Cults
- Thread starter brandon
- Start date
I like this definition from the Cult Information Centre:
1. It uses psychological coercion to recruit, indoctrinate and retain its members
2. It forms an elitist totalitarian society
3. Its founder leader is self-appointed, dogmatic, messianic, not accountable and has charisma
4. It believes 'the end justifies the means' in order to solicit funRAB
recruit people
5. Its wealth does not benefit its members or society
1. It uses psychological coercion to recruit, indoctrinate and retain its members
2. It forms an elitist totalitarian society
3. Its founder leader is self-appointed, dogmatic, messianic, not accountable and has charisma
4. It believes 'the end justifies the means' in order to solicit funRAB
recruit people
5. Its wealth does not benefit its members or society
I have a discussion forum on various denominations, and Mormons are represented there.
A lot of people do consider them a cult, because they follow Joseph Smith and man in general, as opposed to God. Not wanting to get into a religious debate here, I guess I will just say that.
A lot of people do consider them a cult, because they follow Joseph Smith and man in general, as opposed to God. Not wanting to get into a religious debate here, I guess I will just say that.
Countercult apologetics has been an interest of mine since I first became a Christian. One of the best experts on the subject is the late Walter R. Martin who wrote the book: The Kingdom of the Cults and founded the Christian Research Institute. equip.org
As to the definition of a cult, it is any sect that deviates from the pale of orthodoxy. And included are certain Charismatic sects (Toronto Blessing, etc) that deviate from the basic tenents of the faith.
As to the definition of a cult, it is any sect that deviates from the pale of orthodoxy. And included are certain Charismatic sects (Toronto Blessing, etc) that deviate from the basic tenents of the faith.
deadbeat sweetheart
New member
I'm just wondering why two of the choices are "non-traditional" and "fanatically adheared to"
What is non-traditional? Christianity is non-traditional to more than half the world, but that doesn't mean it's a cult. "non-traditional" is more a matter of opinion than of fact.
As for "fanatically adheared to" would you call the pope and millions of his followers part of a cult?
What is non-traditional? Christianity is non-traditional to more than half the world, but that doesn't mean it's a cult. "non-traditional" is more a matter of opinion than of fact.
As for "fanatically adheared to" would you call the pope and millions of his followers part of a cult?