<p>Most people will agree that cults are a bad thing, but a majority of them belong to one anyway.</p>
<p>The FBI actually has a checklist/definition to see if any group or entity can be considered a cult.</p>
<p>It's amazing what falls into that definition.</p>
<p>Most major religions are of course cults. They have a single leader who passes down edicts or information from on high, that no other member has access to. They appeal to the, we are better than all the others, nature of their members by making them believe that belonging to this particular sect will somehow grant them an advantage over others not involved, whether it be in this life or the next. There is always information that is granted to those who rise through the ranks of the system. Generally there is a donation of material items to the cult to support it and help you attain your goals. There is always a heirarchy involved and the higher you are in the ranks, the more privileges or benefits you enjoy, and so on.</p>
<p>Some of the most powerful organizations and religions of the world fit this definition. So while many people are against cults, they are also a willing part of them as well. And of course, like most cult members will completely disagree that their organization is in fact a cult, because it is of course different in some manner.</p>
<p>Some cults are obviously more violent and militant than others. For example those that have led crusades, wars, smothered innovations, plunged the world into dark ages and such. Those who call upon their members or believers to perform acts of hostility or violence in the name of their leader or beliefs, especially against those who are not followers or believers of their particular institution.</p>
<p>While certain clubs or organizations, such as your fanclub of certain sports teams or followers of certain celeberties can also be classified as cults according to certain definitions, these tend to be the more benign examples and most people would not use the word cult in association with them.</p>
<p>Cultism is in essence a mindset. Belonging to a subset of people with similar beliefs, with a defined chain of command, a leader in touch with or having knowledge not available to the masses, promises of better futures, etc. All of these components are very appealing to most people who want to belong, who want to feel part of a community, separate and distinct from others, who want to feel like they are part of something bigger or have justification for their actions.</p>
<p>Are we &nbsp;not all part of a cult here on Steemit? There are many incredibly passionate people who are extremely devoted to this platform and blockchain. We are apart from others in society who do not "see" the enlightenment that is steem, the blockchain, crypto-currency in general. We hope to show others the light and bring them into fold, do we not?</p>
<p>Fits the definition, doesn't it? But how many of us would consider ourselves in a cult?</p>
<p>In the end, cult is simply one more word used to divide humanity. As with all things, some are extreme and dangerous, others are moderate and benign</p>
<p>From religion (the ultimate cult) to your local football/soccer fanclub (which includes some RABID fans) cults are something we all belong to in one manner or other.</p>
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