I have asked recently about different Christian beliefs, and the definition of a cult. As one answered, "If a church has different practices then the one you attend, then they are not following what you believe the Bible to say. This would make them a cult."
Look at the differences churches.
1. Some have no music, some have more, and some have all types of musical instruments.
2. Some meet on Saturday, others meet on Sunday.
3. Some believe having a beer is OK, others say not to.
4. Some believe in baptism, others don't. And those that do, can't agree on the age or the method.
So, why is everyone worried about who is/isn't a cult? Can't we accept others? Did not Christ preach love?
For the record, I believe if a church is assisting with a person on building and maintaining a growing relationship with Christ, then that church is doing something positive. God, our Heavenly Father, will make amends on infractions if the person is humble and has a contrite spirit.
2007-09-09 16:00:16 · 13 answers · asked by jack-copeland@sbcglobal.net 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I agree with you- the goal is to have a personal relationship with Jesus, to model our behavior after His, and if a church helps its members do that, and teaches that, and is honest about what they're about, then it's not a cult.
On the other hand, many religous organizations (aka churches) teach that their way is the only way.....
That's like failing all the seniors that don't pass pre-calculus... Sux for the kids in applied math, eh?
2007-09-09 16:22:56 · answer #1 · answered by Yoda's Duck 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Interesting question. I think the word "cult" mostly applies to what passes for religions in our country the USA. Under our laws, it's very easy to become a church, our country was founded on that freedom. Can we say that a religion that doesn't use the Bible as it's base belief is a cult, No we can't because that excludes many of the Asian Religions. We tend to use the word "cult" when talking of religions, basically US based that were started with the last 150 years, and do not use the bible as their base belief. We look at the "religions" as "religious cults" Currently the most famous "cult" at this time are the Mormons, and the Scientologists. The Mormons not only for their beliefs, but because Mitt Romney is running for president, and the Scientologists because of their beliefs and Hollywood connections. Why are Christians worried about Cults? Two reasons, many are based upon Devil Worship and we worry for our children getting sucked into this nonsense, and as Christians we are committed to converting non Christians to being Christians.
2007-09-09 23:20:56 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Cult is the only thing they know to say that is bad they think.
What they should be concerned with is which is the right religion? They mostly don't want to do much thinking, let alone change. There are important details missing.
Everything the God of the Bible does is orderly and organized. Reasonably, He has in the Bible which one way He approves of to be worshiped. Would it not be smarter of us to find that way and live it than spinning the wheel of fortune? Consider only God can grant us life. No other spirit creature, no human, no device can do it. Maybe being on His side looks a little better now?
2007-09-09 23:14:30 · answer #3 · answered by grnlow 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, denominations should be concerned about cults. But your definition of "cult" is apparently taken from an unqualified source. I once met a guy who thought that the moon was bigger than the earth. But I didn't start drawing conclusions based on his definition...
2007-09-09 23:06:53 · answer #4 · answered by NONAME 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They're all cults. Tou have to believe in an invisible god, give money to a rich minister, leave your kids with an abusive babysitter,Hate people of other cults, tell you ehat to think, what to eat and drink, what to do with your body, and when you ask them for help when you need it they give you some dented cans and say"I'll pray for you" Criticize what you wear,and when you have a problem they insinuate you must be wicked or god would not turn his back on you
That is universal to all cults.
2007-09-09 23:11:10 · answer #5 · answered by frank 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
For the record, I believe that a church is a money making venture only. I also believe that since the churches are getting so into politics, they should be taxed. They should pay their membership fees just like everyone else.
2007-09-09 23:07:18 · answer #6 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I cannot agree with that definition of cult.
Personally, I don't want to see anyone get lied to, cheated, or just plain flat out taken for a ride. There's all manner of frauds out there. See also Galatians 5:20, "...heresies,..."
Also verse 21, particularly the end of that verse.
2007-09-09 23:08:29 · answer #7 · answered by Jed 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If we can agree on Jesus we can serve Him as brothers and sisters.
When we have differences in theology, let us read our Bible and pray for the Holy Spirit's Wisdom.
Not one of us can know God in His entirety.
When we get to Heaven - it seems logical that Jesus will explain to us in which areas we were correct and in other areas that we kinda missed the mark.
But if we accept the Gift Jesus gave us - we WILL meet Him and be in union with all believers in Him.
2007-09-09 23:07:30 · answer #8 · answered by TravelDoc 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Since when have we had a talking bible ? and if you believe in what is within its pages! then you are a complete nutter.
Even the Christians went off to WAR all through the Century's.And that book of mytholigy said that thou shall not KILL,so who is pulling who's leg ?
2007-09-09 23:11:15 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Then Jesus was founder of a cult.
Acts 28:22 " But we think it proper to hear from you what your thoughts are, for truly as regards this sect it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against.”
2007-09-09 23:08:00 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋