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List of groups referred to as cults
<i>For this article to have the [[neutral point of view]], it should say '''who''' considers each listed a group a "cult" and '''why''', balanced by similar info about those who disagree with the "cult" designation. Otherwise, it's just a list of groups that have somehow acquired a bad reputation.</i>

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This is a list of organizations, religious groups, and sects which are purported to be cults.
(contracted; show full)

Another criticism of the Unification Church is that it is centered to an extreme degree around its leader, the Reverend [[Sun Myung Moon]], whom the members of the Church believe to be the Messiah.

=== Others ===
* [[est]] / Landmark Education
* [[Jehovahs Witnesses]]

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===Shared Practices===

The beliefs and practices of the organizations often referred to as cults vary greatly from one group to another.  Nonetheless, there are a number of traits shared by such groups that are noted by critics as the tell-tale "signs" of cultish behavior:

* Authoritarianism - control of the organization stems from an absolute leader or a small circle of elite commanders
* Infallability - the chosen philosophy is the only path to salvation, and all others are worthless
* [[Shunning]] - encouragement of members to sever communications and relationships with friends and family members
* Secret doctrines - certain "secret" teachings that must not ever be revealed to the outside world

===External Links===

* [http://www.neopagan.net/ABCDEF.html The <b>Advanced Bonewits Cult Detection and Evaluation Frame</b>] (ABCDEF), by [[Isaac Bonewits]].  A 15-point "checklist" of the factors that can be used for personal evaluation of groups that may be classified as cults.