Results 1 - 3 of 3
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | What is a cult? | Matt 16:15 | Truthfinder | 90720 | ||
What is a cult? Some here on this forum have tried to answer this question. The term “cult” is used loosely by many who may not be fully aware of its connotations. To prevent confusion, some theologians actually avoid using the term. The World Book Encyclopedia explains that “traditionally, the term cult referred to any form of worship or ritual observance.” By that criterion, all religious organizations could be classified as cults. However, in general usage today, the word “cult” has a different meaning. The same encyclopedia notes that “since the mid-1900’s, publicity about cults has altered the meaning of the term. Today, the term is applied to groups that follow a living leader who promotes new and unorthodox doctrines and practices.” Endorsing the popular usage of the term, Newsweek magazine explains that cults “are normally small, fringe groups whose members derive their identity and purpose from a single, charismatic individual.” Similarly, Asiaweek magazine notes that “the term [cult] itself is vague, but it usually denotes a new religious creed built around a charismatic leader, who often proclaims himself to be the personification of God.” The language used in a joint resolution of the 100th Congress of the State of Maryland, U.S.A., also conveys the derogatory connotation of the term cult. The resolution states that “a cult is a group or movement exhibiting excessive devotion to a person or idea and employing unethically manipulative techniques of persuasion and control to advance the goals of its leaders.” Clearly, cults are generally understood to be religious groups with radical views and practices that clash with what is accepted today as normal social behavior. Usually they conduct their religious activities in secrecy. Many of these cultic groups actually isolate themselves in communes. Their devotion to a self-proclaimed human leader is likely to be unconditional and exclusive. Often these leaders boast of having been divinely chosen or even of being themselves divine in nature. Many here on this forum reference Jehovah’s Witnesses as a cult. A number of recent newspaper articles lump the Witnesses with religious groups known for their questionable practices. But would it be accurate to refer to Jehovah’s Witnesses as a small fringe religious group? Cult members often isolate themselves from friends, family, and even society in general. Is that the case with Jehovah’s Witnesses? Are the Witnesses using deceptive and unethical techniques to recruit members? Cult leaders are known to use manipulative methods to control the minds of their followers. Is there any evidence that Jehovah’s Witnesses do this? Is their worship cloaked in secrecy? Are they following and venerating a human leader? Truthfinder |
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2 | What is a cult? | Matt 16:15 | Mommapbs | 90721 | ||
Greetings Truthfinder. Perhaps we as a Forum would be wise to practice a "no name or cult calling" postion in our dialogue . . . However, it seems to me that under certain definitions that you have provided, I would qualify as a cult member, for I follow a Living Leader who promotes an unorthodox New Convenant: Grace apart from observance of the Law (I am saved from the righteous wrath of Holy God by the sacrificial death of Jesus as a propitiation for my sin) and the Leader I follow also proclaims Himself to be God! And as for "radical views that clash with what is accepted today as normal social behavior. . . " I am guilty as charged. "Thou shalt not" as well as "thou shall" still prevail for me! I choose not to participate in "socially acceptable" behaviors such as abortion, adultery, homosexuality etc. Does this make me a cult member? It is not clear from your profile who Jesus is to you so using the Word of the Lord, please answer Him: Who do you (Truthfinder) say that I (Jesus) am? mommapbs PS: What exactly IS your question? Are you attempting to establish the JW as a bonafide "denomination" of what most people recognize as "Christianity?" |
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3 | What is a cult? | Matt 16:15 | Truthfinder | 90763 | ||
Hi Mommapbs, well said. After reading and understanding what the word “cult” has come to mean in recent years, the JW cannot be accurately classified as one. Stop and think what the situation was like in Jesus’ day for a moment. Would you “accurately” classify the first century Christians as “cult members”. Something to think about it. I would have to answer in the affirmative. But to me today a cult is a religion that is said to be unorthodox or that emphasizes devotion according to prescribed ritual. And many cults follow a living human leader, and often their adherents live in groups apart from the rest of society. Remember in the recent past what happened in Waco Texas? For 50 days, hundreds of government agents laid siege to a compound with enough guns to wage a small war. The standoff ended in a showdown that left 86 dead, including at least 17 children. But who was the enemy? An army of drug-dealing mobsters? A guerrilla faction? No. As you may know, the “enemy” was a group of religious devotees, members of a cult. Their tragedy made an inconspicuous community the focus of international attention. The news media flooded the airwaves and the printed page with a barrage of reports, analyses, and comments on the dangers of fanatical cults. We were reminded of previous instances in which cult members were led to death by their leaders: the 1969 Manson murders in California; the 1978 mass suicide of cult members in Jonestown, Guyana; the 1987 murder-suicide pact engineered by cult leader Park Soon-ja of Korea, which resulted in the death of 32 members. The standard for what is orthodox, however, should be God’s Word, and Jehovah’s Witnesses strictly adhere to the Bible. Their worship is a way of life, not a ritual devotion. They neither follow a human nor isolate themselves from the rest of society. They live and work in the midst of other people. Jesus himself identified the true religion by saying, “by their fruits” you would recognize them. From God’s standpoint, a religion’s acceptability is not based on just one factor. For a religion to be acceptable to him, its teachings and activities must conform to his written Word of truth, the Bible. (Psalm 119:160; John 17:17) The fruitage of God-approved worship must conform to Jehovah God’s standards. He further identified them as ones that “have love among themselves”. John 13:34, 35 Do they put themselves out by going from door to door to help ones understand Bible truths? I would have to say that that is an expression of love of neighbor. Do they “kill”, in wars or abortions? No, again love would move a true Christian not to kill fellow humans. Truthfinder (continued) |
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