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-   -   What Constitutes a Cult? (https://www.apostolicfriendsforum.com/showthread.php?t=5844)

Cotton Mather 07-11-2007 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lost (Post 181636)
Cotton, have you walked down the hallway and asked one of your co-workers that question?


Hmmmmm:igotit

Lost 07-11-2007 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cotton Mather (Post 181637)
Hmmmmm:igotit

You are Amish, right? :winkgrin

RandyWayne 07-11-2007 01:21 PM

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 07-11-2007 01:30 PM

RandyWayne, you bust any myths lately?

OP_Carl 07-11-2007 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cotton Mather (Post 181619)
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 07-11-2007 01:36 PM

Quote:

RandyWayne, you bust any myths lately?
Yes, with Busters help.....

Chan 07-11-2007 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cotton Mather (Post 181619)
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 07-11-2007 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chan (Post 181747)
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?

Chan 07-11-2007 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OP_Carl (Post 181753)
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 07-11-2007 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chan (Post 181783)
They do have the potential of becoming cults, yes.

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


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