2006-11-09 14:16:32 · 22 answers · asked by Epona Willow 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
According to the generally accepted definition of what a cult is a cult must have the following traits:
A charismatic leader whose word can not be questionsed and must be followed without question.
The use of threats of punishment and pormoses of reward after death for behaviour while alive to keep members in line.
The use of repetitive ideas to alter the thinking process of new members.
The use of guilt and intimidation to make members adhere to sometimes unrealistic moral or ehtical teachings.
A sense of separation and superiority to anyone that doesn't belong.
Teaching that this group is the only way to knowledge, happiness and salvation.
Teaching that anyone that is NOT part of the group cannot be trusted and will attempt to make them leave the group.
Teaching that to be a part of the group one must give up things from their everyday life.
A requirement of money in some form in exchange for favor within the group.
Teaching that the groupd is everythng and the rest of the world is nothing.
These are the criteria that are used in the legal system to define a cult...so by that definition...it absolutely falls into that category.
2006-11-09 14:33:58 · answer #1 · answered by kveldulfgondlir 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Cult means to follow the teachings of a particular group. So its not in disguise. In th negative sense you are talking about there are cults in every religion. IF it is not truth that one is following then one is just following some mans idea of religion. There is generally some truth in every cult or religion but to find the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help me God. You need the original teachings. Go to http://www.essene.org for the original teachings of Christ (What the Catholic church doesn't want you to know. For universal truths go to http://www.stephen-knapp.com
2006-11-09 22:24:32 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think there is any real disguise to it. By all definitions it fits and I wish more people would understand that. At least then maybe they wouldn't get so high and mighty when they mock other religions or beliefs... I do not see how people cannot see the irony in christians calling other religions "false religions" (I got a flyer on my door the other day to this effect) or even cults. That is amusing to me...
I want to just scream "LOOK IN THE MIRROR"
Thanks for your question and candidness!
2006-11-09 22:22:48 · answer #3 · answered by D B 4 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Absolutely not. A cult is defined as a system of religious rites and observations. Christianity is centered entirely on Jesus Christ the Son of God. Please note, Christians are not religious . Religions are traditions created and practiced by man. Christians are followers of Jesus.
Grace and Peace!
2006-11-09 22:35:33 · answer #4 · answered by Not perfect, just forgiven 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some of the behavior I see in Christians resembles the behavior of cult members.
HEY Epona! Back in the saddle?
2006-11-09 22:28:33 · answer #5 · answered by a_delphic_oracle 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
In the dictionary it is defined as a cult. However, I love God and I don't care what anything thinks or says about it.
2006-11-09 22:25:23 · answer #6 · answered by ms.melancholy 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Could be. Taken in its literal form , which a lot of Christians subscribe too, it demands blind faith from its followers and does not allow for any questioning of its authority or validity. It provides all the answers, anything that conflicts at all is seen to be from Satan. Totally controlling as they must see everything from one point of view.
2006-11-09 22:26:05 · answer #7 · answered by Sage Bluestorm 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Hmm...I wouldn't say all of Christianity. That would be like saying that all Muslims are insane, and that's not true. Or all Italians are mobsters, or all Irish people like to drink in excess, or that Wiccans are evil. It all depends on the people or smaller groups, not as a whole.
2006-11-09 22:20:35 · answer #8 · answered by circa 1980 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No they do not even bother to hide it behind a mask. Look on tv and you see them plainly for what they are. I am a Christian but I do not follow any organized religion for that very reason.
2006-11-09 22:20:16 · answer #9 · answered by mortgagegirl101 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Fundamentally, no. Though it's followers at times tend to behave and treat the religion as a cult.
Blessed Be
2006-11-09 22:22:29 · answer #10 · answered by Celestian Vega 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋