How do you know that christianity is not a cult

How do you know any religion is not a cult?

It has to do with belief...

The assumption is that a religion that could hold on for so many years, and was influential and important to many people is not a cult.

Basically the use of cult is a derogatory term to say "I don't believe", isn't it? 

I know because I know...

If it were a cult it would have been exposed as such long before now. 

I agree with Dawn. All Religion are a cult to each other. They offer a different way to salvation.

Compact Oxford English Dictionary of Current English- definition of a cult is : a small religious group regarded as strange or as imposing excessive control over members.

Additionally, Under one view, an important factor is coercive persuasion which suppresses the ability of people to reason, think critically, and make choices in their own best interest.

 Christianity is a mainstream religion, and therefore not considered a cult. 

There are a bunch of criteria that mark a religion or organisation as a cult.  Things such as absolute control by a central living figure,  freedom to question is removed from followers etc...

The mark of a worthwhile religion is one that produces individuals that are kind and loving and make the world a better place.  I think most of the worlds religions produce some of these people.

Actually, the real definition of a cult is:

According to the American Heritage Dictionary, ISBN 0-395-20360-0, 1969-1976, p321.

Cult (kult) n. 1. A system or community of religious worship and ritual, especially one focusing upon a single deity or spirit. 2a. Obsessive devotion or veneration for a person, principle, or ideal. 2b. An exclusive group of persons, sharing an esoteric (mysterious or secret) interest.

See: http://shamarbriyth.com/Content/MotherCult.html

There are several standards that any group that professes to be the True Church are held to, and history is a witness.

Y - thanks for using this as a shameless means to push your religion upon others.

Saying that the American Heritage Dictionary is more accurate than the OED is a little bit silly.

PUSH is inaccurate; PUSH BACK would be a more correct term.