All religions are cults. Yes, even yours. I suggest you study the origin of the word. Here... I'll help.
You don't need to use pretzel logic, technically, all religions are cults. Religion is the original basis for that word. It wasn't always used in such a negative fashion as you are trying to use it now.
The word "cult" has religious origins from the Latin
cultus (meaning "worship," "care," or "cultivation"), initially describing a system of worship or a specific religious practice, like the
cult of
Dionysus. However, its meaning evolved, and by the 19th century, it gained negative connotations, referring to unorthodox or spurious religions, and later to groups with excessive devotion or manipulative practices, a shift from its original neutral religious basis.
Evolution of the Word "Cult"
- Latin Roots (Cultus): The word stems from Latin, relating to tilling the soil, care, training, and eventually, worship or adoration, sharing roots with words like "culture" and "cultivate".
- Early English Usage (17th Century): The first English uses meant "worship" or a specific set of devotional rites, as in the "cult of the Virgin Mary" or Roman imperial cults.
- Broadening Meanings (18th Century): It began to refer to intense, non-religious devotion to a person, idea, or fad (e.g., "the cult of success").
- Modern Negative Sense (19th Century Onward): The term started being applied to new or unorthodox religious movements, often with negative judgments, and now frequently describes groups seen as manipulative or harmful.
Key Takeaway
While "cult" began as a neutral term for religious devotion, its meaning shifted from describing a specific religious practice or branch to labeling groups perceived as dangerous or unorthodox, a change that has made the term highly controversial.
I'd really like to hear a sensible argument against accusing Christianity of being a CULT. It seems there are none. But I'll keep the idea open just in case.
"Extremely desperate". You poor thing. 
