Friday, December 14, 2007

Cults

Bob accuses Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses of being cults. Therefore, they are not part of Christendom.

But Bob doesn't define what he means by "cult." One dictionary definition of "cult" is simply "a system of religious beliefs and ritual." Obviously, this is not what Bob means, or else he would have to say that every Christian (as well as Jews and Muslims) are members of cults.

I think most people give the world "cult" a negative connotation. When you say cult, most people think of groups like Peoples Temple, Branch Davidians, Heaven's Gate, or other organizations whose members had a severely bad outcome (abuse, torture, kidnapping, imprisonment).

It doesn't seem like Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses fit this definition of cult. I don't hear either group committing mass suicide, torturing people, or holding people against their will.

With that being said, why does Bob use the term "cult" when describing Mormons or Jehovah's Witnesses? Is this just another technique to demonize people whose beliefs are different than Bob's? Should Catholics be considered a cult using Bob's definition? Muslims? Jews?

*Of course, I'm excepting the Morman polygamist groups that are outside of the official Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Didn't Bob also mention in this show segment that he himself was formerly a Christian "cult" member? Something about Worldwide Church of God. Also mentioned that his mother and brother were also cult members . He probably considers the Democratic party a "cult"

Unknown said...

Hey All,

With respect to all, even Bobbo, I identify as bi and I go to a Unity church, I belong to at least 2 cults &
I haven't even drank the Kool Aid ;-)

Too bad Bobbo did drink the Kool Aid and went on to serve it by the truck load. There are millions of men and women that somehow still refuse to stand on there own two feet and think for themselves. This is why guys like Bobbo exist.