Cult or religion? Are they one of the same or are they here to control people?

Here is a list I compiled, I was watching a 60 minutes Austrailia about the Cult of Scientology, firstly here is what I have researched about them. The Church of Scientology is a religion that was established in the United States in the early 1950s by science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard. The church describes its beliefs as a religion and it is officially recognized as such in the United States and a few other countries, while it is seen as a commercial enterprise or a cult in others. The doctrines of Scientology are based primarily on Hubbard's writings, especially a book titled "Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health" (1950) and other texts that he produced throughout his life. Hubbard coined the term "Dianetics" to describe what he called the modern science of mental health. Scientology's teachings revolve around the concept of the "thetan," which is comparable to the concept of the soul in other religions. According to the church, thetans are immortal beings who have lived through past lives and will continue to live in future ones. The church teaches that thetans accumulate negative experiences or "engrams" over these many lives, and that these engrams cause most of the individual's problems in the present life. The Church of Scientology uses a practice called "auditing" to address these engrams. In auditing sessions, a member of the church (the "auditor") guides another member (the "preclear") through a series of questions and exercises intended to help the preclear confront and "clear" these engrams. Scientology's organizational structure includes a range of internal policies and disciplinary procedures, as well as a distinct set of ranks and roles. The church also operates a number of related organizations, including the Sea Org, which is a group for the church's most dedicated members. The Church of Scientology has been subject to considerable controversy and legal action over the years, with critics alleging that it is a cult that engages in coercive and abusive practices. Allegations against the church include financial exploitation, psychological manipulation, and abusive labor practices. The church denies these allegations and has taken legal action against many of its critics People's Temple (1970s): Led by Jim Jones, it culminated in the Jonestown Massacre where over 900 people died in a mass murder-suicide. Heaven's Gate (1990s): Led by Marshall Applewhite, the group believed in extraterrestrial salvation and committed mass suicide in 1997, resulting in the deaths of 39 members. Branch Davidians (1990s): Led by David Koresh, the group had a standoff with law enforcement in Waco, Texas, which ended in a tragic fire that claimed the lives of 76 members. Aum Shinrikyo (1990s): Founded by Shoko Asahara in Japan, the group was responsible for the 1995 Tokyo subway sarin gas attack that killed 13 people and injured thousands. Order of the Solar Temple (1990s): Led by Luc Jouret and Joseph Di Mambro, the group believed in a combination of New Age beliefs and Christian eschatology. It was associated with several murder-suicides, resulting in the deaths of more than 70 members. Movement for the Restoration of the Ten Commandments of God (1990s): This Ugandan cult, led by Credonia Mwerinde and Joseph Kibwetere, was involved in a mass murder-suicide in 2000, with an estimated death toll of over 700 members. Manson Family (1960s): Led by Charles Manson, this group was responsible for a series of murders in California, including the infamous Tate-LaBianca murders in 1969. The Family/Children of God (1960s onwards): Founded by David Berg, the group faced numerous allegations of child abuse, sexual exploitation, and other harmful practices. The Movement for the Restoration of the Twelve Tribes (present): A religious community with locations worldwide that has faced allegations of child abuse and labor exploitation. Nxivm (present): Founded by Keith Raniere, this group operated as a self-help organization but faced accusations of sex trafficking, forced labor, and other forms of manipulation.

So what do you think? Should we just be able to belive in what we want? yes of course we should. Should we be led or bullied or cajoled into beliving? NO of course not.... Its a murkey waters we tread in when the line is crossed between having a faith and that faith be truned into a religion and cult to control and cash in on the innocents.