Christian Cults

[Mutzrein]

I would define a cult (those within the fringes of Christendom

[Massorite]

Could some churches be classified as both Cults and Christian?

......... If it is a cult it is not part of the spirit or the body of Christ and usually has false or way out in left field doctrinal teachings. An example would be if a church believed that if you don't believe like they do about Christ or if you don't belong to their church you are going to hell.

hmmm.... there are a couple of "mainstream" protestant religions that believe if you don't belong to their church you are going to hell. I've never considered that "cult", but more a bit "holier than thou" and closed minded.

Perhaps your right about that. In any case passing judgment about whether or not some one is going to heaven or hell is a sin.

[OneLight]

I would define a cult (those within the fringes of Christendom

[Guest Wendy J. Duncan]

I was a member of a Bible-based cult for over seven years. As a Christian who had a graduate degree from a conservative theological seminary, I should have been the last person to join a cult. After leaving the cult, my husband and I struggled to reconnect with God. I wrote a book about our experience: I Can't Hear God Anymore: Life in a Dallas Cult.

This weekend my husband and I will be speaking at a conference in Omaha for former members of cults. From what I understand, most of the participants are ex-members of "Christian" cults.

[Franklin Lee]

Well when i think of a ''christian cult'' i think of mormans or J.Ws but i guess they are really pseudo christian cults.Any church that put anything above Jesus whether they want you to worship the leader of the cult as christ or what ever is a cult or any religion that takes from Jesus like mormans who say he was a god instead of the God or J.Ws who say that he was just a man are all cults whether bible based or not.

I have a good friend who was in a Oneness Pentecostal org for many years... not sure if you considered them a cult... I think to some level he does... He wrote about those experiences in an online blog he has... Very interesting stuff... It is amazing the fear tactics used to ensnare their adherents

[kat8585]

Well when i think of a ''christian cult'' i think of mormans or J.Ws but i guess they are really pseudo christian cults.Any church that put anything above Jesus whether they want you to worship the leader of the cult as christ or what ever is a cult or any religion that takes from Jesus like mormans who say he was a god instead of the God or J.Ws who say that he was just a man are all cults whether bible based or not.

I have a good friend who was in a Oneness Pentecostal org for many years... not sure if you considered them a cult... I think to some level he does... He wrote about those experiences in an online blog he has... Very interesting stuff... It is amazing the fear tactics used to ensnare their adherents

I'd love to read of his experience.

[MeCajunboy]

Could some churches be classified as both Cults and Christian?

Not really, In the world of "religion" a cult would implicate a negative connotation. In the realm of art, music and fashion a cult would implicate the opposite; a positive, generally mid-stream occurrance.

[Guest speaker]

It is so very important for everyone to read and study God's Word. Cults can only thrive because the people who follow them are not grounded in their knowledge of the Lord. If a church calls themselves Christian, then add anything to Christ's finished work on the cross, then that is a cult. The Mormons say Christ is the brother of Satan. That Jesus was the illigitimate son from the physical union between "Father God" and Mary. They say the Bible was corrupted by the early Church and Joseph Smith was given the truth. Their doctrine is not found in the Book of Mormon, but you have to dig into the Covenant of Doctrine, A Pearl of Great Price, and the Journal of Discourses to find out what they believe.

The Johovah Witnesses have re-written the Bible to agree with what they want it to say, The Seventh Day Adventists would take us back under the Law, the Roman Catholic Church adds Mary as a co-redemempterix, idols, the Pope tells God what to do by declaring certain people as saints and if you pray to a saint that saint will go to God for you (although God's Word says that Jesus is our only mediator. The Church of Christ says that you have to accept Christ and be baptized in their pool to be saved. Well, the list goes on and on. Now we also have the "Emerging Church" and the "New Age Movement".

If people would take time to study their Bibles, then if anything preached from the pulpit or embraced by a congregation that deviates from God's Word, would send up red flags. God's Word is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

A website I like that has much information for Christians regarding the Mormons and the Jehovah Witnesses is http://www.4witness.org.

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Nathele

The Church of Christ is not a cult, but just a group of Christians trying to restore the pattern of the church as described in the New Testament. We are trying to go back to the way the first century church believed and practiced. We don't want to be seen as just another denomination, but as the church that Jesus established. We believe the New Testament teaches that baptism is one part of the plan of salvation as taught by Jesus and the apostles. And, if baptism is performed as it was in the first century church, we "DO NOT believe it must be done in OUR pool". Our aim is to teach only what the New Testament teaches without leaving out or adding to any part of that plan. Restoration of the church of Christ as it was during the first century is an on-going effort as we study and learn the will of Christ.

sincerely,

Speaker

Edited November 2, 2007 by speaker

[Arthur Durnan]

And who hasn't noticed the growing number of pastors (TV & otherwise plus youth pastors) being charged re sexual assault, lack of financial integrity, and being involved in a marital breakdown - from Jim & Tammy Bakker onward? And many tend to continue in their ministries as though nothing had occurred. What an insult to the cause of Jesus Christ & a colossal hindrance to the Church's global witness! Yes, of course, cults are evil. But some "Christian activities" in churches come close to being on a par, no? Jesus hit the nail on the head, "Many false teachers shall arise, and deceive many!" RIGHT ON! Isn't it absolutely essential that there be concrete EVIDENCES in our lives of having passed from death unto life in Christ Jesus? To ask is to answer.

http://arthurdurnan.freeyellow.com

[AnotherTraveler]

One of the best quick tests for a cult is to ask, do they recognize some sort of extra-biblical authority, be it a set of writings or a strong personality. If so, bail. The stakes are too high to goof around with it.

Amen

A horrid saying that originated from the People's Temple cult suicide/murders is "Drink your Koolaide." This popular saying refers to being so radically brainwashed as to kill yourself on command.

Trust the Word of God, verify truth by searching the Word, and you will not fail in following Jesus.