How does a cult differ from a sect or club?

A cult is typically characterized by its authoritarian leadership, intense devotion to a particular ideology, and often manipulative or coercive practices that can harm members. In contrast, a sect is usually a breakaway group from a larger religious tradition, maintaining distinct beliefs but often with a more benign structure. A club, on the other hand, is a social organization formed around shared interests or activities, lacking the intense ideological focus and potential for manipulation found in cults. Ultimately, the key differences lie in the level of control, devotion, and potential for harm.