TLDR - what’s the question mark in the following scale

Cult(-1)……………….Religion(0)……………….???(+1)

Long version (a.k.a my stupid mind’s question that is keeping me awake):

My understanding of cult is a group of people with an absurd or even possibly nefarious belief system. Like something negative.

By that definition I would put religion in the middle (though a majority of it leans towards the cult side). A group of people that is very serious about what they believe in, no matter how illogical it is.

So with this understanding what would you call the positive side ? A group of people coming together to have a tradition and belief system just for the fun of it ? Is there such thing ?

  • Cuberoot
    2·
    11 天前

    Fraternal service association, like Elks Club or Rotary Club? They may have traditions, but not a theology. They’re nominally harmless, if not beneficial, both to members and to the community at large. They’re easy to leave, just stop paying your dues.