--Some characteristics of a cult:

1.	Absolute authoritarianism without meaningful accountability. 
2.	Extreme obsessiveness regarding the group/leader resulting in the exclusion of almost every practical consideration.
3.	Dependency upon the group/leader for problem solving, solutions, and definitions without meaningful reflective thought. 
4.	A seeming inability to think independently or analyze situations without group/leader involvement.
5.	Anything the group/leader does can be justified no matter how harsh or harmful. --