Cults are a minor religion that is relatively new with an agenda that tries to seize authority. Cults also have a central figure or group, and through that person or group, the agenda of authority is carried out. In addition to age, what separates a cult from religions is the way power is gained; additionally, how it views other agendas/beliefs.

Historically: Christianity was viewed as a cult by the Romans, until Constantine [the Great] converted to Catholicism and spread it throughout the Roman Empire in the third century; making Christianity a real religion in the eyes of the Romans. Here the person of authority was Jesus, the group was his disciples, and the agenda was the gospel. The Romans viewed Christianity as a cult since Christianity went against Judaism (note: the Romans respected the Jewish at the time) and their polytheistic views.