gcdonner wrote:Bootstrap wrote:MaxPC wrote:To all: Note that I'm also differentiating a cult from an "established church or fellowship." As in
"When does a 'cult' become an established church or fellowship."
So in this definition, the difference is whether it is established or not? If so, what do you mean by established and how can you tell if it is established or not? If you can answer that question, then it should answer the question in your OP - it becomes a church when it becomes established.
He is asking us to answer the question, so why are you questioning his question and not answering the question. Do you understand the question?
Too many folks looking for an argument and not willing to discuss, I'm afraid.
I don't think I'm looking for an argument. He is asking a question that depends crucially on his definitions, which were not initially clear. According to his definitions, the difference between a church and a cult is that a church is established. If he now provides a clear definition of established, I think the answer to his question will become obvious. That's why clear definitions are helpful.
Especially when the definition is different from everyday usage, getting clarity on the definition is important if we want to discuss it clearly.
Soloist wrote:I would suggest that the term cult is completely subjective. For example, my parents would consider the conservative Mennonites to be a cult. They likely wouldn't admit that but thats purely because of us and the fact they do believe in the deity of Christ. They would still consider Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses to be a cult. I would assume Charity would fall in there too for the same reasons as the Mennonites.
On the Catholic side, lots of people I used to know would consider the Catholic church to be a cult or the anti-christ. Take it for what you will, but cult is subjective.
If we tried to clearly define what 'cult' means in each part of the above paragraph, we would come up with several different definitions, all different from the one Max gives. These definitions would lead to different conclusions. But to answer Max's question, we probably have to work with his definitions.
Is it biblical? Is it Christlike? Is it loving? Is it true? How can I find out?