Well, I refuse to give up a perfectly good word because some misuse it!
(I refused to do the same thing when I presented my paper to ETS this
past fall on another hot topic within evangelicalism) Since this is a
highly specialized list, I don't think we need fear the popular mind and
ignorant reaction to use of the word. Also, please note that I
specifically referred to the theological definition and use of the term
"cult" and not to the uses that might be common among the populace at
large.
I'd beg to differ with you on what most of your co-religionists are
devoted to. Every Christian Scientist I have ever met and conversed with
was more devoted to Mrs. Eddy's peculiar teachings (not meant
pejoratively, mind you) on Scripture and the person and work of Christ
than to Scripture alone or Christ alone. Again, you would likely contend
that these do refer to the true Christ, but the weight of 2000 years of
orthodox Christian teaching and practice are against you in that.
Kamilla
On Sat, 27 Apr 2002 20:04:41 -0400 "Stuart d Kirkley"
<stucandu@lycos.com> writes:
> Well stated and factual. The problem lies with the pejorative, or
> popular notion of what a cult is, which connnotes that word with
> evil, mind control, and fanaticism. This definition has become so
> universal and pervasive, in light of Jonestown, Manson, and a host
> of others I can't think of right now, that you should be able to
> appreciate why it is considered an offensive term. I do not have a
> problem with the words usage in it's pure form. But like so many
> things, it has become seriously adulterated and the popular mind
> does not understand this,such that concessions should be made to
> protect groups from undeserved malice ignorantly directed at them.
>
> To be referred to as a sect might be a more acceptable, if not as
> precisely accurate, term.
>
> Also, my Webster's defines 'cult' thusly:
> 1. A system of worship of a deity; as, the cult of Appolo. 2. Hence:
> A.- the rites of a religion. B.-Great devotion to some person, idea,
> or thing, esp. such devotion viewed as an intellectual fad. C.- a
> sect.
>
> In light of 2 A. this definition would include any and all religions
> which performs rites or rituals as a cult.
> Christian Science has no rites or rituals, therefore, by this
> definition, it cannot be a cult.
> I know some might say that we fall under the definition given in 2
> B, but the only thing we are greatly devoted to is the Christ, or
> Immanuel, the Divine manifestation of God to man.
>
> Stuart Kirkley
>
>
> On Sat, 27 Apr 2002 15:26:00
> Kamilla Ludwig wrote:
> >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
> >
> >________________________________________________________________
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>
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