Refers to a religion or doctrine considered false, harmful, or heretical, often from the perspective of an established orthodoxy. Can be used in historical, religious, or critical contexts.
That new religion is called a cult by some critics.
淫祠邪教
evil heresies; perverse cults
Etymology
Compound of 邪 (ja, 'wicked, false') and 教 (kyō, 'teaching, religion'). The term has been used historically to label religions considered heterodox or harmful.