Quote:
Originally Posted by DistantStar
You are setting up a strawman. You are assuming that cults are what those sects are.
|
Personally I dislike the word cult. The definition of a cult includes the early church. It is not a New Testament term and the utter vagueness of this term authors confusion.
The New Testament refers to false prophet, false teacher, antichrists, and the fruit of a false teacher.
The New Testament goes into great detail about what a false teacher is (for example hypocrite) so I consider all those other terms to be included in these.
The New Testament also tells us that teachers will receive "stricter judgement". We are told not to judge our brother, and judging that a "Lutheran" is in a "cult" is that judgement. However, we are told to take heed to the doctrine that we walk in. So then judging false teachers and heretical doctrines is prudence, and is something the NT directs us to do.