It seems to have the same characteristics...
-Popular -- Yes, Christianity has over 1 billion followers now, very popular
-Manipulative -- Yes, they force people to believe what they want using fear (of Hell)
-Fear-Inducing -- Hell. Need I say more?
-Condemning -- Everyone NOT Christian is damned for eternity
-Conformity -- Christians used to support slavery, but changed when it was abolished.
-Financial Involvement -- Tithing anyone?
-Love-Bombing -- "Jesus Loves You"
-Critical thinking discouraged -- Creationism anyone?
-Indoctrination -- Most of them believe the Bible is true, simply because it says it is.
-Demands Total Committment and unquestioning submission
-Value rejection: encouraged to denounce values and beliefs of former life. -- If not, then why are you born-again?
-Threats about leaving and consequences -- Hell again
2006-12-05 14:35:55 · 20 answers · asked by themicrowavemaster 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Quoting a book that has written in it that it is true is not going to help anything in this world.
2006-12-05 14:43:45 · update #1
Christianity doesn't encourage questioning? They encourage blind-faith... and then when you push a Christian into a corner that's all they say.
They will never admit that they were wrong, just that you need to have faith (bs)
2006-12-05 14:47:54 · update #2
The only difference is that it was invented a couple of thousand years ago instead of last tuesday in some dude with a beard's basement... so... yeah
2006-12-05 14:46:30 · answer #1 · answered by Ilikepie 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Those aren't even the characteristics of a cult. Cults are usually underground, considered by the general public to be sinister, and don't usually have much of any sort of real doctrine they follow. Just ideas. So, with that in mind, most of your characteristics of cults don't apply. Second, I'm not sure which Christianity you're talking about, but it's not the one I know! We're not manipulative, the Tithing is only necessary for the church building to go on, and most churches donate a significant amount to outreaches which help the poor. I like how you use "Fear Inducing" as well as "Love Bombing" to describe the same thing. Get your facts straight.
2006-12-05 22:40:42 · answer #2 · answered by pleiades423 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Wow maybe whoever talked to you like that was a cult member. I'm a Christian and the reason isn't because of my fear of hell it is because of a revelation of God's love, forgiveness, patience, long-suffering, kindness, grace, peace, understanding, and faith that God really does care what is happening in my life and He was willing to sacrifice his Son as payment for my sins so that He and I could have a relationship with one another. I'm not as convinced that God required the sacrifice for himself but He did it so that we humans would understand the depth of his love for us personally and I hope that you realize how He loves you and what a difference He can make in your life. I can assure you that you will still be a sinner but spending time being with Him in prayer and meditation will change you slowly. The thing I've noticed is a lot of times people confuse Christianity with Christians who God is not finished with yet. It is after all a journey and not a destination. God Bless You.
2006-12-05 22:51:13 · answer #3 · answered by bess 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
...You may call us whatever you like, we are fools for Christ's sake - so who's fool are you? What are you trusting in or leaning on? Another person? Drugs? Alcohol? Circumstances? They can help you cope, but are unsure and are unable to give you lasting peace and joy.
...I will bank on Jesus Christ; I trust in Him alone for my salvation - what are you trusting in - if not in Him, then either in yourself or some religious system, (which of course is your privilege.)
...If I were you, I would be asking myself these questions:
...1. Who is Jesus of Nazareth - a liar, a legend, a lunatic, or is He Lord? Is He the only way to God? (He leaves you no wiggle room on this one.)
...2. Am you willing to risk eternity because you are unwilling to humble myself before the God of the universe?
...3. Are you willing to objectively examine Christianity and the Scriptures?
...I suggest you read the Case for Christ and the Case for Faith, both by Lee Strobel.
...I do wish you a blessed eternity with Christ.
...Whosoever will, may come.
2006-12-05 23:11:30 · answer #4 · answered by carson123 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nice try, but it is not a cult. Third to the last point, just in a quick glance, is wrong. Christianity welcomes questions, EVERYONE should question WHAT they believe and WHY. Simply put, you are wrong. However, part of the beauty of God and the bible, and christianity, is YOU still get to decide.
2006-12-05 22:41:32 · answer #5 · answered by oceansnsunsets 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
All religions start out as "cults" in one form or another. Only growth and social acceptance as a legitimate religion takes away the title.
2006-12-05 22:41:31 · answer #6 · answered by Indigo 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, I do not think so. I personally love my Lord, but I know I would not make it to my Father's house without Jesus. Love comes with the choice. If you believe in hell and heaven, remember you get to choose. Heaven is a r.s.v.p. party..you need to let Him know if you are coming.
2006-12-05 22:40:20 · answer #7 · answered by SeeTheLight 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
You and some fanatical denominationally controlled Christians seem to not know anything about God's message.
And, just what is God's message.
Harmony is harmony.
Disharmony is the only sin against God.
2006-12-05 22:41:16 · answer #8 · answered by MrsOcultyThomas 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
"...if they speak not according to this Word it is because there is no light in them".(Isa.8:19)"
"Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts..."
(2 Peter 3:3)
Thanks for proving the Bible true.
2006-12-05 22:39:09 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
No it is not a cult. But the Non-Christians are !
2006-12-05 23:51:27 · answer #10 · answered by Norskeyenta 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋