S.T.S. 1.4 [Q&A 101]

[Subject – Cults!!]

Question:
"What is a ‘cult?’ More specifically, what differentiates a cult from simply another ‘denomination?’ "

Answer:
Simply put, a "cult" (as it pertains to the Christian faith), is a group that claims to be Christian in nature but that deviates from the ESSENTIAL doctrines of classical Christianity. That is, members of Christian cults such as the Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) or the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society (Jehovah’s Witnesses) fall outside of the "pale of orthodoxy." Some doctrines that are in view here are the authority of Scripture, Person & work of Jesus Christ, the nature of God (monotheistic or polytheistic), the Trinity, sin, the resurrection, the way of the cross (Jesus as the ONLY Way to the Father), state/condition of the human heart, etc.Remember this -- in ESSENTIALS . . . Unity; in NONESSENTIALS . . . Liberty . . . and in ALL THINGS . . . Charity!! Denominations do not exist due to deviations/variances on ESSENTIAL Biblical teaching, but rather deal more with certain NONESSENTIAL concerns. Items in this category could range from one’s view on baptism (i.e., immersion, sprinkling, or pouring), to a person’s take on capital punishment, to an individual’s stance on "last days" or "end times" chronology, etc. By the way, neither the essential nor the nonessential lists above are completely exhaustive (specifically the latter list of nonessentials).

In that light, the various denominations that fall under the larger umbrella of Christianity are inevitable when you consider many dynamics. In essence, two Christians can take opposing sides on a "secondary" issue and still be Christians all the while in good fellowship with one another. Remember, secondary doesn’t mean unimportant!!On this note, we need to be able to disagree without being disagreeable. This is not to say that truth cannot be discerned on these nonessential issues; furthermore, I never want to give the slightest impression that those who disagree on secondary concerns should never flesh these things out with one another. In fact, I would encourage believers to dialogue about "secondary differences" in light of Biblical & historical context, "age" of the particular stance relative to Christian history, etc. On the other hand, however, we must be careful not to become embittered against brothers and sisters who differ with us on the non-essentials. When we begin to lean in that direction, we become very legalistic very quickly; this is something that we need to guard against. On these issues . . . may the best idea win!!


To explore this very issue a bit further and in more depth, I refer you to the following helpful articles:

1. What Is Christianity?http://www.str.org/free/commentaries/theology/whatis.htm

2. The Essentials of Christianityhttp://www.equip.org/free/CP0701.htm