There has been alot of controversal and criticism & focus about new religions. In my honest opinion I think even many Traditional Religions (TR) can be damaging and maybe should also be red flag as cults ("cults" in the modern sense of the word).

It seems anyone these days can start up a cult and there will be people that will follow them. I dont see why its consider only a modern phenomenon. Anyone can make something up and scare people with hellfire, brimstone, karma and yet not have a single solid piece of evidence to support them.

Do you think Traditional Religions can be damaging?