Given most religious people don't really understand their own religion it's hardly surprising that almost all people who are not adherents of a particular religion don't understand it. It's even moreso with cults, as there are normally only about 3 people in any given cult who understand what the cult is about.
The difference between a cult and a religion is merely one of perspective. If you believe in God, then a cult is a quasi-religious movement that does not come from God, and [true] religion does come from God. If you don't believe in God then every religious organisation is a cult.
“The fundamental cause of the trouble is that in the modern world the stupid are cocksure while the intelligent are full of doubt.” - Bertrand Russell
"When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace."
Jimi Hendrix
