Cults have different connotations, usually involving secrecy, social isolation of its members from outside society, lack of accountability, and charismatic lead

Cults have different connotations, usually involving secrecy, social isolation of its members from outside society, lack of accountability, and charismatic leaders. This is presumably the type of group the author usually reports on. The problem with applying the label so loosely is that it might lose its meaning, not to mention marginalize members of a group unfairly. Moreover, even without conflating religion and cults, the pastor’s quote might equally well be applied to most fandoms.