What is a Cult ?

[brionon]

In religion and sociology, a cult is a group of people (often a new religious movement) devoted to beliefs and goals which may be contradictory to those held by the majority of society.

Wikipedia quotes the above.
On a world scale,this would make christianity a cult,would it not ?

[Theland]

My understanding of a cult, when thinking in terms of Christianity, is a denomination or branch of Christianity, that does not base its beliefs solely on the Holy Bible, but attributes equal or even more authority to the teachings of the cults founders, as in the case of J.W.'s and Mormons, and to its traditions, even if these are in conflict with the teachings of the Bible.
True Christianity, therefore, relies solely on the Bible as the source of teaching, adding nothing to it, and taking away nothing from it.

[Theland]

Hiya Mani - Long time no yap! Not been good I'm afraid. I think I'm the victim of the fiery darts of the enemy. And one must have shot my computer! Only got it back and working half an hour ago! So lots of reading and catching up to do. How are you my friend? Still studying politics at university? I've got about a million e mails that have been storing up while I was without the computer - I think I'd better just delete them all and start again.

[Theland]

Mani - I'm extremely jealous - I wish I could write a book. But hey! Going back into prison? That's quite a challenge isn't it? But you'll have a captive audience won't you? (Sorry! Couldn't resist that one!)

[Theland]

Mani - Me? Inspire you? Your life is your living testimony, and translating your faith into action by trying to help prisoners, who, let's face it, are, "Out of sight, out of mind," is a shining example to us all. I hope and pray that your ministry amongst them is mightily blessed by God, and that you will be a blessing to those unfortunates.

[mibn2cweus]

Take your pick and specify which you mean.

[Romeo]

brionon -on a world scale, Christianity would hardly be a cult. It is one of the biggest religions in the world and still growing. Just look at Latin America alone.

[jake-the-peg]

I think this is a word that has changed meaning

It comes from the latin cultus meaning veneration or adoration

So for example you havethe "cult of saints"

Dictionary.com's first definition is:
a particular system of religious worship, esp. with reference to its rites and ceremonies.

In line with this

a later definition is:
a religion or sect considered to be false, unorthodox, or extremist, with members often living outside of conventional society under the direction of a charismatic leader.

Which is more in line with the way the word is more often used.

Clearly the Church of England would not fall under this category due to the lack of anything remotely charismatic about any of it ;c)

[jenstar]

A cult is a religion without political leverage.

Or... a religion is a cult with political leverage.

[Theland]

brionon - why do you search so? I'm sure I've seen your name on the BBC Christian or Jewish message boards, and I'm curious. Are you searching seriously, a religious groupie, or just out to bait Christians?

[brionon]

The second option suits me sir.

[Theland]

brionon - surely not! I was hoping you would say you were searching. It would have been interesting to learn, what you have learned in your search.
But, tell me, what is your opinion of the BBC message boards? Would you agree with me that Christians get a hard time on both the Christian and Jewish topics? It certainly felt like that to me.

[jackthehat]

Isn't a 'Cult' a Scientologist with a speech impediment ? ;o)

[Theland]

jackthehat - naughty!