"Based on what we know about Christianity's early beginnings, it would probably get labeled today as being a cult," Graham said. "An impressive guy (Jesus) was pulled into a boat, and men gave up everything to follow him."

Graham said Christianity, as a whole, could not be a cult anymore because it has become socialized and cultured.

Joseph Martin, a counselor at the White Hall counseling center, said Christianity is not and was not a cult because Jesus gave people choices.

"Jesus gives us freedom," Martin said. "Jesus said stand at the door and knock, and I will enter. He doesn't force us to be something. A cult tells people who they are."

Jonathan Ruth, the president of the Cult Information Services of Northeast Ohio, attributed the confusion between religious cults and religion to a clause in the Constitution.

"Everybody yells, 'freedom of religion' or 'you're squashing my religion,' and questioners back off," Ruth said.

"It's tricky because one man's cult is another's religion."

Ruth said a group labeled a religious cult will point to Christianity and say Jesus was a cult leader.

"My minimum comeback to those people would be, 'Well I really don't think that Jesus lied to anybody about what He and His followers were doing.'"

A group deliberately lying to people is key to a cult, Ruth said.

"There should be open discussion of what's going on and what is expected of someone who is going to join an organization," Ruth said.

"If an adult is making a fully informed decision (to join a group) with no lying or pressure tactics, then I say, 'God Bless, good luck and I hope you find what you are looking for."

Graham said for a limited number of people, a cult may be what they think they are looking for and have positive effects.

"For some people, a cult can be saving because it helps them get out of prostitution or drug addiction," Graham said. "It is good at that point in time, but it comes with a high price discovered down the line."

Martin said he agreed. "For those who are lonely or isolated, this gives them a group with whom they can belong and structure where they feel disconnected," Martin said.

"The price of being a cult member is a loss of a sense of personal integrity rooted in freedom to live to one's highest potential."

Ruth, also a former cult member, said he felt best after leaving the group, when he met people through his involvement in cult education.

"While in the (cult), I was lied to, manipulated and used in a very unethical fashion just so someone could get money," Ruth said. "I wouldn't wish this experience on my worst enemy."