The dictionary defines a cult as great devotion to a person, idea, object, movement, or work (as a film or book);
The devotion to "rocky horror show was such that it established a cult following.
isn't that the same as Jesus? didn't he develope a cult following.
didn't mohamad command a cult following which gree into a major religion?
Will yahoo once again delete this freedom of religion statement, as it does such words as freedom in china on it's search engine?
2006-08-26 16:16:10 · 22 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It is cult-like....I can see you've been studying...keep up the good work.
2006-08-26 16:21:34 · answer #1 · answered by Denise W 4 · 1⤊ 4⤋
"Many people ask why we label something as a cult. We classify any religion that rejects the absolute truth of the Word of God (the Bible) as a cult, in accordance with the following definition from the Merriam-Webster Dictionary: "a religion regarded as unorthodox or spurious". Since we believe absolute truth to be found in the Bible, then any religion that rejects that truth is false, and therefore, a cult."
From the American Heritage Dictionary:
1.
1. A religion or religious sect generally considered to be extremist or false, with its followers often living in an unconventional manner under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader.
2. The followers of such a religion or sect.
2. A system or community of religious worship and ritual.
3. The formal means of expressing religious reverence; religious ceremony and ritual.
4. A usually nonscientific method or regimen claimed by its originator to have exclusive or exceptional power in curing a particular disease.
5.
1. Obsessive, especially faddish, devotion to or veneration for a person, principle, or thing.
2. The object of such devotion.
6. An exclusive group of persons sharing an esoteric, usually artistic or intellectual interest.
By these definitions, it is not a cult.
2006-08-26 23:34:52 · answer #2 · answered by BrotherMichael 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Cults usually are made up of a small minority of devoted religious or spiritual followers, separate from the primary culture. Christianity represents the primary culture in the US, so they can't qualify.
With your definition, any religion other than agnosticism would qualify as a cult. And that renders the word meaningless.
2006-08-26 23:26:57 · answer #3 · answered by NHBaritone 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
They don't call it a cult because the word "cult" brings to mind many negative images that we don't want to be affiliated with. It's also defined as "a religion or sect considered to be false, unorthodox, or extremist, with members often living outside of conventional society under the direction of a charismatic leader", which isn't what Christianity is. I think you just wanted to ask this question to try to stir people up.
2006-08-26 23:32:34 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
They don't know it is one. Also, when you say Christians, you must be more specific. Do you mean: Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormans, Episcopalians, or other Protestants, or Catholics? There are many Christians, but different sections.
If you are trying to say that we are all they same, you are wrong. All don't worship Mary, all don't believe in the word trinity, and all don't believe in saints. All don't believe in nuns marrying God, and some believe that Jesus is God, and not some little god up in heaven with His daddy. God is neither a person, idea, object, movement or work. By your own definition, most Christians are not in a cult.
2006-08-26 23:25:22 · answer #5 · answered by classyjazzcreations 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, by definition, Christianity is a cult. That word, and the word occult, are used for the same thing, when actually they are different. It is that word similarity that often makes people think that a 'cult' is a bad thing.
2006-08-26 23:25:58 · answer #6 · answered by Jeff M 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Why do some people call it a question when all they really want to do is make a statement?
If you want to consider the Christian faith a cult, have at it. However, by your standard you may want to include the Girl Scouts, sports fans, tv viewers, etc...
2006-08-26 23:31:59 · answer #7 · answered by Seven 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is not a cult. It's not even a religion. It's having a personal relationship with God. Keep your opinions to yourself. You really need to calm that down
2006-08-26 23:26:09 · answer #8 · answered by jesusluvsu 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
So are Evolutionists by your definition!
So are Scientists!
You're right, it is both a cult and a relgion!
The organized ones doe expect a certain behaviour, just like Scientologists do!
Scientology is now a religion as defined by court order to the IRS!
2006-08-26 23:19:50 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Jesus said: " I am The Way, The Truth, and The Life; no man can come to the Father except through me".-- Jesus
"Who is a liar but he that denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is anti-Christ, that denies the Father and the Son. He that denies the Son, the same has not the Father." (I John 2:22)
2006-08-26 23:19:26 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
first of all, i doubt that's tha only definition of "cult." second of all, by that definition, what isn't a cult? i think it would be fair 2 say you're the leader of the cult devoted 2 askin stupid questions.
2006-08-26 23:24:32 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋