[Wurlitzer]

"It is a religion."

Why because they say it is? The KKK is not as violent yet I have not heard anyone label it as a religion. Sorry if I don't take your word for it. I am also sorry if my response is less than kind but I am beyond upset what was done by the terrorists and no longer want to stand by and let them use our laws against us.

[Hugin]

Because it's a serious worldview that is based on worship of a deity, has over a billion adherents, and has withstood the test of time. The KKK is not based on worship of a diety, and is a tiny organization. While the KKK may insist it's members come from a single religious background (Protestant), it is not itself a religion.

As for the difference between a religion and a cult, cults tend to be about accumulating power for the leader/founder and die out with him. Islam may have started as a cult, but became a religion over time (not uncommon, BTW). At least that's how I would define it. But let me ask you, how would you define the difference between a cult and a religion?