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There is a specific definition for cult when it is used as a Theolory term. Actually it has no specific definition but all cults have 6 Characteristics in common. It requires all 6 to be considered a cult. All Releigions and even non-Religious organization will have some of these Charecteristics
Islam do satisfy the above checklists without exception.
The resemblance is exact after Muhammad founded Islam when he migrated to Medina.
Islam is now a religion only because it has 1 billion+ followers.
Don't think you can dispute the above.
In addition, when we compare the life patterns [religio aspects] between Muhammad and Reverend Jim Jones, they are similar. Same with Koresh and others.
Last edited by Continuum; 06-19-2015 at 10:06 PM..
Generally Cults have a high degree of control over members lives, both in terms of time commitment and even finances etc.
It should be noted that Matt Slick himself obviously exerted a high degree of control over his family, as his own, now atheist daughter is estranged from him
Cults generally don't like you mixing outside of their group, due to their degree of isolationism, and the exclusivity involved.
Needless to say, they don't do interfaith very well.
They are essentially the same thing. One just has less popular support at the current time. I think we also have to remember that many religions started out as a cult.
how do you differentiate between a cult and a religion? between cult thinking and spiritual guidance? between a cult leader and a helpful presence? how does a person stay safe and discern between these?
This came up on another thread, and bears exploring.
thank you everyone for your insights and contributions
how do you differentiate between a cult and a religion? between cult thinking and spiritual guidance? between a cult leader and a helpful presence? how does a person stay safe and discern between these?
This came up on another thread, and bears exploring.
thank you everyone for your insights and contributions
The difference is when someone is speaking of a group they don't like. Then that group is a cult.
There is a variety of self serving definitions, but no real consistent one.To the Jews the early Christians were a cult. Were they?
Now if there is one single main leader, like David Koresh and everyone MUST do as he says, you have a group that fits the general definition of a cult. Now Catholics would not apply that to themselves and say the Pope is not the absolute authority, sooo.. it is a matter of where one sits on an issue.
how do you differentiate between a cult and a religion? between cult thinking and spiritual guidance? between a cult leader and a helpful presence? how does a person stay safe and discern between these?
This came up on another thread, and bears exploring.
thank you everyone for your insights and contributions
Can't we skip spirituality and go straight to rationality?
Evolutionarily speaking, it is all rational. Just have to go with the flow yes?
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