1. Religions involve belief in divine or supernatural beings that are worshipped and obeyed as creators and rulers of the universe. Religions are expressed through conduct, rituals, and religious groups like Christianity, Buddhism, and Islam. 2. Sects are religious groups that have broken away from larger established churches, while cults involve systems of worship around charismatic leaders and unorthodox or extremist beliefs and practices that psychologically coerce members. 3. Being involved in a cult can have negative effects on people like loss of free will, diminished intellectual abilities, and physical and mental health issues.

1. Beliefs in Society Religious organisations Access 2008

6. Types of Cults Appear to offer association with a group giving courses in some kind of self improvement or self help technique or therapy. Appear to offer association with a group interested in making the world a better place via political, spiritual or other means. Registered as 'non profit making' groups. Registered as religious groups. Average age at the point of recruitment is in the mid 30's Average age at the point of recruitment is in the 20's. Members usually stay in society's workforce. Members may leave or not join society's workforce. Communal Living rare. Communal living common. Therapy Cults Religious Cults