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Is the Church of Christ A Cult?

This article explores the definition of a cult and examines whether the Church of Christ fits this description. It discusses the characteristics of cults and addresses common misconceptions surrounding the Church of Christ.

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Is the Church of Christ A Cult?

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  1. Is the Church of ChristA Cult? Examining the Evidence In Light of God’s Word

  2. Cult Defined World English Dictionary (Collins) Cult [kuhlt] — n 1. a specific system of religious worship, esp. with reference to its rites and deity 2. a sect devoted to such a system 3. a quasi-religious organization using devious psychological techniques to gain and control adherents 4. sociology - a group having an exclusive ideology and ritual practices centered on sacred symbols, esp. one characterized by lack of organizational structure 5. intense interest in and devotion to a person, idea, or activity: the cult of yoga 6. the person, idea, etc., arousing such devotion 7. a.) something regarded as fashionable or significant by a particular group; b.) ( as modifier ): a cult show 8. ( modifier ) of, relating to, or characteristic of a cult or cults: a cult figure [from Latin cultus cultivation, refinement, from colere to till]

  3. Cult Defined Word Origin & History (Etymonline) Cult - 1617, "worship," also "a particular form of worship," from Fr. culte, from L. cultus "care, cultivation, worship," originally "tended, cultivated," pp. of colere "to till" (see colony). Rare after 17c.; revived mid-19c. with reference to ancient or primitive rituals.

  4. Cult Defined Cultural Dictionary (American Heritage) cult definition In anthropology, an organization for the conduct of ritual, magical, or other religious observances. Many so-called primitive tribes, for example, have ancestor cults, in which dead ancestors are considered divine and activities are organized to respect their memory and invoke their aid. A cult is also a religious group held together by a dominant, often charismatic individual, or by the worship of a divinity, an idol, or some other object.

  5. Overview of Cults • Common religious groups in the US widely considered as cults: Sun Myung Moon – Unification Church (1940’s), Church of Scientology (1950’s), The Way International (1950’s), Charles Manson (1960’s), Anton Lavey – Church of Satan (1960’s), Family of Love (1960’s), Church of Bible Understanding (1970’s), The Raelians (1970’s), Jim Jones – The People’s Temple (1970’s), Elizabeth Clare Prophet – Church Universal and Triumphant (1970’s), Order of the Solar Temple (1980’s), Cross Roads – Boston Movement – ICC (1980’s), David Koresh – Branch Dividians (1990’s), Heaven’s Gate (1990’s)

  6. Overview of Cults • Is the church of Christ a cult? This question is sometimes asked of us (1 Pet. 3:15) • Churches of Christ are listed on the “Index of Cults and Religions” of Watchman Fellowship (watchman.org/index) • Websites are devoted to claiming that Churches of Christ are actual cults (jesus-is-savior.com/F) or close to it (chocd.org)

  7. Overview of Cults • There are religious groups using the name “Church of Christ” that bare the marks of cults… • Church of Christ Jesus (ICC) • Church of Christ Consciousness (Center of the Light) • Church of Christ with Elijah Message

  8. Overview of Cults • We must not judge or be judged a “cult” by appearance only or hearsay (Jn. 7:24; 15:18-21; Acts 24:5) • We must be on guard for anyone who would lead us astray (Mt. 7:15; 24:11,23-26; 2 Pet. 2:1-2) • Remember, the presence of a counterfeit implies the presence of the truth • Consider four issues related to cults: (1) authority, (2) scripture use, (3) daily living, and (4) future outlook

  9. Issues Related to Authority

  10. Issues Related to Scripture Use

  11. Issues Related to Daily Living

  12. Issues Related to Daily Living

  13. Issues Related to Future Outlook

  14. Is the Church of Christ a Cult? • The label of “cult” against some churches of Christ is slanderous. The Lord’s church is not a cult! It is not a secret group that seeks to control your mind contrary to your will or (more importantly) the will God. • It has been demonstrated that the Lord’s church is not a cult. The Lord’s church does not have the common characteristics of a cult. Anyone who charges otherwise is either ignoring the evidence present here or is committing slander.

  15. Is the Church of Christ a Cult? • Know the difference between a cult and the Lord’s church! Don’t be fooled! • The Lord’s church always welcomes your investigation. We keep an open Bible, an open schedule, and an open mind to study with anyone, anytime, about any religious matter.

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