Oh fun my first post on the most commonly asked question!
I agree with #57. Generally people speak out of context and dont know the true meaning of the word they are using.
Cult by definition has no negative connotation;
1. a particular system of religious worship, esp. with reference to its rites and ceremonies.
2. an instance of great veneration of a person, ideal, or thing, esp. as manifested by a body of admirers: the physical fitness cult.
3. the object of such devotion.
4. a group or sect bound together by veneration of the same thing, person, ideal, etc.
So reading the above definition, even if its considered a cult, who cares? Car clubs are cults, band groupies are cults, anything associated with the definition can be considered a cult.
The catholic church, and any real controlling religious body at that time, considered anything outside of its traditional practice, a cult. From the Ruling Sumerians to the modern day church.
By my point is, why is a cult a bad thing? Who cares really?
Its just another fine example of how people have the unique ability to associate a feeling with thier beliefs. If you dont believe in UFOs, then every UFO story is a hoax. Simple.