It’s Time We Stop Arguing About the Word “Cult” and Start Measuring Control

The word cult has become a cultural Swiss Army knife used by many as a hatchet job explanation for any group they don’t like. Is the label correct? It may very well be. However, I would much prefer people ask whether its members are unduly influenced. Were they systematically steered in ways that bypassed informed consent and eroded their autonomy? Thes…