ABSTRACT
This chapter explores fundamental questions about human nature, human development, group dynamics, abuse and control, and the triumphs of the human spirit in the face of mistreatment, loss, and suffering. It also explores the ways that cultic groups are similar to all other groups, and the specific ways in which they differ. A great deal of confusion and controversy surrounds the definition of the word cult and the use of it as a label for specific groups. Many people mistakenly believe that cults and religions are somehow connected, that all religions are cults, or that all cults promote religious beliefs. That's one of the arguments used to defend the problematic use of the term new religious movement (or NRM). True NRM groups exist all over the world; some are as small as an offshoot church that uses a member's home for its weekly services, and some are as large as the American Buddhist Movement.
