Religion or Cult?

RELIGION IS GREAT IT KEEPS THE WEAK MINDED PEOPLE UNDER CONTROL,IF THEY KNEW THERE WAS NO GOD THEY DO BAD THINGS AND SINCE THEY BELIEVE IN GOD THEY BELIVE IN PUSHIMENT FOR BAD DEEDS SO IT KEEPS THEM IN LINE. ATHEST DON'T NEED FEAR TO BE GOOD BECAUSE THE BELIEF IS BE A GOOD PERSON BECAUSE YOU ARE A GOOD PERSON,NOT BE GOOD OR THE INVISABLE MAN WILL GIVE YOU PUNHIMENT.

RELIGION IS GREAT IT KEEPS THE WEAK MINDED PEOPLE UNDER CONTROL,IF THEY KNEW THERE WAS NO GOD THEY DO BAD THINGS AND SINCE THEY BELIEVE IN GOD THEY BELIVE IN PUSHIMENT FOR BAD DEEDS SO IT KEEPS THEM IN LINE. ATHEST DON'T NEED FEAR TO BE GOOD BECAUSE THE BELIEF IS BE A GOOD PERSON BECAUSE YOU ARE A GOOD PERSON,NOT BE GOOD OR THE INVISABLE MAN WILL GIVE YOU PUNHIMENT.

RELIGION IS GREAT IT KEEPS THE WEAK MINDED PEOPLE UNDER CONTROL,IF THEY KNEW THERE WAS NO GOD THEY DO BAD THINGS AND SINCE THEY BELIEVE IN GOD THEY BELIVE IN PUSHIMENT FOR BAD DEEDS SO IT KEEPS THEM IN LINE. ATHEST DON'T NEED FEAR TO BE GOOD BECAUSE THE BELIEF IS BE A GOOD PERSON BECAUSE YOU ARE A GOOD PERSON,NOT BE GOOD OR THE INVISABLE MAN WILL GIVE YOU PUNHIMENT.

RELIGION IS GREAT IT KEEPS THE WEAK MINDED PEOPLE UNDER CONTROL,IF THEY KNEW THERE WAS NO GOD THEY DO BAD THINGS AND SINCE THEY BELIEVE IN GOD THEY BELIVE IN PUSHIMENT FOR BAD DEEDS SO IT KEEPS THEM IN LINE. ATHEST DON'T NEED FEAR TO BE GOOD BECAUSE THE BELIEF IS BE A GOOD PERSON BECAUSE YOU ARE A GOOD PERSON,NOT BE GOOD OR THE INVISABLE MAN WILL GIVE YOU PUNHIMENT.

RELIGION IS GREAT IT KEEPS THE WEAK MINDED PEOPLE UNDER CONTROL,IF THEY KNEW THERE WAS NO GOD THEY DO BAD THINGS AND SINCE THEY BELIEVE IN GOD THEY BELIVE IN PUSHIMENT FOR BAD DEEDS SO IT KEEPS THEM IN LINE. ATHEST DON'T NEED FEAR TO BE GOOD BECAUSE THE BELIEF IS BE A GOOD PERSON BECAUSE YOU ARE A GOOD PERSON,NOT BE GOOD OR THE INVISABLE MAN WILL GIVE YOU PUNHIMENT.

as far as I know, Christianity is not a religion. it's a relationship with God. man made it religion.

i thought the catholic church was a cult??

Dear Nicole and other defenders of the faith:

How would you classify the charismatic movement of the catholic church? I knew one charismatic leader who was telling the followers when and who they could marry, when they could have relations and become pregnant, to sell their homes and give him the proceeds, etc. These charismatic leaders are not under the control of the diocese -- they have autonomy to do what they want.

I would be interested in hearing a defense of this cult activity within the catholic church.

Here's the simple answer; All religion is cult. The distinguishing difference is, the number of people who follow. Even the Branch Davidians of David Koresh would have become a religion if it achieved mainstream acceptance. Interestingly, Koresh had a "Christ complex". But by definition, Jesus Christ had a Christ complex too, if you understand my meaning. Today, Jesus is "God or son of God" to many people, just as Koresh would have been perceived had his cult thrived. Of all mainstream religions/cults, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Mormon, etc. Judaism is the only one that did not originally start with the worship of a human being. Maybe this makes Judaism a "cultural cult" while the others are "worship cults".

Here's the simple answer; All religion is cult. The distinguishing difference is, the number of people who follow. Even the Branch Davidians of David Koresh would have become a religion if it achieved mainstream acceptance. Interestingly, Koresh had a "Christ complex". But by definition, Jesus Christ had a Christ complex too, if you understand my meaning. Today, Jesus is "God or son of God" to many people, just as Koresh would have been perceived had his cult thrived. Of all mainstream religions/cults, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Mormon, etc. Judaism is the only one that did not originally start with the worship of a human being. Maybe this makes Judaism a "cultural cult" while the others are "worship cults".

By definition, Christianity is a cult. So the question is, what is the true religion? I think Jesus has the answer:

"I am the way and the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father but by me." (John 14:6)

Boy, this question really touched a nerve and it illustrates perfectly why we are so divided as human beings and it is mostly semantics.
Not much is being said about behavior, just what you believe.
I would be willing to bet that not one of the responders could give the definition of "religion" from the Latin root.
Knowledge is like the pollen of the flower, from it the bee makes it's honey, the spider it's poison.
Buckle your seat belts please, we are in for a wild ride.

anonymous- it was actually me that pretended to be J.P.-
i have an inherent distaste for for what i consider to be a cowardly action in posting anonymously-
i consider it deceitful and sneaky to make anonymous posts-

but my post would not have made any sense otherwise.

im a believer - an abrahamic tradition-
im not trying to pick on your beliefs- just your reasoning.

just to let people know that believers don't necessarily sacrifice the ability to think rationally- and im a peculiarly illogical person -

i really do dislike anon postings- and dint want there to be any suspicion in the minds of any that J.Price (who i dont really know at all)
may have been posting anon.

peace

Anonymous to JPrice:

**Yes! I know you exist because you have been writing on here. I've never seen you or even heard your literal voice, but I know you exist because of what you wrote. And because you have coherently answered my questions, I know that you exist. I may not know what you look like, but I know you're there.**

Actually, all you know is that SOMEONE has been posting comments with the name JPrice on them. It does not prove that anyone named JPrice exists, or that any living person with that name made the posts. Perhaps you have MPD and made the posts yourself when another personality was dominant.

**Apply all that to God.

He has writings too. It's called the Bible. I've never seen or even heard his voice in person, but I know He exists because of these writings that coincidentally, like you, have answered my questions coherently.**

We know that someone wrote down stories about a particular god. Lots of people wrote lots of stories about lots of gods. That doesn't make any of them literally true.

**So, I guess I've made a logical choice in realizing that you do exist as a person relying on the evidence at hand.**

That JPrice (or anyone else on a message board) exists is a fairly reasonable conclusion based on the available evidence, but it is not ironclad proof.

**I guess using the same application of evidence, I've come to conclude God exists as well. How nice...**

You're welcome to your God, I'll take my gods, but I dont' expect other people to automatically believe what I do just because I do, and those who opt for no gods are welcome to their choice as well. I only get snarked off at other people's religions when they try to get their dogmas and doctrines enacted into legislation or otherwise push them on me against my will.

**Have a lovely day.**

Go thou and do likewise.

It is irrational to base your belief system on the Bible without first using critical thinking to determine whether the Bible is credible or not. Any intellectually honest study will reveal that it is all hearsay and not a reasonable foundation for a belief system. I am speaking as a former Bible student and lay minister in a fundamentalist Christian church. Ehrman's "Misquoting Jesus" is a good wrap-up of what I have discovered on my own through the years.

It is irrational to base your belief system on the Bible without first using critical thinking to determine whether the Bible is credible or not. Any intellectually honest study will reveal that it is all hearsay and not a reasonable foundation for a belief system. I am speaking as a former Bible student and lay minister in a fundamentalist Christian church. Ehrman's "Misquoting Jesus" is a good wrap-up of what I have discovered on my own through the years.

Maybe it was me who was talking to you and tricking you. How do you know J.P. exists?
Maybe you're speaking to someone pretending to be J.P., like me.
You're not actually, as I'm not J.P., I'm really not. But how do you know that?

JPrice,

Yes! I know you exist because you have been writing on here. I've never seen you or even heard your literal voice, but I know you exist because of what you wrote. And because you have coherently answered my questions, I know that you exist. I may not know what you look like, but I know you're there.

Apply all that to God.

He has writings too. It's called the Bible. I've never seen or even heard his voice in person, but I know He exists because of these writings that coincidentally, like you, have answered my questions coherently.

So, I guess I've made a logical choice in realizing that you do exist as a person relying on the evidence at hand. I guess using the same application of evidence, I've come to conclude God exists as well. How nice...

Have a lovely day.

ANONYMOUS:

Been thinking again, eh?

Well, lets see...

1. You'd better hope I exist, or you have been having a running circular argument with a CPU.

2. You'd better hope I exist, or you are losing a battle of wits with the element silicon.

3. Maybe I don't exist, and you are just making me up 'cause you could really stand some attention.

4. Only the IRS can prove that I exist.

5. Gotta go, 'cause I have a life.

ANONYMOUS:

Been thinking again, eh?

Well, lets see...

1. You'd better hope I exist, or you have been having a running circular argument with a CPU.

2. You'd better hope I exist, or you are losing a battle of wits with the element silicon.

3. Maybe I don't exist, and you are just making me up 'cause you could really stand some attention.

4. Only the IRS can prove that I exist.

5. Gotta go, 'cause I have a life.

Sigh, this settles it. I pick a religion, every other one says I get punished. I'm going to play the odds and not have one at all. Wow! I have a more productive lifestyle, and I don't have to slap down paraphrases from The Book any time I want to answer a question! Seriously, why not just live by the just morals laid down in many theocratic texts and skip all the bull***t? Besides, I'm sure any powerful beings have their own problems to worry about besides somebody's high and mighty, holier than thou dumb ***.

"To summarize, cult is a subjective word meaning, to the particular person using it, "a religion I don't like." When someone refers to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a "cult," that simply tells us that the speaker doesn't like the Church. Christianity itself was once a new religion with dynamic leadership, strong in-group bonding, high moral expectations, and additional scriptures, all of which greatly offended the mainline religions of its day. Its leaders were not professionally trained clergy, but they did attempt to convert the world to a truth no one else had. By most of the objective definitions that have been proposed for the term cult, early Christianity was one. And so far any general definition of a cult that would fit the Latter-day Saints will also fit New Testament Christianity. But that's not bad company to be in." Stephen Robinson

Question and Comments to the Confessing Jehovah Witnesses and Mormons:
1.Is God's word mistaken but doesn't it clearly state in the KJV, NIV, NKJV, NASB in John 8:24 - Itold you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be,[a] you will indeed die in your sins."
2. Also, in the New World Translation Jehovah Witnesses misquote John 1:1, The passage reads (John 1:1-5 - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood[a] it. May I, in the spirit of love and in truth ask which Greek scholar changed John 1:1 to state as the New World Translation quotes John 1:1 as in the In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was a God, and the Word was a God. I'd really like you to show how the greek scholar who quoted this and other greek scholars alike were misquoted as you put "a God". Also, what I find is those who have come to my door misquote scripture or take one passage out of context (e.g, one passage but not either the text prior to the quote or after). For instance: Phillipians 2:8-13 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. YOU MISQUOTE THIS PASSAGE AS HE HUMBLED HIMSELF AND BECAME A MAN/FLESH WHICH IF YOU GO FURTHER WHAT DOES YAHWEH MEAN: DEITY, LORD, ETC. PLEASE ASK YOURSELVES, DO YOU BELIEVE IN A MAN MADE RELIGION OR DO YOU BELIEVE IN GOD; THE TRINITY AND ALSO, WHEN YOU READ THE NEW TESTAMENT, DO YOU NOTICE THAT JESUS CHRIST, THE LORD, SPOKE ABOUT HELL THAN ABOUT HEAVEN. LASTLY, IF I BELIEVED IN A GOD LIKE YOU, I WOULD LAUGH AT HIM; I WOULDN'T SEE HIM AS BEING: SOVREIGN, OMNIPRESENT, OMNIPOTENT, ALL POWERFUL....CREATOR THE SUN, STARS, MOON. PLEASE, I ASK FOR YOUR RESPONSE REGARDING WHO TRANSLATED THE NEW WORLD TRANSLATION OF YOUR BIBLE, READ THE ENTIRE BOOK OF HEBREWS NOT TAKE ONE PASSAGE OUT OF CONTEXT AND ASK JESUS CHRIST, KING OF KINGS, LORD OF LORDS, THE MOST HIGH GOD: TO SHOW YOU TRUTH.

MAY GOD RICHLY BLESS YOU...

JPrice,

I think, therefore God exists.

Tell me why I should believe you exist over God. I've never personally seen either one of you.

Anonymous :

You think, therefore I exist.

Dennis,

You said : "The GOOD NEWS (Gospel) that JESUS CHRIST brought to the world was that; God, as a loving Father, sent his Son into the world to save the world,
NOT TO CONDEMN IT!!! Read it for yourself."
John 3:16-17,

But did Jesus say this?????

John 3:16-17 only appears once in all of the NT. Do you find that strange that such an important commnent should appear as a single entry?? And only in John which is not one of the Synoptic Gospels????

John 3:16-17 is also not found in any scripture related documents and many contemporary NT scholars to include three on the On Faith panel (Professors Crossan, Borg and Fredriksen) have concluded that it was not said by the historical Jesus. It was, they conclude, an addition to embellish the life of Jesus to gain converts/money to/for the cause.

See added commentary at http://wiki.faithfutures.org/index.php/350_Jesus_to_Nicodemus and in Professor Crossan's book, The Historical Jesus.

And (from Professor Crossan's book, "Who is Jesus" co-authored with Richard Watts)

"Moreover, an atonement theology that says God sacrifices his own son in place of humans who needed to be punished for their sins might make some Christians love Jesus, but it is an obscene picture of God. It is almost heavenly child abuse, and may infect our imagination at more earthly levels as well. I do not want to express my faith through a theology that pictures God demanding blood sacrifices in order to be reconciled to us."

"Traditionally, Christians have said, 'See how Christ's passion was foretold by the prophets." Actually, it was the other way around. The Hebrew prophets did not predict the events of Jesus' last week; rather, many of those Christian stories were created to fit the ancient prophecies in order to show that Jesus, despite his execution, was still and always held in the hands of God."

"In terms of divine consistency, I do not think that anyone, anywhere, at any time, including Jesus, brings dead people back to life."

Cult = crunchy united liberal tyrants

Religion = remorseful ecclesia linking infinite god in omnipotent neurosis

JPrice,

No I don't believe in Klingons and Obi Wun. I don't believe you exist either. How can you prove to me that you exist?

What is the difference between a religion and a cult? There really isn't any.What constitutes a real religion? Real religion believes in a all Powerffull, all loving God who truly rules the universe and eternity. A GOd who could never fail in anything He/She sets out to do. Oh did that surprize you? God created us male and female in his own image; so God must consist of both genders. O.K.We say we believe God is ALL-POWERFUL and that God is ALL-LOVING, and then deny it in our doctrines! The two most popular teachings about God's plan for lost, are that He will either burn them forever in hell fire, or that He will exterminate (annihilate) them in hell fire. In either of these two doctrines; God could not be ALL-POWERFUL AND ALL-LOVING! According to these teachings, God either cannot correct the wicked, or He does not want to. Either way we have greatly limited Gods power or His love!!! The truth is that God IS ALL-POWERFUL AND ALL LOVING!!! Just AS A LOVING FATHER OR MOTHER; God will CORRECT his children for as long as necessary for their good - leading to salvation. God does not punish them just to torture or exterminate them. The GOOD NEWS (Gospel) that JESUS CHRIST brought to the world was that; God, as a loving Father, sent his Son into the world to save the world,
NOT TO CONDEMN IT!!! Read it for yourself
John 3:16-17
Romans 5:18-21 1Corinthians 3:11-15, 5:5

TO Anonymouse

So, you have faith that Klingons and Obi Wan exist!! It is wonderful to interact with people of "faith."

Your arguments are so persuasive. I am convinced by your strong and rational logic. I surrender. Take me to your leaders.

TO HENRY JAMES

You Said
"I choose to have faith in a God who lives on an invisible planet 353 light years north east of the planet Kolob. Can you prove that I am deluded?"

I don't feel qualified to prove that you are deluded, but I have tremendous faith that you are a snarky smarta**.

The angel/"pwtfft"/tinker bell cults:

Joe Smith had his Moroni.

Jehovah Witnesses have their Jesus /Michael the archangel,

Mohammed had his Gabriel (this "tinkerer" got around).

Jesus and his family had Michael, Gabriel, and Satan, the latter being a modern day demon of the demented.

The Abraham-Moses myths had their Angel of Death and other "no-namers" to do their dirty work or other assorted duties.

Contemporary biblical and religious scholars have relegated these "pretty wingie talking flying fictional thingies" to the myth pile. We should do the same to include deleting all references to them in our religious operating manuals. Doing this will eliminate the prophet/profit/prophecy status of these religions and put them where they belong as simple human concepts.

Some added references to "tinker bells".

"Latter-day Saints also believe that Michael the Archangel was Adam (the first man) when he was mortal, and Gabriel lived on the earth as Noah."

Apparently hallucinations did not stop with Joe Smith.

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07049c.htm
"This belief in guardian angels can be traced throughout all antiquity; pagans, like Menander and Plutarch (cf. Euseb., "Praep. Evang.", xii), and Neo-Platonists, like Plotinus, held it. It was also the belief of the Babylonians and Assyrians, as their monuments testify, for a figure of a guardian angel now in the British Museum once decorated an Assyrian palace, and might well serve for a modern representation; while Nabopolassar, father of Nebuchadnezzar the Great, says: "He (Marduk) sent a tutelary deity (cherub) of grace to go at my side; in everything that I did, he made my work to succeed."

Catholic monks and Dark Age theologians also did their share of hallucinating:

"TUBUAS-A member of the group of angels who were removed from the ranks of officially recognized celestial hierarchy in 745 by a council in Rome under Pope Zachary. He was joined by Uriel, Adimus, Sabaoth, Simiel, and Raguel."

And tinker bells go way, way back:

"In Zoroastrianism there are different angel like creatures. For example each person has a guardian angel caled Fravashi. They patronize human being and other creatures and also manifest god’s energy. Also, the Amesha Spentas have often been regarded as angels, but they don't convey messages, but are rather emanations of Ahura Mazda ("Wise Lord", God); they appear in an abstract fashion in the religious thought of Zarathustra and then later (during the Achaemenid period of Zoroastrianism) became personalized, associated with an aspect of the divine creation (fire, plants, water...)."

"The beginnings of the biblical belief in angels must be sought in very early folklore. The gods of the Hittites and Canaanites had their supernatural messengers, and parallels to the Old Testament stories of angels are found in Near Eastern literature. "

"The 'Magic Papyri' contain many spells to secure just such help and protection of angels. From magic traditions arose the concept of the guardian angel. "

For added information see the review at:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angel

A CULT is any organization that creates rules & regulations that organize it's member's lives on the stated goal of improving them, usually around the philosophy of one leader, and requires it's members to join for life.

A RELIGION is any organization that creates rules & regulations that organize it's member's lives on the stated goal of improving them, usually around the philosophy of one leader.

Both band people together in common ways of living and thinking. The difference is the level of CONTROL; a cult demands membership for a lifetime. Cults don't want people to leave.

Steven Macready,

I'm so glad a JW finally came out on here to represent themselves. I never have the opportunity to hear their opinions on sites like these. I have one question for you Mr. Macready. Do Jehovah's Witnesses have the same God as the apostles??

John 20:28

i have a great respect for jehovahs witnesses myself.
during the nazi regime in germany, the jehovahs witnesses would not act against their conscience.
even in the concentration camps, they would not betray each other or their beliefs to become lackey trustess to the nazis.

AND OVER 1 MILLION OF THEM WERE MURDERED IN THE NAZI GENOCIDE

most people dont even know this as they have not called attention to it or their suffering.

i have found them to be unusually consistent in their application of christian principles in their lives.

and ill tell you something- i saw them build a building in 3 days from an empty lot to a fully landscaped kingdom hall and they were the most organized helpful group of people ive ever seen

as a matter of fact- i use that example often in my life when i see inept drawn out projects
peace

im not a witness mr mcready- but that doesnt mean i cant respect you

To the persons responsible for this page and the ones making the comments, please stop and listen before speaking. Jehovah's Witnesses do not claim to be part of or would ever want to be part of the so called "Christianity" the world claims as the religion of Christ. You can use the word "cult", or any other slur word for this world wide organization, but it will not change the fact that they are the only ones doing what Jesus told his followers to do.
The direct commands of Jesus are clearly stated with no need of interpretation or PHD's in theology. They are simple and to the point and completely ignored by the churches of "christendom". Jesus said his followers would be recognized by their love for one another. The churches of christendom bless their members to go to other lands and kill the members of the same church. WWII is one big example. Ireland is another. Does Croatia ring a bell?
The list is long and bloody. As far as the divinity of Jesus, any encyclopedia or history of religion will explain the road to and from the council or Niece. The teaching is not from the Bible. Almost everything christendom teaches is not from the Bible but from ancient religious systems like Babylon and Egypt.
If you would only take the time to read the Bible without someone telling you what to believe you will see that Jesus is really God's SON.........NOT GOD! Jesus taught his followers to pray to HIS GOD and Father.
Jehovah's Witnesses are the only ones doing what the first words of the "Lord's Prayer" commands...
"Our Father.. santify your name - keep your name holy.. halloed be your name... What name?????
Think people... read the Bible and think.. pray.. and think.. then ask the God of Jesus to help you see the truth...go to the Father through Jesus...
John 17:3 - Jesus said our everlasting life means knowing the only true God..... think about it...
Sincerely,
Stephen

A CULT is any organization that creates rules & regulations that organize it's member's lives on the stated goal of improving them, usually around the philosophy of one leader, and requires it's members to join for life.

A RELIGION is any organization that creates rules & regulations that organize it's member's lives on the stated goal of improving them, usually around the philosophy of one leader.

Both band people together in common ways of living and thinking. The difference is the level of CONTROL; a cult demands membership for a lifetime. Cults don't want people to leave.

Everyone! You only have to hit the "post" button once!

Hitting it more often will not make your post come up faster, it will just result in multiple posts...like this one....

A CULT is any organization that creates rules & regulations that organize it's member's lives on the stated goal of improving them, usually around the philosophy of one leader, and requires it's members to join for life.

A RELIGION is any organization that creates rules & regulations that organize it's member's lives on the stated goal of improving them, usually around the philosophy of one leader.

Both band people together in common ways of living and thinking. The difference is the level of CONTROL; a cult demands membership for a lifetime. Cults don't want people to leave.

There really isn't a difference between a religion and a cult. If you look up religion in the Webster's you will see it means rules and laws. Cults also consist of rules and laws to follow and a person who says he is the one to follow.
The word you should be comparing religion and cults to is Christianity. In Christianity we are followers of Christ. Christians go to many denominations/religions of their choosing. The only way to follow is to live like our example did: Jesus Christ, God's son. He came to set us free. He said "I am the way, the truth and the life. There is no way to the Father, except through Me."
I do suppose this response will cause a lot of you to scratch your heads and say "What"?? I know because I used to think that way too. Go to John Chapter 3 It is written about John the Baptist and Jesus Christ. Pray before you read it............ask God to reveal the true meaning of the Words in this Chapter to you.
May any of you who do this find the way, the truth and the life..............Jesus. It is so much easier to understand than religion, cults etc. My hope for anyone reading this is that they find the way to heaven. Jesus is the Way.

There really isn't a difference between a religion and a cult. If you look up religion in the Webster's you will see it means rules and laws. Cults also consist of rules and laws to follow and a person who says he is the one to follow.
The word you should be comparing religion and cults to is Christianity. In Christianity we are followers of Christ. Christians go to many denominations/religions of their choosing. The only way to follow is to live like our example did: Jesus Christ, God's son. He came to set us free. He said "I am the way, the truth and the life. There is no way to the Father, except through Me."
I do suppose this response will cause a lot of you to scratch your heads and say "What"?? I know because I used to think that way too. Go to John Chapter 3 It is written about John the Baptist and Jesus Christ. Pray before you read it............ask God to reveal the true meaning of the Words in this Chapter to you.
May any of you who do this find the way, the truth and the life..............Jesus. It is so much easier to understand than religion, cults etc. My hope for anyone reading this is that they find the way to heaven. Jesus is the Way.

There really isn't a difference between a religion and a cult. If you look up religion in the Webster's you will see it means rules and laws. Cults also consist of rules and laws to follow and a person who says he is the one to follow.
The word you should be comparing religion and cults to is Christianity. In Christianity we are followers of Christ. Christians go to many denominations/religions of their choosing. The only way to follow is to live like our example did: Jesus Christ, God's son. He came to set us free. He said "I am the way, the truth and the life. There is no way to the Father, except through Me."
I do suppose this response will cause a lot of you to scratch your heads and say "What"?? I know because I used to think that way too. Go to John Chapter 3 It is written about John the Baptist and Jesus Christ. Pray before you read it............ask God to reveal the true meaning of the Words in this Chapter to you.
May any of you who do this find the way, the truth and the life..............Jesus. It is so much easier to understand than religion, cults etc. My hope for anyone reading this is that they find the way to heaven. Jesus is the Way.

Craig Branch writes "cults are offshoots of the historical mainline group, usually claiming to be the true of legitimate representation, yet denying the essential beliefs of the historical faith. For example, Mormonism and Jehovah's Witnesses are cults of historic Christianity, as is Nation of Islam and Bahai are cults of Islam."

By that definition, both Christianity and Islam are cults as they are both offshoots of Judaism. Why don't you include those, and what's the tipping point where an offshoot becomes a "historical faith"? I think Susan Jacoby has it right. Cut + time = religion. In my opinion, anything that involves worship is a cult.

faith integration.
mankind is divided by faith,mankind born and raise and die to divide when it comes to faith and ideology, where the final and last name of the game is truthood and falsehood,this is the name of the game of this universe and the name of the game mankind play around the clock.
if faith integration in one melting culinary pot is poosible ,the creator originator of who the universe physical integration is solely and only is in his hands could,v made every mankind on one faith or one colour,rather (for some reason he only know)he made it the way its ,every mankind is on his own after he the creator sent his guidance to every mankind.
mankind in respondeing to the guidance of the creator originator of this universe divided to 2 major division:
1-those who follow the light.
2-those who follow the blindness.

mankind faith divisions is not only one of the major reality of this life but also one of the major forces in this life if its not all,life is none but a huge battlefield whether you faith in or not whether you like it or not,every mankind is- IN- willingly and unwillingly.no escape.the test of life is a must on every mankind.

well liberated- i gave it a go.

you settled down a little-but you're back to the same old obsessions.

strangely, the regular group of islamophobes are in a particularly virulent and lynch mob mentality tonight.

maybe its the furor over ahmadinejad and the fear mongering trying to push us into a war with iran that the media is foisting upon us right now.

whatever it is, there is a distinct pall of paranoia tonight.

if you havent become aware form the degenration of the last question lib- this sort of witchhunt and peculiar vendetta brings down the tone of the dialogue, and ususally seems to drive away those looking for an open or interesting exchange of ideas.

so, i have to boycott you awhile

when you develop manners ill get back to you
otherwise take care of yourself

Victoria, Victoria,

But the Islamic cult allows polygamy?? So when this happens, do the unattended wives consider their man to be having sex outside of their marriage when "doing the do" with the other gals?

How many wives do the Saudi elite have these days?

"Polygamy, according to the IAD of Saudi Arabia's Washington, D.C. embassy, is superior to the monogamy of the West: "The religion of Islam was revealed for all societies and all times and accommodates widely differing social requirements. Circumstances may warrant the taking of another wife but the right is granted, according to the Qur'an, only on condition that the husband is scrupulously fair."

I assume the wives decide about what is scrupulously fair?

http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/arabs/iad_memri.html

Here's my opinion about the difference between a cult & a religion:

A CULT is a group formed around a leader, with rules & regulations about behavior & thinking, which members must join for life.

A RELIGION is a group formed around a leader, with rules & regulations about behavior & thinking, with no attempt to mandate membership for life.

The only difference is the amount of control the group has over the individual's life. Cults don't let people leave, not easily. Or think for themselves.

mr peper-

youll have to do better than make a vague accusation like that.

jehovah's witnesses dont have strict anti-sex rules.

they believe in sex within the sanctity of the marital bonds.

pretty much like every major religion in the world.

why dont you come back and share with us the religions in the world that dont adhere to this precept?

Here's my opinion about the difference between a cult & a religion:

A CULT is a group formed around a leader, with rules & regulations about behavior & thinking, which members must join for life.

A RELIGION is a group formed around a leader, with rules & regulations about behavior & thinking, with no attempt to mandate membership for life.

The only difference is the amount of control the group has over the individual's life. Cults don't let people leave, not easily. Or think for themselves.

It is true that some religions are given the label “cult” because of prejudices. I have found that the best way to determine if a religion is indeed a cult is through the simple “freedom” test.

Religions like the Jehovah Witness Watchtower, Scientology, and the Moonies would fail the freedom test because the members of these “religions” are slaves to the central authority of the group.

I have seen many members of the Jehovah Witness Watchtower experience problems with sexual dysfunction because the organization has such strict anti-sex guidelines. I have also seen Scientologists and Moonies that are afraid to think for themselves and use “thought stopping” mind games to prevent themselves from questioning the authority of the organization.

This quote from Galatians 5:1 (KJV) illustrates the true freedom found in true religions: “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”

It is truly a shame many “religions” preach slavery.

Here's my opinion about the difference between a cult & a religion:

A CULT is a group formed around a leader, with rules & regulations about behavior & thinking, which members must join for life.

A RELIGION is a group formed around a leader, with rules & regulations about behavior & thinking, with no attempt to mandate membership for life.

The only difference is the amount of control the group has over the individual's life. Cults don't let people leave, not easily. Or think for themselves.

"Can't someone at WAPO figure out how to eliminate all these multiple postings?
PEOPLE! You only have to hit the "post" button ONCE!
Regards
A (Monday Morning Cranky) Hermit"

But Hermit, it is only possible to gain insight into Truth through the process of repetition. If you say something only once, it is mere opinion that can be easily forgotten. If you repeat it again and again, especially while performing some repetitive OCD-like ritual, like punching the "Post" button again and again or rocking back and forth, it becomes Reality.

The posts that are most likely to be True are those that appear at least several times. :)

AGUSTIN ASTACIO:
Your definition of 'cult' seems to me to apply to Catholicism specifically, and many other Christian denominations as well…
Was that the intent?

I’ve known lots of people that belonged or subscribed to some really wacky belief systems, including some that were media-dubbed cults, but I’ve never heard any claim they belonged to a ‘cult’..

Maybe that’s the real answer If asked, no one actually belongs to a cult. So its merely a pejorative term for someone else’s belief system.

It really is kind of silly to debate this whole thing, since it’s really about semantics rather than actual ideology.

In a cult, the cult leader is the center of the universe.

In a religion, the individual believer is the center of the universe.

Neither cult nor religion can exist without a huge helping of self-importance. It's just a matter of who the object is of that self importance.

christianism vs jeffersonism.
both preach the same delusion.christianism preach for the son who died for the sin of mankind.
,jeffersonism preach for democracy who died for the sin of mankind.
what is funny,both christianism and jeffersonism practice the way of life of secularism wich based entirely on none but atheism wich consider by christianism not only as cult but as deviation and losting.

CULTS Are categorically sects of a religion that operate upon subtle and deceptive means.

Cults firstly operate under "sociological manipulation." - They dissuade others from free thinking through peer pressure tactics. Some use Bubble communal tactics in various ways. Some become totally communal and seperate physically from outside sources or persons not associated with the cult. Others use extreme shunning tactics and most certainly refuse dialogue with former members.

"Informational manipulation"-
They demonize counter literature and any sources outside of the leadership authority. Meanwhile it's sources are given divine inspiration or a sense of infallibility or at least unquestionability.

"Theological manipulation" -
Cults almost always and certainly misrepresent the original thoughts an authorship to the religion it is attempting to usurp. Whether it is the nation of islam from traditional Islam or New age sects from original HIndu or Buddhism. Cults reinterpret and reinvision the history of its perspective religion that it is imitating and attempting to usurp as the "Original" philosophy for that religion.

In all three categories of manipulation there is certainly a devolving from truth or facts in correlation to each perspective religion. Cults exist within all frameworks of the major religions whether it is Christianity, Islam, Or Eastern religious frameworks such as Hinduism and Buddhism.

I hope this helps!
Agustin Astacio
pastoral assistant at Lutheran Church of Our Savior in Bryan's Road, Maryland
Also Former cult member as a 3rd generation Jehovah's Witness

BOB WALKER:
**...force lifestyles on them that are at odds with the US Constitution. (e.g. Mormons saying women can only go to heaven when their husband lets them into same, only men can be priests etc)**

Granted, it's been a while since I was in a history classroom, but I don't recall the Constitution having anything to say abour who gwts into heaven or who can be priests.

With tongue firmly planted in cheek, I offer these "definitions":

"A cult is a small,unpopular religion.
A religion is large, popular cult."

Or how about:

"A religion is merely a cult that has acquired some real estate."

Or:

"A cult is the other guy's religion."

The term "cult" is very slippery. It would be nice if we could get rid of it, perhaps, but it's frequent usage makes this unlikely. As James Sire of InterVarsity Press wrote, "We should if we could, but we can't; I think we're stuck with it." A cult has traditionally indicated a group that departs from the orthodox core teachings of a traditional religious view, but still identifies itself with that religion. Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses are examples in the Christian tradition. They adhere to certain teachings of Christianity, but depart from traditional truth teachings from the Bible about Jesus Christ, for example. They will still call Him Savior, but they will mean different things by that. A "cult" also has certain sociological features that tend to appear, such as a new prophet founder who gives a message not found in the Bible; a tendency to the apocalyptic (at least in its early years); it tends to be very exclusivist in outlook, supported by a more legalistic lifestyle; it tends to see itself as a persecuted minority, and so on. Sometimes, groups that start out with these features can become more mainstream over time, such as the Radio Church of God, or Seventh Day Adventism, for example. In traditions other than Christianity, there are also examples in Asia, such as the Aum Supreme Truth group in Japan, which takes elements of Buddhism and other eastern thought, and throws in a dash of Christianity. This group launched the apocalyptically motivated sarin gas attacks on the subways in Tokyo. The Ahmadiya group in Islam is considered by Muslims to be a cult, and they look upon this group much as Christians look upon Jehovah's Witnesses. The founder of Ahmadiya also considered himself to be a new prophet with an exclusive message. To sum up, I would say that cults lay claim to a certain traditional religious teaching, but depart from that teaching regarding core truths or principles.

Having worked in the area of Christian apologetics for 25+ years, specializing in cults, and working both within Chriatian and secular circles, the answer to your question is contingent on your definitional framework. The word "cult" has a negative conotation, partially driven by the media's proclivity to report the sensational. Of course some religious groups have produced horrible tragedies. Defined from within a religious context, cults are offshoots of the historical mainline group, usually claiming to be the true of legitimate representation, yet denying the essential beliefs of the historical faith. For example, Mormonism and Jehovah's Witnesses are cults of historic Christianity, as is Nation of Islam and Bahai are cults of Islam. Then there is a psychological definition which encompasses abuse, coercion, significant mind and life control,etc. Doctrinally perverted groups are entirely free to practice in the U.S. but also open to criticism and examination. Psychologically abusive cults are subject to the criminal and civil laws of out country.

To Rob Walker: As an atheist, am I deemed to be a member of a cult? By your logic,I live a "lifestyle[...] that [is] at odds with the US Constitution" i.e. I have fundamental issues with the "under God" part and in fact would not object if religion had no hand, act or part in the social make-up of this country! Of course, I am not a member of a cult, I am a citizen who champions social inclusivity, irrespective of faith (or lack of faith), surely not the behavior of a cult member.

Biblical truth? How can you show that your version of truth is superior to that of the Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses? Denying the divinity of Jesus seems to me to make them less cultist, not more.

I tried to put a comment on here last night. It never would go through.

Here's my opinion about the difference between a cult & a religion:

A CULT is a group formed around a leader, with rules & regulations about behavior & thinking, which members must join for life.

A RELIGION is a group formed around a leader, with rules & regulations about behavior & thinking, with no attempt to mandate membership for life.

The only difference is the amount of control the group has over the individual's life. Cults don't let people leave, not easily.

Cult = faith in a teacher.

Religion = faith in the teachings.

Biblical truth? How can you show that your version of truth is superior to that of the Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses? Denying the divinity of Jesus seems to me to make them less cultist, not more.

I tried to put a comment on here last night. It never would go through.

Here's my opinion about the difference between a cult & a religion:

A CULT is a group formed around a leader, with rules & regulations about behavior & thinking, which members must join for life.

A RELIGION is a group formed around a leader, with rules & regulations about behavior & thinking, with no attempt to mandate membership for life.

The only difference is the amount of control the group has over the individual's life. Cults don't let people leave, not easily.

To Rob Walker: As an atheist, am I deemed to be a member of a cult? By your logic,I live a "lifestyle[...] that [is] at odds with the US Constitution" i.e. I have fundamental issues with the "under God" part and in fact would not object if religion had no hand, act or part in the social make-up of this country! Of course, I am not a member of a cult, I am a citizen who champions social inclusivity, irrespective of faith (or lack of faith), surely not the behavior of a cult member.

To Rob Walker: As an atheist, am I deemed to be a member of a cult? By your logic,I live a "lifestyle[...] that [is] at odds with the US Constitution" i.e. I have fundamental issues with the "under God" part and in fact would not object if religion had no hand, act or part in the social make-up of this country! Of course, I am not a member of a cult, I am a citizen who champions social inclusivity, irrespective of faith (or lack of faith), surely not the behavior of a cult member.

Cult = faith in a teacher.

Religion = faith in the teachings.

Charles Colson's comment and life are instructive as to what a Cult is. As private attorney for President Richard Nixon he had one framed item on his wall. It was a sign that said, "When you have them by the balls their hearts and minds will follow." That describes a cult very well; it works to remove memebers from everyday society and force lifestyles on them that are at odds with the US Constitution. (e.g. Mormons saying women can only go to heaven when their husband lets them into same, only men can be priests etc)) Colson's post mentions that it's a shame the word Cult has been misconstrued. It hasn't been.

Cult = faith in a teacher.

Religion = faith in the teachings.

Nicole, you kill me. If I may loosely translate: "We really feel sorry for those poor fools who have these crazy, misbegotten beliefs. They're believing in a made-up fantasy, and it will cost them. What they SHOULD do is believe in the made-up fantasy that OUR team is selling, since, well, we've already invested ourselves in it, and it would feel really awkward if we were to acknowlege that someone else's fantasy is just as valid (well, invalid, actually) as ours. So, off to hell with them, those chumps!"

Honestly. It's like hearing two children argue over whether they'll get more presents for calling him "Santa Claus" vs. "Father Christmas." The difference is that at some point it will occur to them that the fantasy isn't real, and they've been peculiarly sold a bill of goods by their supposedly loving parents. Squabbling over whether Mormans are the "Santa Claus" kids and, say, Episcopalians are the "Father Christmas" kids is just embarassing. They're ALL acting like children! Yeesh.

Cult = you.

Religion = me.

Nicole, you kill me. If I may loosely translate: "We really feel sorry for those poor fools who have these crazy, misbegotten beliefs. They're believing in a made-up fantasy, and it will cost them. What they SHOULD do is believe in the made-up fantasy that OUR team is selling, since, well, we've already invested ourselves in it, and it would feel really awkward if we were to acknowlege that someone else's fantasy is just as valid (well, invalid, actually) as ours. So, off to hell with them, those chumps!"

Honestly. It's like hearing two children argue over whether they'll get more presents for calling him "Santa Claus" vs. "Father Christmas." The difference is that at some point it will occur to them that the fantasy isn't real, and they've been peculiarly sold a bill of goods by their supposedly loving parents. Squabbling over whether Mormans are the "Santa Claus" kids and, say, Episcopalians are the "Father Christmas" kids is just embarassing. They're ALL acting like children! Yeesh.

Nicole, you kill me. If I may loosely translate: "We really feel sorry for those poor fools who have these crazy, misbegotten beliefs. They're believing in a made-up fantasy, and it will cost them. What they SHOULD do is believe in the made-up fantasy that OUR team is selling, since, well, we've already invested ourselves in it, and it would feel really awkward if we were to acknowlege that someone else's fantasy is just as valid (well, invalid, actually) as ours. So, off to hell with them, those chumps!"

Honestly. It's like hearing two children argue over whether they'll get more presents for calling him "Santa Claus" vs. "Father Christmas." The difference is that at some point it will occur to them that the fantasy isn't real, and they've been peculiarly sold a bill of goods by their supposedly loving parents. Squabbling over whether Mormans are the "Santa Claus" kids and, say, Episcopalians are the "Father Christmas" kids is just embarassing. They're ALL acting like children! Yeesh.

My working definitions: A religion is what you are born into, a cult is what you join.

I would say: (1) if the group demands large amounts of money from members; (2) if the group tries to separate members from their friends and family; and (3) if the group tries to make it hard for members to quit the group -- then it is a cult, even if it's big like Scientology, and I would hope my family members would steer clear of it.

Hey Lune,

What does your belief system revolve around?

If Rahul is right, then Christianity must be one of the biggest cults going. After all, it was Christianity that spawned the Crusades, the Inquisition, the wars in Ireland and more wars and crusades than anyone can remember.

Religion is just a cult that has become acceptable to society at large. Almost all "major" religions were at one point what we'd call a cult. At the time of Abraham (assuming such a person existed), monotheism, while not entirely new, was certainly contrary to the presiding religions of the day. Christianity was most definitely an underground movement largely rejected by the world around it. To the Romans, the idea of hanging around catacombs was utter insanity. To Jews, the idea of God manifest as human was utter heresy. Speaking of, I loved this line from one of the early comments:

"When we start believing that man has become God or can obtain his Power, we are going down a dangerous path."

That's pretty much exactly what Christianity holds to be true. And, I can't say I disagree with your point.

If you kill and threaten to kill in the name of your religion or to defend it and also if you think yours is the only way to God, then you are not a true religion but a cult.

As an infant 8 days old, I was delivered up to an old man with a silver knife for a ritual mutilation. In some people's eyes, that is obviously a rite practiced by a "cult." In others', a respected tradition, with obvious postive implications for health and hygiene, practiced by at least two of the world's most respected "religions," one more than 5,000, and the other more than 1,000 years old.

Respected members of some mainstream religions argue that their mothers are in Heaven because they accepted a particular seer as the true Messiah, while mine is in Hell because she had an opportunity to do so, but rejected it.

There was a time when the "cults," notably the Moonies and the Hare Krishna had the whole country in a state of panic. Who did more damage? Sun Myung Moon or Tammy Faye Baker and her ilk? Certain Bishops with a flexible view of acceptable limits in dealing with minors entrusted to one care and instruction, or guys in saffron robes dancing in the street or hustling nickels at airports? Who is more dangerous, those who inveigh against adequate treatment for AIDS victims or the crackpot Scientologists with their electrified juice cans? Which is more incidious, the Washington Times or Fox News?

Hard to say, in many cases.

Here's the answer:

A cult is when a person discussing a religious or a moral matter says: "We believe that . . . ."

A religion is when a person discussing a religious or a moral matter says: "I believe that . . . ."

True religion is a private matter of the soul, but so many of today's church-goers, or adherents to what they call a faith, have no idea what a soul is, and give it no actual significance in their lives. Instead, they hide behind the trappings of their particular denomination, thus inadvertently turning what COULD be a religion into a cult anyway.

To be a religious person, you have to THINK. That's too much hard work for many.

Bottom Line: NO DIFFERENCE!

Wow, so many different thoughts on the difference between a cult and a religion. I would say that, strictly speaking, a religion, a word that comes from the Latin root meaning "to connect" is something that helps people to better connect with the cosmos and nature.
A cult, who knows, some call every religion a cult and in a sense this is also correct. The comment "that we are all involved in the cult of self" does certainly ring true.
We are divided by so many things, beliefs, sexual preferences, color, nationality and so on. It would be nice if we all just thought of ourselves as human beings, androgynous and equal in all ways and all ONE.
Good Luck

My beliefs are a religion, everything else is a cult.

Just kidding of course, but the above statement has an element of truth in it.

My beliefs are a religion, everything else is a cult.

Just kidding of course, but the above statement has an element of truth in it.

It's a matter of degree. Both are forms of collective insanity. Both are attempts to control thought and make money. It's basically analogous to the difference between breaking and entering and armed robbery.

I suggest that there are two degrees of cult: the narrower definition is any organization that threatens the life or health of those who choose to leave it while the broader definition is any group that professes to be the only way, path or method to a direct relationship with the Divine.

Any true religion, on the other hand, must fully acknowledge the unity of the Divine (e.g., there is only One God, the philosophy of Non-Duality, etc.) and the direct corrolary that all beings are children of the Divine and equally share the birthright of their potential to realize Union with the Divine. My experience is that genuine teachers of all traditions express respect and appreciation for the founders and principles of all other (non-harmful/hateful) traditions and encourage everyone to diligently practice whatever (non-harmful/hateful) tradition has led them to encounter and appreciate the Divine.

I suggest that there are two degrees of cult: the narrower definition is any organization that threatens the life or health of those who choose to leave it while the broader definition is any group that professes to be the only way, path or method to a direct relationship with the Divine.

Any true religion, on the other hand, must fully acknowledge the unity of the Divine (e.g., there is only One God, the philosophy of Non-Duality, etc.) and the direct corrolary that all beings are children of the Divine and equally share the birthright of their potential to realize Union with the Divine. My experience is that genuine teachers of all traditions express respect and appreciation for the founders and principles of all other (non-harmful/hateful) traditions and encourage everyone to diligently practice whatever (non-harmful/hateful) tradition has led them to encounter and appreciate the Divine.

I suggest that there are two degrees of cult: the narrower definition is any organization that threatens the life or health of those who choose to leave it while the broader definition is any group that professes to be the only way, path or method to a direct relationship with the Divine.

Any true religion, on the other hand, must fully acknowledge the unity of the Divine (e.g., there is only One God, the philosophy of Non-Duality, etc.) and the direct corrolary that all beings are children of the Divine and equally share the birthright of their potential to realize Union with the Divine. My experience is that genuine teachers of all traditions express respect and appreciation for the founders and principles of all other (non-harmful/hateful) traditions and encourage everyone to diligently practice whatever (non-harmful/hateful) tradition has led them to encounter and appreciate the Divine.

The idea of religion vs cult is important in our society. We may view the difference as those belief systems which have been established through time by tradition and faith in God in some form. The organzied religions of the Judeo-Christian- Muslim faith and notions of Eastern religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism have stood the test of time. The newest of these religions, the Muslim faith, is still at least over a thousand years old. These religions have their notion of God to be well established with traditions and ceremonies relevant to their worship of God.

Cults in my view are more transient and less established in nature. They usually are based on the notion of a PERSON as God, with his or her power and ability to gather attention one of the attractions for youth and society to such nonestablished belief systems. Unfortunately, such systems of belief can be quite dangerous and unhealthy for our youth as well as individuals in society. When we start believing that man has become God or can obtain his Power, we are going down a dangerous path. There are no limits to what such an organization could start to believe and what they may start to do. We have seen through history how dangerous situations arise when individuals can gather attention and promote themselves to be God-like in stature and ability. We must always be wary of such groups and their beliefs.

Finally, I would like to say that there are many variants of the primary faiths: Jehovah's witness, Mormons etc. that have their own notions of God but are not necessarily cult-like in belief. I would say they are not necessarily religion in the formal sense, but more variants of or come under the categories of the major religions.

It is most important to have faith regardless of the traditions and religions that guide us on the path to understanding and peace. Faith is the summation and final common pathway of any initial religious endeavor in my view. The individual choice of religion is not as important as one's faith and belief once one has chosen a path of worship. As long as faith is the ultimate goal in some form of higher deity and not some form of man or group as the goal of worship, I believe we have the grounds to make a balanced, safe and peaceful society.

The idea of religion vs cults is important in our society. We may view the difference as those belief systems which have been established through time by tradition and faith in God is some form. The organzied religions of the Judeo-Christian faith, along with the Muslim faith and notions of Eastern religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism have stood the test of time. The latest of these religions, the Muslim faith, is still at least a thousand years old. These religions have their notion of God to be well established with traditions and ceremonies relevant to the worship of God.
Cults in my view are more transient and fad like in nature. They usually are based on the notion of a PERSON as God, with his power and ability to gather attention one of the attractions for youth and society to such nonestablished belief systems. Unfortunately, such systems of belief can be quite dangerous and unhealty for our youth as well as individuals in society. When we start believing that man has become God or can obtain his Power, we are going down a dangerous path. There are no limits to what such an organization could start to believe and what they may start to do. We have seen through history how dangerous situations arise when individuals can gather attention and promote themselves to be God-like in stature and ability. We must always be wary of such groups and their beliefs.
Finally, I would like to say that there are many variants of the primary faiths: Jehovah's witness, Mormons etc. that have their own notions of God but are not necessarily cult-like in belief. I would say they are not necessarily religion in the formal sense, but more variants of or come under the categories of the major religions.
It is most important to have faith regardless of the traditions and religion that guide man on this path. Faith is the summation and final common pathway of any initial religious endeavor in my view. So choose a path or religion and let faith be a wonderful life long endeavor and guide tounderstanding and companion to reason

The thing I find most irritating about all of these words, is the limited consideration of the bible when it comes to truth and worship. For example, Matthew 7 gives excellent insight into the question of true christian religion and falsehood:

(TNIV)
Matt 7:13 "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

15 "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

21 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?' 23 Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'

What I read out of this is true chritianity will not be easy and few will find it, but false christianity will be abundant and rejected by Jesus. By their fruits you will recognize them.

Just to take one example that Rev Williams brings up, the trinity. While he notes this has been worked out over 2000 years if christian thought, I have to wonder why Jesus didn't reveal this while on earth. He never claimed to be anything but God's son, not god. Nor did the apostles, or anyone around him.

What appears to have happened is around 150 CE Marcion and others began to think Christianity needed something to break the tie with Jewish religion. So great theories abounded, not the least of which was integrating greek philosophy into christianity, and accepting Pagan holidays. All of this was designed to make it easier for the pagans to accept christianity. By the mid 4th century, a diection was chosen and at the council of Nicea confirmed by Constantine.

Please, don't give me the line about Constantine converting to Christianity. After the council of Nicea he boiled his wife alive in oil and had his son beheaded. Good Christian saint.

And then there's the good Christian example of the various popes. What a bunch of political and warmongering animals. Study the history of Western europe and see what I mean. And, if you didn't agree with them, did they turn the other cheek? Certainly not during the Inquisition.

And then Luther was most upset about the sale of indulgences, read that as pardons for loved dead ones. The pope permitted this as a means of raising money. Christian - not on your life.

If this is the example of the largest "Christian Sect" (read that as split off from trues christianity, is there any hope of a real christianity today.

Me, I tend to agree with Gandhi:
I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.

I live in France. They believe that any religion other than Catholicism is a cult.

JPRICE,

Mr. James answered your question well.

For fun, I happened to look at GENESIS and found it comical. For instance, God did not set forth the heavenly bodies into movement until the "fourth day." However, it is a fact that a "day" is relates to a revolution of a planet as it orbits a star like the sun. So...how can the previous three days be defined with any logic? Also, on the first day, he supposedly made a light source (i.e., the sun) that turned on and off. Ha ha ha.

Come on, I can understand that the person who wrote this story had little understanding of what was actually happening in the universe, as discovery of true underlying causes only came about after superstition waned, but still believing this stuff now is simply silly.

You seem to want an answer to "who threw the big bang switch?" I certainly don't have that (some physicists "propose" it may be an eternal ongoing contaction and expansion over a period of time unfathomable by human concept of time). In any event, believing stories about events that have taken place while us humans temporarily and only recently control this earth (a mere spec (virus?) in the universe) is pretty arrogant. Taking more specific religious beliefs into consideration (L. Ron Hubbard, Jesus, Mo baby, and the Elephant with the human body religion) would make me chuckle, if they were not the source of such misery in this world. Look what it did to poor Tom Cruise! hahaha

I think the Klingons and Obi Wan Kinobe would be very pissed-off at your hubris.

Thuff7,

*Both are protected rights to freely practice a religion*

Shall a muslim *take* four women.Does it fit to *Constitution*
*Two women equals one man*.Does it fit to Human Rights.
Where is *all men are created equal*

i firmly believe that religion is nothing more than a time honored and life long good luck charm. what better thing to believe in as such, than religion. there are many stories and myths that if followed, can lead you thru a good and decent life. while i am not an "at heart" religious follower, i am more of a philosopher, so i tend to look at thinge a bit more as a realist. cults, in my opinion, are a form of religion like christianity, budhist, muslim, etc. it is something to not be compared side by side with the term religion, but rather the branches of religion. forms of religions or "cults" are only veried by the individual decipherings of religious lessons taught. like religion, news broadcasts, and media text, we may all take something different in meaning from what we see, hear, and experience. some poeple try to read too far into it all, but just keep in mind, the bottom line is simple, "it is what it is".

i firmly believe that religion is nothing more than a time honored and life long good luck charm. what better thing to believe in as such, than religion. there are many stories and myths that if followed, can lead you thru a good and decent life. while i am not an "at heart" religious follower, i am more of a philosopher, so i tend to look at thinge a bit more as a realist. cults, in my opinion, are a form of religion like christianity, budhist, muslim, etc. it is something to not be compared side by side with the term religion, but rather the branches of religion. forms of religions or "cults" are only veried by the individual decipherings of religious lessons taught. like religion, news broadcasts, and media text, we may all take something different in meaning from what we see, hear, and experience. some poeple try to read too far into it all, but just keep in mind, the bottom line is simple, "it is what it is".

What is the difference between a language and a dialect? According to Max Weinrich, a language is a dialect with an army. That's pretty much the difference between a religion and a cult.

What is the difference between a language and a dialect? According to Max Weinrich, a language is a dialect with an army. That's pretty much the difference between a religion and a cult.

What is the difference between a language and a dialect? According to Max Weinrich, a language is a dialect with an army. That's pretty much the difference between a religion and a cult.

What is the difference between a language and a dialect? According to Max Weinrich, a language is a dialect with an army. That's pretty much the difference between a religion and a cult.

What is the difference between a language and a dialect? According to Max Weinrich, a language is a dialect with an army. That's pretty much the difference between a religion and a cult.

Faced with the question of the what was the difference between a language and a dialect, the linguist Max Weinreich stated that a language was a dialect with an army and a navy. That's pretty much what religion is: a cult with an army and a navy.

For those eyes who have not yet seen:

A synopsis of the flaws in the foundations of contemporary religions:

1. Abraham founder/father of three major religions was probably a mythical character. If he was real, he was at best a combination of at least three men. 1.5 million Conservative Jews and their rabbis have relegated Abraham to the myth pile along with most if not all the OT.

2. Jesus, the illiterate Jewish peasant/carpenter possibly suffering from hallucinations, has been characterized anywhere from the Messiah from Nazareth to a mythical character from mythical Nazareth. Analyses of his life by many contemporary NT scholars (e.g. Professors Crossan, Borg and Fredriksen, On Faith panelists)via the NT and related documents have concluded that only about 30% of Jesus' sayings and ways noted in the NT were authentic. The rest being embellishments (e.g. miracles)/hallucinations made/had by the NT authors to impress various Christian, Jewish and Pagan sects.

The 30% of the NT that is "authentic Jesus" like everything in life was borrowed/plagiarized and/or improved from those who came before. In Jesus' case, it was the ways and sayings of the Babylonians, Greeks, Persians, Egyptians, Hittites, Canaanites, OT, John the Baptizer and possibly the ways and sayings of traveling Greek Cynics.

3. Mohammed, an illiterate, hallucinating Arab, also had embellishing/hallucinating/plagiarizing scribal biographers who not only added "angels" and flying chariots to the Koran but also a militaristic agenda to support the plundering and looting of the lands of non-believers.

This agenda continues as shown by the conduct of the seven Muslim doctors in the UK, the 9/11 terrorists, the Islamic train bombers in the UK and Spain, the 24/7 Sunni suicide/roadside/market/mosque bombers , the 24/7 Shiite suicide/roadside/market/mosque bombers , the Bali crazies, the Kenya crazies, the Pakistani koranics, the Palestine suicide bombers/rocketeers, the Lebanese nutcases and the Filipino koranics.

And who funds these acts of terror? Islamic Iran, the Third Axis of Evil and also the "Wannabees" of Saudi Arabia.

4. Luther, Calvin, Smith, Henry VIII, Wesley et al, founders of Christian-based religions, also suffered from the belief in/hallucinations of "pretty wingy talking flying fictional thingie" visits and "prophecies" for profits analogous to the myths of Catholicism (resurrections, apparitions, ascensions and immaculate conceptions).

5. Hinduism (from an online Hindu site) - "Hinduism cannot be described as an organized religion. It is not founded by any individual. Hinduism is God centred and therefore one can call Hinduism as founded by God, because the answer to the question ‘Who is behind the eternal principles and who makes them work?’ will have to be ‘Cosmic power, Divine power, God’"
The caste/laborer system and cow worship are problems when saying a fair and rational God founded Hinduism."

6. Buddhism- "Buddhism began in India about 500 years before the birth of Christ. The people living at that time had become disillusioned with certain beliefs of Hinduism including the caste system, which had grown extremely complex. The number of outcasts (those who did not belong to any particular caste) was continuing to grow."

"However, in Buddhism, like so many other religions, fanciful stories arose concerning events in the life of the founder, Siddhartha Gautama (fifth century B.C.):"

Archaeological discoveries have proved, beyond a doubt, his historical character, but apart from the legends we know very little about the circumstances of his life.

http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/BUDDHISM/SIDD.HTM

Bottom line: There are many good ways of living but be aware of the hallucinations/embellishments and myths surrounding the founders of said rules of life. Then, apply the Five F rule: "First Find the Flaws, then Fix the Foundations". And finally there will be religious peace in the world!!!!!

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historical_Jesus for an analysis of Jesus' life to include his illiteracy.

There is no difference between a religion or a cult in the eyes of the Constitution. Both are protected rights to freely practice a religion.

Yet the thoughts of many posters here seem to foster a spirit of religious intolerance which is antithetical to the intentions of the Founding Fathers.

It could be noted that many other times in history were shrouded by the clouds of religious intolerance. It is one thing to disagree on beliefs, philosophies and politics. It is something else to attack someone personally for those thoughts. Personal attacks have a way of escalating beyond control.

Faced with the question of the what was the difference between a language and a dialect, the linguist Max Weinreich stated that a language was a dialect with an army and a navy. That's pretty much what religion is: a cult with an army and a navy.

There is no difference between a religion or a cult in the eyes of the Constitution. Both are protected rights to freely practice a religion.

Yet the thoughts of many posters here seem to foster a spirit of religious intolerance which is antithetical to the intentions of the Founding Fathers.

It could be noted that many other times in history were shrouded by the clouds of religious intolerance. It is one thing to disagree on beliefs, philosophies and politics. It is something else to attack someone personally for those thoughts. Personal attacks have a way of escalating beyond control.

I'm not sure of the difference between a cult and religion - to me both are dangerous and self righteous organizations.
I'm very leery of any religion that hides it's organizational documents and even sues people who might try to reveal those documents (Scientologists); or of a religion that requires its members to give money (Mormons). And although Catholics don't require you to give money, they sure do harass you a lot to get money out of you.

I asked a friend, a priest, "What's the difference between a cult and a religion?" He answered, "About a hundred years."

I asked a friend, a priest, "what's the difference between a cult and a religion?" He answered "about a hundred years."

Cults are merely religions with a small group of followers. Every major religion started as a cult. Look at the Jews, Christians, and Muslims...each of them started out as small groups amidst larger groups of people who believed differently. Many, many, years later those three religions have become so big that THEY are now considered mainstream. When you are the mainstream, you get to define what a 'cult' is.

Whoever said that the difference is that cults require you to join for life whereas religions are built around a charismatic leader, I couldn't disagree more. How do you think Christianity and Islam spread to such large numbers? Groups of armed people went around and said 'join us, or die'. There were also peaceful missionaries, of course, but there was a lot of proselytizing by force. As a percentage of the population, the number of people able to look a conquering horde in the eye and choose death over conversion is very small.

Cults are merely religions with a small group of followers. Every major religion started as a cult. Look at the Jews, Christians, and Muslims...each of them started out as small groups amidst larger groups of people who believed differently. Many, many, years later those three religions have become so big that THEY are now considered mainstream. When you are the mainstream, you get to define what a 'cult' is.

Whoever said that the difference is that cults require you to join for life whereas religions are built around a charismatic leader, I couldn't disagree more. How do you think Christianity and Islam spread to such large numbers? Groups of armed people went around and said 'join us, or die'. There were also peaceful missionaries, of course, but there was a lot of proselytizing by force. As a percentage of the population, the number of people able to look a conquering horde in the eye and choose death over conversion is very small.

Cults are merely religions with a small group of followers. Every major religion started as a cult. Look at the Jews, Christians, and Muslims...each of them started out as small groups amidst larger groups of people who believed differently. Many, many, years later those three religions have become so big that THEY are now considered mainstream. When you are the mainstream, you get to define what a 'cult' is.

Whoever said that the difference is that cults require you to join for life whereas religions are built around a charismatic leader, I couldn't disagree more. How do you think Christianity and Islam spread to such large numbers? Groups of armed people went around and said 'join us, or die'. There were also peaceful missionaries, of course, but there was a lot of proselytizing by force. As a percentage of the population, the number of people able to look a conquering horde in the eye and choose death over conversion is very small.

JPrice

You write "Faith is not just a crutch for the weakminded. It is also the inspiration and drive for those striving to see beyond the limitations of logic. It is the difference between "it just is" and "why is it?""

I agree that logic has limitations. Brother William illustrates that.

But what does that fact indicate about Faith.
I could have Faith that
a. the universe was created by a Playboy Bunny, or
b. the universe is the result of a negotiation between Satan, God, and Donald Duck, or
c. the God (s) of the Old Testament described in Genesis created the universe to help man have meaning, or
d. all the religious leaders in the world have been deluded or intentional deluders.

All four of these possibilities can't be true. But they can all be false. And the limitations of logic give me no clue as to which if any I should "have Faith in."

I choose to have faith in a God who lives on an invisible planet 353 light years north east of the planet Kolob. Can you prove that I am deluded?

Abraham didn’t say or believed that there weren’t other Gods. All the evidence is that there were other Gods, for other people. And Abraham’s God never insisted on exclusivity. And he hears voices that he can not prove like other religious people.

Abraham is unique. The message is same as Mohammad’s only articulated at a different time in different language.

His God gave him law and behavior. The introduction of a single moral law.
For king and for commoner. Every other civilization had Gods whom you had to feed,
to sacrifice to them.

Islam says Abraham and Ishmael helped build the Kabba in Mecca. Abraham laid the foundation. Abraham developed the faith and Mohammad preached the faith as God spoke to him.

As God promised to Abraham in the bible. One day all three faiths will live peacefully together. Since they are all considered Abrahams descendants from Ishmael and Isaac.

TONY

That is always the final difficulty with logic, the Universe, and God. All logical arguments ultimately must rest on assumptions, as you indicate. But any logical argument must start with some assumptions, and these must themselves be unjustified. At some point logical argument must accept some postulates for which we can give no reason for which they are true. What do your assumptions concerning the existence of the Universe rest on? Science has no answer, and very well may never have. Assuming the Universe to be rational is no more "logical" than assuming it to be "miraculous."

My personal "postulate?" Logic, which is the lifeblood of mathematics and science, can only get us so far. I like that it can get us very far. But beyond that, what? Faith is not just a crutch for the weakminded. It is also the inspiration and drive for those striving to see beyond the limitations of logic. It is the difference between "it just is" and "why is it?"

The universe is very large and the human mind is very small. Nobody really knows why the universe (and there may be many) exists. I find it a lot more logical to assume that the universe always existed or came out of nothing than to assume some bad egotistical, sadistic tempered god who tortures his creations for all eternity always existed and came out of nothing-and then created the universe out of nothing.

There may not be no difference between a cult and religion. But what it is really important is the role of the organization in helping you to connect with your spirituality.
If that organization empowers you and facilitates your spiritual growth , then that is a healthy association.
If on the other hand it is controlling and insists that only through them can you find you way, then you should be concerned.
Regardless, it has been my experience that people find god despite being in the most oppressive religion or cult. That is a statement of the power of god and the human spirit.

JohnG1, as a truly logical person, can you give me a truly logical argument for the existence of the Universe? I have yet to see anyone logically account for the Universe except to finally resort to the brute force "it just is." Seems rather like a "miracle" in some vernaculars.

The modern definition of cult or religion seems completely self-referential. If you agree with a group, or do not feel threatened by it, or if you don't have some need to pity its members, then you rarely label it a cult. If the opposite applies, well then, cults be they all!

Cult has become almost exclusively a pejorative label, used to exclude from legitimacy those so labeled. Carrying on an intelligent conversation with those who like to attach the label to others is nearly impossible, as there is no acceptable definition outside, or even merely at odds with, their personal belief system.

Defining a group as a religion or a cult? It seems purely a matter of faith.

A cult is any organization that creates rules & regulations that organize it's member's lives on the stated goal of improving them, usually around the philosophy of one leader, and requires it's members to join for life.

A religion is any organization that creates rules & regulations that organize it's member's lives on the stated goal of improving them, usually around the philosophy of one leader.

Both groups band people together in common ways of living. The difference is a cult demands membership for a lifetime. Cults don't want people to leave.

A cult is any organization that creates rules & regulations that organize it's member's lives on the stated goal of improving them, usually around the philosophy of one leader, and requires it's members to join for life.

A religion is any organization that creates rules & regulations that organize it's member's lives on the stated goal of improving them, usually around the philosophy of one leader.

Both groups band people together in common ways of living. The difference is a cult demands membership for a lifetime. Cults don't want people to leave.

The universe is very large and the human mind is very small. Nobody really knows why the universe (and there may be many) exists. I find it a lot more logical to assume that the universe always existed or came out of nothing than to assume some bad egotistical, sadistic tempered god who tortures his creations for all eternity always existed and came out of nothing-and then created the universe out of nothing.

Who cares? All religion start as cults. Some are more successful than others. The amount of time spent by religious people disparaging other religious people amazes me. But what can you expect from a bunch of make-believe anyways?

JohnG1, as a truly logical person, can you give me a truly logical argument for the existence of the Universe? I have yet to see anyone logically account for the Universe except to finally resort to the brute force "it just is." Seems rather like a "miracle" in some vernaculars.

The modern definition of cult or religion seems completely self-referential. If you agree with a group, or do not feel threatened by it, or if you don't have some need to pity its members, then you rarely label it a cult. If the opposite applies, well then, cults be they all!

Cult has become almost exclusively a pejorative label, used to exclude from legitimacy those so labeled. Carrying on an intelligent conversation with those who like to attach the label to others is nearly impossible, as there is no acceptable definition outside, or even merely at odds with, their personal belief system.

Defining a group as a religion or a cult? It seems purely a matter of faith.

A cult is any organization that creates rules & regulations that organize it's member's lives on the stated goal of improving them, usually around the philosophy of one leader, and requires it's members to join for life.

A religion is any organization that creates rules & regulations that organize it's member's lives on the stated goal of improving them, usually around the philosophy of one leader.

Both band people together in common ways of living. The difference is a cult demands membership for a lifetime. Cults don't want people to leave.

The universe is very large and the human mind is very small. Nobody really knows why the universe (and there may be many) exists. I find it a lot more logical to assume that the universe always existed or came out of nothing than to assume some bad egotistical, sadistic tempered god who tortures his creations for all eternity always existed and came out of nothing-and then created the universe out of nothing.

JohnG1, as a truly logical person, can you give me a truly logical argument for the existence of the Universe?

JohnG1, as a truly logical person, can you give me a truly logical argument for the existence of the Universe?

A cult is any organization that creates rules & regulations that organize it's member's lives on the stated goal of improving them, usually around the philosophy of one leader, and requires it's members to join for life.

A religion is any organization that creates rules & regulations that organize it's member's lives on the stated goal of improving them, usually around the philosophy of one leader.

Both band people together in common ways of living. The difference is a cult demands membership for a lifetime. Cults don't want people to leave.

The distinction provided by the National Archives and Library of Congress is that a cult is a spiritual movement centered about an individual. Fifty years after the death of the charismatic founding leader, if the movement continues to grow, the organization can be re-classified as a religion. This is a practical definition that avoids philosophical debate.
Under this classification system, Christianity would initially have been considered a cult.

The distinction provided by the National Archives and Library of Congress is that a cult is a spiritual movement centered about an individual. Fifty years after the death of the charismatic founding leader, if the movement continues to grow, the organization can be re-classified as a religion. This is a practical definition that avoids philosophical debate.
Under this classification system, Christianity would initially have been considered a cult.

A cult is any organization that creates rules & regulations that organize it's member's lives on the stated goal of improving them, usually around the philosophy of one leader, and requires it's members to join for life.

A religion is any organization that creates rules & regulations that organize it's member's lives on the stated goal of improving them, usually around the philosophy of one leader.

Both band people together in common ways of living. The difference is a cult demands membership for a lifetime. Cults don't want people to leave.

world mass integration.
the physical and geographycal integration of this universe is only and soley in the hand of the creator of this universe.,the logical starting point in understanding the mainstream and divisionism is to refer to the reference of the creator of this universe.
every mankind attempet in answering this question without refereing to the reference of the creator of this universe is another add to mankind divisionism.
there is only one creator ,the truth is one, and the delusions are many.
do mankind ever stop dividing?no mankind will answer this question but the creator of mankind.
this life is not a mankind melting culinary pot but a huge battle field of ideology.not only divisionism vs divisionism but divisionism vs the mainstream.the truth is the last winer.

world mass integration.
the physical and geographycal integration of this universe is only and soley in the hand of the creator of this universe.,the logical starting point in understanding the mainstream and divisionism is to refer to the reference of the creator of this universe.
every mankind attempet in answering this question without refereing to the reference of the creator of this universe is another add to mankind divisionism.
there is only one creator ,the truth is one, and the delusions are many.
do mankind ever stop dividing?no mankind will answer this question but the creator of mankind.
this life is not a mankind melting culinary pot but a huge battle field of ideology.not only divisionism vs divisionism but divisionism vs the mainstream.the truth is the last winer.

This debate is a waste of time.

As someone already said, in essence a "cult" is whatever one does not regard as legitimate.

Secondly, the 'religious' and the 'non-religious' each have differing definitions of "cult".

By Websters standards ALL religions are cults.

However, many self-proclaimed Christian sects create a definition of cult that includes all other religions but their own.

Like regular religions don't want you to leave? The only difference between a religion and a cult is that a religion is more established. All religions started as cults and remain cults at their core.

A cult is any organization that creates rules & regulations that organize it's member's lives on the stated goal of improving them, usually around the philosophy of one leader, and requires it's members to join for life.

A religion is any organization that creates rules & regulations that organize it's member's lives on the stated goal of improving them, usually around the philosophy of one leader.

Both band people together in common ways of living. The difference is a cult demands membership for a lifetime. Cults don't want people to leave.

This debate is a waste of time.

As someone already said, in essence a "cult" is whatever one does not regard as legitimate.

Secondly, the 'religious' and the 'non-religious' each have differing definitions of "cult".

By Websters standards ALL religions are cults.

However, many self-proclaimed Christian sects create a definition of cult that includes all other religions but their own.

A cult is any organization that creates rules & regulations that organize it's member's lives on the stated goal of improving them, usually around the philosophy of one leader, and requires it's members to join for life.

A religion is any organization that creates rules & regulations that organize it's member's lives on the stated goal of improving them, usually around the philosophy of one leader.

Both band people together in common ways of living. The difference is a cult demands membership for a lifetime. Cults don't want people to leave.

A cult is any organization that creates rules & regulations that organize it's member's lives on the stated goal of improving them, usually around the philosophy of one leader, and requires it's members to join for life.

A religion is any organization that creates rules & regulations that organize it's member's lives on the stated goal of improving them, usually around the philosophy of one leader.

Both band people together in common ways of living. The difference is a cult demands membership for a lifetime. Cults don't want people to leave.

A cult is any organization that creates rules & regulations that organize it's member's lives on the stated goal of improving them, usually around the philosophy of one leader, and requires it's members to join for life.

A religion is any organization that creates rules & regulations that organize it's member's lives on the stated goal of improving them, usually around the philosophy of one leader.

Both band people together in common ways of living. The difference is a cult demands membership for a lifetime. Cults don't want people to leave.

Everything Greg says that Mormons Believe
Mormons do Believe

But none of it is true.

The difference between a religion and a cult is whether or not you're in it.

Cult or religion? Hmm. Which is easier to believe - the face of Jesus in a piece of toast or an angel named "moroni" delivering golden tablets (which mysteriously go missing shortly) with the purported word of a god?
Which is easier to believe - that mountains and various places have spirits who may or may not help you with good luck or a "virgin" who finds herself pregnant (and we know, do we not, that certain forms of play can lead to pregnancy in a virgin), but she'd rather stick with a story of a "spirit" visiting her than admit to anticipating her wedding?
Which is easier to believe - that the large rock in my back yard has been visited by angels, and if you come to worship there, then I can declare this to be church property and be relieved of paying taxes or I could buy TV time and tell you that there is a god who comes to talk to me and that I really am not "thinking magically" and should be locked up or on medication?

Size of membership, and financial holdings. If enough people believed little green men landed from Mars, and they built a big enough temple in every major town in America, voila, there's a new religion.

Most people believe that a religion is a group of people that worship God, while a cult is a group of people that follow a person. However, I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which is referred to as "Mormonism". We believe that God the Father, the supreme being of the universe, sent his son Jesus Christ to the earth to be the great mediator for all mankind. Jesus Christ was born as half God and half mortal, which gave him the weakness of the mortal and the strength of a God. Christ lived and died and then through the power of his Godhood, he resurrected himself from the dead to make himself immortal for time and all eternity. After many years, from his ascention back to his Father in heaven, his church which was established while he was here, fell away. In 1830 Jesus Christ had His chruch reestablished again on the earth. He called a Prophet "Joseph Smith" to be the authorized person to allow His church to come back to the earth, and to provide a way for all of God's children to have an opportunity to be saved. Many people believe outside of our religion, that Joseph Smith (proposed cult leader) created a cult, which in fact is not the case. We do not worship Joseph Smith, he at the time was the leader of the church, which almost all religions have someone designated as the leader, even our country has a designated leader, that does not make our religion or even other religions a cult and by all means our great country "USA" is not a cult.

We believe in a living God who had his son Jesus Christ come and provide the atonement for all of the children of the earth to have the opportunity to be saved, through faithful observance to Gods commandments.

The reason that we are nicknamed as "Mormons". An ancient Prophet abridged several books that were writen by Prophets of the America's. The Book of Mormon is another testiment of Jesus Christ, the same person that is Gods son that was sent to the earth to provide the atonement for us.

I bear testimony the Jesus Christ is the literal Son of God who died that all may be made saved and that this church is under the direction of Jesus Christ. That the Book of Mormon is true and is the most accurate religious writings that exist on the earth today. That this church is lead by living Apostles and Prophets, who are ordained of God.

The official website to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: www.lds.org

Greg "A Mormon"

Most people believe that a religion is a group of people that worship God, while a cult is a group of people that follow a person. However, I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which is referred to as "Mormonism". We believe that God the Father, the supreme being of the universe, sent his son Jesus Christ to the earth to be the great mediator for all mankind. Jesus Christ was born as half God and half mortal, which gave him the weakness of the mortal and the strength of a God. Christ lived and died and then through the power of his Godhood, he resurrected himself from the dead to make himself immortal for time and all eternity. After many years, from his ascention back to his Father in heaven, his church which was established while he was here, fell away. In 1830 Jesus Christ had His chruch reestablished again on the earth. He called a Prophet "Joseph Smith" to be the authorized person to allow His church to come back to the earth, and to provide a way for all of God's children to have an opportunity to be saved. Many people believe outside of our religion, that Joseph Smith (proposed cult leader) created a cult, which in fact is not the case. We do not worship Joseph Smith, he at the time was the leader of the church, which almost all religions have someone designated as the leader, even our country has a designated leader, that does not make our religion or even other religions a cult and by all means our great country "USA" is not a cult.

We believe in a living God who had his son Jesus Christ come and provide the atonement for all of the children of the earth to have the opportunity to be saved, through faithful observance to Gods commandments.

The reason that we are nicknamed as "Mormons". An ancient Prophet abridged several books that were writen by Prophets of the America's. The Book of Mormon is another testiment of Jesus Christ, the same person that is Gods son that was sent to the earth to provide the atonement for us.

I bear testimony the Jesus Christ is the literal Son of God who died that all may be made saved and that this church is under the direction of Jesus Christ. That the Book of Mormon is true and is the most accurate religious writings that exist on the earth today. That this church is lead by living Apostles and Prophets, who are ordained of God.

The official website to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: www.lds.org

Greg "A Mormon"

Take the pledge!

What we believe is right, true and correct. What our enemies believe is wrong, false and dangerous. We are good, righteous and beneficent. If everyone believed and behaved as we do, the world would be filled with peace, love and harmony. There would be no war or strife, no poverty or hunger, no sadness or pain.

The enemy is bad, wicked and evil. They want to do us harm. They want to kill us. They want to destroy our way of life. We just want to show them a better life. We don’t want to kill them, but sadly, we are forced to kill them because they won’t listen to reason and because they continue their evil ways by trying to murder us. They want to wipe us off of the face of the earth.

We are civilized; they are barbaric. Our culture, customs, celebrations, mode of dress, our ways of greeting and interaction have evolved over centuries and are familiar and comfortable. Their ways are weird, odd, and unnatural and their dress and behavior are strange and incomprehensible to us.

All we want is peace, tranquility, cooperation, friendliness, neighborliness, community, brotherhood, fraternity and fellowship within the family of man. Race is irrelevant to us.

The enemy, on the other hand, just wants to wage war, fight, kill, hurt, maim and destroy because they are evil, wicked and misguided. Some of the civil populations who live in their culture, we suppose, are truly good and decent people, but their leaders propagandize against us and create erroneous stereotypes of us. Nonetheless, we are presently in a war against their oppression. Therefore some lives of those good innocents will be lost. That is the way of war.

Let us, the ordinary, working, thinking people who suffer from governments’ decisions and policies unite in this pledge against our enemy. We pledge allegiance to our beliefs and will defend them to the death. We will defend our way of life even if it means sacrificing our own lives. We would rather be shot through the head or have our heads severed from our bodies than succumb to servitude to the enemy. If the enemy occupied our country and burst down our door and asked, “To whom do you pledge allegiance,” we will have the bravery, courage and patriotism to announce that we pledge allegiance to our beliefs, which are right, true and correct.

Answer: No difference.

All are based on fairy tale foundations, which any truly logical person would outright reject.

Through time, each as figured out how to hide these ridiculous beliefs in ways that cannot be disproved (without a time machine).

All are extremely defensive with regard to criticism both within and outside their ranks.

Just to name a few reasons.

I like this definition:

The difference between a true religion and a dangerous cult is this-- In the one the individual is freed to grow and live and learn, in the other the individual is subordinated to the will of a hierarchy, forbidden to learn except what the cult would teach. You have only to look at the rules which govern the servants of a religion to know whether its god is God indeed, or the devil!

Are Some Religions **Like** Cults?

While I agree with Ted and Irving's sentiments, I will once again note that there are groups that it has made sense to call "cults" - the Jonestown Group, the Moonies, etc.

AND, serious people who are not just interested in insulting a relgion different than theirs have studied such groups and outlined their characteristics.

AND, some religions are a lot more "cult-like" (though we would all be too polite to call them a cult) than others.

For example, if one takes just 3 traits that described the Jonestown group:
- a leader with a dubious history
- the group leader has exclusive means of Knowing the truth
- no financial disclosure

then the Mormons (my religion of origin) are more "cult-like" than Unitarians. Not that I would ever call the Mormons a cult, mind you.

I am too polite to do that.

"A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject."
-- Winston Churchill

That sounds like a cult?

When a religious or spiritual group is not part of your religion, it is called a cult. When it is part of your religion, but different, it is called a sect. Both are exclusionary words meant to demean the often good intention and good works of the supposed cults and sects.

Peace and Blessings!

"What constitutes a real religion?"

Better to ask what constitutes a real delusion. See the problem?

I ca't recall the author of the quote, but I once read a very profound one: "Insanity is nothing more than religion with only one adherent."

I ca't recall the author of the quote, but I once read a very profound one: "Insanity is nothing more than religion with only one adherent."

I ca't recall the author of the quote, but I once read a very profound one: "Insanity is nothing more than religion with only one adherent."

A cult is any religious group that believes everything they are told without question and expects the rest of us to do the same. They work toward forcing us all by law to adhere to their beliefs (i.e. abortion rights, prayer in public schools, etc.)

If God hears silent prayer, then why must school children be forced to pray out loud? Isn't it obvious? There are Christians and then there are Christians. I do not want a Catholic, Penecostal, Morman, Baptist or any other faith that discourages thought or discriminates against women to pray with my children. I will tell them what I believe and encourage them to seek out the beliefs that are comfortable for them.

I am sick of hearing everything is "God's will", and "God has a purpose" for everything that happens and most of all, "God will provide". This is what the Catholic Church tells the starving millions who keep bringing little children into the world because their "Christian" church teaches them that birth control is a sin. The same teaching that has allowed AIDS to spread like wildfire in these third world countries.

Why doesn't God protect us from the evildoers wrapped in the robes righteousness? If "Christians" succeed in taking over our public institutions (the presidency, schools, military) then we will have a national cult. We will be able to witness evil first hand. Power corrupts. History tells us the church is no exception.

The difference Between a religion and a cult is the amount of members/money/imfluence in them. If there are many members/money/influence it is "an established religion" if it has few members/little money/lacking influence it is a "cult". It reminds me of the example once given to differentiate between being "insane" and "eccentric", if a man is poor and acts strange he is "insane", if he is rich and acts strange he is "eccentric". Members/money/influence make the same act acceptable, have little of either and what you do is considered unacceptable/wrong, even though, for compatitive purposes, the acts/deeds are quite similar.

The difference Between a religion and a cult is the amount of members/money/imfluence in them. If there are many members/money/influence it is "an established religion" if it has few members/little money/lacking influence it is a "cult". It reminds me of the example once given to differentiate between being "insane" and "eccentric", if a man is poor and acts strange he is "insane", if he is rich and acts strange he is "eccentric". Members/money/influence make the same act acceptable, have little of either and what you do is considered unacceptable/wrong, even though, for compatitive purposes, the acts/deeds are quite similar.

Oops!

Grandpa led the Bergthaler Church! He'd no doubt be very upset with me for associating him with those heretical Summerfeld cultists...;-)

A (blushing) Hermit

Rev. Williams, thank you for your kind reply to my comment...and don't worry about promptness around here; I'm sure we all have better things to do than hang around internet chats. I have any number of such tasks which I am avoiding at the moment...

No need to give me a history lesson; my Grandfather was a minister in a Summerfelder church so I'm very familiar with the Mennonite story, I assure you. My point was that from the point of view of those righteous Catholic and Protestant persecuters my ancestors' beliefs were serious deviations from accepted doctrine. That was your definition of a cult, was it not? You tell us the Mormons, Witnesses and Adventists are cultists because their doctrine deviates from ancient Church doctrine, but that is exactly the charge that was used against my ancestors (and yours). And it was true, by the way; Mennonite teaching on subjects like pacifism, purgatory, heaven and hell, prophecy, authority amd tradition were, and still are, at odds with the long tradtion of the majority of Christian believers represented by the Catholic and mainstream protestant churches.

I think you also confirm the other point I was making (I am not unfamiliar with hermeneutics, by the way) when you say that interpreting scripture is not always easy and may sometimes be beyond understanding. It is precisely on those doctrinal differences which separate the various sects of Christianity that interpretation is most difficult and the Bible, contrary to your original assertion, is most unclear. That's why the differences in belief exist in the first place! If the Bible was indeed as plain as you initially suggested. There is certainly much of value onthe Bible, in terms of poetry, imagery and metaphor, but to take any of as a literal basis for an absolute belief in anything is, in my opinion, completely unwarranted.

So I am inclined to disagree with your definition of a cult. I tend to agree with a number of commenters who make the distinction in terms of the group's behaviour in regard to control of its members. The more strict that control, the less room there is for questioning and dissent the more cult like the organization. I have good friends who left their Pentecostal congregation to move back to their home town and were pursued by an assistant Pastor who tried to convince them it was against God's will for them to do so. That, to me, is cultish behaviour, and had nothing to do with the doctrine of that particular church which was probably not very different from the Baptist tradition.

There is, of course, an element of that kind of thing in all churches; in fact we can see it in your last comment. You want us to believe in Christ as man's only hope and savior, and insist on this as the single, absolute answer even though you yourself can offer no evidence for it beyond an assertion of authority. Those of us who find we are unable to accept this authority at face value cannot help but see this assertion of truth on the basis of authority as somewhat cultlike in itself.

Regards

A Hermit

Perhaps instead of using "cult" and "sect" as the new words for "heretical", we can use the adjectives "controlling" for those groups that exert tight control over their members (especially if one is not allowed to leave the group), and "insular" for those groups that prevent information from entering or leaving.

As far as heresies and error go, the only thing about which I am mostly certain is that I have gotten one or more things wrong. Unfortunately, I don't know which. Fortunately, there is a world full of people willing to tell me.

When all religions learn to be tolerant of each other, then, and only then will they have a viable place in the 21st. Century.

When all religions learn to be tolerant of each other, then, and only then will they have a viable place in the 21st. Century.

I believe a cult to be any group of followers who worship a false god that can not be proven through history as existing as Christ was. Also, their doctrine or beliefs can not be backed up by scripture based on the one true Bible that has past the test of scrutiny. There are religions out there that have their own version of the Bible written to support their beliefs or other publishings that they distribute to their members to back their way of thinking. Two in particular that claim Christ came back to them behind closed doors or in a particular place inspiring them to change or add to existing scripture. This action is plainly written in scripture as signs of false teaching and to stay clear of such teachings.

With the "pwfft" i.e. Gabriel and the warmongering, womanizing, "holey not holy hallucinator" aka Mohammed what does one conclude about Islam?

A cult based on oil profits, terror, false promises, lies, fortune telling, control, fear of the sword, stoning, hand chopping and suicide bombers.

Most Christians think that a cult is a group whose doctrine is outside mainstream Christianity. However, what defines a cult is its actions, behavior, and organizational structure. When I was in seminary, I took a course on cults, which primarily focused on the doctrines of “cults.” As a former member of a Bible-based cult, I now realize that the doctrines are not the most important aspect, but rather the controlling structure of the group. (Although the doctrines in the cult I was in was heretical).

Wendy J. Duncan
Author: I Can’t Hear God Anymore: Life in a Dallas Cult
http://www.dallascult.com

Most Christians think that a cult is a group whose doctrine is outside mainstream Christianity. However, what defines a cult is its actions, behavior, and organizational structure. When I was in seminary, I took a course on cults, which primarily focused on the doctrines of “cults.” As a former member of a Bible-based cult, I now realize that the doctrines are not the most important aspect, but rather the controlling structure of the group. (Although the doctrines in the cult I was in was heretical).

Wendy J. Duncan
Author: I Can’t Hear God Anymore: Life in a Dallas Cult
http://www.dallascult.com

Most Christians think that a cult is a group whose doctrine is outside mainstream Christianity. However, what defines a cult is its actions, behavior, and organizational structure. When I was in seminary, I took a course on cults, which primarily focused on the doctrines of “cults.” As a former member of a Bible-based cult, I now realize that the doctrines are not the most important aspect, but rather the controlling structure of the group. (Although the doctrines in the cult I was in was heretical).

Wendy J. Duncan
Author: I Can’t Hear God Anymore: Life in a Dallas Cult
http://www.dallascult.com

WHAT IS A CULT?

Webster defines a cult as a system of religious worship or ritual. A group of followers. A sect.
A cult is recognized by having a leader and or an organization in which the believers follow without question, believing whatever they are told. Mainstream Christianity view most religions outside of their teachings (doctrines) as being a cult. When we look at the definition of a cult, we find that it encompasses all religions. To belong to any religion you must accept their beliefs, doctrines and interpretations of the Scriptures. If you do not ascribe to their views, etc., you cannot be a true member.
All religions have wonderful, well-meaning people in their organizations. This is what keeps membership together, following the leader. All religions have a lot of Truth and that makes it palpable if you are willing to accept it at face value, not asking why they have all the falsehoods, pagan paraphernalia and other rituals to give it some sense of legitimacy.
Here is an example of how a cult or a religion works in misleading (deceiving) you. If you put a live frog in boiling water, the frog will jump out. If you put a frog in lukewarm water and gradually raise the temperature to boiling, the frog will stay and become cooked. Cults (religions) work the same way. A person is gradually indoctrinated into the teachings of any assembly (church) until they are totally immersed in their teachings (doctrine). Once this process is complete it becomes almost impossible to extricate yourself without becoming deprogrammed or admitting to yourself and others that you were wrong or misled (deceived). If you decide to leave any assembly (church), you usually lose all the friends you have made, because in the process of leaving you have offended the people in the assembly (church) by your actions, since they will take it personally.
There are over 2000 Christian professing religions and they are all different, except for one thing. They all have a lot of Truth mixed in with a lot of lies. You can’t put poison in a glass of water and make it safe to drink. If you dilute the poison with water (truth), it is still poison, just watered down to make it more acceptable.
That is why the Messiah says don’t follow them. (Luke 21:8) That is why Sha’ul (Paul) states in (Philippians 2:12) work out your own deliverance (salvation) with trembling and fear.
1 Yohanan (1 John) 2:27) (the Scriptures) you don’t need a man to teach you.
That is why Dawid tells us in Tehillim (Psalms) 146:3 (the Scriptures) don’t put your trust in man, in whom is no deliverance (salvation). Follow Yahushuah Messiah and believe what HE has told us all. If anyone comes in HIS Name saying HE, the Messiah (Christ), is the Messiah (Christ), don’t follow that person or organization. Most religions wont say it to your face, but they will deny that you should follow what Yahushuah Messiah just told each one of us in Luke 21:8.
Why do most believe you must be a member of a cult to be religious or a Christian? If you take away all the icons, pagan holidays, lies, etc., then you are left with having to worship Yahuah in spirit and Truth.
How does Yahushuah Messiah tell us to worship?
Yohanan (John) 4:23-24 “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the True worshippers shall worship the FATHER in spirit and Truth, for the FATHER also does seek such to worship HIM. Elohim is Spirit, and they who worship HIM need to worship in Spirit and Truth.”
Now then a follower of Yahushuah’s responsibility becomes one of following Yahushuah, called “THE WAY“, not an organization of man.
Prior to Sha’ul’s (Paul’s) being called out by Yahushuah Messiah Sha’ul searched out and severely persecuted them who were of “the way”.
Acts 9:1-2 (the Scriptures) But Sha’ul, still breathing threats and murder against the taught ones of the MASTER, having come to the high priest, asked from him letters to the congregation of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the way, whether men or women, to bring them bound to Yerushalayim.
“THE WAY “ was spoken of as being evil and also called a sect. Today they would be classified as a cult in no uncertain terms.
Acts 19:8-9, & 23 (the Scriptures) and having gone into the congregation he spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the reign of Elohim. But when some were hardened and did not believe of the way before the crowd, he withdrew from them and separated the taught ones, reasoning daily in the school of Turannos. And about that time there came to be a great commotion about the way.
Sha’ul confessed to persecuting those who followed the way.
Acts 22:3-4 (the Scriptures) “I am indeed a Yehudite, having been born in Tarsos of Kililia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamli’el, having been instructed to the exactness of the Torah (law of Mosheh) of our fathers being ardent for Elohim, as you all are today, who persecuted ‘this way’ to the death, binding and delivering up into prisons both men and women.”
Acts 24:14 (the Scriptures) “And this I confess to you, that according to the way which they call a sect (a cult?), so I worship the Elohim of my fathers, believing all that has been written in the Torah (law of Mosheh) and in the prophets.”
Acts 24:22: (the Scriptures) And having heard this, having known more exactly about the way, Felix put them off, saying, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I shall decide your case.“
What was the way?
It is not the Law of Mosheh (Moses), but the law of Yahuah, called the covenant or more precisely, the 10 commands. Yahushuah explained that if we are to enter into life we must keep the commands. The original covenant was the 10 commands written on two tablets of stones; today the covenant is those same 10 commands written on our hearts and in our minds. Originally they were physical and now they have been renewed and made spiritual.
What is a cult?
It is any man or organization that would tell you that you do not have to obey the 10 commands of our creator, the covenant, which is in the Ark of the Covenant. Most will not obey and in particular observe the 7th day command. Remember it was the Law of Mosheh (Moses) and the prophets that our Savior fulfilled and brought to completion for those who accept HIM. He did not do away with obedience to the Father, but made it more binding then ever, because now we can sin spiritually and lose out completely through spiritual disobedience.
What is a cult?
A cult is any organization that differs from the way that our Savior Yahushuah taught and instructed HIS apostles. A cult is any organization that does not keep the covenant of Yahuah and follow HIS SON’S example that HE lived and left for us.

WHAT IS A CULT?

Webster defines a cult as a system of religious worship or ritual. A group of followers. A sect.
A cult is recognized by having a leader and or an organization in which the believers follow without question, believing whatever they are told. Mainstream Christianity view most religions outside of their teachings (doctrines) as being a cult. When we look at the definition of a cult, we find that it encompasses all religions. To belong to any religion you must accept their beliefs, doctrines and interpretations of the Scriptures. If you do not ascribe to their views, etc., you cannot be a true member.
All religions have wonderful, well-meaning people in their organizations. This is what keeps membership together, following the leader. All religions have a lot of Truth and that makes it palpable if you are willing to accept it at face value, not asking why they have all the falsehoods, pagan paraphernalia and other rituals to give it some sense of legitimacy.
Here is an example of how a cult or a religion works in misleading (deceiving) you. If you put a live frog in boiling water, the frog will jump out. If you put a frog in lukewarm water and gradually raise the temperature to boiling, the frog will stay and become cooked. Cults (religions) work the same way. A person is gradually indoctrinated into the teachings of any assembly (church) until they are totally immersed in their teachings (doctrine). Once this process is complete it becomes almost impossible to extricate yourself without becoming deprogrammed or admitting to yourself and others that you were wrong or misled (deceived). If you decide to leave any assembly (church), you usually lose all the friends you have made, because in the process of leaving you have offended the people in the assembly (church) by your actions, since they will take it personally.
There are over 2000 Christian professing religions and they are all different, except for one thing. They all have a lot of Truth mixed in with a lot of lies. You can’t put poison in a glass of water and make it safe to drink. If you dilute the poison with water (truth), it is still poison, just watered down to make it more acceptable.
That is why the Messiah says don’t follow them. (Luke 21:8) That is why Sha’ul (Paul) states in (Philippians 2:12) work out your own deliverance (salvation) with trembling and fear.
1 Yohanan (1 John) 2:27) (the Scriptures) you don’t need a man to teach you.
That is why Dawid tells us in Tehillim (Psalms) 146:3 (the Scriptures) don’t put your trust in man, in whom is no deliverance (salvation). Follow Yahushuah Messiah and believe what HE has told us all. If anyone comes in HIS Name saying HE, the Messiah (Christ), is the Messiah (Christ), don’t follow that person or organization. Most religions wont say it to your face, but they will deny that you should follow what Yahushuah Messiah just told each one of us in Luke 21:8.
Why do most believe you must be a member of a cult to be religious or a Christian? If you take away all the icons, pagan holidays, lies, etc., then you are left with having to worship Yahuah in spirit and Truth.
How does Yahushuah Messiah tell us to worship?
Yohanan (John) 4:23-24 “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the True worshippers shall worship the FATHER in spirit and Truth, for the FATHER also does seek such to worship HIM. Elohim is Spirit, and they who worship HIM need to worship in Spirit and Truth.”
Now then a follower of Yahushuah’s responsibility becomes one of following Yahushuah, called “THE WAY“, not an organization of man.
Prior to Sha’ul’s (Paul’s) being called out by Yahushuah Messiah Sha’ul searched out and severely persecuted them who were of “the way”.
Acts 9:1-2 (the Scriptures) But Sha’ul, still breathing threats and murder against the taught ones of the MASTER, having come to the high priest, asked from him letters to the congregation of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the way, whether men or women, to bring them bound to Yerushalayim.
“THE WAY “ was spoken of as being evil and also called a sect. Today they would be classified as a cult in no uncertain terms.
Acts 19:8-9, & 23 (the Scriptures) and having gone into the congregation he spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the reign of Elohim. But when some were hardened and did not believe of the way before the crowd, he withdrew from them and separated the taught ones, reasoning daily in the school of Turannos. And about that time there came to be a great commotion about the way.
Sha’ul confessed to persecuting those who followed the way.
Acts 22:3-4 (the Scriptures) “I am indeed a Yehudite, having been born in Tarsos of Kililia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamli’el, having been instructed to the exactness of the Torah (law of Mosheh) of our fathers being ardent for Elohim, as you all are today, who persecuted ‘this way’ to the death, binding and delivering up into prisons both men and women.”
Acts 24:14 (the Scriptures) “And this I confess to you, that according to the way which they call a sect (a cult?), so I worship the Elohim of my fathers, believing all that has been written in the Torah (law of Mosheh) and in the prophets.”
Acts 24:22: (the Scriptures) And having heard this, having known more exactly about the way, Felix put them off, saying, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I shall decide your case.“
What was the way?
It is not the Law of Mosheh (Moses), but the law of Yahuah, called the covenant or more precisely, the 10 commands. Yahushuah explained that if we are to enter into life we must keep the commands. The original covenant was the 10 commands written on two tablets of stones; today the covenant is those same 10 commands written on our hearts and in our minds. Originally they were physical and now they have been renewed and made spiritual.
What is a cult?
It is any man or organization that would tell you that you do not have to obey the 10 commands of our creator, the covenant, which is in the Ark of the Covenant. Most will not obey and in particular observe the 7th day command. Remember it was the Law of Mosheh (Moses) and the prophets that our Savior fulfilled and brought to completion for those who accept HIM. He did not do away with obedience to the Father, but made it more binding then ever, because now we can sin spiritually and lose out completely through spiritual disobedience.
What is a cult?
A cult is any organization that differs from the way that our Savior Yahushuah taught and instructed HIS apostles. A cult is any organization that does not keep the covenant of Yahuah and follow HIS SON’S example that HE lived and left for us.

If you were only to open your eyes, all of you "water walking, mythology loving fools" would realize there is no god. It is all a weapon to keep the masses down. Whether it is jesus or allah or what ever crack pot spewing idiots you kneel down to, its all fake. WAKE UP!!
Discover a no religion lifestyle and you will be free from the bonds of mental slavery!!

If you were only to open your eyes, all of you "water walking, mythology loving fools" would realize there is no god. It is all a weapon to keep the masses down. Whether it is jesus or allah or what ever crack pot spewing idiots you kneel down to, its all fake. WAKE UP!!
Discover a no religion lifestyle and you will be free from the bonds of mental slavery!!

The difference between a cult and a religion is this. A religion binds people through kinship, faith, and action. It does not put one above the other but enlightens us. We understand we are equal under one God. The US constitution actually defines religion when it states that "all men are created equal". That is a pivotal point between a religion and a cult. A cult feeds off of fear and division. It normally tears people apart through a belief of bestowed differences in human value which is really an insidious quest for power that has desguised itself with a righteous cloak. Again, we hold equal value under one god and a true religion has this belief at its core. - A Catholic-Christian

God is in your heart. what you do for cult or ? does not count! What you do with your life and for others counts!

75 yrs young and love it! GOD LOVES ME!!

God is in your heart. what you do for cult or ? does not count! What you do with your life and for others counts!

75 yrs young and love it! GOD LOVES ME!!

My holy Priest told me when I was young that we all believe in the same GOD we just practice it differently.

The problem doesn't rest between a definition. The ideas are still the same in both a religion and a cult. You have a belief, from that belief you find people that have the same beliefs, you garrison together for positive support and you make a life for yourself. There isn't a problem with whether or not something is labled as a religion or a cult, thats completely insubstantial. We are taking too much responsibility away from the individual and not allowing them to be held accountable for their ideas and conduct. Religion is not a bad thing. A cult is not a bad thing. People are a bad thing.

Dear Hermit,

I apologize for the lateness of my reply.

You said,"Given the many differences in doctrine between even mainstream Christian sects I'm not sure that definition works very well. I was raised in the Mennonite faith, which as an Anabaptist sect rejects the Catholic doctrine of infant baptism. Does that make my parents "cultists"?"

First, I am a Baptist preacher. The Baptists are cousins to the Mennonites. True, the Mennonites are direct descendants of Simon Menno and those who followed after Hubmaier, et al, who rejected infant baptism, while Zwingli wanted to retain it. In fact, infant baptism is an ill-disguised attempt to make it look like the equivalent to circumcision. It is NOT and NEVER will be.

Second, the Anabaptists including Baptists were persecuted by the Protestants and the Roman Catholics. So, NO!, your parents are NOT "cultists."

Third, the true church is one headed by Jesus Christ and He knows who are His. All we can do is follow what has been revealed in the New Testament (Ephesians and Colossians especially) and go from there.

You also said, "I think this just brings us back to the earlier fight over which is the "One True Church." An insoluble question, I believe, since the Bible, contrary to the good reverend's assertion, isn't really very clear about much of anything. (Or at least the people who read it can't seem to agree about what's clear, what's literal, what's metaphorical and what's just mysterious...)."

First, we are dealing with the area of Hermeneutics which is "the art and science of interpretation."

Second, when you read this missive, you will take the words I said at face-value, i.e., literally, Unless the context tells you do so otherwise. That is hermeneutics. That is how the Bible is to be interpreted. We are to take the words written at their face-value unless the grammar, literary genre, e.g. poetry, prophecy, historical context, etc., tells us to do so otherwise. Some passages are not to be understood in a literal sense, but some are. That is not always easy nor understandable nor pleasant. It requires hard work and thinking it through. And, even then, it may not be understandable.

Third, it is a mystery. It is mystery to me that God would send His Son in the actual form of a created being, live on earth with His creation, be rejected by that creation and crucified on the Cross for my sin (and all mankinds). It is a mystery, and a historical fact, that Jesus rose again from the grave, from the dead, on the third day according to the Scriptures, that He was seen and that He ascended to the Father. It is a mystery that is before the foundation of this world that if I believe in Jesus that I would have eternal life, receive the forgiveness of sins, receive the Holy Spirit as the seal of His promise, His inheritance and a place in Heaven.

Finally, Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no man comes to the Father but through (by) me." That is pretty exclusive and really makes one have to grapple with the ramifications of that statement. We come to God on His terms NOT our own terms. Just a reminder, the Tabernacle in the Wilderness wanderings of the Israelites had only ONE opening. One had to enter and exit by that same opening. There was no other way in or out. One entered on the basis on what God's terms NOT on what man's terms.

In Christ,

Rev. Bryant J. Williams III

Dear Hermit,

I apologize for the lateness of my reply.

You said,"Given the many differences in doctrine between even mainstream Christian sects I'm not sure that definition works very well. I was raised in the Mennonite faith, which as an Anabaptist sect rejects the Catholic doctrine of infant baptism. Does that make my parents "cultists"?"

First, I am a Baptist preacher. The Baptists are cousins to the Mennonites. True, the Mennonites are direct descendants of Simon Menno and those who followed after Hubmaier, et al, who rejected infant baptism, while Zwingli wanted to retain it. In fact, infant baptism is an ill-disguised attempt to make it look like the equivalent to circumcision. It is NOT and NEVER will be.

Second, the Anabaptists including Baptists were persecuted by the Protestants and the Roman Catholics. So, NO!, your parents are NOT "cultists."

Third, the true church is one headed by Jesus Christ and He knows who are His. All we can do is follow what has been revealed in the New Testament (Ephesians and Colossians especially) and go from there.

You also said, "I think this just brings us back to the earlier fight over which is the "One True Church." An insoluble question, I believe, since the Bible, contrary to the good reverend's assertion, isn't really very clear about much of anything. (Or at least the people who read it can't seem to agree about what's clear, what's literal, what's metaphorical and what's just mysterious...)."

First, we are dealing with the area of Hermeneutics which is "the art and science of interpretation."

Second, when you read this missive, you will take the words I said at face-value, i.e., literally, Unless the context tells you do so otherwise. That is hermeneutics. That is how the Bible is to be interpreted. We are to take the words written at their face-value unless the grammar, literary genre, e.g. poetry, prophecy, historical context, etc., tells us to do so otherwise. Some passages are not to be understood in a literal sense, but some are. That is not always easy nor understandable nor pleasant. It requires hard work and thinking it through. And, even then, it may not be understandable.

Third, it is a mystery. It is mystery to me that God would send His Son in the actual form of a created being, live on earth with His creation, be rejected by that creation and crucified on the Cross for my sin (and all mankinds). It is a mystery, and a historical fact, that Jesus rose again from the grave, from the dead, on the third day according to the Scriptures, that He was seen and that He ascended to the Father. It is a mystery that is before the foundation of this world that if I believe in Jesus that I would have eternal life, receive the forgiveness of sins, receive the Holy Spirit as the seal of His promise, His inheritance and a place in Heaven.

Finally, Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no man comes to the Father but through (by) me." That is pretty exclusive and really makes one have to grapple with the ramifications of that statement. We come to God on His terms NOT our own terms. Just a reminder, the Tabernacle in the Wilderness wanderings of the Israelites had only ONE opening. One had to enter and exit by that same opening. There was no other way in or out. One entered on the basis on what God's terms NOT on what man's terms.

In Christ,

Rev. Bryant J. Williams III

Cult or religion?
Seems highly semantic to me.

cult/religon or gang, seems more accurate. It's all in how you behave.
cult/religion either behaves like a gang or not.
Most today seem gangs to me.
No. All seem like gangs to me. Everyone of them claim to be good people doing good work.
We're inundated with mystics of all stripe, always have been.

cult/relilgion is stupidity, superstition, ignorance, and sadly, true belief, complicated by chicanery, hypocrisy, prejudice and hate.
The sum total of human intellectual evolution, I sometimes fear.
Same thug, different day.

what constitutes a real religion?
According to the Supreme Court, whatever you want to call your religion will do nicely.
Put in whatever you like.
No belief, no matter how 'out there', crazy, nonsensical or worse can be denied the title.
You cannot pass any law abridging religious freedom in the USA.

You cannot judge any religion by any meaningful measure, because they all consist of large amounts of totally fabricated, unproveable, and/or
outright insane ideas.
What does that leave? A few bare facts, and a list of laws and rules that vary from not wearing mixed fabrics to suggesting children who curse their parents be killed.

In short, all religion is so lax in common sense, true morality and justice that in order to live with them we had to devise a constitution to protect us from their evil influence.
Where state religions have historically not actually been the ruin of the state, they offered nothing to sustain it as it died.
Hopefully, our constitution will allow us to watch religion die this time.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go put on my sacred underpants, gather my snakes, and wait for the holy spaceship.

donations cheerfully accepted.

Im ecstatic that so many people are standing up for Jesus. Not that he needs the help against the D-List comedian(?). Kathy needs to know her boundaries. Obviously you can't please all of the people all of the time. And I'm sure she thought she was being funny. I hope that she was just drunk. Drunk or not though, her comments were out of line and just plain disgusting. Kathy, as a Christian, I forgive you for your insult to the Lord. I hope that you can swallow your pride and make a public apology for your poor, poor action. May God have mercy on your soul.

The question is, "Is faith a valid method to obtain information about the real world?"

The use of faith reflects an epistemological belief that reason is insufficient and that its boundaries need not be respected. But wherein lies the method of validation.

Faith is by definition, beyond the bounds of reason. If one uses faith then they deny reason. Faith is based on the desire to believe. Like the belief that the earth is the center of a perfect circle where all the celestial wonders orbit about us. There is no foundation. We need not look through the telescope. It might challenge our beliefs.

There are so many faiths, must we respect them all? I respect people, but their beliefs must be judged independently.

The particulars of a faith are cultural and geographical phenomenon. We mostly parrot the faiths of our families. Few question and think. People defend faith because they are emotionally tied to it. For many it defines a sense of self, such an impoverished self, without the courage to acknowledge their ignorance. They use certainty to replace truth. And the arrogance of that stance is such that they arrogate unto themselves a sense of infallibility. As though by believing in an infallible agency they become now infallible themselves. In this action they put their faith beyond questioning and cry and weep when others challenge it.

If a child believes in the tooth fairy it is ok, for they are after all a child. But if an adult so believes most would find a serious problem with their maturity. So how is it that so many believe without question that which is beyond the bounds of reason, in immortality, miracles, God, Jesus coming back from the dead, the infallibility of the "prophet" of the Koran, the little green men that seeded us to this earth (Rael, and Scientology), free will (whatever that might mean), the infallibility of the Pope in religious matters, the infallibility of Warren Jeffs, Jones of the Jonestown massacre, Waco's wackos, ....

What makes one faith better than another? I have faith that faith is not a valid method. Can I now claim infallibility?

Arizona,

Luke 43 ????? What bible are you using? Luke 23:39-45??? Very questionable quotations by the historic Jesus.

From Professors Crossan and Watt's book, Who is Jesus??,

"My best historical reconstruction would be something like this. Jesus was arrested during the Passover festival, most likely in response to his action in the Temple. Those who were closest to him ran away for their own safety. I do not presume that there were any high-level confrontations between Caiaphas and Pilate and Herod Antipas either about Jesus or with Jesus. No doubt they would have agreed before the festival that fast action was to be taken against any disturbance and that a few examples by crucifixion might be especially useful at the outset.

And I doubt very much if Jewish police or Roman soldiers needed to go too far up the chain of command in handling a Galilean peasant like Jesus. It is hard for us to imagine the casual brutality with which Jesus was probably taken and executed. All those "last week" details in our gospels, as distinct from the brute facts just mentioned, are prophecy turned into history, rather than history remembered."

I saw the derogatory definging of a cult, and thought that was awful small minded. A cult is not necessarily a bad thing. I hold that all Christianity is actually the cult of Jesus the Messiah. A cult is a movement based epon the teachings of a figurehead. Moses was himself a cult figure. Many of the prophets were cult figures. Does this invalidate them? Not by any means.

A religion is the practice of reaching out to a "god" figure. Whether it is a mere idol, superstition or an actual higher being, make no differance to whether it is a religion.

Some practices are called religons, that i think fall more into occultism or dark superstitious practices. Does this invalidate them being actual. I do question the merits of such things, but as for being invalidated as actual, I don't think so at all. However until some person believes he is interacting with some higher authority himself and is reaching out to the authority, I don't think that would be a religion.

I personally follow Jesus as my cult figure, under the context of his religion, teaching Judaism and the Messianic message.

religion and cults are alomost the same the line is drawn at fanatical that is the differance. Religion started out as a way to understand the Creator but has turned into a way to make money just like everything else in this world. Cults are one person looking for the weak of mind to force their way of thought or beliefs. Jesus is of Faith not religion or cult because He excluded no one we did.God Bless and peace always. Matthew Joseph
www.PathofYeshua.net

religion and cults are alomost the same the line is drawn at fanatical that is the differance. Religion started out as a way to understand the Creator but has turned into a way to make money just like everything else in this world. Cults are one person looking for the weak of mind to force their way of thought or beliefs. Jesus is of Faith not religion or cult because He excluded no one we did.God Bless and peace always. Matthew Joseph
www.PathofYeshua.net

religion and cults are alomost the same the line is drawn at fanatical that is the differance. Religion started out as a way to understand the Creator but has turned into a way to make money just like everything else in this world. Cults are one person looking for the weak of mind to force their way of thought or beliefs. Jesus is of Faith not religion or cult because He excluded no one we did.God Bless and peace always. Matthew Joseph
www.PathofYeshua.net

religion and cults are alomost the same the line is drawn at fanatical that is the differance. Religion started out as a way to understand the Creator but has turned into a way to make money just like everything else in this world. Cults are one person lokking for the weak of mind to force their way of thought or beliefs. Jesus is of Faith not religion or cult because He excluded no one we did.God Bless and peace always. Matthew Joseph
www.PathofYeshua.net

The difference between Christians & religious cults are Christians preach the wonderful saving grace of Jesus with NO restrictions, consider Luke 43: 39-45. This passage shows how unconditional Jesus' saving grace is. Even up to the end do we have a chance for salvation. It's unfortunate that there are cults out there to put conditions on salvation just to get the masses to obey.

The markings of a cult are simple, despite some of these long explanations, some that are quite good, even. There are only really two questions involved: What does the group do with Jesus Christ, how is He viewed by the group as compared with Scripture? The other question is : What does the group do with the Scriptures?, add to it, deny its infallability, and inerranncy? Any group that denies what the Scriptures teach about Jesus Christ is a cult. Any group that adds to the Scriptures because some "prophet" decided that there should be more of it, is a cult.

"Religion is supposed to be about God. As such, God would be the one to decide which-if any-religion(s)are 'real', and which are not."

So, if your religion does not include a deity, it is automatically out of the running? What if your religion has multiple gods? Is the Abrahamic "God" the only legitimate focus of any religion?

Fans of the numerous "Star Trek" series, books, and movies are members of a religion.

Fans of "Battlestar Galactica" belong to a cult.

Religion is supposed to be about God. As such, God would be the one to decide which-if any-religion(s)are 'real', and which are not. Any non-real religion would be a cult in Gods' eyes. So, why bother with idiotic questions such as this? Are there not enough 'holy wars' to suit you yet? Do you want to start a few more...maybe have jihadic Wiccans bombing Reform Shintoists, or kamikaze Mormons gassing A.R.E. buildings? Since no human is qualified to say which religion is real, this whole things is a waste of time, and a way to foment inter-faith strife. Get stuffed.

Religion is supposed to be about God. As such, God would be the one to decide which-if any-religion(s)are 'real', and which are not. Any non-real religion would be a cult in Gods' eyes. So, why bother with idiotic questions such as this? Are there not enough 'holy wars' to suit you yet? Do you want to start a few more...maybe have jihadic Wiccans bombing Reform Shintoists, or kamikaze Mormons gassing A.R.E. buildings? Since no human is qualified to say which religion is real, this whole things is a waste of time, and a way to foment inter-faith strife. Get stuffed.

Difference between a religion and a cult? ...

There really is no difference other than popularity.

even nothing is something so if you belief in nothing you believe in something by default. better to choose what to believe then to put no thought in what to believe.
what is not understood by most is that the man/woman is made up of 3 parts. 1. the body 2. the soul or mind (awareness). 3. spirit or in 21 century venacular life.
the flesh is the container and vessel of the soul and the spirit. the body is the container that holds the life so there can be an assimilation of the experience of life ;ie the 5 senses. with the combination of body and life mankind becomes aware. with this awarness comes the knowledge of life within the soul ;ie life. so we become self aware. even though we become self aware we must understand that we did not and do not make our selves self alive. life comes from a source outside our comprehension in other words we can experience the life but to understand what life is and where it comes from what it is who its founder is and why it exists is beyond us. science and logic can not understand or duplicate it. it is found in all of nature but where did it come from and why and why me? what will you do with your fleeting moment in eternity. will you search for the source and find life or believe by default. remember nothing is somthing and anything inbetween nothing and somthing can be and will be believed by all either by default or by choice. i hope we all make the right chioce and find life. because once found there is hope that we may have it more abundently if we seek knock and ask. for the one who is life gives life for this fleeting moment we have it and the one who gives the fleeting can prepare any vessel for eternity as well. a God this powerful can do anything within the bounds of truth. TRUTH ANOTHER TOPIC FOR DISCUSSION.

Re: Knights Templar Treasure

An open appeal for Templar help in recovery efforts!! I have worked it out! I know where the Knights Templar treasure is located! I expect you will want proof of my powers of interpritation, therefore I request any interested party to gather together the finest minds in the world of Bible translation/interpritation, take them to my website "nerue.com" and show them my paintings, and ask them if my visual interpretations of the scriptures are accurate. Not even Leonardo DaVinci or Michelangelo had the knowledge to paint these images. In these leaders answer you have your proof. Contact me after you have done this for a face to face meeting to discuss recovery efforts. Barry Euren, A.I.F.A. Bio in "Who's Who in American Art"

Friendly neighbor:
**A cult can be defined as any group or association thats brings indididuals into the worship of something other than God.**

Which god? I have several.
If I understand you correctly, A "real" religion is at minimum, Biblical, and ideally Mormon. I am Pagan, and I can promise you that my religion is every bit as real as yours. Your religion works for you, and I will not begrudge you your right to it by attempting to convert you to mine. Please return the courtesy.

You refer to activities such as porn use, smoking, drinking, etc, as cults. Not exactly. If you take out a subscription to Hustler, the only requirement is that you pay for the number of issues you want in advance. Larry Flint, or whoever runs the company now that he's in his dotage, will not ask you to make him the beneficiary in your will, to shun family and frineds who don't subscribe, and if you cancel your subscription, no one will come looking for you to coerce you into re-upping. Same goes for the tobacco companies, breweries/distilleries, and everything else in your litany of secular cults.

If we try to learn that it is a relatioship with Christ and not a religion then I truly beleive that the world will be better off. I think we become troubled when we put our focus on religion and not the relationship.

What constitutes the difference between a cult and a religion? The guiding purpose, of course. A cult can be defined as any group or association thats brings indididuals into the worship of something other than God. A cult to an individual, in this sense, is like a person in the middle of life's ocean, clinging to a piece of shipwrecked truth, or something like unto it, being tossed about by the waves of worldly influence, without control as to his or her final destination. The worse cults pass off a leaky skiff as a luxury cruiseliner, ensnaring its victims with empty promises and keeping them there through continued deception and subjugation, cleverly letting its participants think they are either in total control or else given up completely to despair.

And why are they so successful today? Paul writes about it in his letter to Timothy. He says:

"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
"For men will be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
"Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
"Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God;
"Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof...
"For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women [and men]laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
"Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." 2 Timothy 3:1-7

Cults are but a tool used for one purpose: to dilute, confuse, and destroy man's relationship with God. Cults are so successful, not because of their inherent destructiveness, but because of their seductive appeal to the qualities aforementioned. Paul was not only warning the saints in his day; he was warning us in our day of these same dangers.

Too often we think of cults as strictly belief based as pertaining to religion. I may be bold to say that cults exist in secular society as well, though few of us would actually think of them as such. What could I be talking about? Are there not individuals and organizations both within the religious world and without that promote destructive behaviors that can and have adversely affected society today? Are there not entities that promote such things as drug abuse, smoking, drinking, gambling, adultery, fornication, pornography, theft, dishonesty, vengeance, anger, hatred, violence? Do these not have a following? Are people not ensnared and made victims of these very things? Are there those who seek in any degree to justify any of these activities?

Are there not those who are attracted by the sophistication of society? Are there not those who spend resources on frivilous goods rather than serving one another?

A cult is based on the belief that one can be happy doing either good or evil. This is absolutely false. Jesus taught this simple but profound principle:

"No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve both God and mammon." Matthew 6:24

Cults attract and retain followers by deception, flattery, and appeal. They seek to misdirect, confuse, enslave, and pacify. Many prophets have warned us of this. Isaiah has written:

"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness, that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
"Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
"Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink;
"Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!" Isaiah 5:20-23

Another is cited from the Book of Mormon:

"For behold, at that day shall he [the devil] rage in the hearts of men, and stir them up to anger against that which is good.
"And other he will pacify, and lull them away into carnal security, that they will say: All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well--and thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them carefully down to hell.
"And behold, others he flattereth away, and telleth them there is no hell; and he saith unto them: there is no devil, for there is none--and thus he whispereth in their ears, until he grasps them with his awful chains, from whence there is no deliverance." 2 Nephi 28:20-22

A true, or real, religion is one that is founded upon truth, unaltered, untainted. It is upon the whole truth and the complete principles set forth from the beginning that one can find lasting happiness. God is the same today, yesterday, and forever. He does not change. He is the author of truth, but He has allowed men agency to choose for themselves what to believe and what to emulate.

This is not say that He has forsaken men. From time to time He has found it necessary to call upon prophets to act as special witnesses to testify to the people of His truth. Noah, Abraham, Moses were prophets. When Jesus came in the meridian of time He called twelve men to act in the same capacity--as special witnesses of Jesus Christ. These men we know as the Apostles, or they who are sent forth.

In each case, these prophets have left records of their testimonies concerning God and His children. In the Eastern world, where the Savior carried out His mortal ministry, this collection of records was eventually compiled and canonized into what we call the Bible. Another record exists concerning another people on the other side of the world. This, too, contains the writings of prophets concerning their people. One prophet's impassioned plea strikes me:

"And now, my beloved brethren, and also Jew, and all ye ends of the earth, hearken unto these words and believe in Christ; and if ye believe not in these words believe in Christ. And if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the words of Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach all men that they should do good.
"And if they are not the words of Christ, judge ye--for Christ will show unto you, with power and great glory, that they are his words, at the last day; and you and I shall stand face to face before his bar; and ye shall know that I have been commanded of him to write these things, notwithstanding my weakness." 2 Nephi 33:10-11

This prophet began what has come to be known as the Book of Mormon. In each case God has chosen men who demonstrated obedience to His word. It was by nothing less than obedience that made either the Bible or Book of Mormon possible. If men had not done as God had commanded, there could have been no record made. Likewise again, God has called forth prophets today to act as special witnesses of Jesus Christ. These men reside in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

What do they testify of? They testify of a sure knowledge of the divinity of Jesus Christ and His mission. Joseph Smith, called and commissioned by the Savior, has said:

"And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!
"For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father".

Furthermore, Joseph Smith set forth plainly the beliefs of the Church, its members, and the prophets. First, there is God the Father, His Son who is Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. All three are seperate entities. All three are Gods, whom are perfect and holy, forming one Godhead, by which the heavens and earth are governed. If Christ was not perfect, His Atonement would not be possible. Second, men are given freedom to choose for themselves the life they will live, but they will be held accountable for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression. Third, through the power of the Atonement, we may be forgiven of our sins by obeying the laws and ordinances of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Without this Atonement, we would be left to suffer the consequences of our mishaps.

We may be forgiven, but it is only upon faith and obedience that the full effect of the Atonement can come into play in our lives. One cannot merely apologize for drunkeness and keep on drinking. He must be willing to make amends for his sin, otherwise where is his penitence? The Savior said, "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be." Matthew 6:21

Jesus has also said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." John 14:15 If you knew God forbade drinking, and yet you kept on partaking, who or what do you love more? The commandments cannot be taken at mere convenience. God cannot save the unpenitent, for the unpenitent do not wish to be saved! Likewise God cannot save someone in their sins, for sins are why the Atonement is necessary in the first place. Have you ever taken a shower without getting in? The Atonement, or Christ's sacrifice, works in a similar fashion. One cannot be cleaned except he get into the water. Likewise, one cannot be saved without repentance.

Paul talked about grace, and yes we are saved through the grace of Jesus Christ. If the Savior had not deigned to offer Himself as a sacrifice, we could not be saved. It is through His mercy that salvation is obtainable. Through His Atonement all men who have lived, are living, and will live on earth will be resurrected, but not all men will make it back to God's presence. Christ provide the way and means, but we must do our part in order to enjoy the full blessings of what His Atonement offers. We must be reconciled to God.

God has set up a Church by which we may obtain fullness of the blessings of the Atonment. That Church is the Church of Jesus Christ, which was restored by the Prophet Joseph Smith, under the direction of Jesus Christ. In it resides all the laws manifest throughout mankinds history pertaining to salvation. It contains all the necessary ordinances that make it possible for us to be saved and to reenter into God's presence, clean from all sin, redeemed through the blood of Christ. It demands strict obedience, but never without blessings. God cannot refuse the righteous and faithful the blessings they earn through practicing faith by obedience.

I cannot convince anyone of the truthfulness of this message, because that is your part to find out. A promise is given to those that truly seek the truth. The prophet Moroni, called of God, leaves us with this promise:

"Behold, I would exhort you that when when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.
"And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
"And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things." Moroni 10:3-5

Furthermore this promise is made by James:

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
"But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering..." James 1:5-6

The Savior extends the same invitation:

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened up to you;
"For everyone that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." Matthew 7:7-8

It is by accepting this invitation and acting upon it that I feel comfortable knowing that I am a member of this Church. It has brought me more happiness than anything else on this earth to know that God loves me and knows me personally and that all of us can have that same privelege if we will follow Him. He wants what is best for us; He knows what is best for us, but we must ask Him.

What constitutes the difference between a cult and a religion? The guiding purpose, of course. A cult can be defined as any group or association thats brings indididuals into the worship of something other than God. A cult to an individual, in this sense, is like a person in the middle of life's ocean, clinging to a piece of shipwrecked truth, or something like unto it, being tossed about by the waves of worldly influence, without control as to his or her final destination. The worse cults pass off a leaky skiff as a luxury cruiseliner, ensnaring its victims with empty promises and keeping them there through continued deception and subjugation, cleverly letting its participants think they are either in total control or else given up completely to despair.

And why are they so successful today? Paul writes about it in his letter to Timothy. He says:

"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
"For men will be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
"Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
"Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God;
"Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof...
"For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women [and men]laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
"Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." 2 Timothy 3:1-7

Cults are but a tool used for one purpose: to dilute, confuse, and destroy man's relationship with God. Cults are so successful, not because of their inherent destructiveness, but because of their seductive appeal to the qualities aforementioned. Paul was not only warning the saints in his day; he was warning us in our day of these same dangers.

Too often we think of cults as strictly belief based as pertaining to religion. I may be bold to say that cults exist in secular society as well, though few of us would actually think of them as such. What could I be talking about? Are there not individuals and organizations both within the religious world and without that promote destructive behaviors that can and have adversely affected society today? Are there not entities that promote such things as drug abuse, smoking, drinking, gambling, adultery, fornication, pornography, theft, dishonesty, vengeance, anger, hatred, violence? Do these not have a following? Are people not ensnared and made victims of these very things? Are there those who seek in any degree to justify any of these activities?

Are there not those who are attracted by the sophistication of society? Are there not those who spend resources on frivilous goods rather than serving one another?

A cult is based on the belief that one can be happy doing either good or evil. This is absolutely false. Jesus taught this simple but profound principle:

"No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve both God and mammon." Matthew 6:24

Cults attract and retain followers by deception, flattery, and appeal. They seek to misdirect, confuse, enslave, and pacify. Many prophets have warned us of this. Isaiah has written:

"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness, that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
"Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
"Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink;
"Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!" Isaiah 5:20-23

Another is cited from the Book of Mormon:

"For behold, at that day shall he [the devil] rage in the hearts of men, and stir them up to anger against that which is good.
"And other he will pacify, and lull them away into carnal security, that they will say: All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well--and thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them carefully down to hell.
"And behold, others he flattereth away, and telleth them there is no hell; and he saith unto them: there is no devil, for there is none--and thus he whispereth in their ears, until he grasps them with his awful chains, from whence there is no deliverance." 2 Nephi 28:20-22

A true, or real, religion is one that is founded upon truth, unaltered, untainted. It is upon the whole truth and the complete principles set forth from the beginning that one can find lasting happiness. God is the same today, yesterday, and forever. He does not change. He is the author of truth, but He has allowed men agency to choose for themselves what to believe and what to emulate.

This is not say that He has forsaken men. From time to time He has found it necessary to call upon prophets to act as special witnesses to testify to the people of His truth. Noah, Abraham, Moses were prophets. When Jesus came in the meridian of time He called twelve men to act in the same capacity--as special witnesses of Jesus Christ. These men we know as the Apostles, or they who are sent forth.

In each case, these prophets have left records of their testimonies concerning God and His children. In the Eastern world, where the Savior carried out His mortal ministry, this collection of records was eventually compiled and canonized into what we call the Bible. Another record exists concerning another people on the other side of the world. This, too, contains the writings of prophets concerning their people. One prophet's impassioned plea strikes me:

"And now, my beloved brethren, and also Jew, and all ye ends of the earth, hearken unto these words and believe in Christ; and if ye believe not in these words believe in Christ. And if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the words of Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach all men that they should do good.
"And if they are not the words of Christ, judge ye--for Christ will show unto you, with power and great glory, that they are his words, at the last day; and you and I shall stand face to face before his bar; and ye shall know that I have been commanded of him to write these things, notwithstanding my weakness." 2 Nephi 33:10-11

This prophet began what has come to be known as the Book of Mormon. In each case God has chosen men who demonstrated obedience to His word. It was by nothing less than obedience that made either the Bible or Book of Mormon possible. If men had not done as God had commanded, there could have been no record made. Likewise again, God has called forth prophets today to act as special witnesses of Jesus Christ. These men reside in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

What do they testify of? They testify of a sure knowledge of the divinity of Jesus Christ and His mission. Joseph Smith, called and commissioned by the Savior, has said:

"And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!
"For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father".

Furthermore, Joseph Smith set forth plainly the beliefs of the Church, its members, and the prophets. First, there is God the Father, His Son who is Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. All three are seperate entities. All three are Gods, whom are perfect and holy, forming one Godhead, by which the heavens and earth are governed. If Christ was not perfect, His Atonement would not be possible. Second, men are given freedom to choose for themselves the life they will live, but they will be held accountable for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression. Third, through the power of the Atonement, we may be forgiven of our sins by obeying the laws and ordinances of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Without this Atonement, we would be left to suffer the consequences of our mishaps.

We may be forgiven, but it is only upon faith and obedience that the full effect of the Atonement can come into play in our lives. One cannot merely apologize for drunkeness and keep on drinking. He must be willing to make amends for his sin, otherwise where is his penitence? The Savior said, "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be." Matthew 6:21

Jesus has also said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." John 14:15 If you knew God forbade drinking, and yet you kept on partaking, who or what do you love more? The commandments cannot be taken at mere convenience. God cannot save the unpenitent, for the unpenitent do not wish to be saved! Likewise God cannot save someone in their sins, for sins are why the Atonement is necessary in the first place. Have you ever taken a shower without getting in? The Atonement, or Christ's sacrifice, works in a similar fashion. One cannot be cleaned except he get into the water. Likewise, one cannot be saved without repentance.

Paul talked about grace, and yes we are saved through the grace of Jesus Christ. If the Savior had not deigned to offer Himself as a sacrifice, we could not be saved. It is through His mercy that salvation is obtainable. Through His Atonement all men who have lived, are living, and will live on earth will be resurrected, but not all men will make it back to God's presence. Christ provide the way and means, but we must do our part in order to enjoy the full blessings of what His Atonement offers. We must be reconciled to God.

God has set up a Church by which we may obtain fullness of the blessings of the Atonment. That Church is the Church of Jesus Christ, which was restored by the Prophet Joseph Smith, under the direction of Jesus Christ. In it resides all the laws manifest throughout mankinds history pertaining to salvation. It contains all the necessary ordinances that make it possible for us to be saved and to reenter into God's presence, clean from all sin, redeemed through the blood of Christ. It demands strict obedience, but never without blessings. God cannot refuse the righteous and faithful the blessings they earn through practicing faith by obedience.

I cannot convince anyone of the truthfulness of this message, because that is your part to find out. A promise is given to those that truly seek the truth. The prophet Moroni, called of God, leaves us with this promise:

"Behold, I would exhort you that when when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.
"And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
"And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things." Moroni 10:3-5

Furthermore this promise is made by James:

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
"But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering..." James 1:5-6

The Savior extends the same invitation:

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened up to you;
"For everyone that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." Matthew 7:7-8

It is by accepting this invitation and acting upon it that I feel comfortable knowing that I am a member of this Church. It has brought me more happiness than anything else on this earth to know that God loves me and knows me personally and that all of us can have that same privelege if we will follow Him. He wants what is best for us; He knows what is best for us, but we must ask Him.

i think the questions poed by meachem and quinn are generally poorly though out and constructed to elicit some sort of conflict-

its not really necessary at all to point fingers, or drop accusations (like baiting the conversation with jehovah's witnesses and mormons as 'examples'.)

but its the way they think to keep the conversation interesting i guess.

everyone here has done a really good job of defining what constitutes a cult. (except for those who try to insinuate personal negative observations about religions or groups they dont happen to like)

heres my 2 cents worth- not really a definition just an observation
(i dont really think there are any adherents to these 'cults' but you never know)
i lived in northern california for many years, and there were cults aplenty, just take your pick.

from shree bagwhan rajneesh caught in the north carolina airport absconding with a bucket of diamonds to j.z.knight channelling the 35,000 year old 'spirit' called ramtha- to that nitwit who actually channels dolphins!
dolphins! he'd actually sit and screech at people and then later 'interpret' for them-
to every fortune teller and snake oil salesman imaginable-

they all had one thing in common-
weak-minded "seekers" who suspend their disbelief to be told what they want to hear (basically that they are special and superior to others in some way)

and for sme reason these spiritual prostitutes all had poor gods and had to accept money for their 'services'.

god is not poor, and doesnt need our money.
the first time you hear the words 'donation' RUN RUN RUN!!!!

contrary to mostly all religions which at least ptovide a framework of functioning in some moral way (we DONT have to agree on what moral means)
that lasts in time after the deliverers have left-
cults seem to rely on a static and inflexible word of one charismatic person- and without that falls apart (unless they managed to make a big buck before shuffling off this mortal coil, then it can become self-perpetuating with a new hiearchy in place)

PEACE

What constitutes a difference between cults and religion? No matter the nature of a cult, it will always be focused on an object, or idol, which leaves its recipients awashed on the shores of dissastisfaction and disappointment after the tides of life have buffeted them. It is an insidious, lurking beast that stalks each and everyone of us everyday in our lives. Does it have to be organized? Absolutely not. Cults are but a tool that inevitably shares one goal: to dilute, confuse, and eventually destroy man's relationship with God.

Cults are very successful today. Why are they so successful? Paul wrote to Timothy during the days of the early Church of Christ. In it he gives this warning in 2 Tim. 3:1-7:

"This know also, that in the days perilous times shall come.
For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women [should we say men, too?] laden with sins, led away with divers [a.k.a. many] lusts,
Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth."

What a stunning, incisive, and profound statement on the human condition! Could there be a more succint accusation of our generation? Paul identifies these times as perilous. Why? He lists the symptoms from which we should know the eventual outcome. These traits are prevalent in the world around us. To think otherwise is to invite sorrow, disappointment and even destruction into our lives. These traits are especially manifest in what we could identify as "cults". In many cases one or more are fostered and encouraged.

What could we identify as cults? We typically think of Satanic worshippers, fundamentalists, extremists, and those typically expressing beliefs held to be in a minority. We view it primarily as religous. I think cultism extends itself into secular matters as well. Do gangs not qualify as a cult? What about habits we view as detractive to our society? What about gambling, smoking, drinking, pornography, adultery, fornication, and other various habits? Are there not places or people or organizations that promote these activities? Do we not see or hear about its participants on a daily basis? Is there not an emergent consequence attached to each of these things? Are we willing to believe the effects of these things are isolated only to its adherents? I should hope not.

It is stated in Proverbs:

"These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
A heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet swift in running to mischief,
A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren." (6:16-19)

Why should the Lord hate these things? These are the traits and acts that men adopt as they become enemies to God. These things keep us away from our Creator. Whether we lead or are led, there is no question about the destination.

Cults are based on the deception that happiness comes from sin. True religion, as set apart from a cult, affirms quite the opposite. Jesus set the standard for men. He taught many important things as follows:

"No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve both God and mammon." Matthew 6:24

"And this is life eternal, that they may know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." John 17:3

"If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself." John 7:17

"If ye love me, keep my commandments." John 14:15

"...Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy might, and with thy soul, and with all thy mind...Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." Matthew 22:37-40

God is a jealous God, and why not? Did not He create us in His image? Are we not indebted to Him for everything we have? He has given us a great promise: we can know without a doubt what will bring us happiness. True religion is a religion and collected beliefs firmly established on truth. Circumstances and people change, but the truths upon which the laws of existence are founded do not change. Truth cannot be equivocated or reasoned away. It cannot lie. It does not mislead.

A religion founded upon truth, and only truth, will lead a man closer to God than anything else on this earth, for just as truth is eternal and unchanging, so is God. Religion, true religion, teaches a man to know God. We can know God by keeping His commandments. We can only keep His commandments if we are diligent in learning and doing. James said, "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." (James 1:22) Therefore, true religion teaches faith; obedience; charity; patience; meekness; brotherly kindness; sacrifice; selfess service; looking for the good traits in all men and cultivating them for the mutual benefit of both. It teaches men to have love for one another. It shows how we can forgive and obtain forgiveness. It promotes a love for individuals while abhoring sin.

It teaches that God is the author of all righteousness. It shows how the Devil is the author of misery, unrighteousness, deception, and sin. It teaches that while the truths are perfect, men are not. It teaches that men can become more perfect by obedience to the laws God has set forth, and thus invite happiness and peace into each of our lives.

It instructs mankind to use the resources God has given each of us, namely, our talents, our time, our various abilities, and the opportunity to commune directly with God through personal prayer. James said, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering..." (James 1:5-6) And furthermore: "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." (2:17) It is one thing to wish something to be true; it is another to find out through exercising it that it is.

In all, true religion does eveything it can to build a man up and help him through his trials and tribulations, but only so far as he is willing to accept it. It cannot and will not force itself on anyone. It recognizes that people are agents unto themselves. People choose for themselves; agency is a gift that not even God will infringe upon. Cults cannot do this, for they thrive on the mutual deficiencies and self-destructive behavior of mankind. Cults cannot be comfortable with untainted agency, for they depend on the victims (i.e. its members both willing and unwilling) for their continuous existence. True religion will exist with or without followers. It is independent of men in every way, for it is truth eternal. Men may deny it, ignore it, or run, but it will not change truth in any way.

Men can find truth; they can pray to God to obtain truth, for God is the author of truth. He cannot lie, for truth exists in Him and throughout Him. Without it, He cannot be God. True religion teaches this without hesitation, for its adherents know that truth brings happiness. "And ye know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)

What constitutes a difference between cults and religion? No matter the nature of a cult, it will always be focused on an object, or idol, which leaves its recipients awashed on the shores of dissastisfaction and disappointment after the tides of life have buffeted them. It is an insidious, lurking beast that stalks each and everyone of us everyday in our lives. Does it have to be organized? Absolutely not. Cults are but a tool that inevitably shares one goal: to dilute, confuse, and eventually destroy man's relationship with God.

Cults are very successful today. Why are they so successful? Paul wrote to Timothy during the days of the early Church of Christ. In it he gives this warning in 2 Tim. 3:1-7:

"This know also, that in the days perilous times shall come.
For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women [should we say men, too?] laden with sins, led away with divers [a.k.a. many] lusts,
Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth."

What a stunning, incisive, and profound statement on the human condition! Could there be a more succint accusation of our generation? Paul identifies these times as perilous. Why? He lists the symptoms from which we should know the eventual outcome. These traits are prevalent in the world around us. To think otherwise is to invite sorrow, disappointment and even destruction into our lives. These traits are especially manifest in what we could identify as "cults". In many cases one or more are fostered and encouraged.

What could we identify as cults? We typically think of Satanic worshippers, fundamentalists, extremists, and those typically expressing beliefs held to be in a minority. We view it primarily as religous. I think cultism extends itself into secular matters as well. Do gangs not qualify as a cult? What about habits we view as detractive to our society? What about gambling, smoking, drinking, pornography, adultery, fornication, and other various habits? Are there not places or people or organizations that promote these activities? Do we not see or hear about its participants on a daily basis? Is there not an emergent consequence attached to each of these things? Are we willing to believe the effects of these things are isolated only to its adherents? I should hope not.

It is stated in Proverbs:

"These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
A heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet swift in running to mischief,
A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren." (6:16-19)

Why should the Lord hate these things? These are the traits and acts that men adopt as they become enemies to God. These things keep us away from our Creator. Whether we lead or are led, there is no question about the destination.

Cults are based on the deception that happiness comes from sin. True religion, as set apart from a cult, affirms quite the opposite. Jesus set the standard for men. He taught many important things as follows:

"No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve both God and mammon." Matthew 6:24

"And this is life eternal, that they may know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." John 17:3

"If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself." John 7:17

"If ye love me, keep my commandments." John 14:15

"...Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy might, and with thy soul, and with all thy mind...Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." Matthew 22:37-40

God is a jealous God, and why not? Did not He create us in His image? Are we not indebted to Him for everything we have? He has given us a great promise: we can know without a doubt what will bring us happiness. True religion is a religion and collected beliefs firmly established on truth. Circumstances and people change, but the truths upon which the laws of existence are founded do not change. Truth cannot be equivocated or reasoned away. It cannot lie. It does not mislead.

A religion founded upon truth, and only truth, will lead a man closer to God than anything else on this earth, for just as truth is eternal and unchanging, so is God. Religion, true religion, teaches a man to know God. We can know God by keeping His commandments. We can only keep His commandments if we are diligent in learning and doing. James said, "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." (James 1:22) Therefore, true religion teaches faith; obedience; charity; patience; meekness; brotherly kindness; sacrifice; selfess service; looking for the good traits in all men and cultivating them for the mutual benefit of both. It teaches men to have love for one another. It shows how we can forgive and obtain forgiveness. It promotes a love for individuals while abhoring sin.

It teaches that God is the author of all righteousness. It shows how the Devil is the author of misery, unrighteousness, deception, and sin. It teaches that while the truths are perfect, men are not. It teaches that men can become more perfect by obedience to the laws God has set forth, and thus invite happiness and peace into each of our lives.

It instructs mankind to use the resources God has given each of us, namely, our talents, our time, our various abilities, and the opportunity to commune directly with God through personal prayer. James said, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering..." (James 1:5-6) And furthermore: "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." (2:17) It is one thing to wish something to be true; it is another to find out through exercising it that it is.

In all, true religion does eveything it can to build a man up and help him through his trials and tribulations, but only so far as he is willing to accept it. It cannot and will not force itself on anyone. It recognizes that people are agents unto themselves. People choose for themselves; agency is a gift that not even God will infringe upon. Cults cannot do this, for they thrive on the mutual deficiencies and self-destructive behavior of mankind. Cults cannot be comfortable with untainted agency, for they depend on the victims (i.e. its members both willing and unwilling) for their continuous existence. True religion will exist with or without followers. It is independent of men in every way, for it is truth eternal. Men may deny it, ignore it, or run, but it will not change truth in any way.

Men can find truth; they can pray to God to obtain truth, for God is the author of truth. He cannot lie, for truth exists in Him and throughout Him. Without it, He cannot be God. True religion teaches this without hesitation, for its adherents know that truth brings happiness. "And ye know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)

What constitutes a difference between cults and religion? No matter the nature of a cult, it will always be focused on an object, or idol, which leaves its recipients awashed on the shores of dissastisfaction and disappointment after the tides of life have buffeted them. It is an insidious, lurking beast that stalks each and everyone of us everyday in our lives. Does it have to be organized? Absolutely not. Cults are but a tool that inevitably shares one goal: to dilute, confuse, and eventually destroy man's relationship with God.

Cults are very successful today. Why are they so successful? Paul wrote to Timothy during the days of the early Church of Christ. In it he gives this warning in 2 Tim. 3:1-7:

"This know also, that in the days perilous times shall come.
For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women [should we say men, too?] laden with sins, led away with divers [a.k.a. many] lusts,
Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth."

What a stunning, incisive, and profound statement on the human condition! Could there be a more succint accusation of our generation? Paul identifies these times as perilous. Why? He lists the symptoms from which we should know the eventual outcome. These traits are prevalent in the world around us. To think otherwise is to invite sorrow, disappointment and even destruction into our lives. These traits are especially manifest in what we could identify as "cults". In many cases one or more are fostered and encouraged.

What could we identify as cults? We typically think of Satanic worshippers, fundamentalists, extremists, and those typically expressing beliefs held to be in a minority. We view it primarily as religous. I think cultism extends itself into secular matters as well. Do gangs not qualify as a cult? What about habits we view as detractive to our society? What about gambling, smoking, drinking, pornography, adultery, fornication, and other various habits? Are there not places or people or organizations that promote these activities? Do we not see or hear about its participants on a daily basis? Is there not an emergent consequence attached to each of these things? Are we willing to believe the effects of these things are isolated only to its adherents? I should hope not.

It is stated in Proverbs:

"These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
A heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet swift in running to mischief,
A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren." (6:16-19)

Why should the Lord hate these things? These are the traits and acts that men adopt as they become enemies to God. These things keep us away from our Creator. Whether we lead or are led, there is no question about the destination.

Cults are based on the deception that happiness comes from sin. True religion, as set apart from a cult, affirms quite the opposite. Jesus set the standard for men. He taught many important things as follows:

"No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve both God and mammon." Matthew 6:24

"And this is life eternal, that they may know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." John 17:3

"If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself." John 7:17

"If ye love me, keep my commandments." John 14:15

"...Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy might, and with thy soul, and with all thy mind...Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." Matthew 22:37-40

God is a jealous God, and why not? Did not He create us in His image? Are we not indebted to Him for everything we have? He has given us a great promise: we can know without a doubt what will bring us happiness. True religion is a religion and collected beliefs firmly established on truth. Circumstances and people change, but the truths upon which the laws of existence are founded do not change. Truth cannot be equivocated or reasoned away. It cannot lie. It does not mislead.

A religion founded upon truth, and only truth, will lead a man closer to God than anything else on this earth, for just as truth is eternal and unchanging, so is God. Religion, true religion, teaches a man to know God. We can know God by keeping His commandments. We can only keep His commandments if we are diligent in learning and doing. James said, "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." (James 1:22) Therefore, true religion teaches faith; obedience; charity; patience; meekness; brotherly kindness; sacrifice; selfess service; looking for the good traits in all men and cultivating them for the mutual benefit of both. It teaches men to have love for one another. It shows how we can forgive and obtain forgiveness. It promotes a love for individuals while abhoring sin.

It teaches that God is the author of all righteousness. It shows how the Devil is the author of misery, unrighteousness, deception, and sin. It teaches that while the truths are perfect, men are not. It teaches that men can become more perfect by obedience to the laws God has set forth, and thus invite happiness and peace into each of our lives.

It instructs mankind to use the resources God has given each of us, namely, our talents, our time, our various abilities, and the opportunity to commune directly with God through personal prayer. James said, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering..." (James 1:5-6) And furthermore: "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." (2:17) It is one thing to wish something to be true; it is another to find out through exercising it that it is.

In all, true religion does eveything it can to build a man up and help him through his trials and tribulations, but only so far as he is willing to accept it. It cannot and will not force itself on anyone. It recognizes that people are agents unto themselves. People choose for themselves; agency is a gift that not even God will infringe upon. Cults cannot do this, for they thrive on the mutual deficiencies and self-destructive behavior of mankind. Cults cannot be comfortable with untainted agency, for they depend on the victims (i.e. its members both willing and unwilling) for their continuous existence. True religion will exist with or without followers. It is independent of men in every way, for it is truth eternal. Men may deny it, ignore it, or run, but it will not change truth in any way.

Men can find truth; they can pray to God to obtain truth, for God is the author of truth. He cannot lie, for truth exists in Him and throughout Him. Without it, He cannot be God. True religion teaches this without hesitation, for its adherents know that truth brings happiness. "And ye know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)

What constitutes a difference between cults and religion? No matter the nature of a cult, it will always be focused on an object, or idol, which leaves its recipients awashed on the shores of dissastisfaction and disappointment after the tides of life have buffeted them. It is an insidious, lurking beast that stalks each and everyone of us everyday in our lives. Does it have to be organized? Absolutely not. Cults are but a tool that inevitably shares one goal: to dilute, confuse, and eventually destroy man's relationship with God.

Cults are very successful today. Why are they so successful? Paul wrote to Timothy during the days of the early Church of Christ. In it he gives this warning in 2 Tim. 3:1-7:

"This know also, that in the days perilous times shall come.
For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women [should we say men, too?] laden with sins, led away with divers [a.k.a. many] lusts,
Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth."

What a stunning, incisive, and profound statement on the human condition! Could there be a more succint accusation of our generation? Paul identifies these times as perilous. Why? He lists the symptoms from which we should know the eventual outcome. These traits are prevalent in the world around us. To think otherwise is to invite sorrow, disappointment and even destruction into our lives. These traits are especially manifest in what we could identify as "cults". In many cases one or more are fostered and encouraged.

What could we identify as cults? We typically think of Satanic worshippers, fundamentalists, extremists, and those typically expressing beliefs held to be in a minority. We view it primarily as religous. I think cultism extends itself into secular matters as well. Do gangs not qualify as a cult? What about habits we view as detractive to our society? What about gambling, smoking, drinking, pornography, adultery, fornication, and other various habits? Are there not places or people or organizations that promote these activities? Do we not see or hear about its participants on a daily basis? Is there not an emergent consequence attached to each of these things? Are we willing to believe the effects of these things are isolated only to its adherents? I should hope not.

It is stated in Proverbs:

"These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
A heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet swift in running to mischief,
A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren." (6:16-19)

Why should the Lord hate these things? These are the traits and acts that men adopt as they become enemies to God. These things keep us away from our Creator. Whether we lead or are led, there is no question about the destination.

Cults are based on the deception that happiness comes from sin. True religion, as set apart from a cult, affirms quite the opposite. Jesus set the standard for men. He taught many important things as follows:

"No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve both God and mammon." Matthew 6:24

"And this is life eternal, that they may know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." John 17:3

"If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself." John 7:17

"If ye love me, keep my commandments." John 14:15

"...Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy might, and with thy soul, and with all thy mind...Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." Matthew 22:37-40

God is a jealous God, and why not? Did not He create us in His image? Are we not indebted to Him for everything we have? He has given us a great promise: we can know without a doubt what will bring us happiness. True religion is a religion and collected beliefs firmly established on truth. Circumstances and people change, but the truths upon which the laws of existence are founded do not change. Truth cannot be equivocated or reasoned away. It cannot lie. It does not mislead.

A religion founded upon truth, and only truth, will lead a man closer to God than anything else on this earth, for just as truth is eternal and unchanging, so is God. Religion, true religion, teaches a man to know God. We can know God by keeping His commandments. We can only keep His commandments if we are diligent in learning and doing. James said, "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." (James 1:22) Therefore, true religion teaches faith; obedience; charity; patience; meekness; brotherly kindness; sacrifice; selfess service; looking for the good traits in all men and cultivating them for the mutual benefit of both. It teaches men to have love for one another. It shows how we can forgive and obtain forgiveness. It promotes a love for individuals while abhoring sin.

It teaches that God is the author of all righteousness. It shows how the Devil is the author of misery, unrighteousness, deception, and sin. It teaches that while the truths are perfect, men are not. It teaches that men can become more perfect by obedience to the laws God has set forth, and thus invite happiness and peace into each of our lives.

It instructs mankind to use the resources God has given each of us, namely, our talents, our time, our various abilities, and the opportunity to commune directly with God through personal prayer. James said, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering..." (James 1:5-6) And furthermore: "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." (2:17) It is one thing to wish something to be true; it is another to find out through exercising it that it is.

In all, true religion does eveything it can to build a man up and help him through his trials and tribulations, but only so far as he is willing to accept it. It cannot and will not force itself on anyone. It recognizes that people are agents unto themselves. People choose for themselves; agency is a gift that not even God will infringe upon. Cults cannot do this, for they thrive on the mutual deficiencies and self-destructive behavior of mankind. Cults cannot be comfortable with untainted agency, for they depend on the victims (i.e. its members both willing and unwilling) for their continuous existence. True religion will exist with or without followers. It is independent of men in every way, for it is truth eternal. Men may deny it, ignore it, or run, but it will not change truth in any way.

Men can find truth; they can pray to God to obtain truth, for God is the author of truth. He cannot lie, for truth exists in Him and throughout Him. Without it, He cannot be God. True religion teaches this without hesitation, for its adherents know that truth brings happiness. "And ye know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)

What constitutes a difference between cults and religion? No matter the nature of a cult, it will always be focused on an object, or idol, which leaves its recipients awashed on the shores of dissastisfaction and disappointment after the tides of life have buffeted them. It is an insidious, lurking beast that stalks each and everyone of us everyday in our lives. Does it have to be organized? Absolutely not. Cults are but a tool that inevitably shares one goal: to dilute, confuse, and eventually destroy man's relationship with God.

Cults are very successful today. Why are they so successful? Paul wrote to Timothy during the days of the early Church of Christ. In it he gives this warning in 2 Tim. 3:1-7:

"This know also, that in the days perilous times shall come.
For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women [should we say men, too?] laden with sins, led away with divers [a.k.a. many] lusts,
Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth."

What a stunning, incisive, and profound statement on the human condition! Could there be a more succint accusation of our generation? Paul identifies these times as perilous. Why? He lists the symptoms from which we should know the eventual outcome. These traits are prevalent in the world around us. To think otherwise is to invite sorrow, disappointment and even destruction into our lives. These traits are especially manifest in what we could identify as "cults". In many cases one or more are fostered and encouraged.

What could we identify as cults? We typically think of Satanic worshippers, fundamentalists, extremists, and those typically expressing beliefs held to be in a minority. We view it primarily as religous. I think cultism extends itself into secular matters as well. Do gangs not qualify as a cult? What about habits we view as detractive to our society? What about gambling, smoking, drinking, pornography, adultery, fornication, and other various habits? Are there not places or people or organizations that promote these activities? Do we not see or hear about its participants on a daily basis? Is there not an emergent consequence attached to each of these things? Are we willing to believe the effects of these things are isolated only to its adherents? I should hope not.

It is stated in Proverbs:

"These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
A heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet swift in running to mischief,
A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren." (6:16-19)

Why should the Lord hate these things? These are the traits and acts that men adopt as they become enemies to God. These things keep us away from our Creator. Whether we lead or are led, there is no question about the destination.

Cults are based on the deception that happiness comes from sin. True religion, as set apart from a cult, affirms quite the opposite. Jesus set the standard for men. He taught many important things as follows:

"No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve both God and mammon." Matthew 6:24

"And this is life eternal, that they may know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." John 17:3

"If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself." John 7:17

"If ye love me, keep my commandments." John 14:15

"...Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy might, and with thy soul, and with all thy mind...Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." Matthew 22:37-40

God is a jealous God, and why not? Did not He create us in His image? Are we not indebted to Him for everything we have? He has given us a great promise: we can know without a doubt what will bring us happiness. True religion is a religion and collected beliefs firmly established on truth. Circumstances and people change, but the truths upon which the laws of existence are founded do not change. Truth cannot be equivocated or reasoned away. It cannot lie. It does not mislead.

A religion founded upon truth, and only truth, will lead a man closer to God than anything else on this earth, for just as truth is eternal and unchanging, so is God. Religion, true religion, teaches a man to know God. We can know God by keeping His commandments. We can only keep His commandments if we are diligent in learning and doing. James said, "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." (James 1:22) Therefore, true religion teaches faith; obedience; charity; patience; meekness; brotherly kindness; sacrifice; selfess service; looking for the good traits in all men and cultivating them for the mutual benefit of both. It teaches men to have love for one another. It shows how we can forgive and obtain forgiveness. It promotes a love for individuals while abhoring sin.

It teaches that God is the author of all righteousness. It shows how the Devil is the author of misery, unrighteousness, deception, and sin. It teaches that while the truths are perfect, men are not. It teaches that men can become more perfect by obedience to the laws God has set forth, and thus invite happiness and peace into each of our lives.

It instructs mankind to use the resources God has given each of us, namely, our talents, our time, our various abilities, and the opportunity to commune directly with God through personal prayer. James said, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering..." (James 1:5-6) And furthermore: "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." (2:17) It is one thing to wish something to be true; it is another to find out through exercising it that it is.

In all, true religion does eveything it can to build a man up and help him through his trials and tribulations, but only so far as he is willing to accept it. It cannot and will not force itself on anyone. It recognizes that people are agents unto themselves. People choose for themselves; agency is a gift that not even God will infringe upon. Cults cannot do this, for they thrive on the mutual deficiencies and self-destructive behavior of mankind. Cults cannot be comfortable with untainted agency, for they depend on the victims (i.e. its members both willing and unwilling) for their continuous existence. True religion will exist with or without followers. It is independent of men in every way, for it is truth eternal. Men may deny it, ignore it, or run, but it will not change truth in any way.

Men can find truth; they can pray to God to obtain truth, for God is the author of truth. He cannot lie, for truth exists in Him and throughout Him. Without it, He cannot be God. True religion teaches this without hesitation, for its adherents know that truth brings happiness. "And ye know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)

What constitutes a difference between cults and religion? No matter the nature of a cult, it will always be focused on an object, or idol, which leaves its recipients awashed on the shores of dissastisfaction and disappointment after the tides of life have buffeted them. It is an insidious, lurking beast that stalks each and everyone of us everyday in our lives. Does it have to be organized? Absolutely not. Cults are but a tool that inevitably shares one goal: to dilute, confuse, and eventually destroy man's relationship with God.

Cults are very successful today. Why are they so successful? Paul wrote to Timothy during the days of the early Church of Christ. In it he gives this warning in 2 Tim. 3:1-7:

"This know also, that in the days perilous times shall come.
For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women [should we say men, too?] laden with sins, led away with divers [a.k.a. many] lusts,
Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth."

What a stunning, incisive, and profound statement on the human condition! Could there be a more succint accusation of our generation? Paul identifies these times as perilous. Why? He lists the symptoms from which we should know the eventual outcome. These traits are prevalent in the world around us. To think otherwise is to invite sorrow, disappointment and even destruction into our lives. These traits are especially manifest in what we could identify as "cults". In many cases one or more are fostered and encouraged.

What could we identify as cults? We typically think of Satanic worshippers, fundamentalists, extremists, and those typically expressing beliefs held to be in a minority. We view it primarily as religous. I think cultism extends itself into secular matters as well. Do gangs not qualify as a cult? What about habits we view as detractive to our society? What about gambling, smoking, drinking, pornography, adultery, fornication, and other various habits? Are there not places or people or organizations that promote these activities? Do we not see or hear about its participants on a daily basis? Is there not an emergent consequence attached to each of these things? Are we willing to believe the effects of these things are isolated only to its adherents? I should hope not.

It is stated in Proverbs:

"These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
A heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet swift in running to mischief,
A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren." (6:16-19)

Why should the Lord hate these things? These are the traits and acts that men adopt as they become enemies to God. These things keep us away from our Creator. Whether we lead or are led, there is no question about the destination.

Cults are based on the deception that happiness comes from sin. True religion, as set apart from a cult, affirms quite the opposite. Jesus set the standard for men. He taught many important things as follows:

"No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve both God and mammon." Matthew 6:24

"And this is life eternal, that they may know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." John 17:3

"If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself." John 7:17

"If ye love me, keep my commandments." John 14:15

"...Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy might, and with thy soul, and with all thy mind...Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." Matthew 22:37-40

God is a jealous God, and why not? Did not He create us in His image? Are we not indebted to Him for everything we have? He has given us a great promise: we can know without a doubt what will bring us happiness. True religion is a religion and collected beliefs firmly established on truth. Circumstances and people change, but the truths upon which the laws of existence are founded do not change. Truth cannot be equivocated or reasoned away. It cannot lie. It does not mislead.

A religion founded upon truth, and only truth, will lead a man closer to God than anything else on this earth, for just as truth is eternal and unchanging, so is God. Religion, true religion, teaches a man to know God. We can know God by keeping His commandments. We can only keep His commandments if we are diligent in learning and doing. James said, "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." (James 1:22) Therefore, true religion teaches faith; obedience; charity; patience; meekness; brotherly kindness; sacrifice; selfess service; looking for the good traits in all men and cultivating them for the mutual benefit of both. It teaches men to have love for one another. It shows how we can forgive and obtain forgiveness. It promotes a love for individuals while abhoring sin.

It teaches that God is the author of all righteousness. It shows how the Devil is the author of misery, unrighteousness, deception, and sin. It teaches that while the truths are perfect, men are not. It teaches that men can become more perfect by obedience to the laws God has set forth, and thus invite happiness and peace into each of our lives.

It instructs mankind to use the resources God has given each of us, namely, our talents, our time, our various abilities, and the opportunity to commune directly with God through personal prayer. James said, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering..." (James 1:5-6) And furthermore: "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." (2:17) It is one thing to wish something to be true; it is another to find out through exercising it that it is.

In all, true religion does eveything it can to build a man up and help him through his trials and tribulations, but only so far as he is willing to accept it. It cannot and will not force itself on anyone. It recognizes that people are agents unto themselves. People choose for themselves; agency is a gift that not even God will infringe upon. Cults cannot do this, for they thrive on the mutual deficiencies and self-destructive behavior of mankind. Cults cannot be comfortable with untainted agency, for they depend on the victims (i.e. its members both willing and unwilling) for their continuous existence. True religion will exist with or without followers. It is independent of men in every way, for it is truth eternal. Men may deny it, ignore it, or run, but it will not change truth in any way.

Men can find truth; they can pray to God to obtain truth, for God is the author of truth. He cannot lie, for truth exists in Him and throughout Him. Without it, He cannot be God. True religion teaches this without hesitation, for its adherents know that truth brings happiness. "And ye know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)

I have to go with Steve Hassan on this one. He's an ex- Moonie who now runs one of the best programs for getting someone out of a bad situation I've ever seen.

Using the newer sense of the word, He distinguishes between benign and destructive cults:

"A destructive cult is a pyramid-shaped authoritarian regime with a person or group of people that have dictatorial control. It uses deception in recruiting new members (e.g. people are NOT told up front what the group is, what the group actually believes and what will be expected of them if they become members). It also uses mind control techniques to keep people dependent and obedient.

Benign cult groups are any group of people who have a set of beliefs and rituals that are non-mainstream. As long as people are freely able to choose to join with full disclosure of the group's doctrine and practices and can choose to disaffiliate without fear or harassment, then it doesn't fall under the behavioral/ psychological destructive cult category."

A cult originally didn't have such a divisive connotation. That has come in more recent times.
Based on the old definition of 'cult', early Christians were considered cults. As is every new religion that cropped up over the ages whose system lay outside the mainstream.

The origin of the word 'religion' comes from the word religiare, 'to bind'. IMO It's a way of looking at ourselves, each other, the world, and our relationship to everything in it.

Every cult can be defined as a group having all of the following 5 characteristics:

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 funds and recruit people

5. Its wealth does not benefit its members or society

Every cult can be defined as a group having all of the following 5 characteristics:

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 funds
recruit people

5. Its wealth does not benefit its members or society

The difference between a cult and religion. There are many, but religion carries a Bible to church. A cult carries a magazine around and walks aimlessly.

The difference between a cult and religion. There are many, but religion carries a Bible to church. A cult carries a magazine around and walks aimlessly.

Anonymous :

'A destruction or death cult's dogma requires the alienation and killing of innocent "others".'

Not a whole lot of moral or ethical difference from the requirement of the torture-death of an itinerant rabbi to assuage the wrath of a Great Ooga-Booga. Human sacrifice on a small scale.

Cult: young, hungry & stupid.
Religion: old, fat & stupid.

Cult: young, hungry & stupid.
Religion: old, fat & stupid.

A destruction or death cult's dogma requires the alienation and killing of innocent "others".

Take pretty much any definition of 'cult' and you'll find that the Catholic Church fits the bill. Yet no one will dare to call it a cult in public because it's so immensely rich and powerful. The Pope will classify Transcendental Meditation--a very beneficial relaxation technique--as a cult and get away with it, and this is a man who was implicated in the cover-up of sexual abuse by clergy while in his previous position, but was granted immunity from prosecution by President Bush (see the documentary "Deliver Us From Evil" [2006]). No offense intended to those individual Catholics who are sincere believers and good people, and many of whom I count as friends, but the Vatican is about as corrupt and cult-like as can be.

Take pretty much any definition of 'cult' and you'll find that the Catholic Church fits the bill. Yet no one will dare to call it a cult in public because it's so immensely rich and powerful. The Pope will classify Transcendental Meditation--a very beneficial relaxation technique--as a cult and get away with it, and this is a man who was implicated in the cover-up of sexual abuse by clergy while in his previous position, but was granted immunity from prosecution by President Bush (see the documentary "Deliver Us From Evil" [2006]). No offense intended to those individual Catholics who are sincere believers and good people, and many of whom I count as friends, but the Vatican is about as corrupt and cult-like as can be.

Rev Williams the III says
Faith is not a work. It is given to us by God.
I guess I was in the loo when the gifts were given out.

He also implies that there is One Holy Agreed Upon Orthodoxy for Christianity that is seemingly unambiguous and objectively verifiable as God's only spoken word, with no ambiguity, lacunae, or errata.

Right.

Want to buy the Brooklyn Bridge.?

Take pretty much any definition of 'cult' and you'll find that the Catholic Church fits the bill. Yet no one will dare to call it a cult in public because it's so immensely rich and powerful. The Pope will classify Transcendental Meditation--a very beneficial relaxation technique--as a cult and get away with it, and this is a man who was implicated in the cover-up of sexual abuse by clergy while in his previous position, but was granted immunity from prosecution by President Bush (see the documentary "Deliver Us From Evil" [2006]). No offense intended to those individual Catholics who are sincere believers and good people, and many of whom I count as friends, but the Vatican is about as corrupt and cult-like as can be.

Homo sapiens have a worship gene. Wether we bow to religions, cults or the Grateful Dead, it exists and it has been naturally selected. It creates teamwork, which creates societies, cultures and civilizations. And it wins wars.
The debate between what is a cult or a religion is really irrelevant.

All the definitions supplied here are from human beings, Jesus is defined by his students. God is a perception of the human imagination.

What if there were no humans would there be a God?

The need for a God is required and defined so we can escape the prison of our own Ego and be willing to live as equals with our fellow beings. Defined in another fashion it is called growing up.

In the Gospel of Thomas Jesus said " My Fathers kingdom is spread upon the but men cannot see it."

We need only to be of service to others and ask ourselves how would a grown up handle this matter.

Homo sapiens have a worship gene. Whether we bow to religions, cults or the Grateful Dead, it exists and it had been naturally selected. It creates teamwork, which creates societies, cultures and civilizations. And it wins wars.

Rev. Williams observes: "The difference lies in that the cult's own doctrines are at variance with the religion with which that cult claims to be a part..."

Given the many differences in doctrine between even mainstream Christian sects I'm not sure that definition works very well. I was raised in the Mennonite faith, which as an Anabaptist sect rejects the Catholic doctrine of infant baptism. Does that make my parents "cultists"?

I think this just brings us back to the earlier fight over which is the "One True Church." An insoluble question, I believe, since the Bible, contrary to the good reverend's assertion, isn't really very clear about much of anything. (Or at least the people who read it can't seem to agree about what's clear, what's literal, what's metaphorical and what's just mysterious...)

Regards

A Hermit

There is no difference between cults and religions and all cultists are misguided fools.

What is the difference between a religion and a cult?

The difference lies in that the cult's own doctrines are at variance with the religion with which that cult claims to be a part of not including the list above by Henry James.

Within Christianity, the religion I am more familiar with, the primary difference between the religion and the cults are centered around two areas: the person and work of Jesus Christ and extent of the Scriptures and Authority.

The cults of LDS (Mormons), JW (Jehovah Witnesses, i.e. The Watchtower Society), Christian Science, SDA (Seventh Day Adventist), et al, have doctrines regarding Jesus Christ that is at complete variance with the Church's doctrine hammered out over the past 2,000 years. The addition of writings claimed to be authoritative on par, if not superceding, the Scriptures. Traditional definitions and understandings regarding theological terms are changed or twisted to mean something entirely different. For example, in Mormonism, Jesus Christ and Lucifer are considered brothers. This is a heresy promoted by the Bogomils; a sect of the eleventh century AD.

The Bible clearly indicates that Jesus is the God-man, fully God and fully human, born of the virgin Mary, died upon the Cross, was buried and rose again on the third day for the sins of all mankind. Those who believe in Him will have eternal life which will be few; and those who do not believe in Him will receive eternal punsihment which will be the majority of mankind. The cults will always have a work-oriented salvation not one based on the grace of God by faith alone. Faith is not a work. It is given to us by God.

Rev. Bryant J. Williams III

Here are generally Sociology-Academically accepted Cult characteristics, referring to my post just below.

* Absolute authoritarianism without meaningful accountability.
* No tolerance for questions or critical inquiry.
* No meaningful financial disclosure regarding budget, expenses such as an independently audited financial statement.
* Unreasonable fear about the outside world, such as impending catastrophe, evil conspiracies and persecutions.
* There is no legitimate reason to leave, former followers are always wrong in leaving, negative or even evil.
* Former members often relate the same stories of abuse and reflect a similar pattern of grievances.
* There are records, books, news articles, or television programs that document the abuses of the group/leader.
* Followers feel they can never be "good enough".
* The group/leader is always right.
* The group/leader is the exclusive means of knowing "truth" or receiving validation, no other process of discovery is really acceptable or credible.

The Cult-Like Index Competition: Be a Winner!

Comparing Mormons and Unitarians on the attributes noted directly above, where 10=completely cult-like and 1=no similarity, MY ratings yield a mormon average of 7 out of 10, a Unitarian average of 1.1.
So, Mormons are about 7 times more "cult-like" than Unitarians.

Do your own version and post your results. The winner recieves Eternal Salvation.

my detailed rankings (what are yours?)
Mrmns Unitrns
Authoritarianism 7 1
inTolerance of ??s 7 1
No financial disclosure 8 1
Fear of outside world 5 1
Sanctions on leaving 8 1
Former member abuse 6 1
or grievance stories
Record of leader abuses 6 1
Followers not good enuf 5 2
Group leader always rite 9 1
Exclusive truth resides 9 1
w group leader
average 7 1.1

oops, the anonymous post about the Air Force was me, too. Ok I'm done for now...talk amongst yourselves...;-)

Seems appropriate to post his again...>;-}

http://www.jhuger.com/kisshankbutt.php

"This morning there was a knock at my door. When I answered the door I found a well groomed, nicely dressed couple. The man spoke first:

John: "Hi! I'm John, and this is Mary."

Mary: "Hi! We're here to invite you to come kiss Hank's butt with us."

Me: "Pardon me?! What are you talking about? Who's Hank, and why would I want to kiss His butt?"

John: "If you kiss Hank's butt, He'll give you a million dollars; and if you don't, He'll kick the snot out of you...."

--------------

Read the whole thing...

What's scary is the way these cults can infiltrate public institutions. When they start dominating the Army and Air Force I get nervous...

http://militaryreligiousfreedom.org/urgent_issues.html#

Oh Nicole,

Stuff your religious claptrap. Your Jesus doesn't have the corner market on truth. It's all cult. Cult cult cult. Religion is the greatest backstep that humans have ever managed in their evolutionary change.

Lune

All belief systems are cults. Religions, tupperware, sciences, the Avon lady, politics, take your pick. What a silly debate. The sun also rises. Now *there's* a profound observation worthy of the idiots here, including the questioners. Let me found the cult-soon-to-be-revelation of The Sun Also Rises Here. WTF has happened to intelligence?

Lune Keltkar

Cult Characteristics

youse guys are all correct that the bigger and older a cult gets, the more likely it is to be called a religion instead.

BUT
let's not ignore the fact that there are 10-15 organizational charaqcteristics that are academically pretty accepted

on the basis of which we could certainly say that
Mormonism is more like a cult
than is Unitarianism, shall we say.

Is "Skull and Bones" a Cult?

as a matter of fact, how about Yale in general.

Henry in Harvard Square

Heard a rule of thumb: The difference between a religion and a cult is about a hundred years.

Stirring the pot:

Cults are nascent religions, just as there are nascent species that branch off from more established species of organisms. The diversity of life is the product of competing lineages of organisms with differing genetic compositions, fighting for a place in the ecosphere to survive and procreate. Same for religion, except they are composed of memes and fight for existence within human societies by occupying human brains. Extinction and evolution are part of both biological and religious diversity.

There is a certain Darwinian logic in the definition of "cults" as religions that have not achieved the longevity and size of established religions. If god(s) (in the conventional sense of omnibenevalent, powerful, and present) exist and they are at all concerned with our being properly aware of their existance, it would make sense that the most popular religions, irrespective of method of transmission, are the "true" ones. If we assume that god(s) in that context exist, tt can, therefore, be properly concluded that the gods of Islam and Christianity are nearly equally "true" and that the gods of Judaism, Zoroaster, and Mt Olympus are false.

Though your mileage may vary.

There is a certain Darwinian logic in the definition of "cults" as religions that have not achieved the longevity and size of established religions. If god(s) (in the conventional sense of omnibenevalent, powerful, and present) exist and they are at all concerned with our being properly aware of their existance, it would make sense that the most popular religions, irrespective of method of transmission, are the "true" ones. If we assume that god(s) in that context exist, tt can, therefore, be properly concluded that the gods of Islam and Christianity are nearly equally "true" and that the gods of Judaism, Zoroaster, and Mt Olympus are false.

Though your mileage may vary.

Any group that suggests that it's doctrines are the only truth would be a religious cult, based on the sixth definition in the Random House Unabridged Dictionary (false and extremist). I don't think that being a religion excludes being a cult. So to me, most all organized religious groups are cults to some degree because they attempt to make you believe that you cannot know God without them. Now is a cultish group a bad thing - not necessarily, even with teachings that we are not all equal, nor is a church group or a religion necessarily a good thing, even with teaching that we are all one. The waters are muddy these days.

Christians can't lay claim to ownership of the meaning of the word cult as it's origins precede Christianity. The literal and traditional meaning of the word cult is derived from the Latin cultus, meaning "care" or "adoration.

Any group that suggests that it's doctrines are the only truth would be a religious cult, based on the sixth definition in the Random House Unabridged Dictionary (false and extremist). I don't think that being a religion excludes being a cult. So to me, most all organized religious groups are cults to some degree because they attempt to make you believe that you cannot know God without them. Now is a cultish group a bad thing - not necessarily, even with teachings that we are not all equal, nor is a church group or a religion necessarily a good thing, even with teaching that we are all one. The waters are muddy these days.

Christians can't lay claim to ownership of the meaning of the word cult as it's origins precede Christianity. The literal and traditional meaning of the word cult is derived from the Latin cultus, meaning "care" or "adoration.

Ask this question of a Roman official or intellectual in the Second Century. What would he have said about the scum who called themselves Christians?

mo- no one can deny sal was a good ole gal

Any group that suggests that it's doctrines are the only truth would be a religious cult, based on the sixth definition in the Random House Unabridged Dictionary (false and extremist). I don't think that being a religion excludes being a cult. So to me, most all organized religious groups are cults to some degree because they attempt to make you believe that you cannot know God without them. Now is a cultish group a bad thing - not necessarily, even with teachings that we are not all equal, nor is a church group or a religion necessarily a good thing, even with teaching that we are all one. The waters are muddy these days.

Christians can't lay claim to ownership of the meaning of the word cult as it's origins precede Christianity. The literal and traditional meaning of the word cult is derived from the Latin cultus, meaning "care" or "adoration.

I know first hand what a cult is.
I was brought into it by my mother. (bless her soul)
When I was old enough to realize "they" taught their own interpretation of "words", I got off that merry-go-round.
When I realized I wasn't allowed to "think for myself" or "learn through my own mistakes", I was labeled, banned and subjected to years of rejection by those that claimed to love me,--- family and friends.
My reality is now my own choice and I'm better for it. Why would "the creator" want us to be mere immitations of what we should be--what we truly are?--living in a false reality, created by someone else's belief system.
To each, their own.
I could write a book....

lessons from zoology.
sal on the erie canal,
i had a mule her name is sal 15 years on the erie canal,she,s good strong mule and she,s good old pale 15 years on the erie canal.
sal was one of those mules who helped digging the famous erie canal at the beautiful great lakes area,sal done humanity a great favor and an excellent job where millions of mankind benefit around the clock.
sal never made it to no school,sal doesnot read nor right ,sal never made it to harvard nor georgetowen not even to the capital hill,sal never made it to mecca nor jeuraslem nor rome nor athen .
the significance of sal is way beyond the canal,the significance of sal is that sal knew exactly what to do in this life,she done it and now she rest in peace,sal never died for no body,s sin .
1-what was the religion of sal?was she on cult or on drug!!!
2-where sal recived her patience and tolerance and her moral mind and her reason stability from?
3-was sal on democracey or theocracey!!!
4-if you compare sal to mankind of reason rage and moral mind ,who will win?
5-functional speaking,what is the function of sal in this life and the function of mankind ,provided that both are food and grass eaters?sal got the body and the brain and mankind got the body and the brain what is the difference?
6-sal born and died in this universe without going to the suprem court of bankrupcey ,why mankind is bankrupt moraly, reasonly,and souly?
7-sal was on the religion of her creator god while mankind is siting in 2007 beating his chest and the chest of his felow mankind about the difference between religion and cult!!!

sal have better sense,sal is much advanced .
vote for sal as the neo president,1 MILLION mule march to the D C is the next show in town,one man show,!!!!!!!!!!!.

lessons from zoology.
sal on the erie canal,
i had a mule her name is sal 15 years on the erie canal,she,s good strong mule and she,s good old pale 15 years on the erie canal.
sal was one of those mules who helped digging the famous erie canal at the beautiful great lakes area,sal done humanity a great favor and an excellent job where millions of mankind benefit around the clock.
sal never made it to no school,sal doesnot read nor right ,sal never made it to harvard nor georgetowen not even to the capital hill,sal never made it to mecca nor jeuraslem nor rome nor athen .
the significance of sal is way beyond the canal,the significance of sal is that sal knew exactly what to do in this life,she done it and now she rest in peace,sal never died for no body,s sin .
1-what was the religion of sal?was she on cult or on drug!!!
2-where sal recived her patience and tolerance and her moral mind and her reason stability from?
3-was sal on democracey or theocracey!!!
4-if you compare sal to mankind of reason rage and moral mind ,who will win?
5-functional speaking,what is the function of sal in this life and the function of mankind ,provided that both are food and grass eaters?sal got the body and the brain and mankind got the body and the brain what is the difference?
6-sal born and died in this universe without going to the suprem court of bankrupcey ,why mankind is bankrupt moraly, reasonly,and souly?
7-sal was on the religion of her creator god while mankind is siting in 2007 beating his chest and the chest of his felow mankind about the difference between religion and cult!!!

sal have better sense,sal is much advanced .
vote for sal as the neo president,1 MILLION mule march to the D C is the next show in town,one man show,!!!!!!!!!!!.

A cult is a religion you don't like.

Cult is a pejorative term that whether we apply the dictionary definition or a personal meaning draws to mind a very different connotation pulled from a social continence most of us employ. The term “cult” has gotten a bad rap in common usage, having been employed most often to describe drug-laden, mind-controlling groups.

Because of this any use of the term “cult” whether intended or not brings to mind a negative nuance that, whether we like it or not, effects the context of any message where the term is employed.

Using the term to describe any religion the does not fit the context of the popular perception of the term then becomes irresponsible. It is an offense to those belonging to the faith that is being labeled as such and should be offensive to any society that claims to be based on tolerance.

As a footnote; misrepresenting and simplifying another religions doctrines such as, Jehovah's Witnesses or Mormons, so that they fit one particular groups personal definition of a cult, in the context of public discourse, is both a reckless use of the term and destructive to all people of faith no matter what brand of religion. Because “cult” has this negative connotation its use serves only to make those who use it look like intolerant oafs and bigots, which reflects badly on anyone of faith.

Cult is PERSONALITY oriented, while religion is PRINCIPLE oriented.

With the "ptfft" i.e Moroni and Joe Smith as the "spiritual" guides/founders, what does one conclude about Mormonism???

A cult based on hallucinations which has bought respectability with a $30 billion business empire, the BYU "mission matured" football team and a great choir.

With the "pwfft" i.e. Gabriel and the warmongering, womanizing, "holey not holy hallucinator" aka Mohammed what does one conclude about Islam?

A cult based on oil profits, terror, fear of the sword, stoning, hand chopping and suicide bombers.

With the "pwfft" i.e. Gabriel and the illiterate peasant, possible mamzer, hallucinating and embellished Jesus what does one conclude about Catholicism/Christianity?

A cult based on the fear of hell, guilt trips, the sin of myths, limbo, and the false promises of sin atonement, "miracles", water purification, indulgences and the only key to the spirit state of Heaven.

With "avenging pwtfft"s, and the mostly mythical OT and its "fortune tellers" what does one conclude about Judaism?

A cult based on the support of its rich members, the fear of Hell, the promise of a messiah and the return to the mythical promised land conquered previously by mythical OT characters.

A cult is a religion with no political power.

- Tom Wolfe

You say 'religion', I say 'cult'. Let's call the whole thing off.

I got it right from the Horses mouth...

a cult is a system of religious beliefs rituals
or
adherents of an exclusive system........
or... and there are more. so why try to figure it out.

I got it right from the Horses mouth...

a cult is a system of religious beliefs rituals
or
adherents of an exclusive system........
or... and there are more. so why try to figure it out.

Cult;Zealot and fanatical devotion to a person,thing,idea or deity.
Cult is *what poster MO writes*
Cult means to assume *the moon deity of bedouin* as The Creator of universe.
Cult means to suppose *if you torture your body(fasting),you shall go to Paradise where 72 virgin fairy girls are waiting you(to have sex,dont forget to take *viagra pills* when you die seventy years old).

A religions being a cult is determined by the degree of control it attempts to exercise over its adherents. For example, religions that have doctrine and policies that excommunicate and completely shun members who criticize it's own doctrine and teachings is a hallmark of cults as well as making claim of having the "truth" and being the only representative of God, Jesus, Allah, ect, on earth.

If no two people believe exactly the same way.
Then each one is a cult separated unto themselves.

To the Romans, Judaism was a provincial religion from one corner of their vast empire. If you were a Roman living in Rome, you might use a word such as "cult" to diminish those strange jews from that dusty corner of the world. With their strange culture, tight-knit community, strict rules governing what you can do and eat. And devout belief in only one God! What a strange cult!

Now if you were a jew living in Jerusalem... who is this Jesus (a fellow jew), going around collecting followers. Jesus was clearly out of the mainstream for his own religion. While he does speak out against what he sees as corruption among the leadership of his faith, he certainly doesn't seek to overthrow the jewish faith as a whole and start a new religion. Rather, he proclaims himself the long awaited Jewish Messiah. He's the culmination and fulfilment of centuries of scripture and prophesy! But to most fellow jews... he's at best delusional, but others might call him subversive, blasphemous, heretical; a cult-like figure leading good jews astray. And who are these followers of his? Fanatic disciples who would die for him. Poor misled people who believe Jesus came back from the dead and is nothing less than God! What a crazy bunch of people... what a cult!

The point is, be careful how you point the finger of judgement. One man's cult is another man's dearest held belief. One doesn't need to denegrate anyone else's beliefs to validate their own. The word cult is just another four letter word that gets used by one group to desparage another. Like other four letter words, it's used to shock people. Criminal behavior is criminal regardless of whether it's done in the name of religion... ANY religion. But beyond that, let others worship, how, where, or whatever they want and preserve their dignity without being castigated as a second class believer.

As to the second part of the question, it depends on your perception of the purpose of religion.

IMO, the purpose of religion is to provide its adherents with a framework within which to make ethical decisions. Any religion that serves that function is a real religion, as far as I'm concerned.

But even that doesn't cover it. Any set of fervently and sincerely held spiritual beliefs is a real religion, even if it only has one believer.

For those that don't need such a device in order to live ethical lives, that's cool too.

As to the second part of the question, it depends on your perception of the purpose of religion.

IMO, the purpose of religion is to provide its adherents with a framework within which to make ethical decisions. Any religion that serves that function is a real religion, as far as I'm concerned.

But even that doesn't cover it. Any set of fervently and sincerely held spiritual beliefs is a real religion, even if it only has one believer.

For those that don't need such a device in order to live ethical lives, that's cool too.

As to the second part of the question, it depends on your perception of the purpose of religion.

IMO, the purpose of religion is to provide its adherents with a framework within which to make ethical decisions. Any religion that serves that function is a real religion, as far as I'm concerned.

But even that doesn't cover it. Any set of fervently and sincerely held spiritual beliefs is a real religion, even if it only has one believer.

For those that don't need such a device in order to live ethical lives, that's cool too.

"Cult" may have four letters, but it is not a dirty word.
Most people (including those framing the theme question, apparently) use the word "cult" with all the negative connotations that it has accumulated over time.

The denotative meaning of "cult" is simply a group of people whose beliefs and/or interests lie outside the mainstream to a significant degree. According to that meaning, early Christianity was a cult.

I am a member of three religious groups - a loosely-knit circle of Pagans, a Mahikari dojo, and a Unitarian church. According to the denotative definition, all of these groups are cults.

None of them fit the negatively connotated, emotionally charged definition that most people employ. None of them require me to surrender my possessions or income. None of them require me to profess a specific set of beliefs. None of them require me to sever relationships with non-adherents. None of them require unquestioning obedience to a leader. And I can walk away from any or all of them at any time if I wish, with no repercussions or consequences.

"Wow! Based on the responses so far I have to conclude that a significant fraction of the Washington Post's readership (bloggeship?) is in some form of cult! My oh my."

Yes, each of us is the lone member of our own self-centered personality cult.

Wow! Based on the responses so far I have to conclude that a significant fraction of the Washington Post's readership (bloggeship?) is in some form of cult! My oh my.

May I suggest that a cult is group of people who believe in false doctrine. Different religions may term another a "cult," but what they are really saying is that the particular group believes falsely.

I don't object to the word cult because I belive that there is a truth out there and that humans can come to know it. If there is truth, then necessarily, there is such a thing as false doctrine.

We can debate that claiming to know the "truth" is arrogant, but that's another discussion. If there is truth, then entities that believe something other than the truth are cults. Therefore the term "cult" is not relative, but instead, it is used incorrectly by those who are actually in a cult.

May I suggest that a cult is group of people who believe in false doctrine. Different religions may term another a "cult," but what they are really saying is that the particular group believes falsely.

I don't object to the word cult because I belive that there is a truth out there and that humans can come to know it. If there is truth, then necessarily, there is such a thing as false doctrine.

We can debate that claiming to know the "truth" is arrogant, but that's another discussion. If there is truth, then entities that believe something other than the truth are cults.

May I suggest that a cult is group of people who believe in false doctrine. Different religions may term another a "cult," but what they are really saying is that the particular group believes falsely.

I don't object to the word cult because I belive that there is a truth out there and that humans can come to know it. If there is truth, then necessarily, there is such a thing as false doctrine.

We can debate that claiming to know the "truth" is arrogant, but that's another discussion. If there is truth, then entities that believe something other than the truth are cults.

May I suggest that a cult is group of people who believe in false doctrine. Different religions may term another a "cult," but what they are really saying is that the particular group believes falsely.

I don't object to the word cult because I belive that there is a truth out there and that humans can come to know it. If there is truth, then necessarily, there is such a thing as false doctrine.

We can debate that claiming to know the "truth" is arrogant, but that's another discussion. If there is truth, then entities that believe something other than the truth are cults.

May I suggest that a cult is group of people who believe in false doctrine. Different religions may term another a "cult," but what they are really saying is that the particular group believes falsely.

I don't object to the word cult because I belive that there is a truth out there and that humans can come to know it. If there is truth, then necessarily, there is such a thing as false doctrine.

We can debate that claiming to know the "truth" is arrogant, but that's another discussion. If there is truth, then entities that believe something other than the truth are cults.

there is only one creator originator for this universe ,just one,his religion is one,just one,.

the bioloigal father of mankind is one,adam and eve,.the above 2reality are a must, not only in understanding religion but life in general.(sadly,among mankind who they do not understand the difference between mankind, son of adam and eve ,the food eater,and the creator god who created all).

any deviation from the above reality,is not only man made cult but mankind delusion and illusion.
divine revelation comes only and soley from the creator god who created mankind from none,be and it,s,.
mankind who bring cult to other mankind,let him/her show that he either created or originated a universe similar to what mankind born,live and die in!
or ask him/her for a proof of his/her prophecey!.
prophecey was sealed more than 1428 years ago.

at the entertainment centers ,mankind can bring all his cult and folklore games and tales,but when it come to mankind life guidance you only need the religion of the creator originator god of mankind and the rest of the universe.
all praise goes to the creator originator of this universe.

there is only one creator originator for this universe ,just one,his religion is one,just one,.

the bioloigal father of mankind is one,adam and eve,.the above 2reality are a must, not only in understanding religion but life in general.(sadly,among mankind who they do not understand the difference between mankind, son of adam and eve ,the food eater,and the creator god who created all).

any deviation from the above reality,is not only man made cult but mankind delusion and illusion.
divine revelation comes only and soley from the creator god who created mankind from none,be and it,s,.
mankind who bring cult to other mankind,let him/her show that he either created or originated a universe similar to what mankind born,live and die in!
or ask him/her for a proof of his/her prophecey!.
prophecey was sealed more than 1428 years ago.

at the entertainment centers ,mankind can bring all his cult and folklore games and tales,but when it come to mankind life guidance you only need the religion of the creator originator god of mankind and the rest of the universe.
all praise goes to the creator originator of this universe.

I lost all faith in the Cults when they left Baltimore in the middle of the night and moved to Indianapolis.

The Patriots ... now that's a team to build an American religion around. They even thumb their noses at regulations about domestic spying (a la the PATRIOT Act).

The difference between a religion and a cult? About 100 years.

The difference between a religion and a cult? About 100 years.

A cult is nothing more or less than a religion that is disparaged by some group or state. Cults and sects were labels given in Europe during the religious wars to religions one side did not respect. Many of those cults and sects migrated to North America and became respected religions. One such cult/sect was called Anabaptists. Today in America some of their offspring constitute the mainstream Baptist church.

The accurate definition of a cult is any group that worships a particular deity or saint. Thus, within religions such as Judaism, there was a temple sacrificial cult. In Catholicism there is a cult devoted to Mary. In "Hinduism" there are many cults devoted to various goddesses, gods, and avatars.

Cult should be a neutral and descriptive term. Instead it is ignorantly used to label a religion that is new or that we don't like and which has less status and power.

A cult is nothing more or less than a religion that is disparaged by some group or state. Cults and sects were labels given in Europe during the religious wars to religions one side did not respect. Many of those cults and sects migrated to North America and became respected religions. One such cult/sect was called Anabaptists. Today in America some of their offspring constitute the mainstream Baptist church.

The accurate definition of a cult is any group that worships a particular deity or saint. Thus, within religions such as Judaism, there was a temple sacrificial cult. In Catholicism there is a cult devoted to Mary. In "Hinduism" there are many cults devoted to various goddesses, gods, and avatars.

Cult should be a neutral and descriptive term. Instead it is ignorantly used to label a religion that is new or that we don't like and which has less status and power.

Nicole is in a cult. Cults are communities organized around superstition. The superstition often takes the form of belief in supernatural powers of its leader. There is hardly anything more extreme than believing that your leader, although dead, is immortal, omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent. There is hardly anything more oppressive than a leader who convinces his followers that straying from his path will lead to everlasting torment for all eternity.

Just wanted to add that in my faith, we don't believe that we have a "religion". We practice having a relationship with Christ/God. There is a huge difference. In a relationship you are free to be yourself and you basically obey the boundaries that the other person has set. i.e. husband and wife. That's why the bible compares the marriage to the body of Christ. Religion is based on too much tradition and that can be a negative sometimes because it limits change. Change in the sense of being fresh bringing something new. But not moving too far from the point of the author or God in my case.

All is said already. Let's quickly mention the Church of Scientology, which is neither religion nor cult, but a business. Wait, truth of salvation through Jesus Christ? Hm, sounds very cultish....

There are only two differences between a cult and a religion - age and size of membership.

Society really needs to move away from believing in Mythology.

This is my favorite quote
" They must find it difficult...
Those who have taken authority as the truth,
rather than truth as the authority. "
- Gerald Massey

Angus

Cult = small religion
Religion = large cult

Any questions? Go(o)d.

Cult= small religion
Religion = large cult

Any questions? Good.

Colem: I didn't mentioned the people you mentioned simply because I just wanted to give the 2 primary/large cults that most people think of when discussing the Christian Religion; which I am a part of. I can't speak for muslims, hindus or budhist, so I don't know what they would consider a cult. I can only speak on what I know and what I believe in.

If I were to mention all of the cults in the past I would be typing for days. So that's not necessary, you got my point from my first posting. So along with the kool-aid drinkers, those are beyond just cults, these people were just crazy and brainwashed.

The use of the word "cult" is subjective. It may be used by one religious group to define a sect it does not agree with or by common consensus of the dominant culture to describe a group of people who follow a belief system or religious order that is considered off beat and/or unhealthy in the public mind. This discussion is really one of semantics and not religion.

The use of the word "cult" is subjective. It may be used by one religious group to define a sect it does not agree with or by common consensus of the dominant culture to describe a group of people who follow a belief system or religious order that is considered off beat and/or unhealthy in the public mind. This discussion is really one of semantics and not religion.

Nicole is not paying attention to the many Christian cults that are abounding. The Christian Identity Movement, the Branch Dividians and Jim Jones are examples of hard line evangelical Christianity run amok.

A cult is a group, usually centered around a charismatic leader that has enough influence to get people to believe the unbelieveable and to be willing to sacrifice everything for the leader. Usually the leader does this by creating their own divinity.

Early christianity was clearly such a cult. There are no "Real" religions. As soon as you say "And then a miracle occurred" you have left reality.

The specific Christian definition of a cult is a religious group that denies one or more of the fundamentals of Biblical truth. Or, in more simple terms, a cult is a group that teaches something that will cause a person to not be saved if they believe it. In distinction from a religion, a cult is a group that claims to be Christian, yet denies an essential truth of Biblical Christianity.

The two most common teachings of cults are that Jesus was not God and that salvation is not by faith alone. A denial of the deity of Christ results in Jesus’ death not being a sufficient payment for our sins. A denial of salvation by faith alone results in salvation being achieved by our own works – something the Bible vehemently and consistently denies.

The two most well-known examples of cults are the Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons. Both groups claim to be Christian, yet both deny the two key doctrines mentioned above. Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons believe many things that are in agreement with and/or similar to what the Bible teaches. However, the fact that they deny the deity of Christ and salvation by faith alone qualifies them as a cult.

Many Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, and members of other cults are “good people” who are genuinely seeking God and genuinely believe they hold the truth. Our hope and prayer is that many people involved in the “Christian” cults will see through the lies and will be drawn to the truth of salvation through Jesus Christ.

And the same can be said for other religions as well.