2007-02-19 05:43:01 · 15 answers · asked by chuck 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
In the ability to think for yourself, ask questions, and change/leave the group. If the "leader" demands unquestioned loyalty and no other opinions, you are in a cult.
2007-02-19 05:49:19 · answer #1 · answered by Redshanks 3 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Here is the criteria I consider between a cult follower and a believer.
Let's take Jim Jones (the cult leader that got his followers to drink poisoned coolaid in Guyana about 30 years ago).
As a preacher's kid, I've found that many pastors are welcome to open debate about interpretations on various passages in the Bible, and in fact many will welcome this. But unless someone is speaking against some of the critical essential teachings of the Bible, a pastor should welcome the discussion as it helps people to grow and learn. When a pastor controls the congregation to the point that a person is not welcome to question anything, then the pastor has crossed the line.
I could go on and on, but I hope this answer helps to clarify this.
2007-02-19 13:55:44 · answer #2 · answered by Searcher 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A brainwashed cult member is just that, brainwashed to follow the words of man. They have jobs to do for their so called pastor give all their money, etc... The followers will do anything to obey, steal, kill, etc....
A believer is one that is not dictated by any human, the belief is in God and God alone. We live by the Bible and do His work. God does not require we go out and scam others for money....
Watch the movie about Jim Jones and his dictatorship in Guyanna....
2007-02-19 13:54:43 · answer #3 · answered by karen_03625 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There is no difference. But if one believes in science, can you call them brainwashed or rational?
2007-02-19 13:47:45 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
A short rebus puzzle:
Cult+Tithe+Control=Believer
2007-02-19 13:47:29 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
the size of your cult of choice.
2007-02-19 13:56:01 · answer #6 · answered by LabGrrl 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I'd say it would be not having any access to neutral information.
2007-02-19 13:47:32 · answer #7 · answered by daisyk 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
there is not a line. The two sort of haze into eachother. I mean, there is a grey area.
2007-02-19 13:47:17 · answer #8 · answered by A 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
way south of most of the religious people that I have met.
Love and blessings Don
2007-02-19 13:48:03 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Hi, I'm a Christian:
The line is drawn where people, Christian or otherwise, look at whats written and do not apply common sense to it.
2007-02-19 13:47:26 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 5⤋