Post by Cindy on May 17, 2015 9:21:52 GMT -5
The term 'cult of Christianity' is used of a group, church or organization whose central teachings and/or practices are claimed to be biblical or representative of biblical Christianity, but which are in fact unbiblical and not Christian in nature.
The term can also be applied to groups, organizations or churches whose 'statement of faith' or 'statement of beliefs' may sound orthodox, but who add aberrant, heterodox, sub-orthodox and/or heretical teachings to such an extend that the essential doctrines of the Christian faith are negatively affected. (Examples: Seventh-day Adventist Church, International Church of Christ).
Note:
The term 'cult of Christianity' is more accurate than alternatives like 'Christian cult,' or 'Bible-based cult' -- both of which essentially are oxymorons.
It is sometimes suggested that 'Christianity is a cult' (usually meant in the sense that a) Christianity is a schism from Judaism and/or b) that, sociologically, Christianity has cult-like aspects). This entry does not address such claims.
Theological vs. Sociological Definition
As we explain at one of our sister websites, CultFAQ.org, the term 'cult' has different meanings in different contexts.
Improper use of the term generally leads to much confusion, which is one reason why some people -- including those who defend organizations that have been labeled as cults -- advocate against using the term at all.
In our view use of the term 'cult' is legitimate and correct, as long as the user explains in what sense it is used.
For instance, the term 'cult' can generally be defined theologically and/or sociologically.
Theology has to do with the doctrinal reasons why a particular group's beliefs and/or practices are considered unorthodox.
Sociology takes into consideration the actions of a group or movement (e.g. deceptive recruiting, undue pressure on members, forced separation from family and friends).
If you simply call a particular group a 'cult' -- without stating whether you do so based on theological and/or sociological indicators -- you are not making yourself clear.
An Example
Ever since a high-profile Mormon made clear that he is running for president of the USA, the discussion of whether or not the Mormon Church is a cult has been back in the news. But more often than not the discussion has been muddled by the incorrect use of the term 'cult'.
For instance, Evangelical Christians consider The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS, or Mormon Church) to be, theologically, a cult of Christianity.
In other words, the Mormon Church's doctrines differ to such an extend from the central, essential doctrines of the Christian faith (i.e. those doctrines that make Christianity Christian and not something else) that it must be considered to be -- from an Evangelical Christian theological perspective -- a cult of Christianity.
At the same time, most Evangelical Christians (and others) do not consider the Mormon Church to be a cult as defined sociologically. While the church has a strict belief system that includes a sometimes heavy-handed approach to church discipline, that in and of it itself does not make it a cult in the sociological sense of the word.
Posted With Permission:
How to recognize a cult of Christianity
The term can also be applied to groups, organizations or churches whose 'statement of faith' or 'statement of beliefs' may sound orthodox, but who add aberrant, heterodox, sub-orthodox and/or heretical teachings to such an extend that the essential doctrines of the Christian faith are negatively affected. (Examples: Seventh-day Adventist Church, International Church of Christ).
Note:
The term 'cult of Christianity' is more accurate than alternatives like 'Christian cult,' or 'Bible-based cult' -- both of which essentially are oxymorons.
It is sometimes suggested that 'Christianity is a cult' (usually meant in the sense that a) Christianity is a schism from Judaism and/or b) that, sociologically, Christianity has cult-like aspects). This entry does not address such claims.
Theological vs. Sociological Definition
As we explain at one of our sister websites, CultFAQ.org, the term 'cult' has different meanings in different contexts.
Improper use of the term generally leads to much confusion, which is one reason why some people -- including those who defend organizations that have been labeled as cults -- advocate against using the term at all.
In our view use of the term 'cult' is legitimate and correct, as long as the user explains in what sense it is used.
For instance, the term 'cult' can generally be defined theologically and/or sociologically.
Theology has to do with the doctrinal reasons why a particular group's beliefs and/or practices are considered unorthodox.
Sociology takes into consideration the actions of a group or movement (e.g. deceptive recruiting, undue pressure on members, forced separation from family and friends).
If you simply call a particular group a 'cult' -- without stating whether you do so based on theological and/or sociological indicators -- you are not making yourself clear.
An Example
Ever since a high-profile Mormon made clear that he is running for president of the USA, the discussion of whether or not the Mormon Church is a cult has been back in the news. But more often than not the discussion has been muddled by the incorrect use of the term 'cult'.
For instance, Evangelical Christians consider The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS, or Mormon Church) to be, theologically, a cult of Christianity.
In other words, the Mormon Church's doctrines differ to such an extend from the central, essential doctrines of the Christian faith (i.e. those doctrines that make Christianity Christian and not something else) that it must be considered to be -- from an Evangelical Christian theological perspective -- a cult of Christianity.
At the same time, most Evangelical Christians (and others) do not consider the Mormon Church to be a cult as defined sociologically. While the church has a strict belief system that includes a sometimes heavy-handed approach to church discipline, that in and of it itself does not make it a cult in the sociological sense of the word.
Posted With Permission:
How to recognize a cult of Christianity