Human slavery at all time highs. $100 trillion in off shore shell corporations. Cartels and secret societies in control of major industries. Situation normal. Human flourishing inevitable.
The word "cult" simply is a short variant of the word "culture," but meant to describe a smaller group of people with a set of beliefs that is different from the culture at large.
The word "cult" is used indiscriminately in the media to refer to any group with seemingly bizarre beliefs and rituals. The reason people respond so adversely to the word is because of another word - "exploitation."
People don't like to think that they exploit other people ... but everyone does this daily through the use of their skills, talents and abilities.
Functionally the words "use" and "exploit" mean the same thing.
Anything that does not server us in some way we will eventually toss aside.
This is true of people as well; a friend who does not provide what friends give quickly looses the status of "friend".