What is a Cult?

[Socialite]

The word cult pejoratively refers to a group whose beliefs or practices are reasonably considered strange.


Primary feature of a cult is Mind Control. Here's symptoms of mind control:
People are put in physically or emotionally distressing situations;
Their problems are reduced to one simple explanation, which is repeatedly emphasized;
They receive unconditional love, acceptance, and attention from a charismatic leader -- or constantly feel they need to find unconditional acceptance, love and attention from said charismatic leader;
They get a new identity based on the group;
They are subject to entrapment (isolation from friends, relatives, and the mainstream culture) and their access to information is severely controlled.

Another symptom is what happens when people leave:

People are verbally abused.
People feel trapped and pressured, not sure about leaving.
People are shunned, even family members and life-long friends step aside.
People are publicly castigated and chided.
Married couples may be advised to divorce, children may be advised to leave their parents or vise versa.
Intimidation and manipulation are the chief ways of preventing actual fall-out.

Some called Jesus' earlier followers members of a cult (a key charismatic leader they followed), and that may be rightly used. However, Jesus was always a gentleman, patient and loving, and always leaving the verdict to others to decide.

Though the word is emotionally explosive, the issues with the way some churches are culturally made-up often merit such pejoratives. However, these churches often turn to scripture to defend their actions. What scriptures have you heard? Often the twisting of Jesus' remarks about "hating mother and father" and his statements when sadly departing from his hometown after they did not believe. However, this "mother-hater" honored Mary at his death, entrusting her to the care of John. Of course, that's not the only argument against such twisted interpretation, but it's surely the most obvious.

If a church, on multiple occassions, gives advice to family members to cut the others off if they leave the church, speaks frequently of "confusing others" as their chief concern, should you be worried? Is this a red flag or the righteous signs of Jesus Followers?