The word’s meaning shifted in America around 1900, when it began describing “delusions, fanatics, enthusiasts, and imposters” and took on a decidedly derogatory tone.3 Before long, the designation was used for all manner of new, nontraditional, or non-Christian groups within our borders. Some of the biggest targets of the era were Christian Science, the Jehovah’s Witnesses, and, of course, Mormonism, all of which are now established and institutionalized religions.
The word's (cult) meaning...
