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According to whose definition? I mean, I believe they're a cult, but certainly not for that reason.
Cult definitions vary, depending on the group and the individual.
Evangelicals will describe a “cult” as anything that deviates from Scriptures, in other words - virtually everyone else, bar themselves.
To me a cult is just a very controlling group, that uses various types of coercive control to stop people leaving.
Eg the original Churches of Christ would not be a cult, but the offshoot International Church of Christ would be.
The latter group uses coercion, via its enforcement of one over one Discipling techniques - and a very strong time and money commitment to the church of its members, and often making them cut off ties to former friends and family members.
Evangelicals would also describe the former also as a cult, due to the requirements of water baptism being necessary for salvation. (a deviation to scripture in their eyes)
Catholicism is also obviously a cult in their eyes, although anyone can come and go from the church as they please.
The Church of Scientology are not a religion based on a Godhead as such, but are an extremely controlling and aggressive group, and a cult by most secular definitions.
According to whose definition? I mean, I believe they're a cult, but certainly not for that reason.
I'm not using the term "progressive revelation" in the Christian theological sense, which means beliefs can be clarified over a long time period. I mean that not revealing everything your group believes at the outset, or at least making it public and discoverable, to new recruits is a sign of a cult. If there is "secret knowledge" revealed only after advancement through the ranks, that is a mark of a cult especially when it contradicts earlier teachings.
I'm not using the term "progressive revelation" in the Christian theological sense, which means beliefs can be clarified over a long time period. I mean that not revealing everything your group believes at the outset, or at least making it public and discoverable, to new recruits is a sign of a cult. If there is "secret knowledge" revealed only after advancement through the ranks, that is a mark of a cult especially when it contradicts earlier teachings.
Again, though, by whose definition? I realize that different groups have different criteria for calling another group a "cult," but I've never heard this as a criteria before.
Again, though, by whose definition? I realize that different groups have different criteria for calling another group a "cult," but I've never heard this as a criteria before.
I heard this mentioned on an evening news program years ago by an expert in cults.
Why does it matter whose definition it is? You can evaluate its value without an appeal to authority.
What's going to be accomplished by calling them a "cult", or not. Why's it so big of a deal? Do you expect the heavens to open up and God smile down on you or something? The name-calling is really rather childish.
What's going to be accomplished by calling them a "cult", or not. Why's it so big of a deal? Do you expect the heavens to open up and God smile down on you or something? The name-calling is really rather childish.
I'm glad I didn't participate in the stupid poll.
If you don’t think they’re a cult, why not vote “no”?
If you don’t think they’re a cult, why not vote “no”?
I never said one way or the other. I only said before that I'd avoid them and their ways. You can dislike and avoid something without having to throw out one-word labels.
People these days are obsessed with labelling. Maybe some day we'll only communicate in single word blasts, as thinking comes to a halt.
Last edited by Thoreau424; 03-03-2023 at 06:27 PM..
So you're trying to assume my conclusion? I never said one way or the other. I only said before that I'd avoid them and their ways. You can dislike and avoid something without having to throw out one-word labels. People these days are obsessed with that approach. Maybe some day we'll only communicate in single word blasts, as all thinking comes to a halt.
But no one here is saying Cult cult Cult cult cult cult cult cult. It’s a noun, like any other, and, like all words, is linked with other words to form sentences and express thoughts.
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