But just what is a cult? How does a cult differ from a religion?
Webster’s defines cult as follows:
Cult: n. 1) formal religious veneration 2) a religious system; also: its adherents 3) faddish devotion; also: a group of people showing such devotion
Now, to me, a simple reading of this definition places Christianity squarely in the cult camp. In fact every single known religion qualifies as a cult!
But Xians, specifically Bible Discernment Ministries (BDM), choose to define cult using a more narrow-minded and self-serving definition:
“From the theological position, then, a cult can be best defined as:
A system of religious beliefs and rituals with a body of adherents deeply devoted to an extra-biblical person, idea, or thing; it cultivates worship in a religion that, with reference to its basis for man's salvation, is considered to be unorthodox, spurious, or false, thereby insulating its members against true salvation in Christ. And inasmuch as the central doctrine of Biblical Christianity is the sacrificial death of Christ for man's sin (Eph. 2:8,9), all cultic deviations tend to downplay the finished work of Christ and emphasize the importance of earning moral acceptance before God through one's own religious works.”
(from BDM, http://www.rapidnet.com/%7Ejbeard/bdm/Cults/marksof.htm)
According to BDM anything NOT Xian is automatically a cult. How convenient.
I personally dislike using the term “cult”. It is an obvious shibboleth. A hot button pejorative utilized to denigrate a group of people, relegating them to a “non-serious” or irrelevant role. By slapping the label of “cult” on a religion, opponents seek to render them inconsequential, as people are viscerally frightened away when the stigma of “cult” is attached to a group. Once spooky images of secret meetings, bizarre behaviors and glassy-eyed members are invoked, those labeled “cultish” are automatically disregarded as serious-minded opponents. I prefer NOT to resort to such childish tactics.
Historically, a cult has always been any new religious group, small in numbers, not formally recognized by the government nor the people. Such groups maintained cult status until they grew numerically significant and withstood the test of time. At such time they were then recognized as a religion of merit.
Speaking on the same subject, Ed Babinski says:
“…every new religion begins with a founder and a few dedicated disciples (whom outsiders call "fanatics"). Next it is denounced as a "cult" or as an "unauthorized" "heretical" offshoot of a previous religion. After a hundred years or so the budding faith will grow and mature, or it will fail. It has either satisfied many of its members of its authenticity and importance in their lives, or it has not. If it continues to grow, then it will eventually include millions of satisfied customers drawn from all walks of life. There is Judaism (with its ancient and new branches, and its most famous "heretical" offshoot, Christianity); Christianity (with its denominations and "heretical" offshoots like Mormonism, Seventh-Day Adventism, Jehovah's Witnesses, the Unification Church, and the Unitarian Church); Islam (with its divisions and "heretical" offshoots like the universalistic Bahai faith); Hinduism (with its thousands of sects - including the Sikh religion that believes in one God and no caste system - and its most famous "heretical" offshoot Buddhism). All of them boast millions of followers from all walks of life.”
(Edward T. Babinski, critique of http://www.infidels.org/library/modern/ed_babinski/experience.html by Josh McDowell)
So. IS Xianity a cult? Don’t answer just yet. Let’s give the Xians the benefit of the doubt and use their own standard of judgment. In their article on The Marks Of A Cult, BDM lists fourteen ways to identify a cult. They say that any religion that meets even ONE standard, qualifies as being a cult.
When I applied these same exact standards against Xianity I noted that it met 12 out of 14 standards to be considered a cult! Click on the http://www.rapidnet.com/%7Ejbeard/bdm/Cults/marksof.htm and give it a try.
Now, personally, I don’t give a damn what anyone calls themselves. Cult, religion, or a personal relationship with the Invisible Man. Bullshit is still bullshit, and I want no part of it.
Xians need to make up their minds. If everyone else is a cult, then it's time for Xians to admit that so are they.
I am simply asking if Xians can be honest for ONCE, and stop this childish name calling? It’s like the pot calling the kettle black.
All religious people are equally fucking wacky, and need to be fitted for straight jackets.
Thank you and good night.
