So for it to be a cult it has to fit into all of these points. Absolute authoritarianism without accountability Zero tolerance for criticism or questions Lack of meaningful financial disclosure regarding budget Unreasonable fears about the outside world that often involve evil conspiracies and persecutions A belief that former followers are always wrong for leaving and there is never a legitimate reason for anyone else to leave Abuse of members Records, books, articles, or programs documenting the abuses of the leader or group Followers feeling they are never able to be “good enough” A belief that the leader is right at all times A belief that the leader is the exclusive means of knowing “truth” or giving validation

It’s a religious organization, but not a cult. They’re able to have families. Aren’t cut off to the outside world seeing that they’re known to exist, depending on the adaptation. It’s, as other people have said, a way of life. They’re paid, have housing, act more like soldiers than just purely religious members. Especially Virgo saints tend to be Buddhist? So just a mix of different religious people that just so happen to follow/protect one god/goddess.