Quote:
Originally Posted by leastofthese
All-knowing leadership. An individual or group of people claims to be sent by God to "rule" the one true religion—which only includes members of that particular cult.
No room for differences. Cult members must believe exactly the same way and in exactly the same things; there is no room for disagreeing with the cult's rules or doctrines.
A new and better way. Cults often claim they've been given a "special revelation" from God that's superior to the Bible, or explains what the Bible is really trying to say.
Down on Christian doctrine. Cults often depict basic Christian doctrines and beliefs (like the Trinity, deity of Christ, salvation by grace through faith) as "full of holes" and completely illogical.
Scriptures get an added twist. Bible verses are often taken out of context or twisted to mean something very different than what was originally intended.
"Christians are wrong." Cult members believe God has given their group the job of pointing out "heretical and evil" teachings of Christianity.
Works prove faith. Cult members often claim their good works are superior to those performed by Christians, and they say their works prove their religion is the one-and-only truth.
Salvation is a big unknown. Since cults often teach that salvation is based on performance, cult members can never know if they've done everything necessary to get to heaven.
No exit. Leaving the cult is not an option, and intimidation is often used to keep cult members from even thinking about getting out.
http://www.christianitytoday.com/iyf...n-of-cult.html
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If the definition of cult must include
all of these bullet points, then the LC/LSM is not a cult but close to it because unless the message of salvation they adhere to has changed, the assurance of eternal salvation was/is solidified in the teachings. That they have instilled fear of the '1000 yr of outerdarkness' teaching is beside the point.
From my experience just about every denomination or non denomination
is also very close to being a cult based on these bullet points.
In the denominations I have frequented for example, they all have their book/cd tables. 99% of the products sold is the teachings from the main pastor. If they have other ministerial products, those ministers are connected to the pastor. When a special guest visits that is not necessarily connected to that ministry, the guest brings in his boatload of products to sell.
I can tell you from my personal experience, the guest speaker will give a 'cut' to the main pastor. (And a collection will also be taken up for the guest speaker).
Going back to the matter of eternal salvation, from my experience the LC did a really good job of assuring the saints on that matter.
Don't know if they still do however.