Coercion, control and worship: Where do we draw the line between a religion and a cult?

Is a cult a misunderstood religion? Or something much more dangerous?

The line between high-control religions, new religious movements, and 'cults' is as grey as ever. But the fascination we have with these groups is only getting stronger. What counts as a 'cult'? Is it your highly controlling tech workplace? Your gym with a forever-binding contract? Or does the casual use of the word 'cult' do a disservice to those stuck in dangerous and emotionally manipulative religious and spiritual organisations?

To shed some light on the difference between a new religious movement, a cult, and your regular high-control Pentecostal mega-church are the God Forbid guests who have lived, studied, or spoken to survivors of these groups. 

GUESTS: 

• Professor Carole Cusack, Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Sydney, specialising in new religious movements (NRMs) contemporary religious trends and Western esotericism
• Sarah Steel, host and creator of award-winning podcast, Let's Talk About Sects
• Scott Parker, writer and star of stage production, Hillsong Boy

This episode of God Forbid was made on Gadigal land. 

Technical production by Craig Tilmouth and Tegan Nicholls.