Graduating from cult into religion

Cults often have some secret teachings that are not talked about until they've already got you dedicated/forced to following their doctrines. Muslims, hindus, jews and christians are open to discussing anything that their holy books say. On the other hand, you'll never hear a scientologist talk about soul filled volcanoes. Another thing about cults is that they have no shame in going after children.

Cults are usually defined as a small group of people that follow a set of doctrines, but is there something more that makes a cult a cult? When do you think that a cult becomes a religion? (if ever)

The biggest difference that I can see between a cult and a religion is the number of adherents. Cults tend to be small and out of the ordinary whereas religions are large and accepted as a normal part of society.

And I have to be honest here but whenever I hear anyone try to define the features of a cult I immediately recognise that feature in some major world religion. Targeting children: Jesus Camp. A single charismatic leader: The Pope, This guy from NZ. An "Us vs them mentality": some of the junk in corinthians about hanging out with non-believers. A willingness to use psychological manipulation to gain converts: That's religion in a nutshell.

I tend to differentiate the two based on the extent to which the belief system in question is open to the outside world.  When those who don't belong to it can easily acquire for their info the full extent of the main points of the belief system, and when those who are members can freely associate with those who aren't on a friendly level (i.e., not just in the context of converting someone), I would find it hard to call that a cult.  On the other hand, if the group of followers are very secretive, if it's difficult to figure out just what they believe or if they purposefully try to hide some part of what they believe, and if followers are actively encouraged to sever all ties to the outside world of those who are not also followers, then I would find it hard not to call that a cult.

I think the only difference has to do with connotation. 

I believe the difference is all in "success".RationalAtheist