how do you differentiate between a cult and a religion? (Mormonism, bible)
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Funny, because I have never heard anyone, anywhere, accuse them of being a cult aside from Christian fundamentalists.
If a Christian missionary group is murdered in some foreign nation, political pressure will be brought upon Christian dominated nation's governments to respond in some manner. Muslims who run into trouble in foreign nations may rely on Islamic governments making a stink on their behalf.
If a group of Wiccans got themselves arrested while visiting Thirdworldistan, Wiccans in America could demand that the US take some action, but there are not enough of them to make any of the politicians feel any pressure. Quite the opposite, what politician would want it known that he or she was standing up for pagans? They have no political clout.
And that is why they remain a cult, that absence of cultural mainstream support.
If a Christian missionary group is murdered in some foreign nation, political pressure will be brought upon Christian dominated nation's governments to respond in some manner. Muslims who run into trouble in foreign nations may rely on Islamic governments making a stink on their behalf.
If a group of Wiccans got themselves arrested while visiting Thirdworldistan, Wiccans in America could demand that the US take some action, but there are not enough of them to make any of the politicians feel any pressure. Quite the opposite, what politician would want it known that he or she was standing up for pagans? They have no political clout.
And that is why they remain a cult, that absence of cultural mainstream support.
WOW, I have a BA in comparative religion, and I never heard of "cult" as being "people with beliefs that are not part of the mainstream spirituality of their country." That definition simply does not exist anywhere but in your post.
Then it was about time that someone got it right, wasn't it?
I define a bacteria as a fat man who loves Mexican food. I will not be swayed by any "micro biologists" who have a different opinion.
As a rule, the people who usually like to argue against religion have never actually studied it, aside perhaps for some religious indoctrination they had as kids.
I have yet to hear of one vocal anti-religious person who actually has any education in comparative religion.
I define a bacteria as a fat man who loves Mexican food. I will not be swayed by any "micro biologists" who have a different opinion.
As a rule, the people who usually like to argue against religion have never actually studied it, aside perhaps for some religious indoctrination they had as kids.
I have yet to hear of one vocal anti-religious person who actually has any education in comparative religion.
You have never heard of Bart Ehrman? Ever read any of his books?
His credentials:
BA Moody Bible Institute (1978)
MDiv Wheaton College (1981)
PhD Princeton Theological Seminary (1985)
btw...I think you are mis defining "bacteria." They are actually single celled microbes, not obese fans of Mexican food. Happy to clear this up for you.
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