(from The Watchtower, 1994, 2/15, "Cults - What are they?")
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1994120
"What Is a Cult?
"The term “cult” is used loosely by many who may not be fully aware of its connotations. To prevent confusion, some theologians actually avoid using the term.
The World Book Encyclopedia explains that “traditionally, the term cult referred to any form of worship or ritual observance.” By that criterion, all religious organizations could be classified as cults. However, in general usage today, the word “cult” has a different meaning. The same encyclopedia notes that “since the mid-1900’s, publicity about cults has altered the meaning of the term. Today, the term is applied to groups that follow a living leader who promotes new and unorthodox doctrines and practices.”
Interestingly, the IBSA people were referred to as "Russellites" and "Rutherfordites" prior to renaming themselves with the false moniker "Jehovah's Witnesses".
(1994 Watchtower article on Cults continues: "Endorsing the popular usage of the term, Newsweek magazine explains that cults “are normally small, fringe groups whose members derive their identity and purpose from a single, charismatic individual.” Similarly, Asiaweek magazine notes that “the term [cult] itself is vague, but it usually denotes a new religious creed built around a charismatic leader, who often proclaims himself to be the personification of God.”"
Who was it who said they were the "G.uardians O.f D.octrine", the "G.O.D."?😝
1994 Watchtower article on Cults continues: "The language used in a joint resolution of the 100th Congress of the State of Maryland, U.S.A., also conveys the derogatory connotation of the term cult. The resolution states that “a cult is a group or movement exhibiting excessive devotion to a person or idea and employing unethically manipulative techniques of persuasion and control to advance the goals of its leaders.”"
"Excessive devotion" - would that be like the high percentage of JW articles/comments/videos that direct devotion to the GB/FDS? Or how anyone who doesn't show devotion to the GB/FDS is disfellowshipped?
1994 Watchtower article on Cults continues: "Clearly, cults are generally understood to be religious groups with radical views and practices that clash with what is accepted today as normal social behavior. Usually they conduct their religious activities in secrecy. Many of these cultic groups actually isolate themselves in communes. Their devotion to a self-proclaimed human leader is likely to be unconditional and exclusive. Often these leaders boast of having been divinely chosen or even of being themselves divine in nature."
Commune, like Bethel, where a bunch of people take a vow of poverty and live behind a guard station where you can only get in to visit if you get special clearance...
1994 Watchtower article on Cults continues: "Occasionally, anticult organizations and the media have referred to Jehovah’s Witnesses as a cult. A number of recent newspaper articles lump the Witnesses with religious groups known for their questionable practices. But would it be accurate to refer to Jehovah’s Witnesses as a small fringe religious group? Cult members often isolate themselves from friends, family, and even society in general. Is that the case with Jehovah’s Witnesses? Are the Witnesses using deceptive and unethical techniques to recruit members?"
This article from the JWBorg started by saying that the definition of a "cult" is "normally" (implying "but not always") being "small" or "fringe". By their own definition, it is a group that has excessive devotion to men rather than God and has communes. By their own definition, they fit the definition of a cult.
They are using deceptive and unethical techniques to recruit members. They aren't transparent about the CSA problem and the free-labor-real-estate scheme and they twist the scriptures to feign support for their rotten doctrines like the 1914 thing and the disfellowshipping thing. They claim to be Christian, but many of those taking the lead either promote or condone or cover up unChristian practices.
1994 Watchtower article on Cults continues: "Cult leaders are known to use manipulative methods to control the minds of their followers. Is there any evidence that Jehovah’s Witnesses do this? Is their worship cloaked in secrecy? Are they following and venerating a human leader? Pointedly, are Jehovah’s Witnesses a cult?""
Yes. According to their own definitions, yes, they are a cult.