There's a buzz word that causes a lot of tempers to flare. How is Christianity not a cult? Are some churches of Christ more "cultish" than others? How about those snake-handlers, they're Christians, are they a cult? I've encountered so many different versions of Christianity it makes my head spin, who's a cult and who is not?

i was once discussing religion with a Jews for Jesus person and the subject of Christian denominations came up.

I asked him about the LDS Church, which claims to be Christian, and Jehovah's Witnesses, which claim to be Christian, and he described them as cults.

To which I replied, "As a Jew, I find all of Christianity to be a cult."

Now cult has negative connotations - Branch Davidians were called a cult, the folks in Jonestown were considered a cult.

It's an unwavering belief in a set of doctrines and principles usually led by a charismatic leader.

Jesus was pretty charismatic.

I'm glad you (Believer) walk with Christ. Just don't ask me to join you.

People need to feel comfortable. That's why we have religion... comfort. That's it. When we're uncomfortable, we pray. If we lose our job, we pray for help. If we lose our health, we have prayer-circles! If we fear death, we talk about Heaven and everlasting life. In extreme distress, even the most outspoken atheist will pray to someone. It's human nature, and we can't escape it.

That's religion, and everyone's got one.

Cults are formed when a charismatic leader lays it al down neatly with a set of nice rules (and don't forget the "gauranteed" reward). Cults increase in size, accumulate power in numbers and, over centuries time become major religions.

Am I crazy, or isn't it just this simple? Since none of us have any answers (you included, those who THINK you do... you know who you are) can't any of us be considered as "cultish"?

"Cult" does indeed have such a negative sound to it but by definition it is simply "a system of religious worship" (Websters)
So then any religion would be a cult....correct?

Believe me there's nothing I'd like more than to have a unified Body of Christ. The problem with that isn't the message it's the messenger(s). See the minute Christ left this earth division took hold within the church. Some felt that Christianity being an offshoot of the Jewish faith should be only for the Jews. Some felt that when Christ said to take the message to the world he meant everyone, gentiles included. Some felt that gentile converts should be subject to the laws of Moses, while others felt that Jesus freed us from most of the laws of Moses, and that only the 10 commandments should be followed. It’s interesting that Jesus actually brought the “rules” that we should follow down to 2. Love God & love your neighbor as you love yourself. His reasoning that if you followed these 2 you would automatically keep all of the others. Division came into the Church as a result of man, not God. Paul said that we were of One Body, and should not claim to follow any particular person except Christ. I personally attend a Baptist church. I was raised among Nazarenes, the Pentecostals, Catholic, and yes even Jews for Jesus. I have found that among each denomination there are those who are true followers, and those who are not. I myself call myself a Christian. I don’t believe that any one church has the right answer. For me the only right answer can be found in the Bible, and through understanding passed to me by the Holy Spirit. [quote]Originally posted by skr: [b] People need to feel comfortable. That's why we have religion... comfort. That's it. When we're uncomfortable, we pray. If we lose our job, we pray for help. If we lose our health, we have prayer-circles! If we fear death, we talk about Heaven and everlasting life. In extreme distress, even the most outspoken atheist will pray to someone. It's human nature, and we can't escape it. [/b][/quote]I couldn’t disagree with you more. God is not Santa Claus. He’s not the guy we go to when we’re in trouble. In my opinion he’s the creator of the universe, who loved us enough to die for us. He’s the one who wants a relationship with you and everyone else on earth.

Honestly this is just a posting on an internet forum. I don't expect you, or anyone else, to follow Christ because I said so. I simply want to present my point of view, and inform you about Christianity. It's my hope that this discussion will make you think, and search for yourself. Either way I was only instructed to share the good news, not force it on anyone.

I have only one question for you. Under the Law of Moses, the only way for forgiveness of sins was through blood sacrifice in the Holy of Hollies. But the temple was destroyed in 70AD, and the Jewish people dispersed. How is attonement achieved now that there is currently no temple, and no sacrifices for almost 2000 years?

I can sure agree with THIS statement! I appreciate you, Believer, because you stand behind what you believe and DO engage in debate over religious topics. Many Christians whom I attempt to have a "friendly" theological discussion with end up getting frustrated and angry. Usually it's because there's never any good answers to so many of the usual questions. Most Christians just keep refering back to the Bible (the viscious circle, "the Bible is correct because it's written in the Bible". I believe that nobody should believe they have an OBLIGATION to convert anybody to their religion. Wouldn't you feel bad if you were wrong in the end... all those poor lost souls!

Thanks skr I didn't know if I was just upsetting people by being here or if anyone was actually interested in even discussing the subject. I live by the saying that Christ knocks at the door of our hearts he doesn't kick the door in. If my savior doesn't force himself on anyone who am I to try?

Believer - you're one of the nice ones. thanks for all your posts. I find your views rather refreshing, and if I were a believer myself I probably would be non-denominational.

The issue is I'm not a believer in the Bible as a word of God. The Bible is a very nice book, filled with great stories and inspirational texts, but ultimately assembled by committee and distorted through the ages.

[[b]SKR wrote: Many Christians whom I attempt to have a "friendly" theological discussion with end up getting frustrated and angry. Usually it's because there's never any good answers to so many of the usual questions. Most Christians just keep refering back to the Bible (the viscious circle, "the Bible is correct because it's written in the Bible". I believe that nobody should believe they have an OBLIGATION to convert anybody to their religion. Wouldn't you feel bad if you were wrong in the end... all those poor lost souls! [/b] The answer to why many Christians get frustrated and just refer to the bible is because many are not grounded sufficiently in their beliefs and do know the scriptures, as they should. Some do not research and just accept what they are told. When they are engaged in a discussion they cannot answer some of the questions thrown them and become frustrated. Most Christians accept the Lord after simply hearing a message or testimony. Many years ago after someone testified to me about Jesus, I began to wonder whether or not God was for real and if it was possible that Jesus could be God. I allowed the person to pray for me and my prayer was simply “God if you do exist, show me you are for real and I will follow you”. Well as the days went by, I started to see signs that He was for real and soon enough I accepted Jesus into my heart. I tried sharing what I felt but was unable to put it in a coherent manner. I too said it’s in the scriptures without being able to quote where. So you are right it becomes a vicious cycle. However it does not stop from wanting to share what you are feeling inside. It is something you can’t contain and want to shout it out to everyone you meet. I must say that on many occasions it is to the annoyance of others. You want everyone to feel what you are feeling and want to convert everyone. After while, I learned that I cannot convert anyone, only God can do so. As a Christian we should share what we experience, not just verbally but by example. I am not perfect, however the more I focus on Jesus, the more I am able to imitate Him.