Sociologists and Psychologists define a cult as a group:

1.whose beliefs are seen as by society as "strange" or unorthodox

2.whose member show and unusual or dangerous devotion to a singular person, thing or idea

3.whose leader uses unethical, manipulative, and/or dangerous methods of control or persuasion over its members to advance the leaders goals

4.that has become a danger to its members and/or the surrounding society

Researched and recognized cults fall under the following categories:

1.Doomsday Cults
2.Dangerous or Violent Cults
3.Political Cults
4.Astral/UFO Cults
5.Religious Cults
6.Commercial Cults