Cults? What are they?

K

kevman4christ

New Member
In respecting the continuity of each individual thread I am honoring the request of the members here by starting a new thread as to not throw off the others.

With such an overwhelming number of religious groups around these days, it is necessary to understand the difference between a legitimate religious group and a cult. What exactly is a cult?

There are two ways to define a cult. The first way to describe a cult is popular in the secular media. From this perspective, a cult is a religious or semi-religious sect whose members are controlled almost entirely by a single individual or by an organization.

This kind of cult is usually manipulative, demanding total commitment and loyalty from its followers. Converts are usually cut off from all former associations, including their own families. The Hare Krishnas, the Family of Love led by Moses David Berg, and Sun Myung Moon’s Unification Church are some examples of this kind of a cult.

The second way to define a cult is popular in evangelical Christian circles. From this perspective, a cult is any group that deviates from the orthodox teachings of the historic Christian faith being derived from the Bible and confirmed through the ancient ecumenical creeds.

These groups deny or distort fundamental Christian doctrines such as the Trinity, the deity of Christ, and salvation by grace through faith alone. Some cults that would fall into this category are the Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Christian Science, The Way International, and the Unity School of Christianity.

Most of these cults claim to be Christian, and even consider the Bible to be authoritative. But they manipulate the Scriptures to fit their own beliefs. Although they may claim to serve Jesus Christ, and may even use the same terminology orthodox Christians use, their definitions are vastly different.

These groups do not lead to the Christ of the Bible, but to another Jesus and another gospel (2 Cor. 11:1-4; Gal. 1:8, 9). We must therefore reject these false teachings, and “earnestly contend for the faith which was once and for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). And, of course, remember the Bible also goes on to admonish us that we must do this with gentleness, and with respect. Remember, you must present the message, but you need to recognize that it is only the Holy Spirit that changes the heart.
 
Cult and Occult.

The words “cult” and “occult” are popular terms that should not be confused with one another. So, what is the difference between them?

The term “cult” is typically used by the secular media to describe religious or semi-religious groups whose members are controlled in almost every single respect by a single individual. Some good examples are Hare Krishnas or Scientologists.

To orthodox Christians, however, the word “cult” takes on a wider meaning. Not only can groups be considered cultic in the sociological sense, groups may be deemed cultic in a theological sense as well. What I mean is that groups which claim to be in harmony with Christianity but deny foundational Christian doctrines — such as the Trinity, or the unique deity of Jesus Christ — are cults in a theological sense. Thus, the Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, and Christian Scientists qualify as cultists.

Now, while the word “cult” is always used with reference to a particular group, the word “occult” is typically associated with esoteric and mystical practices. It deals with hidden or secretive means to attain personal power, and is characterized by a reliance on the supernatural to achieve its ends. The occult includes such practices as fortunetelling, witchcraft, or trance-channelling — the sort of thing described in Deuteronomy 18. Additionally, tarot cards, crystal balls, ouija boards, and horoscopes number among the many tools which are used by occultists. Clearly, the occult deals directly with demonic forces.

It should be clearly noted here that there is some cross-over between cults and the occult in that some cults, such as the Church of Satan and others, are also clearly involved with occultic practices. However, not all cults indulge in the occult. For example, it would be unfair to link the Jehovah’s Witnesses and the United Pentecostal Church in an overt sense with the occult. Now, while a clear distinction should be drawn between the terms “cult” and “occult,” we must keep in mind that they are both connected with teachings which oppose the Word of God.
 
If u wanted to u could put all religions under the definition of cult, its as easy as using the bible to justify your actions.
 
One more thing needs to be explicitly clear. NOT ALL are defined in that way with the exception of some that were listed in the above threads. There are many others.
 
cult ( P ) Pronunciation Key (klt)
n.

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.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Latin cultus, worship, from past participle of colere, to cultivate. See kwel-1 in Indo-European Roots.]



And....


oc·cult ( P ) Pronunciation Key (-klt, klt)
adj.
Of, relating to, or dealing with supernatural influences, agencies, or phenomena.
Beyond the realm of human comprehension; inscrutable.
Available only to the initiate; secret: occult lore. See Synonyms at mysterious.
Hidden from view; concealed.

Medicine. Detectable only by microscopic examination or chemical analysis, as a minute blood sample.
Not accompanied by readily detectable signs or symptoms: occult carcinoma.

n.
Occult practices or techniques: a student of the occult.

v. oc·cult·ed, oc·cult·ing, oc·cults (-klt)
v. tr.
To conceal or cause to disappear from view.
Astronomy. To conceal by occultation: The moon occulted Mars.

v. intr.
To become concealed or extinguished at regular intervals: a lighthouse beacon that occults every 45 seconds.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Latin occultus, secret, past participle of occulere, to cover over. See kel-1 in Indo-European Roots.]



Cult is any religious group that can be considered extreme or incorrect (so it really IS subjective!) whilst Occult just means hidden. Whilst they may seem to be descended from the same word, you can see that the meanings of the original latin etymology is significantly different.

It seems to me, though, that Cult is the name for any religion you don't approve of and Occult is the name for any religious practice you don't understand. :D
 
I suggest everyone read this article:

http://www.religioustolerance.org/cults.htm

"...if you believe in it, it is a religion or perhaps 'the' religion;
and if you do not care one way or another about it, it is a sect;
but if you fear and hate it, it is a cult." Leo Pfeffer. A humorous quotation, but one that is uncomfortably close to reality.
Click to expand...

There are THREE definitions that need to be defined here: CULT, DENOMINATION and SECT.

The article above covers all three nicely.
 
''If u wanted to u could put all religions under the definition of cult, its as easy as using the bible to justify your actions.''
That seems very rash, the major religions are certainly not cults. What makes christianity so different from the other faiths?
 
cult Audio pronunciation of "cults" ( P ) Pronunciation Key (klt)
n.

1.
1. 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.
2. The followers of such a religion or sect.
2. A system or community of religious worship and ritual.
3. The formal means of expressing religious reverence; religious ceremony and ritual.
4. A usually nonscientific method or regimen claimed by its originator to have exclusive or exceptional power in curing a particular disease.
5.
1. Obsessive, especially faddish, devotion to or veneration for a person, principle, or thing.
2. The object of such devotion.
6. An exclusive group of persons sharing an esoteric, usually artistic or intellectual interest.

Are u sure u can't fit christianity into one of these definitions.
We lable any new religion a cult, until it grows in size. I'm sure back in the begining of christianity people would of labeled it a cult.
 
The Shaman said:
''If u wanted to u could put all religions under the definition of cult, its as easy as using the bible to justify your actions.''
That seems very rash, the major religions are certainly not cults. What makes christianity so different from the other faiths?
Click to expand...

You most definiately CAN label Christianity as a cult.

To reiterate what Gandhi said, a cult can be defined as, "a system of religious beliefs and ritual; also : its body of adherents".

So why shouldn't we, those of us who aren't Christian, view Christianity as a cult?
 
Who do you include in "OUR"?

What values are you using to pick and choose who you deem worthy to bestow the title "Christian"?

Is there a situation when the word "cult" would NOT have a negative connotation?

In the OP you said, "Some cults that would fall into this category are the Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Christian Science, The Way International, and the Unity School of Christianity." Why do you feel it's ok to describe other denominations in a negative way? Isn't that a wee bit disrespectful? If you choose not to be respectful of other sects/denominations, why should others be respectful of you?
 
I think you missed the first part of my post:

Who do you include in "OUR"?

What values are you using to pick and choose who you deem worthy to bestow the title "Christian"?
Click to expand...

I don't understand why you think it's ok to use a deragatory term to define someone else's religion.

The VERY first sentence in the forum reminder reads thusly, "This is a Christian forum so please respect our beliefs. " Should you not, conversely, respect the beliefs of others? If not, don't expect respect to be given to you.

The first rule in the TOS reads, "1. Members will not exhibit behavior or interact in a manner that limits, restricts, inhibits or intimidates other members. This includes, but is not limited to defamation, flames, slander, insults, profanity, stalking or giving unsolicited negative interaction with, towards or upon another member."

Rule 3, "3.While it is understood that not all members will share a common belief in Christ, members will respect one another and respect the integrity of God's word."

By using a deragatory term to describe someone else's religion you are in violation of the TOS of this board.
 
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