Reply To: Is there any difference between a religion and a cult?

I read something once by the guy who ran the anti-cult organization “Jews for Judaism”. He said that a religion allows you to choose to what extent you want to be part of it. You can be frum, but no one is forcing you to be frum, and if you choose to no longer follow certain mitzvos, you can do so with little consequence (at least in Olam HaZeh). A cult on the other hand, is ruled by an enigmatic leader or leaders. You cannot choose your level of involvement. You are either all in, completely following the Dear Leader’s every word, or out.