What is a cult?

Although the word "cult" is universally pejorative, it does not have a fluid and or relative definition.  Sociologically speaking, a "cult" is comprised of any group of people who ascribe to new interpretations of a Sacred text that are contrary to historically understood interpretations.  Further, cults religiocentrically proscribe the only "acceptable" application for a Sacred text.

Doctrinal aberration exists on a continuum which ranges from Orthodox (latin; correct teachings) to Occult (latin; clandestine teachings).  Religiocentric fundamentalism is the the socio-psychological pathology that measures a group member's belief that their sect's acceped application of a Sacred text is exclusively correct.  The word "cult" is often inaccurately used.

From a Christocentric western theological perspective, there exists a continuum of doctrinal aberration with eight degrees of degeneration.  The essential values of Christianity may be qualitiatively understood by our answers to the following six questions.

• Who is God?
• What is the Bible?
• Who is Jesus?
• Who is the Holy Spirit?
• What is Salvation?
• Who is the Church?

Although human opinions may reflect gradients of human truth, absolute Truth is existentially transcendent and may be known. In this regard, Divine Truth is the culmination of human truth.  "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14.6).