Is the only reason that christianity isn't considered a cult ...?

Question

Because the term "cult" came after the term "christian"?

Although there are several definitions, cults generally describe new religious movements founded by people that bring forth a new doctrine not found in the old scripture. Does this not perfectly describe Jesus Christ?

The world cult is also associated with a charismatic leader who claims to be "divinity incarnate". Does this not also describe Jesus Christ?

Yes, I'm aware that cults are often associated with abusive situations ... but this is not the basis of all cults, while my previous two points are. So therefore, the idea of an abusive atmosphere can be disregarded in this case ... I guess ...

Answer 1

Christianity isn't really or shouldn't really be a Religion. Christian means Christ Like. So those who are Christians strive to be Christ Like and follow Jesus. The idea is to have a personal relationship with Jesus, not to do rituals and follow man made laws.

They were considered cults in the 1st and 2nd century, after the death and resurrection of Christ.

The difference is, that Christianity comes from Jewish roots, which comes from Abraham's time who comes from the beginning of time ancestrally speaking. Christianity can be accounted for to the beginning of time. Most cults have rather current formation dates, with the exception of Paganism. They were addressed in the Bible as following false Gods and idol worship. You may not believe in the great miracles and stories written in the Bible, but they were very real and for people of those days, very visible as well.

Answer 2

First, I highly doubt that the historical Jesus actually sought to actively found a religion so much as to teach. Although it seems like there was one "church" initially, before the "Great Schism" between Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy, and the later Protestant Reformation, there were many different forms of "Christianity" in the years immediately following the crucifiction. The form that eventually won out is the one that we know today, and all the various denominations have much more in common in terms f basic belief than the various forms of Christianity back then, and they are all based upon the basic beliefs that were hammered out at the Council of Nicea almost 1600 years ago.

But to directly answer your question, there is essentially no difference between what s considered a "cult" by most criteria, and Christianity. In fact, I have often refered to Christianity as being "the largest cult in the world". It claims absolute, unquestionable authority. So do most "cults". It uses threats and intimidation to keep believers in line (the fear of eternal condemnation and hell). So do cults. And it also demanded a portion (what was called "titheing") of an individual's income. So do cults... So while there were and are benefits such as various social charities and concerns (these acually served to increase Christianity's profile, and landed it many converts in the early days, as well as now), the basic deal is the same- Believe as we do, or you are lost... Be obedient to the doctrine!

Answer 3

Being a cult is not a bad thing necessarily, it is just that it usually is bad, sometimes very, very, bad, and because of that, people tend to think of all cults as being very bad.

Christianity is not considered a cult by definition of the word "cult." They are not centered around sacred symbles or have special rites and ceremonies, or even a system of religous worship because it is all centered around God. God is not a person, and often a cult is centered around a charismatic person. Jesus was God come in the flesh as man, but He was neither charismatic, nor can He fit into the classification of a flawed man.

A cult founded around a man is usually bad because that man is bad. If that man is very, very good, then that cult will more than likely be harmless.

Also, many use the word to refer only to a false, unorthodox, unscientific or extremist religion.

Christianity can be a religion, but it is designed to be a person's life, who they are and not what they practice. In other words, it is possible to follow Christianity, at least to a degree, without being a Christian. Of course, if you are not a Christian, then one should think that you are not really following Christianity.

The only reason why I point this out is because most people following Christianity are not Christians. That might give someone the idea that a certain group is cult like because a specific group might be suseptible to that kind of attack. The way Christianity is designed, it should be impossible for a group of Christians to form a cult. Even false Christians might find it difficult because they are quickly flagged as not being Christians.

Answer 4

Man Great Question.. You'll get a lot of responses on here. All of it will be OPINION based NOT FACTUAL though. Being that facts and religion don't walk hand in hand of course. Let's all concede that christianity is a FAITH based system of beliefs. You know, the whole: it is that way because it is. Don't question thy God etc. Well the definiton of Cult does include christianity, buddhism taoism hinduism, They all share the basic core beliefs. All these beliefs are dictated throughout literature as the same things that cultism is based on. Like I said it will be all opinion, here's mine. I think that this comes down to numbers. The sheer number of christians in the world. Let's face it 95% of the people screaming that someone elses beliefs are cult like are coming from the christian right wing isn't it. Its all about not having the capacity to believe in someone elses beliefs, because you have to believe in yours for it to be real to you. I believe that the EVERY religion is a cult. Just because 10 billion people believe its doctrine to be true doesn't make the definiton of cult any different than when 10 people believe it to be true. Let's face it here In the history of this planet more people have died in the name of christianity than anything else. Other than natural causes. More wars are raged throughout this world based on Religious beliefs than anything else too. Right now the entire planet is battling itself because the religious beliefs of one people cannot exist in harmony with the religious beliefs of another. Its all pretty stupid to me. If I could start a cult it would be based on the fact that everyone should just be themselves and not what a book that was SUPPOSSEDLY writen y Gods scholars tell them they should be. Ever heard of the Crusade? Hmm Isn't there a Jihad (MUslim Holy War) in action right now. Yeah they are all cults by defintion. But the real world will never acknowledge this. Its amazing to me how so many different interpretations can be found when reading the same text. ALL RELIGION IS CULTISM. Read the definition. Oh and let the arguing begin, again, forever, and ever. It'll alway's be this way. Until for some strange reason the world throws down its so called religious doctrines and looks at each other with unbiased eyes. Oh yeah that's never gonna happen either

Answer 5

I believe Christianity is a cult in the same manner that the united states is a cult, the only thing is that the united states is a government and christianity is an organized religion with a long political history.

Is your group of friends or your family a cult? No, not really, but it could be called that, and so basically what I'm saying is anything could be called a cult, but the point is that the amount of power and influence an organization has gives them credibility and legitimacy, and they'll do anything they can to call themselves a religion rather than a cult.

Answer 6

cults are generally religions that try to lure others in through the appeal of being so correct that they must not ruin it for others. any religion that isnt thoroughly thought out and philosophically sound would in essence be a cult, as testing things out enthusiastically can only yield results on a very physical way, and if that way involves/disrupts others from thinking, it's certainly not making things any clearer for anybody. it's the difference b/w a hardcore christian and someone that understands the value of kindness, who, when asked why he/she is so kind, would respond that what they give, they receive sevenfold, rather than "i'm so pathetic im forced to", which is ultimately misleading.

Answer 7

The terms "cult" and "religion" mean the same thing.

But by popular usage a "cult" is a religion that is lead by a human being who usually lives with his followers.
So yes it is a cult, since Jesus of Nazereth is fully human, and still lives withing his followers.

Answer 8

You need to study more what a cult is.
In a cult, the leader controls everything and everybody.
There was a lot of people who used to follow Jesus, and then they left. Today is the same, you either can come to church or not if you want to.
Mohammad did the same descriptions that you gave.
A cult is more than two descriptions of it.

Answer 9

When speaking of Christianity, specifically Christianity (of all the Abrahamic faiths) and only in educated select company, I've used the term cult to describe it. It's accurate.

Answer 10

I disagree because the old testament talked a lot about Jesus. He was there in the fire with Shadrach, Meshac, and Aded-nego and the book of Isaiah talks a lot about him as the Prince of Peace and The Branch. Yes Jesus claimed to be God and he proved it by his mighty miracles and raising other people and himself from the dead. Jesus is not a cult leader but he came and told the truth and told everyone how to get right with God.