[bibarnes]

The definition of a cult is a religion based on other than Christian Principles. Islam is considered a cult because of its rejection of the basic premise of Christianity. Judaism is not considered a cult because it is the ancestor of Christianity and the Jew is God's chosen. Jew's didn't kill Christ, Christ gave His life. As an aside. In the book of Luke we are told about the birht of Christ. He was wrapped in swaddling clothes. The interesting part of that is that because of the high infant mortality rate infants were wrapped in grave clothes just in case. So He really was born to die.

[Sci Fi Guy]

Nothing Personal, but I have a better definition of a cult. I got it from Robert Bowman (a published scholar). It has 2 parts.

The first is any religious group where the leadership has an unhealthy psychological control over its members is a cult.

The second is any group that claims to be the newest, purist, truest, best version of a religion, while denying one or more essential teachings is a cult.

Islam, Judaism are considered to be world religions, not cults. If muslims claimed to be the Christians, then it could be called a cult.

[SmartEnough]

The definition of a cult is a religion based on other than Christian Principles.

WRONG! Whose definition is that?

The first is any religious group where the leadership has an unhealthy psychological control over its members is a cult. The second is any group that claims to be the newest, purist, truest, best version of a religion, while denying one or more essential teachings is a cult. RIGHT!

The Taliban are an example of both the above definitons. That still does not excuse Lindh. He made bad decisions, took teasonous actions and must be punished.