What is a cult?

[reynolds357]

Originally Posted by rosierita

in a perfect world, you can keep those things from intermingling. this is not a perfect world. you may be presented w/ what you assume is a discussion on doctrine, but how do you know that its not God giving you an opportunity to evangelize instead?

discernment is key. you cannot have true & accurate discernment w/out seeking God in a matter & asking Him for it. i fall short on this very thing often.

as far as romney goes, the fact that he's a mormon is the least of my worries. i'm not voting for him either & his faith isnt why. i base my decision on his flip-flopping. by their fruits you will know them... we know enough about romney's record to point out plenty that he does that goes against what God's Word says & what this country stands for. (assault weapons ban, abortion, etc.)

Mormonism is one of many reasons I would not vote for Romney.
I agree with what you said, but in this post modernistic culture, apologetics have in many cases become an essential part of evangelism.

[rosierita]

Originally Posted by jack404

you and me both Rosierita , and we risk chasing the person away from God totally

but maybe thats the idea ....

so blinded by hatred they see not

directed by God to remove the rot

destroy all that does not agree

with doctrine set by you and me

for doctrine is our holy script ,

and paves the way unto the pit

smith wiggleworth and part of his poem on Doctrine


i keep hearing about doctrine , but very little about love ( in a positive way) compassion or understanding

even worse!!! bugger all about scripture unless it supports doctrine

aint that the cart pulling the donkey ?

amen jack!

your post made me think of the below verses...

1 Corinthians 13

1 If I speak in the tongues[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing.

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8 Love never fails.

[tcox4freedom]

Originally Posted by reynolds357

I agree with what you have said with one added qualification; the differences bewtween doctrine of Mormons, J.W. and Christians fall into the realf of "essentials" not "non-essentials."

I dont hang out with one denomination. I cross the lines regularly. Mature Christians can debate doctrine without it causing strife among them. Some of the best discussions I have involve the mixed group of Charismatics, Pentecostals, and Baptists. We debate doctrine without getting angry. Small minded people get angry when debating doctrine.

True; But, I have found common ground with both Mormons & JWs.

For Instance:

Romans 10:13 (Darby)
13 For every one whosoever, who shall call on the name of the Lord, shall be saved.

This is a scripture of "common" ground. Believing on this will strengthen unity between individuals. As you focus on scriptures of "common" beliefs, the HOLY SPIRIT will guide "both" of you though the TRUTH.

This allows the WORD of GOD to prevail in conversation and limits resistence & interference from the enemy of that TRUTH. Hopefully, the one in error will come away from the relationship "enlightened" and closer to GOD.

-

[RunningOnMT]

I believe the biggest issue on this thread has been that some of us believe that certain sects or beliefs have been defended, even promoted, in this thread, without the opportunity for those of us who disagree to fully state our case with evidence. The history of this thread makes it seem as if we (the bad guys), have attacked another religion without justification, while others righteously defended it.

The thing is the thread opened with a proclamation promoting an all inclusive theology which is in itself a unique statement of faith. I personally felt that my belief that certain religions are false was attacked or invalidated as if narrow minded and UN-Christian.

Honestly, I never would have entered into this discussion unless it was mutually understood that we could freely and openly present the evidence for our beliefs. While some of us made an attempt to defend our positions by citing scripture, there seemed to be the threat of censure or penalty for violating forum rules. I would have preferred the topic never be opened.

I would like to suggest to all that we put this thread to rest as it has ceased to be a positive and productive exchange of ideas and continuing the discussion is damaging the harmony and good will among forum members.

[reynolds357]

Originally Posted by RunningOnMT

I believe the biggest issue on this thread has been that some of us believe that certain sects or beliefs have been defended, even promoted, in this thread, without the opportunity for those of us who disagree to fully state our case with evidence. The history of this thread makes it seem as if we (the bad guys), have attacked another religion without justification, while others righteously defended it.

The thing is the thread opened with a proclamation promoting an all inclusive theology which is in itself a unique statement of faith. I personally felt that my belief that certain religions are false was attacked or invalidated as if narrow minded and UN-Christian.

Honestly, I never would have entered into this discussion unless it was mutually understood that we could freely and openly present the evidence for our beliefs. While some of us made an attempt to defend our positions by citing scripture, there seemed to be the threat of censure or penalty for violating forum rules. I would have preferred the topic never be opened.

I would like to suggest to all that we put this thread to rest as it has ceased to be a positive and productive exchange of ideas and continuing the discussion is damaging the harmony and good will among forum members.

It does seem that the rules have been laid out the we can defend Christianity only as long as we use a defense that is compatible with post modern philosophy.

The thread really became ridiculous at the point "Cult" and "Christian" began to be used inclusively. By strict definition the two mutually exclude each other.

[tcox4freedom]

Originally Posted by RunningOnMT

I believe the biggest issue on this thread has been that some of us believe that certain sects or beliefs have been defended, even promoted, in this thread, without the opportunity for those of us who disagree to fully state our case with evidence. The history of this thread makes it seem as if we (the bad guys), have attacked another religion without justification, while others righteously defended it.

The thing is the thread opened with a proclamation promoting an all inclusive theology which is in itself a unique statement of faith. I personally felt that my belief that certain religions are false was attacked or invalidated as if narrow minded and UN-Christian.

Honestly, I never would have entered into this discussion unless it was mutually understood that we could freely and openly present the evidence for our beliefs. While some of us made an attempt to defend our positions by citing scripture, there seemed to be the threat of censure or penalty for violating forum rules. I would have preferred the topic never be opened.

I would like to suggest to all that we put this thread to rest as it has ceased to be a positive and productive exchange of ideas and continuing the discussion is damaging the harmony and good will among forum members.

Plus 1

[ampaterry]

Although most posters managed to discuss the issue without insulting other forum members, those that could not have caused considerable upset.

My purpose here was to defuse the situation with one of the presidential candidates that was getting very heated.

I failed.

I apologize for starting the thread, and am now locking it.

[CampingJosh]

I want to add one thing, a lesson that we can all take from this.

The word "cult" is always an insult. If you define another person's religion as a cult, it will be treated by the staff and moderators as an intentional insult, and you will be accordingly issued an infraction or banned from TFF.

You're free to believe that any other person's religion is a cult; you may not, however, say so here.

[ampaterry]

Thank you, CJ - true.

Let me reiterate what is on the main directory of TFF for this forum:

Religious Discussions
A place to discuss topics of a religious or spiritual nature.

PLEASE NOTE: Because religious discussions have a tendency to become heated, this forum will be closely monitored. Criticism of individual beliefs, personal attacks, and trolling will not be tolerated. If a thread gets too heated, it WILL be locked or removed.