*A cult of personality is similar to hero worship. The term may be applied by analogy to refer to adulation of religious or non-political leaders.
Read more: Cult of Personality
*Charismatic authority is a form of religious or political leadership and authority largely tied to the popularity and charisma of a single leader. This sometimes involves a personality cult. A charismatic ruler is thus not simply obeyed but also is followed and respected.
According to Weber, the idea of charismatic authority emerged from the sociology of religion, and is particularly associated with new religious movements (including cults) led by a charismatic individual (e.g. prophet), who can create laws by his decree that are sometimes based on revelations that he receives. He gives advice to his followers and ardent followers see this advice/revelation as absolute commands.
A religion which evolves its own priesthood and establishes a set of laws and rules is likely to move towards another ideal type of domination when it loses its charismatic leader.
Read More: The Charismatic Authority
