@fredsbendtheGrinch Words have meaning. Ignoring those meanings makes communication impossible.
It's not pedantry at all.
@fredsbendtheGrinch I've never heard this definition of a "cult."
@fredsbendtheGrinch Usually when I've heard Christians talk about a "cult", they are using the term to refer to a religious organization that fits a subset of several "cultish" criteria.
1. Extra-biblical texts 2. A charismatic leader (or organization) who is responsible for interpretation of the Bible and/or the extra-biblical text 3. A cultural separation from those outside of their religious group -- especially at the exclusion of those who have left their group
@Jas3.1 I'm saying that Caleb's answer provides a definition of 'cult' which doesn't mesh with your usage.
@fredsbendtheGrinch: But the important part is that there are differing definitions of "cult," and probably not even one of them is precise enough to be used in scoping a question in this site, but undoubtedly, given the multiple definitions, the word should not be used to scope a question on this site. That is not pedantry. It's seeking clear communication.
Specifically: > A group of people who claim identity/membership with an established religion but who, because of their beliefs, are rejected by the members of that religion as being unorthodox.2
By that definition, as I've mentioned earlier, literally every "Christian" denomination is considered a cult by at least one other "Christian" denomination.
@Flimzy If you read his whole post it is clear that (in the context of discussions about Christianity) Caleb would not agree with your interpretation of his words. He applies his definition to sectors within Christianity to show that Mormonism (for example) is a cult, while Catholicism (for example) is not a cult.
@Flimzy You are the only person who has a definition which muddies the waters. Even the various sources you've quoted (like Christianity Today) contradict your definition and give clear criteria for why Mormonism is (objectively speaking) a cult of Christianity, while "Baptist" (for example) is not.
@Jas3.1 Our site guideline has, from very early on, said that the only meaningful definition of "Christian" here is "one who self-identifies as Christian." In the spirit of that definition, I believe that referring to any group as a cult (and by implication, therefore, "non-Christian") is completely inappropriate here. I may be the only one who has thus far verbalized this, but I doubt I would be the only one to have this opinion. I'll probably bring it up on meta soon enough.
On a related note, I have brought up a question about Mormonism and the definition of "cult".
It is fairly common for certain Christian groups to refer to Mormons as a "cult." Mormon.org talks about some of the reasons why this may be the case, but doesn't directly address whether, from a Mormon perspective, this label is or is not accurate.
Is there any definition of "cult" which is of...
This question (as well as a few others by the same OP) is scoped to seek answers from "non-cults." This terminology concerns me greatly, and lead to some comments, and eventually a chat discussion on the matter.
I see two problems with the term "cult" as it applies to our site, and specifically...
It is fairly common for certain Christian groups to refer to Mormons as a "cult." Mormon.org talks about some of the reasons why this may be the case, but doesn't directly address whether, from a Mormon perspective, this label is or is not accurate.
Is there any definition of "cult" which is of...
Discussion on question by Jas 3.1: Ho…
Discussion on question by Jas 3.1: Ho…