I like this definition of the difference between a religion and a cult:
1) one cannot leave a cult without repurcussions
2) a cult employs classic brainwashing techniques like threats, lack of sleep, cutting off communications with outside world
2) religions have been around longer and have thus achieved “acceptance”
But it looks like a great book—I’ll look for it!
A religion is a cult that stands the test of time?
your definitions would fit a handful of interesting possibilities if taken scientifically:
1. The US Army
2. “The Apprentice”
3. The CIA
Lets hope that “The Apprentice” doesn’t stick around long enough to gain religion status.
Islam seems to have some aspects of “cult”, by your points (1) and (2). There are quite definite consequences to trying to leave the group
Going by the definitions in the article above I’d say that a group could considered a cult without meeting either of the first two conditions that you mention. I can’t think of any examples off-hand, since many (most?) cults do seem to have those properties, however.