I should like to request that we all drop the issue of Christian Science. I
respect Stuart's defense of his faith and I recognize that the issues and
points of view that have been expressed are important to some. But is the
purpose of this discussion list to debate the status of a recognized and
organized religious body that claims to be Christian? If Stuart or any
other Christian Science adherent on this list raises a science-theology
issue that is a different matter, but let's stick to such topics.
Bob Schneider
----- Original Message -----
From: "Kamilla Ludwig" <anamchara7@juno.com>
To: <asa@calvin.edu>
Sent: Saturday, April 27, 2002 5:26 PM
Subject: What is a cult?
> Stuart wrote:
>
> "I must again voice my objection to the use of the word 'cult' when
> describing any religion. The word has such negative connotations that
> it can't help but negatively influence those who don't know the
> difference, but might just accept this as being gospel and hinder
> their own objectivity to decide for themselves. It is patently
> unfair, and decidedly unchristian."
>
> On the contrary, it is the essence of Christian practice and history to
> define orthodox practice and belief versus that which is not. What else
> where the church councils about? I am sure Arius didn't take too kindly
> to being called a heretic, but such he was.
>
> Aside from the connotations you might object to, the word cult has a
> fairly well accepted theological definition which might be stated thus:
>
> A cult is any religious groups which differs significantly in one or more
> respects as to belief/practice from normative expressions of the
> religion. A cult is frequently gathered around a specific person and
> their unique teachings.
>
> Christian Science is properly called a cult and its followers cultists
> because they are specifically bound together by Mary Baker Eddy's
> teachings which do not fall within the pale of historically orthodox
> Christian belief or practice. It's an accurate term which should not be
> given up because some use it pejoratively. Just so with the followers of
> Joseph Smith and Brigham Young, commonly referred to as Mormons and the
> followers of Russell and Rutherford, known as Jehovah's Witnesses, and
> many other groups and their followers who would like to be considered
> Christian but are not orthodox in their beliefs and practices.
>
> Kamilla
>
> ________________________________________________________________
> GET INTERNET ACCESS FROM JUNO!
> Juno offers FREE or PREMIUM Internet access for less!
> Join Juno today! For your FREE software, visit:
> http://dl.www.juno.com/get/web/.
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Sat Apr 27 2002 - 21:31:20 EDT