Religion or cult: What's the difference?

Mormon missionaries in front of DC temple are often referred to as members of a cult

Recently in a discussion about an article comparing Jehovah's Witnesses beliefs and those of Quakers, a reader from France observed both as being "cults."  But what is a cult or a defined religion and are their national beliefs and historical precedents that make the definition difficult?

 Westboro Baptist Church protection in the United States raised the question about whether it is a religion worthy of being protected under the Constitution or a cult.  At the same time people who are members of a minority religion, such as Jehovah's Witnesses, Quakers or Mormons, are oftened referred to as belonging to a cult by someone somewhere.  How people view religion and what the law says it is can be very different.

The Supreme Court held in Snyder vs Phelps that the view of religion was not the major factor in the protection for free speech as much as the need for the public to have a forum for protest and offered a summation of its decision that declared Phelps, the controversial minister and head of the Westboro Baptist Church, had a right to protest at funerals because of the Constitutional protection of free speech granted to the public as opposed to viewing its stature as a religious organization.

Mitt Romney, a Mormon who ran in the Presidential primaries, found himself having to defend his Mormon faith. He had to reassure people he is a Christian and not just a member of a cult. That's because many folks in mainstream churches continue to define those outside the mainstream Christian groups as simply cults.

During the early years of most religions, new groups have been referred to as cults. When Jesus was born and called himself King of the Jews, he and his followers were dismissed as heretics. It brought about the crucifixion every bit as much as new Christian groups are dismissed for being different.

The Washington Post enumerates this criteria from the Internal Revenue Service

a distinct legal existence,
 a recognized creed and form of worship,
 a definite and distinct ecclesiastical government,
a formal code of doctrine and discipline
a distinct religious history,
a membership not associated with any other church or denomination,
 an organization of ordained ministers,
ordained ministers selected after completing prescribed studies,
 a literature of its own,
established places of worship, regular congregations, regular religious services, Sunday schools for religious instruction of the young, school for the preparation of its ministers.

This official description of what constitutes a religion is a not accepted by those who believe it is too restrictive in that it seems to favor large, formal organizations. There are religious groups that fall outside this criteria, such as the Unitarians, Quakers, Unity and Jehovah's Witnesses. They may meet in community centers or in private homes. Furthermore, their groups might be comparably smaller than the mainstream religious organizations.

Lawyers differ on the definition of religion, just as private people do. That means debate about what groups should be protected and which ones fall outside the protection of the First Amendment. For example, Westboro Baptist Church, whose members protest at the funerals of fallen soldiers, may have aberrant beliefs according to many, but their right to protest as a religious group has been upheld by the courts prior to the Supreme Court decision. Westboro Baptist Church might be outside the mainstream Baptist practices but the lower courts have protected their practices as within the definition of religion, although the Supreme Court emphasized the right to public protest as opposed to using the definition of a religion in order to make a decision.

Still many folks differ on the definition of religion remaining core criteria for
discussion. Media groups support reinforcement of the right of free speech protection as do many other groups that are not of a religious orientation..

Over time the definition of what constitutes religion is something that occurs gradually, as a group becomes more and more known and accepted by the culture. This is how Mormons have started to enter the mainstream, as two Governors, father and son, named Romney, have both been the highest officials of the State of Michigan. Their religion has had that popular microscope used to assess their beliefs.

Experts tell us people differ in what they define as religion according to their personal religious bias. That criteria means what constitutes religion is likely to continue to be part of the national debate, especially during elections, as it has been in modern times.  Furthermore the mainstream Catholic doctrine in Europe continues to reflect the major division between Protestant and Catholic beliefs in ways that have made the Lutherans and Anglicans cling to a partial relationship with Catholicism that would separate them from other Protestants. It is an effort to give these groups a greater level of authenticity as a religion so as not to be lumped with Protestants they consider not mainstream.

As the controversy continues in the United States, with the "in group" referring to any other religious group as a cult, just as the Catholic Church history may also reflect the ongoing stance of the entire Protestant community as in question.

Jehovah's Witnesses and Quakers: How to forge links for religious understanding

Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses

In a world where divisions of all types can occur among people, building bridges toward understanding can occur by looking at areas of agreement.   On the surface, Quakers and Jehovah's Witnesses might appear so different in their beliefs that they would be unable to interact kindly.  But it turns out there are fundamental truths believed by both where they could dialogue in constructive ways.  It is an example of what could be done with many groups to create good will among religious groups and groups of various kinds.

Quakers admonish their followers to examine other religions with an open mind and heart. Others do as well, including many other religious group and individuals that include, but are not limited to, Unitarian-Universalists, Unity Church, and the Baha'i Faith .  Atheists too can find paths to peace in looking at the good within a given set of spiritual beliefs. World Religion Day, which is celebrated annually, is a time when members of different religions come together and share their ideas in ways that promote understanding. To do that means to get past preconceived notions to areas where a given group excels.

As a reporter who has covered religion over a number of years, some of my knowledge of the Jehovah's Witnesses comes from my interaction as an adult in social media groups or places where music and writing is shared.  Other information is gleaned from interviewing members of their church. But years ago I had already formed a positive view of Jehovah's Witnesses based upon my interaction with an any elderly couple I knew as a child.

I grew up in a small town in Eastern Oregon called La Grande, and the elderly couple, the Yentzers, were the parents of my Mother's stepfather.  They were known for their great love for one another and their kindness to others.  On cold days, when I would visit their home, they would greet me with candy and hugs, as they asked questions that showed interest in me.

I read the Watchtower many times during my visits.  It was usually on a side table, and even as a child I enjoyed reading almost everything I could find.  I had been raised to have an open mind and to ask questions. This was something new that challenged my thinking that I could compare with my Father's Mormon family and those of my Mother's core family who were Quakers.

Jehovah's Witnesse have many beliefs in common with Quakers.  They believe as Quakers do in non-violence and refuse to bear arms. They recognize Jesus as central to their faith, just as Quakers do, and do not believe in the Trinity but Christ as the Son and head of their church as Quakers do as well. Many Quakers retain the belief in the Trinity, but differ from other Christians in that Christ is seen not as God but God's son.

Group support for one another within a community is important for both Quakers and Jehovah's Witnesses. Witnesses also offer love and support to people outside their own religion, as do Quakers, although social activism is not a major principle of Jehovah's Witness belief.

Quakers advance the preservation of the good of the earth and care and caution with regard to taking care of one's health, as do Some of the Jehovah's Witnesses avoiding pork and unclean things, but many simply focus on living a healthy life.  Much of that depends on the individual's personal behaviors in each case. Quakers also have made a conscious effort to express community, regardless of race; and in the South, where many fundamental Protestant churches are not integrated, Jehovah's Witness groups pride themselves on embracing members of all races.

For every spiritual group there is a set of beliefs and principles that define it, but the best part is the way a person may practice in relationship with others. A loving heart and open mind is fundamental to the Quaker view, the concept of a loving heart regardless of belief.  To examine ways to dialogue with one another, when there are differences, establishes the fundamental principle of how to get along with others.  It is the concept of a loving heart for all, regardless of belief, that can reinforce for everyone the notion that all men are brothers truly.