Charismatic guru-type leader driven by need for glorification and to attract obedient followers
Demands by cult leader for money or property
Crazy beliefs far outside logic, rational thought, and/or the norm of sensible living
Oppressive requirements placed on followers, who are pressured to surrender their former life, friends, and family ties, and who are unable to leave or severely threatened to remain in the cult
Heavy discouragement from thinking for oneself or questioning the orthodoxy of the cult
If any of that existed in the MAGA or Q movements, I'd be miles away—as I expect everyone here would be as well
Cults have certain things in common:
Charismatic guru-type leader driven by need for glorification and to attract obedient followers
Demands by cult leader for money or property
Crazy beliefs far outside logic, rational thought, and/or the norm of sensible living
Oppressive requirements placed on followers, who are pressured to surrender their former life, friends, and family ties, and who are unable to leave or severely threatened to remain in the cult
Heavy discouragement from thinking for oneself or questioning the orthodoxy of the cult
If any of that existed in the MAGA or Q movements, I'd be miles away—as I expect everyone here would be as well
Any 'cult' that encourage free thought and open skepticism of even the founders of said cult, is not a cult.