Calling something a “cult” immediately shuts down any sort of worthwhile dialogue.
A agree and apologize. “Cult” is more of a politically charged word, with a nebulous, disparaging meaning. If I could retract, I would.
I would use “sect” instead.
“Calling something a cult immediately shuts down any sort of worthwhile dialogue.”
What if the label fits?
http://andynaselli.com/sociological-characteristics-of-cults
when i married a catholic girl as a non denominational protestant, i had to denounce my cultist ways and agree to bring up any children as catholics.