US | cult Texas Polygamists: Sect or Cult? Sociologist explores such groups and what keeps people there By Matt Cantor Posted Apr 10, 2008 2:12 PM CDT Copied A member of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, in rear seat of cart, is relocated to another building on the Fort Concho complex in San Angelo, Texas, April 9, 2008. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) While much of the media is calling the polygamous group raided in Texas a “sect,” some experts say it’s better defined as a cult, LiveScience reports. One scientist points out that the word “cult” is often avoided in academia for its negative connotations. But “if you've got a group that's abusing hundreds and hundreds of women and children,” says a sociologist, “let's call it what it is.” By not using the word, “we let them hide behind the veil of religion,” the sociologist notes. She defines a cult as a religious movement in which the object of worship is a “human leader,” rather than a higher being. But what keeps people in abusive societies? A warped worldview, she says, coupled with fear of punishment: “You take on new reality.” Read These Next Trumps ends trade talks with Canada. Actor Sam Rockwell gets residuals from movie he wasn't in. Gavin Newsom has filed a massive lawsuit against Fox News. President Trump celebrates a 'giant' Supreme Court win. Report an error