I was listening to ABC radio in a moment of insomnia on one balmy Sunday night. The announcers whose names have left me were discussing what makes a religion a cult. From what I gather it comes down to three main points- Transparency
- Legalistic tendencies
- Interpretation authority
Transparency
This refers to how open you are to outsiders knowing what you are doing. Christian churches tend to be very open with signs and leaflets advertising coming events. Cults tend to be shut off from general society and are largely unknown.
Legalistic Tendencies
This refers to the making of rules and abiding by them. Christian churches tend to have a constitution stating beliefs, structure (eg wardens, deacons, etc) and how certain things shall be done (eg baptism, confirmation). These constitutions aren’t really restrictive, they are more like simple guidelines. Cults tend to have strict rules. For example the “Exclusive Brethren” restricts the use of anything created by this world (eg Television, Internet, etc). Not playing by these rules result in punishment.
Interpretation Authority
This refers to who is allowed to talk about the religion and their related documents. Christian churches tend to have one person talking about the bible and everyone else listening. There is still open discussion and most ministers enjoy a good theological debate. Also, Christians are expected to discuss the bible in smaller groups. Cults tend to have one person or a small group of people who are the authority and have the final say on all matters. Questioning of these decisions and statements are considered disloyal and punishment of some sort is likely to follow.
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3 comments:
DEATH TO SCIENTOLOGY, THE WORST CULT OF THEM ALL!
KEGZ
lol, thats a broad statement if i ever heard one. I dont agree with most of their beliefs myself, but that doesnt mean we should accuse them for being the worst cult ever. we should learn to better understand them so that we know why we think scientology is the worst and not just go by what media is telling us.
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
By those criteria, the Catholic and Anglican churches are both cults.
Perhaps they are...
The original (and still the technical) meaning of "cult" is the priestly apparatus and its associated sacrificial system and ritual practices. I think a better definition of your modern cult would be any new manifestation of such a set-up.
Alas, this would still include the Catholics and High Anglicans...
LB
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