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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 | flinkywood | 90727 | ||
I note your tone as decidely more propagandistic than in the past. You come here to stir up trouble and lead young believers astray. You like to do this. You are that wolf in sheep's clothing. Your name is a lie. |
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3 | What is a cult? | Matt 16:15 | Truthfinder | 90883 | ||
Hi Flinkywood, Did I quote something you disagree with? I quote what I feel is truth and then comment on it to make a point. With so many differing ideas, proper logical reasoning should help us all to come to an accurate understanding of a particular idea. Tradition, miss-translation and philosophy, and yes propaganda are a snare, but I assure you my friend I am not the culprit. Yes, perhaps possessing differing interpretation of many here but I can base my logic and reasoning on what God in the Bible, originally said. Paul tell me at Eph 5:6, Let no man deceive YOU with empty words, for because of the aforesaid things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not become partakers with them; 8 for YOU were once darkness, but YOU are now light in connection with [the] Lord. Go on walking as children of light, 9 for the fruitage of the light consists of every sort of goodness and righteousness and truth. 10 Keep on making sure of what is acceptable to the Lord; 11 and quit sharing with [them] in the unfruitful works that belong to the darkness, but, rather, even be reproving [them], 12 for the things that take place in secret by them it is shameful even to relate. 13 Now all the things that are being reproved are made manifest by the light, for everything that is being made manifest is light.” For me I do not want to be deceived. I do not want to be in the darkness. I keep on making sure of what is acceptable to the Lord. Sorry I offended you. Please accept my apology. Truthfinder |
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4 | What is a cult? | Matt 16:15 | flinkywood | 91106 | ||
You have a way with words. (Pro 14:12) "There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death." Lord have mercy on you. |
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