Are the masons a cult?
The English word cult comes from the Latin cultus meaning worship. In one definition, any religion can be considered a cult. However the most common current definition of cult is a religion or religious sect generally considered to be extremist or false, with its followers often living in an unconventional manner under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader. According to the Cult Information Centre, every cult can be defined as a group having all of the following five characteristics: 1. It uses psychological coercion to recruit, indoctrinate and retain its members. 2. It forms an elitist totalitarian society. 3. Its founder leader is self-appointed, dogmatic, messianic, not accountable and has charisma. 4. It believes ‘the end justifies the means’ in order to solicit funds recruit people. 5. Its wealth does not benefit its members or society. The Masons do not seem to meet all of these characteristics.
