Understanding Cults and Religious Movements

What did the term "cultus" refer to in ancient Rome?

• Large, public religious ceremonies.

• Small, elite groups devoted to worshipping specific deities.

• Secret societies practicing forbidden rituals.

• Political factions with strong leaders.

What was the name of the book Joseph Smith claimed to translate from golden plates?

• The Golden Tablets

• The Book of Latter-day Saints

• The Book of Mormon

• The Reformed Egyptian Scrolls

The modern negative perception of the word "cult" largely began during which historical period?

• The Roman Empire

• The 1820s

• The 1950s

• The 1990s

Which of the following is often considered a characteristic of cults?

• Democratic leadership structures

• Open and transparent financial practices

• Charismatic leaders and rigid social norms

• Encouragement of independent thought and external relationships

Why do many scholars advocate for discontinuing the use of the term "cult"?

• It is an outdated term with no modern relevance.

• It implies that negative behaviors like abuse and exploitation are exclusive to certain groups, which is inaccurate.

• It is too difficult to define precisely.

• It discourages new religious movements from forming.

What is a common reason for a religious group to be labeled as a "cult" even if they follow many traditional practices?

• They practice their beliefs in secret.

• Their beliefs are entirely new and have no historical precedent.

• They worship a figure or deity not recognized by a larger, more established religious institution.

• They actively recruit members from other religions.

What alternative terms do experts often use instead of "cult" to describe religious groups that are recent or have fewer followers?

• Fringe religions or deviant sects.

• New Religious Movement or Minority Religion.

• Unconventional faiths or alternative spiritualities.

• Non-traditional beliefs or emerging doctrines.

What tragic event in 1985 demonstrated how labeling a group as a "cult" can lead to severe consequences, including violence and destruction?

• The Jonestown Massacre.

• The Waco Siege.

• The Philadelphia MOVE bombing.

• The Heaven's Gate incident.