Definition of a cult
Submitted by Mark on January 25 2000 at 10:36:29
In reply to Re: Mormonism Submitted by Compassion on January 25 2000 at 07:35:13
|
It is very difficult to define "cult." I always thought a cult was a group that worshipped their leader who is currently alive, that unthinkingly allowed that leader to dictate what they should think and do, that gave up all their possessions to the group, and who severed all ties with family and society--anyone not in the group. I prefer this definition to Compassion's because of the following problems: 1.) Mormons do not believe in the trinity. This is the foremost marking of a cult is the denial of the trinity, because it denies the diety of Christ. This would define all religions other than Christianity as cults. I do think there is a difference between a cult and a non-Christian religion. 2.) Mormons do not associate themselves with other Christian faiths and consider themselves unique. Seperation of themselves from all other christian churches is another mark of a cult. Many fundamentalist Christian churches do this. They consider "ecumenicalism" to be of the devil. 3.) Mormons do have a totally different view on Jesus Christ, than ourselves. Same comment as on #1. I suppose it could still be arged that Mormons are not Christian though. According to my understanding of the definition of Christisn, the question is, do they believe that Jesus was the son of God, both human and divine, crucified and resurrected, that we are saved from our sins by faith in him, and that we should follow him in obedience? Mark |