What Constitutes a Cult?

Originally Posted by Lost

Cotton, have you walked down the hallway and asked one of your co-workers that question?

Hmmmmm

[Lost]

Originally Posted by Cotton Mather

Hmmmmm

You are Amish, right?

[RandyWayne]

I pretty much agree with the above definition of a cult but think it almost always applies to individual groups and churches then most organizations (SOME exceptions).
For instance I can easily see a specific church being a cult, where the organization as a whole is not. (Although I would certainly fault the powers that be in the org for not keeping a tighter rein on the leader of the group.)

[Lost]

RandyWayne, you bust any myths lately?

[OP_Carl]

Originally Posted by Cotton Mather

In my opinion, it seems that the generally accepted concensus is that a cult is defined by the following standards:


1. An attempt to manipulate and break down the minds of individuals and assimilate them into a collective group-think. A complete suppression of individualism.

2. An ongoing process of controlling the broken for selfish purposes.

3. Questioning and critical thinking is viewed as rebellious and a danger to the community.

4. Extremely heavy-handed leadership that is answerable to no one.


Is this an accurate assessment?

Where did you get this list? Are you sure these items aren't from a booklet entitled 'Pastoring for dummies?'

[RandyWayne]

RandyWayne, you bust any myths lately?

Yes, with Busters help.....

Originally Posted by Cotton Mather

In my opinion, it seems that the generally accepted concensus is that a cult is defined by the following standards:


1. An attempt to manipulate and break down the minds of individuals and assimilate them into a collective group-think. A complete suppression of individualism.

2. An ongoing process of controlling the broken for selfish purposes.

3. Questioning and critical thinking is viewed as rebellious and a danger to the community.

4. Extremely heavy-handed leadership that is answerable to no one.


Is this an accurate assessment?

5. Centered on the particular person that is leading the group and not on Christ.

[OP_Carl]

Originally Posted by Chan

5. Centered on the particular person that is leading the group and not on Christ.

Uh oh. Is there a Joel Osteen cult? Is there a James Dobson cult? Is there a Chuck Swindoll cult?

Originally Posted by OP_Carl

Uh oh. Is there a Joel Osteen cult? Is there a James Dobson cult? Is there a Chuck Swindoll cult?

They do have the potential of becoming cults, yes.

[OP_Carl]

Originally Posted by Chan

They do have the potential of becoming cults, yes.

Dogbert says the best way to take over the world is to start a religion.