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Here is what I thought was a good definition of a "cult"...Adat does not fit this definition now does It?
a modern religious cult will be defined as
a group of people established by one leader or a small group of leaders,
to whom they are intensely dedicated and obedient,
and who have such a significantly unique set of beliefs
that they are cut off from religious fellowship
with all others outside their own group.
Given this definition of modern religious cults, the following observations may be helpful when evaluating the potential for serious spiritual harm of any given such cult. (These observations include reference to the words New Age and occult. Definitions and descriptions of those terms follow this list.)
Religious cults frequently:
 Are started by one very persuasive teacher/leader
Have a tightly organized and restricted membership
Are convinced they have the only acceptable way of life
Many religious cults do not:
Have any occult or New Age connections or beliefs
Have radical or violent tendencies
Use "brain washing" to get or keep members
Some religious cults may:
Rely on fear to keep members in line
Rely on isolation to keep members away from other teachings
Use Christian terminology, but be unbiblical in their definitions
Disguise their actual teachings when dealing with the public
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