothing to do with size or popularity.

The 3 largest religions, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, are formally cults.

'Religion represents the teachings and life of the Lord, Jesus Christ...
The occult is the worship of Satan'

Orion, your arrogance is amazing... There are other religions besides christianity.

Really helpful thnx