how can this be considered healthy and normal?

Question

this was part of a recent question from a christian

"Yes I would die for my faith in Christ [God]. I hope to never have to do it and I would hate to leave my kids but I would because it is more important than anything I have or posess. Christ gave His life for me I would gladly give mine for Him. He will care for my kids."

isn't this the exact way of thinking that cult followers show to their cult leaders? how is this different from the other cults? other cults (like the one in Waco) thought they were the truth, thought they were good, thought they were living the way they were supposed to. how is christianity different?

i'm not looking for answers that say "because the bible says so" (because i'm sure these other cults have bible type books too)

hisglory - WOW, did you EVER miss the point of that one!!!

dd - cheers as always! lol

cdavis - yes, that was my point when i answered her question

Answer 1

Yes. This is exactly, precisely the same mentality that leads people to fly planes into buildings for Allah. In fact, switch out one or two terms and this could be transcribed from one of those videotaped suicide notes that bombers make before heading out on their "missions."

It's an ironic fact that there's no substantive difference between fundamentalisms, but only superficial differences of terminology - ironic because fundamentalists always believe that they're privy to the unique end-all-be-all of Truth.

I find it quite alarming that so many people on this board are willing to profess sympathy for this type of mentality.

Answer 2

You make an interesting point. The difference between the cults that you mention (like Waco, Jonestown, Heaven's Gate, and others) is the way they respond to the public. Let me explain, a church's mission is to reach the public and to be a part of the community around them. Now, I will absolutely say that some churches totally miss the mark on this. However, the church is called to be a part of the community. It is up to the church to follow that call. A cult is very secretive. If you go to any church, they will tell you what they believe without forcing you to be some member of the church. A cult may or may not do that. Many times you will not figure out what they truly believe unless you are inside the cult. A cult will do its best to separate people from the public. That is the opposite of what the church says we are supposed to do. The way that cults teach is a true form of brainwashing. Cult leaders turn themselves into a god. People go into them following a religion, and then come out following the leader rather than the religion they represent.

Now, to respond to the person that said they are willing to die for God -- that is a different thing. "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." Philippians 1:21 That is where many people get the idea that God's will for us is to live and die for our faith. There is a quote that says, "Do not be so heavenly bound that you are no earthly good." God's will for us can be done on earth. We are the Body of Christ on EARTH. Our calling isn't in heaven--it's here on earth. Yes, Christ gave our life for us. Yes, that is true. But, he called us to do HIS work on EARTH. He didn't call us to die. Also, this has alot to do with the fact that many Christians in other countries have died for their faith because they actually are given the choice "deny your faith or die". They are devoted to God and know they couldn't live the rest of their life knowing the only reason they are alive is that for a moment they died God. That pain would be too much for them. In other countries that are more free, this doesn't happen and the chance is so slim. It is about extreme cases.

Point blank--the difference is that a cult separates themselves from the public and isolates its members from their families. They also turn the leader into a god rather than the God they are supposedly following. Christianity wants to be a part of the community. Also, we are called to do work on earth while we are here. However, no Christian wants to deny Christ and then live with the pain and guilt of that knowing the only reason they are alive is that denial. However, that's an extreme case that doesn't happen often in the free world.

Answer 3

Riegan, you know in your heart what the true answer to this is.
You, like me and anyone at times have had to get your head around it and be reassured and sure that - in your question, your belief in God, isn't the same as another cult.
Ok first off we have proof.
God was here in the beginning and He'll be here in the end, He is the Alpha and the Omega.
He created you. He knows you by name.
From the beggining of the Bible to the end days, Gods Word has made sense and the prophetic scriptures as predicted, have come true.
You have the Holy Spirit Living within you.
You open His word and it Shines out and talks to you.
He answers your prayers and keeps you and your children safe. He said he will never leave you or forsake you, even if it were to come to that.
Jesus already gave His life for you . No greater Love there is!
God is Love.
satan is hate, pure evil and everything it stands for. he is trying to sew seeds of doubt in your mind.
You have the power in 'Jesus Name to send him where he belongs.For Christs name is above all names. I have prayed for you too.
You are not bound in any place being thumped with some form of deciet day in day out, with no escape and realize that your that far damaged, if you still had some will left, to relize(or believe) that if you were to somehow escape your life wouldn't be worth living.
Thats the work of satan.
Jesus doesn't bind you up, or confuse you.
Jesus came to set you free and deliver you!
He who the Son sets Free is Free indeed.
So please go in His Love and walk in the peace and freedom of choice He has given you.
God bless you sister...

Answer 4

Yes, she is devoted. She would die for something more than herself. She is willing to sacrifice for God. It does not mean she doesn't love her children. She would regretfully die for Christ.

She never once said she would die for some cult. Every single one of you would die for a worthy cause, but usually you anti-theists prefer it is in a nightclub that catches on fire during a good Gansta-Rap performance.

You are the same people who argue on behalf of abortion and yet pretend, when it suits you to do so, that you are children's advocates.

You don't care what she does. You merely wanted to drag her out in public and try to make her look foolish. You are anti-theists.

Get a grip and quit trying to interpret what people mean by equating their words with some Waco incident(which Clinton's admistration is, in truth, guilty of the unprovoked murder of the same innocent children that his possy pretended to be protecting) or any other tragedy you so obviously misunderstand.

It is considered healthy that she knows something is more important than her own physical well being. She has a cause that she finds just. Without this mentality you and noone else would be free in America or any other free country.

The men and women in Waco were mislead by David Koresh but their belief was so strong that the government felt they needed to die. And they died. Who was wrong? The murdered or the murderers? You seem to think the murderers were right because your anti-theist views are so hateful you actually believe they deserved it.

Sicko

Answer 5

Riegan,
It may seem that way but you have to realize that our New Testament is full of Grace for all and Heaven is the only place to be. I believe that if more people read, studied, and obeyed our FATHER's WORD then this world would be much better off. There would be no war or hatred at all. There are a number of so-called Christians who do not want to do so and that is a real shame. There are very few instances that a Christian woukld have to forfeit his/her life for Christ. The Apostles had no choice if they were to be Apostles of Christ. They knew HE was the MESSIAH and stood their ground on that. MOST of them until the death aqt the hands of their accusers. The Apostle John died a natural death according to the legends. Christianity is not a true cult but it has some of the same qualities. There is comeradery of the members and a sense of belonging. Our FATHER has a place for you too if you are interested. Drop me a note. Have a great day and a wonderful weekend.
Thank you for listening,
Eds, Christian


.

Answer 6

I think you missed the point, hon. IF it came down to it, I'd give up my life in the service of my God. And I'm not the only one. I know a few Pagans who would rather die for their deities then to live in a lie.

If someone put a gun to my head and said to renounce my faith or die, I'd say I'll love my God. It doesn't mean I'm nuts or stupid or following a cult, it means I believe in my God. A druidic friend of mine would do the same thing, and I don't think you'd call him stupid or nuts or a cult.

If I held a gun to your head and said to renounce your faith, would you? Or would you rather die for what you believe in then live in a lie? People have always died for what they believe in, and they always will. Faith doesn't make one stupid, it gives hope and meaning. No matter what you believe in.

Answer 7

Well lets see u and ur children go to a store.A gun pops up so whom do u put first urself or ur children.?? and if u die in the event would ur children think about it to be cult??.Nope they will remember the rest of there days how there act of love mother makes them live everyday.

Its just the same with christianity.JESUS died for our lives.Some just love him so much to even die for faith and spreading the gospel.Just as u care for ur children .JESUS cares for everyone in the old.Just as u dont want to leave ur kids JESUS too doesnt want no one to go to hell.Some understand it fully and go to the point of even death to get the love of JESUS to spread so they can be glad.How many people today know of JESUS because some people sacrificed there lifes,dreams,families.They have surely given hope and love and joy too many.Unless there is a sacrifice someone else wont have anything.JESUS sacrificed himself so we can live.Some understand that love,the fellowship and understanding of such people is just awesome.The work they did for JESUS is just unrewardable.Surely when JESUS talks about Love the GOD with all your heart these people are the witness.Because of such people many are blessed.GOD will surely reward there works.Nope it aint cult.It us purely love manifest to its fullness.

GOD loves u so much that he sent his son JESUS to die for u to reconcile u back.

John 3:16 says "For GOD so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whoso ever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life".Ask JESUS to come into your heart and forgive ur sins and cleanse ur past with his blood.

Answer 8

In the end, with very few exceptions, we all die. I prefer that my death have a meaning and significance.
As a Christian, I believe that that moment of temporary discomfort will be followed by an eternity of joy beyond imagination. So I have no qualms or fear of death. I came close in 1999 in an automobile wreck that put me in a wheelchair. And even on the table in the ICU, I was not afraid and was at peace.
Jesus gave His life for me. How could I do less for Him? But that doesn't mean He wants me to commit suicide. I can best serve Him by reaching out to others in His name. I can best serve Him by remaining alive. But I will never deny Him. Even if that means being put to death for my faith.
And just as He did for me, I will lay down my life for Him should it become necessary. I would also lay down my life for another in His name.
As one of the previous respondents posted, there is a difference in committing suicide and being killed for one's belief. Christ wants us to live for Him and to spread the Gospel so others can come to know Him.

Answer 9

Those of The True Christian Faith Know The Truth of God. Our faith is not based on a book or any man invented doctrine or dogma. No man or dogma may come between God and His people.
No one of God's True people would say to any one that they had to die for any reason. Only God may make that request of His people... and every one of The Faith has the ability to refuse to follow such a request... and it would be a request...even from God. It would be the absolute faith of the individual that would be the deciding factor in making any willing sacrifice for God.

Answer 10

It shows a deep belief in God. I don't think that its any more abnormal than someone saying the same thing about their spouse, or about their country.

A cult ceases to be a cult and starts being a religion when 1) They have over 10,000 followers, and 2) They get tax exempt status. Otherwise, all religions could be considered cults. After all, what is a cult other than a group of people who hold similar beliefs?

Answer 11

cult (klt) KEY
NOUN:
A religion or religious sect generally considered to be extremist or false, with its followers often living in an unconventional manner under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader.

The followers of such a religion or sect.

A system or community of religious worship and ritual.
The formal means of expressing religious reverence; religious ceremony and ritual.

A usually nonscientific method or regimen claimed by its originator to have exclusive or exceptional power in curing a particular disease.

Obsessive, especially faddish, devotion to or veneration for a person, principle, or thing.
The object of such devotion.
An exclusive group of persons sharing an esoteric, usually artistic or intellectual interest.