Countries in the world have different meanings for the world 'cult'. I can tell that the MIVILUDES, the french organization that decides what is a cult or not, gave a stronger definition than other countries, like the States. JW, and Scientology are in this list.
Last week, The_Metatron and I were speaking about JW, wondering if they are a cult or not. We were wondering more about our own feelings than the rest.
My opinion is that a cult starts when money is required at some point. I don't agree with JW's beliefs, but I understand that their belief, based on the Bible, needs to be protected from the outside world and influence. Doesn't mean I agree, I just understand their point. That's the reason for them to cut any relationship with people, even family, when they leave the mouvement.

So what about you, what do you think that makes a cult or not ?

That's a good representation of my definition of a cult
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__sXaE7T-Ods/T ... /secte.gif