T.F. Tenney at the Journey (Mark Johnston's)

[edjen01]

Originally Posted by KWSS1976

See thats were I have a problem is not letting someone participate on the platform or leadership roles over something that is not even biblical... smells cultish alittle I know many do not like that word on here so sorry if I affend

if a church chooses to have certain rules....why is that "cultish"?

couldn't it just be opinion...or variety?

[Jack Shephard]

Originally Posted by edjen01

if a church chooses to have certain rules....why is that "cultish"?

couldn't it just be opinion...or variety?

IF it is taught in a way that 'if you don't do this then you are sinning' or as a requirement to attend/join then it crosses the line.

[BadgerBoysMom]

Originally Posted by edjen01

if a church chooses to have certain rules....why is that "cultish"?

couldn't it just be opinion...or variety?

What is the purpose of having these "rules"? If this is not a salvation issue then what's the point. Or is it really a salvation issue? If so then there would be scripture to support.

Can the saints not hear the leading of the Holy Ghost? Is it ONLY the leadership that is "in tune" enough.

If the leadership must make every decision for the people - then why do they have the HG? Would it make sense that ONLY those in leadership have it since they are making all the rules?

Just seems to be contradictory to scripture. I have no issues with someone holding to a standard because that is what they feel is necessary for them but to try and enforce it on others is plain and simple.... wrong.

[pelathais]

Originally Posted by edjen01

if a church chooses to have certain rules....why is that "cultish"?

couldn't it just be opinion...or variety?

It really depends. If you can't back up your "rules" with Scripture but you still want to insist that they are "of God" - then often times folks start to enforce those rules in ways that other folks call "cultish."

It's the atmosphere of control and suppression that folks call "cultish" more than the rules themselves; at least from my perception. Of course, if you don't have any scriptural support for your "rules," then what's the point in the rules? Unless someone enjoys an atmosphere of domination, fear and control.

[Sam]

Originally Posted by edjen01

if a church chooses to have certain rules....why is that "cultish"?

couldn't it just be opinion...or variety?

If the "rules" or "traditions" are taught like the Bible or placed on the same plane as the Bible, isn't that cultish?

The Mormons have the Book of Mormon, the Pearl of Great Price, and the Doctrine and the Covenants.

The Christian Science folks have Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures

The JW's have their Watchtower books and literature.

The Church of the Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith has the tapes of Bishop Johnson.

The Branhamites have their tapes and books

The UPC has the Manual, the Position Papers and the local church rules and standards

The RCC has "holy tradition" and the decrees of church councils

If these supersede the Bible, contradict the Bible, or are placed on the same level as the Bible,
something is not right.

[TRFrance]

Originally Posted by edjen01

if a church chooses to have certain rules....why is that "cultish"?

couldn't it just be opinion...or variety?

Eden, lets face it...
some rules are cultish, at least in the sense that they are unnecessarily controlling.