Is Christianity a cult? The definition of a cult is basiclly non-main stream beliefs that are considered taboo. So if Christianity didn't have as many followers, would it be called cult? Or could it be called a massive cult?
Sorry to pick on you Christians, go ahead and answer but don't bother quoting scriptures, ill give u a thumb down and skip to the next answer.
2007-02-10 13:34:28 · 17 answers · asked by graphix 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
all religions are cults...just look at the definition:
(from Webster.com)
1: formal religious veneration : worship
2: a system of religious beliefs and ritual; also : its body of adherents
3: a religion regarded as unorthodox or spurious; also : its body of adherents
4: a system for the cure of disease based on dogma set forth by its promulgator
5 a: great devotion to a person, idea, object, movement, or work (as a film or book); especially : such devotion regarded as a literary or intellectual fad b: the object of such devotion c: a usually small group of people characterized by such devotion
2007-02-10 13:38:19 · answer #1 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Counterfeit Christianity is probably the best description I can give for a cult. Counterfeit Christianity is an imitation of real Christianity. Bible terms like "Jesus Christ, Resurrection, Salvation, and Atonement" are used by the Cult, but the various cult groups have assigned entirely different meanings to these terms.
Like counterfeit money which is sometimes difficult to detect, so it is difficult to detect counterfeit Christianity, since it looks like the real thing. Experts examining counterfeit money often hold it up to a strong light and look for identifying marks. Counterfeit Christianity also has identifying marks, which can be seen when, held up to an even stronger light, the light of God's word, the bible.
We are at an advantage if we know what to expect from a cult. Cultists are very well trained to appear "Christian", and indeed believe they are the true churches, and you need the deliverance! Therefore, be bold and ask the question, "do you believe the group you represent is the only true church on the face of the earth?"
If they reply that they are, or if they are evasive, making remarks like "Well, every church has a measure of truth but...", you have made an early detection of a Cultist.
Every true Christian, if asked the same question, regardless of his denomination, would reply that the true church is comprised of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, and HE (not some organization) is THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE, No legitimate denomination would claim that they alone and their members have salvation exclusively, but the cults (the counterfeits) do.
2007-02-10 14:43:13 · answer #2 · answered by Freedom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A cult is any group that strictly adheres to the teachings of a charismatic leader that demands total and unquestioned loyalty and obedience. These leaders espouse a very narrow-minded and usually illogical dogma. Examples are Jim Jones, Charles Manson, and some say Adolph Hitler. The goals are the glorification of the leader, because of some psychological need that is not met in the normal world.
2007-02-10 13:43:16 · answer #3 · answered by Redshanks 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The correct definition of a cult is a group of people who believe the same things. A Family would be a cult. Your job could be considered a cult. All religions are cults.
When cults go from good to bad is when you as a member of the group are not allowed to disagree.
So I would ask you, what cults do you belong to and when do you not allow someone to disagree with you?
Amway is a cult.
2007-02-10 13:43:55 · answer #4 · answered by Ryoudan 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
A cult is that which is not real.
I believe that's why it is called
a cult. The word cult usually has
a negative meaning. Otherwise
one could call anything a cult.
Is Christianity a cult? Wouldn't
that depend on it being real
or not.
2007-02-10 13:53:57 · answer #5 · answered by PokerChip 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The difference between a "religion" and a "cult" is merely a matter of numbers of members
If Constantine had made Scientology the state religion of the Roman Empire, who knows where we'd be today!
2007-02-10 16:25:36 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Another sociological definition of a cult is a group where a high degree of control is exerted over the members by the leaders of the group. By this definition, certain Christian groups would be considered cultlike.
And still another definition, of course, is "any religion that isn't MY religion". ;-)
2007-02-10 13:38:15 · answer #7 · answered by prairiecrow 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A cult is a social movement based on having Answers or the One True Answer to spiritual Questions. Spirituality is all about the contemplation of Questions. The contemplation itself is the catalyst that improves one's spiritual nature. When a group claims to have the Answer, they cease to contemplate the Question and begin to spread their answer. They are no longer a spiritual movement by a social movement based on their dogmatic doctrine.
2007-02-10 13:40:25 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
One definition of a Christian cult is one whose members accept only the leader's interpretation of Scripture.
2007-02-10 13:49:23 · answer #9 · answered by Father Don 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Another definition of a cult, is any group that requires a sacrifice, ie. money. Most bible based religions are cults.
2007-02-10 13:47:11 · answer #10 · answered by vicki p 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋