> 1000 is a cult, 10,000,000 is a Religion. I don't think this holds. There are about 1,000 practicing Samaritans left in the world. They practice a faith ver

> 1000 is a cult, 10,000,000 is a Religion. I don't think this holds. There are about 1,000 practicing Samaritans left in the world. They practice a faith very similar to Judaism with a comparably long history, and I think hardly anyone would call them a cult. There are >50,000 self-described Scientologists worldwide. Many different people, including some government bodies, have referred to that organization as a cult. If we're talking about formal definition, there are detailed lists of what constitutes a cult - size isn't a factor, but segregation from non-members, active indoctrination, and public shaming are. If we're talking common usage, it appears to be respectability or 'kookiness'. Size is a factor, but age, similarity to other traditions, and behavior of members and leaders all count too.