Fundamentalist Christianity is a CULT!

What is a cult? There are three general definitions of what defines a given group as a cult. They are:

SECULAR DEFINITION OF A CULT - From the Latin "cultis" which denotes all that is involved in worship, ritual, emotion, liturgy and attitude. This definition actually denotes what we call denominations and sects and would make all religious movements a cult.

CHRISTIAN DEFINITION OF A CULT - Any group which deviates from Biblical, orthodox, historical Christianity. i.e. They deny the Deity of Christ; His physical resurrection; His personal and physical return to earth and salvation by FAITH alone. This definition only covers those groups which are cults within the Christian religion. It does not cover cults within other world religions such as Islam and Hinduism. Nor does it cover Psychological, Commercial or Educational cults which do not recognize the Bible as a source of reality.

UNIVERSAL DEFINITION OF A CULT - Any group which has a pyramid type authoritarian leadership structure with all teaching and guidance coming from the person/persons at the top. The group will claim to be the only way to God; Nirvana; Paradise; Ultimate Reality; Full Potential, Way to Happiness etc, and will use thought reform or mind control techniques to gain control and keep their members. This definition covers cults within all major world religions, along with those cults which have no OBVIOUS religious base such as commercial, educational and psychological cults.

Let’s look at some of the characteristics of a cult. The following list of characteristics is from a Fundamentalist Christian perspective. I will comment as I feel it is appropriate. My comments will be in blue. My source for this list of Cult Characteristics is: Characteristics of a Cult I have identified Fundamentalist Christianity as a cult using THEIR OWN CRITERIA for identifying a CULT! Glory!

BELIEFS HELD BY CULTS:

1. The group’s way is the only way to Heaven, salvation or enlightenment.

Well, imagine that! Fundamentalist Christianity undeniably meets the first criteria. Looks like the pot calling the kettle black to me!

2. The group is elitist, claiming it is the only one that has the truth, often claiming a special revelation. Members are the chosen people and are spiritually superior to other members of society.

Fundamentalist Christians do indeed claim to have THE Truth. The Christian “special revelation” is the Bible – their narrow, literal interpretation of it. Christians do indeed view themselves as the “chosen of God”. Everybody else has been blinded to the TRUTH of Christianity by Satan. Non-believers are consigned to an eternal Hell.

3. The group refuses to consider that it might be wrong.

This is quite true of Fundamentalist Christianity and Fundamentalist Christians. To Christians, the Bible is the inerrant, infallible Word of God and cannot be questioned. Questioning is seen as doubting God and is, of course, severely frowned upon. Fundamentalist Christians are so desperate for their claims to be true that they have come up with quite a system of apologetics. When the contradictions and absurdities which abound in the Bible are mentioned, Christians appeal to this apologetic literature for answers.

4. No outside religion, especially any traditional church, is accepted as being valid.

Fundamentalist Christians believe that only THEY are correct and that only THEY have the Truth. All other systems of belief are a deception and invalid.

5. Such groups often have a polarized us-versus-them mentality, which may cause conflict with society.

This is definitely true of Fundamentalist Christianity. If the silliness of Fundie-ism is rejected by a city or an individual, here is what the Fundies are instructed to do:

Mark 6:11 - And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city.

Isn't that cheery? Either believe or face horrible punishment!

Fundie-ism also teaches that belief in the teachings of Jesus and/or the Cult are more important than family:

Luke 14:26 - If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.

Wow, that's a lot of hating coming from the Lord, isn't it? It's somewhat amazing that Fundie-ism isn't classified as a hate group!

6. The group believes its exalted status or ends justify the means the group uses to achieve the ends. This is even though such means might be considered unethical or illegal by members of society or members prior to their indoctrination.

There are many examples of this in Christianity. The emphasis put on money by the Church and their means of collecting it are usually definitely ethically questionable and at times illegal. Most, if not all, televangelists would be a prime example of this. Most Fundamentalist churches teach that tithing is required by God. If you don’t tithe, you won’t be blessed. In these churches, money is the greatest concern of God and if you don’t fork it over to him or you don’t have it to fork over; you have displeased Almighty God and will suffer the consequences. Obviously, this teaching holds the potential for tremendous psychological damage for those who are financially less fortunate. The more extreme churches teach that if you aren’t prosperous then you are living in sin. Needless to say, this is an unrealistic and very damaging teaching.

7. Such groups are often anti-woman, anti-child, and anti-family. These parties are often placed under duress in the group rather than being nurtured and protected.

Fundamentalist Christianity is definitely anti-woman. Women are second-class citizens in the Bible, and consequently also in Fundamentalist churches. There are verses in the Bible that are definitely anti-child and anti-family.

Sample Anti-Women verses:

1Corinthians 14:34 - Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.

1Co:14:35: And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.

1Timothy 2:9 - In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

1Timothy 5:14 - I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.

2Timothy 3:6 - For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts.

Sample Anti-Child verses:

Psalms 137:9 - Happy shall he be, that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones.

Isaiah 13:16 - Their children also shall be dashed to pieces before their eyes; their houses shall be spoiled, and their wives ravished.

Isa:13:18: Their bows also shall dash the young men to pieces; and they shall have no pity on the fruit of the womb; their eye shall not spare children.

Jeremiah 13:14 - And I will dash them one against another, even the fathers and the sons together, saith the LORD: I will not pity, nor spare, nor have mercy, but destroy them.

Hosea 10:14 - Therefore shall a tumult arise among thy people, and all thy fortresses shall be spoiled, as Shalman spoiled Beth-arbel in the day of battle: the mother was dashed in pieces upon her children.

Ho:13:16: Samaria shall become desolate; for she hath rebelled against her God: they shall fall by the sword: their infants shall be dashed in pieces, and their women with child shall be ripped up.

Na:2:1: He that dasheth in pieces is come up before thy face: keep the munition, watch the way, make thy loins strong, fortify thy power mightily.

Na:3:10: Yet was she carried away, she went into captivity: her young children also were dashed in pieces at the top of all the streets: and they cast lots for her honourable men, and all her great men were bound in chains.

Sample Anti-family verse:

Luke 14:26 - If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.

8. Scripture is often taken out of context or used very sparingly to support the group’s views. Narrow and unusual interpretations of the Bible are common. Whole Bible teaching is avoided.

This is true of Fundamentalist Christianity. The Fundamentalist interpretation of the Bible is extremely narrow and it is definitely unusual. Fundamentalists hold to a literal, inerrant Bible. This view cannot be reconciled with modern science, common sense, or an honest look at the Bible. Whole Bible teaching is most definitely avoided. The passages of Scripture detailing God’s murderous exploits are almost never read or taught. Some passages of Scripture are so disgusting, shocking, and horrifying that most Christians are never taught that these verses and/or passages even exist.

9. Members who fail to remain faithful and leave the group have failed God, will suffer for their decision, and will lose any and all hope of eternal salvation.

Fundamentalist Christians are indeed taught that if they leave the Church and/or the Christian Faith, that they have and/or will lose their salvation. Christians who leave the Church are often viewed as never having been saved.

10. It is understood that former members must be avoided and treated with suspicion, ridicule, and/or patronizing sympathy.

Former Fundamentalist Christians are often treated with patronizing sympathy. Christians will often ask former believers questions such as, “Who hurt you?” or “How were you hurt?” or they will make statements such as, “I’m so sorry you were hurt.” Or “Jesus loves you. Please don’t turn you back on Him.” Christians cannot conceive of someone leaving the Church for valid intellectual reasons or anything else, so the natural assumption is that the former believer was hurt in some way. It goes without saying that former Christians are treated with suspicion and ridicule as well.

Deny the deity of Christ

Fundamentalist Christians certainly affirm the deity of Christ. Any religious group that doesn’t is considered to be a cult.

Please click on the link below for Part 2 of this series.

Fundamentalist Christianity is a Cult, Part 2

Fundamentalist Christianity is a Cult, Part 2

LEADERSHIP CHARACTERISTICS OF CULTS:

12. The group focuses upon a leadership that members appear to display a zealous, unquestioning commitment towards.

This is true of a “true believer’s” commitment to the Fundamentalist’s version of Jesus Christ. It is also true of many Christian’s attitude toward their pastor or others that they perceive as spiritual leaders, such as televangelists.

13. Often the members’ allegiance is based upon the belief that the leadership is, or represents, the Messiah, an avatar, a prophet, or possesses a special anointing from God.

This is true of Fundamentalist Christianity. The pastor is the “Shepherd of the Flock”, and represents God/Jesus to his or her congregation. A visiting evangelist is usually seen as having a special message from God beyond what the pastor will or is able to give. After all, pastors can’t tell their flock about what horrible sinners they are too often! That would be bad for business! But, a traveling evangelist can certainly do so and then move on to the next church. Traveling evangelists and many televangelists either claim to have or are regarded as having a “special anointing from God” by believers.

14. The group’s leadership is not accountable to any authorities (as contrasted with ministers, pastors, priests or rabbis in mainstream religions or leaders of non-religious groups).

This is somewhat true of Fundamentalist Christianity. There should be much more accountability to authorities than there currently is.

15. Significant, and sometimes total, decision making authority rests with the leadership.

This is true of some Christian churches.

16. The leadership of the group will impose pressure or may openly dictate, sometimes in great detail, how members should think, act and feel. (e.g. lifestyle choices, dating, marriage, employment, education, clothing, living arrangements, child rearing, etc.)

This is definitely true of Fundamentalist Christianity. Lifestyle choices are heavily dictated. "Sinful" choices such as tobacco and alcohol use are strongly discouraged. Marriage should be only to other believers. Employment must be non-sinful. Education is to done through Fundie-approved home schooling or at Christian schools where their doctrines are stressed over reason, common sense, science, and scientific facts. At Creationist schools, science is totally avoided in favor of Fundie pseudo-science. Living arrangements must be non-sinful. Heinously evil living arrangements such as living together out of wedlock or being homosexual are to be avoided at all costs. Children must be indoctrinated at an early age and raised in accordance with Fundie beliefs.

17. The leadership may avoid or brush off questions they don’t have scriptural answers for.

This is definitely true of Fundamentalist Christian leaders. Fundies don't want to answer too many questions about god's murderous exploits or genocidal tendencies. Fundies cannot answer for the atrocities in the bible sponsored or directly committed by their god. They employ pseudo-science and dishonest scholarship to get around the bible's many absurd scientific statements that reflect the pre-scientific ignorance of the time in which the bible was written.

18. The leadership will often answer questions differently depending upon who is the speaker and who is the listener.

This is often true of Fundamentalist Christian leaders.

19. Obedience to the leadership is understood to be required and expected from members.

This is true in varying degrees in Christian churches.

20. The leadership is often emulated by members. This may include such items as similar mannerisms, clothing styles, modes of speech, hair styles, and attitudes.

This is often true of Christians. Hero worship is quite common among Christians. Hero worship amounts to idolatry, which is a heinous sin. I wonder if that ever occurs to Christians who are awestruck with some preacher or televangelist. J

Indiscretions and improper conduct by the leadership are often ignored or covered up.

This is definitely true of Fundamentalist Christianity. Immoral and illegal activities are covered up on a regular basis throughout the Christian world. When these become public ala PTL/Jim Bakker, Jimmy Swaggart, Robert Tilton, etc., Christianity is revealed for the sham that it is. More recently, we have the Catholic priests and that disgusting sex scandal that is embarrassing the Hell out of Catholicism right now. Catholics may not strictly qualify as Fundies, but they are Christians just the same and sure enough have been caught in reprehensible behavior.

"Do as I say not as I do" is certainly a statement that is true of Fundamentalists.

Please click the link below for Part 3 of this series.

Fundamentalist Christianity is a Cult, Part 3

METHODS CULTS USE TO CONTROL THEIR MEMBERS:

22. The group’s recruitment techniques are often deceptive.

This is true of Fundamentalist Christianity. Brainwashing techniques are heavily used, as are guilt, shame, and FEAR.

23. New members are often lavished with love and attention thereby creating an attachment between the group and the new member. Later, further love and attention depends upon the member’s good performance (i.e. love is conditional, not unconditional).

This is true in many Christian churches.

24. The group’s leadership induces, accentuates, and manipulates feelings of fear and guilt within its membership as a method of control.

This is definitely true in Fundamentalist churches. Fear and guilt are used frequently not only to convert, but to keep believers from thinking for themselves.

25. Members often experience feelings alternating between happiness at being chosen to know the "truth" and the crushing weight of guilt, fear, shame, poor self confidence, and poor self-esteem for "not measuring up" to the group’s expectations.

Or, I might add, a perception of “not measuring up” to God’s expectations. This mental “yo-yo” effect is quite common in Christian churches. Fundamentalist religion causes much mental suffering and the mental and psychological abuse employed in the more extreme churches can actually cause mental illness.

26. Mental problems, especially depression, are more common than in society in general.

This is true of Fundamentalist Christians - depression, Bipolar Disorder, and similar mental disorders are common in Fundamentalist believers.

27. Independent thought, rational examination of the group, asking questions, expressing doubt, or expressing dissent are discouraged or even punished.

This is unquestionably true of Fundamentalist Christianity.

28. Members are not to discuss any negative feelings or opinions they may have concerning the group.

This is usually true of Christian churches. Negative feelings or opinions will be discussed among trusted friends and very secretively, if at all.

29. There is little or no room for interpretation or deviation from the group’s beliefs.

This is absolutely true of Fundamentalist Christianity.

30. The group’s doctrines are often vague, have inconsistencies and illogical thought patterns but are to be accepted without question, though not necessarily understood.

This is true of Fundamentalist Christianity. Their doctrines and interpretation(s) of the Bible are inconsistent and illogical, but must be believed without question.

31. The group’s unwritten rules and traditions take precedence over Bible scripture.

This occurs in some Christian churches.

32. Members are expected to distrust themselves and their own intuition but instead place their trust completely in the group’s beliefs.

This is definitely true of Fundamentalist Christianity.

33. A perceived flaw in the group is really only a flaw in the member.

This is often true in the more extreme Christian churches. For instance, a believer experiencing legitimate doubts will often be told to pray and have more faith in God. Therefore, the believer is the one with the problem, not the church.

34. Members are encouraged or required to live with and socialize only with other members of the group.

This is somewhat true among Christians. Living arrangements are often no different than in society in general. However, “sinful” living arrangements such as living together as an unmarried couple are strongly discouraged. However, Christians are encouraged to socialize among themselves only. The Church rarely actually dictates who members can or cannot socialize with, but Christians tend to socialize with other like-minded Christians.

35. Members are expected to reduce or eliminate contact with family, friends, and other non-group individuals, activities or goals.

This does happen in Christian Churches. Often, a new convert will shun or lose interest in “unsaved” friends and/or relatives.

36. Members’ isolation or avoidance of the outside world reduces or eliminates the reality testing that such interaction could provide.

This is true of Fundamentalist Christianity.

37. The group weakens the members by making them dependant upon the group for their social support structure.

This is true of some Christian Churches.

38. Members learn to understand that individuality is bad and conformity is good.

This occurs to some extent in Christianity.

39. Members are expected to devote significant amounts of time to the group.

This is often true of Christian Churches.

40. The leadership maintains some form of is surveillance over the members. Informers or gossips are used by the leadership as a method of surveillance and control.

This is true in some Christian churches. Brainwashing and Mind Control techniques are used in ALL Fundamentalist Christian churches.

41. The group often makes use of jargon or common words with special definitions in order to confuse any outsider’s examinations of the group.

This is probably true of the more extreme Christian churches.

42. Secrecy of the group’s activities is maintained with a wall of silence.

This is probably true of the more extreme Christian churches.

43. Members are often kept in the dark concerning aspects of the group.

This is common in the more extreme Christian churches.

44. 44. The financial activities of the group are often shrouded in secrecy.

This is definitely true of Fundamentalist Christian churches and groups. However, various scandals in recent years that have been very embarrassing to the Christian Church have brought about increased financial accountability.

From this analysis of Fundamentalist Christianity in light of characteristics that cults commonly share, it should be obvious that Fundamentalist Christianity is a cult – a very, very large, worldwide cult that has operated under the cloak of respectability, supposed harmlessness, and under the guise of godliness for far too long. It is time for the World to wake up and recognize Fundamentalist religion for the DESTRUCTIVE CULT that it is!

(This is a little lengthy but says a lot of good stuff)

T- Rex