Evidence for why we know the New Testament writers told the truth.

[RobRoy]

Of course not, the largest religion in the world is not a cult. It got to be the largest religion in the world for a reason. Read the definition of cult.

From the American Heritage Dictionary:

cult -
A religion or religious sect generally considered to be extremist or false, with its followers often living in an unconventional manner under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader.

In anthropology, an organization for the conduct of ritual, magical, or other religious observances.​

I believe that Christianity's foundation meets these definitions. Someone correct my logic here, but:

1 - Christianity was originally a sect of Judaism.
2 – It was considered extreme to the Jews, and practices false teachings, such that they killed its leader.
3 – The followers were often forced to practice in hidden locations, using secret signs.
4 – Their leader rose up quickly, taught that there was no way to Heaven but through him, and built a loyal following based on his own charisma.
5 – The practice of Christianity developed rituals which, in some flavors, still contain professed magical occurrences.

Did I miss anything?

It seems that all religions likely start this way to one degree or another. At what point does any given cult cease to be considered as a cult and then become a religion?

 

[Elizabeth I]

It seems that all religions likely start this way to one degree or another. At what point does any given cult cease to be considered as a cult and then become a religion?

When it gains political clout. Look at Constantine.

 

[RobRoy]

When it gains political clout. Look at Constantine.

That's what I was thinking in regards to Christianity, but what about other religions? Is it always the ability to weild power that forces a redefinition?

 

[DOC]

DOC, I'm starting to get the feeling that you believe what is written in the Bible is fact!

Well, as mentioned earlier, Luke (the author of the Gospel of Luke) has been called a great historian by a formerly secular famous academic. Great historians have a way of getting the facts straight.

 

[Hokulele]

Well, as mentioned earlier, Luke (the author of the Gospel of Luke) has been called a great historian by a formerly secular famous academic. Great historians have a way of getting the facts straight.

Except when they don't. Compare Luke's description of Paul and his beliefs as documented in Acts to Paul's own letters. It sounds like two completely different people.

 

[paximperium]

Well, as mentioned earlier, Luke (the author of the Gospel of Luke) has been called a great historian by a formerly secular famous academic.

So what?
I love how you claim some "great historians" support your Bible and ignore the whole host of other "great historians" who say otherwise. When asked to support your claim, you show your complete ignorance of your own holy book. Hypocrite, your name is DOC.

Great historians have a way of getting the facts straight.

Except when they don't or get things completely and utterly wrong.

 

[L The Detective]

Well, as mentioned earlier, Luke (the author of the Gospel of Luke) has been called a great historian by a formerly secular famous academic. Great historians have a way of getting the facts straight.

They sure do, except when they're wrong.

Does it bother you that this thread seems to be more successful at pointing out the flaws of the Bible than it's strengths? I found it very interesting that Mark's section treats Jesus as merely a profit and not the Son of God, and was in fact edited to put the resurrection in there later.

 

[joobz]

Great historians have a way of getting the facts straight.

Except when they don't.

Except when they don't...

..., except when they're wrong.

Except when they don't.
Being great and being always right are not synonymous.

 

[six7s]

Great historians have a way of getting the facts straight.

Except when they don't.

Except when they don't...

..., except when they're wrong.

Except when they don't.
Being great and being always right are not synonymous.

If only teh Ten Commandmments had a clause as per the Forum MA, Luke might have been less prone to waffle...

• You will not "spam" or "flood" Teh Bible.

 

[DOC]

From the American Heritage Dictionary:

cult -
A religion or religious sect generally considered to be extremist or false, with its followers often living in an unconventional manner under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader.

In anthropology, an organization for the conduct of ritual, magical, or other religious observances.​

I believe that Christianity's foundation meets these definitions. Someone correct my logic here, but:

1 - Christianity was originally a sect of Judaism.
2 – It was considered extreme to the Jews, and practices false teachings, such that they killed its leader.
3 – The followers were often forced to practice in hidden locations, using secret signs.
4 – Their leader rose up quickly, taught that there was no way to Heaven but through him, and built a loyal following based on his own charisma.
5 – The practice of Christianity developed rituals which, in some flavors, still contain professed magical occurrences.

Did I miss anything?

It seems that all religions likely start this way to one degree or another. At what point does any given cult cease to be considered as a cult and then become a religion?

So I would assume you would believe that all Jews should stop calling themselves and thinking of themselves as Jews because that term implies they came out of the cult of Judaism.

 

[paximperium]

So I would assume you would believe that all Jews should stop calling themselves and thinking of themselves as Jews because that term implies they came out of the cult of Judaism.

Certain forms of Judaism are definitely cults, so sure why not?

Now that we got your dishonest red herring out of the way, so you've conceded that Christianity is a cult?

 

[DOC]

They sure do, except when they're wrong.

Does it bother you that this thread seems to be more successful at pointing out the flaws of the Bible than it's strengths? I found it very interesting that Mark's section treats Jesus as merely a profit and not the Son of God, and was in fact edited to put the resurrection in there later.

It's already been pointed out that to say Mark treats Jesus as just a prophet is false. See Mark chapter 9 verse 7.

 

[DOC]

Certain forms of Judaism are definitely cults, so sure why not?

So then if you are Jewish, you don't mind being associated with a cult then? And if this is the case, why are you (and joobz) speaking of cults in a derogatory way? And which forms of the religion of Judaism are not cults?

... so you've conceded that Christianity is a cult?

According to the definition I've seen, a mainline religion that is claimed by about 42 US presidents (including Obama) in a country with the official national motto of "In God We Trust" is not a cult.

 

[Hokulele]

So then you don't mind being associated with a cult then? And which forms of the religion of Judaism are not cults?

According to the definition I've seen, a mainline religion that is claimed by about 42 US presidents in a country with the official national motto of "In God We Trust" is not a cult.

Why does it bother you so much when someone calls Christianity a cult?

 

[paximperium]

So then if you are Jewish, you don't mind being associated with a cult then?

Sure, why not?

And if this is the case, why are you speaking of cults in a derogatory way?

Because cults are secretive and dishonest.

And which forms of the religion of Judaism are not cults?

The universalism lackadaisical, cultural kind.

According to the definition I've seen, a mainline religion that is claimed by about 42 US presidents in a country with the official national motto of "In God We Trust" is not a cult.

So why did you bring up Judaism or was that another one of your pathetic attempt to co-opt the plight of Jews for your purpose again?

You not seeing something obvious is not only surprising but expected. Love the backtracking and blatant denial. Joobz has already shown how your religion meets all those little critieria you used to criticized other cults. You double standards and squirming is amusing.

 

[Elizabeth I]

Because cults are secretive and dishonest.

And sometimes dangerous.

 

[joobz]

It's already been pointed out that to say Mark treats Jesus as just a prophet is false. See Mark chapter 9 verse 7.

And it's already been pointed out that Son of God doesn't mean the actual son of god in early jewish traditions.

Thanks for continuing your false statements.

 

[joobz]

So then if you are Jewish, you don't mind being associated with a cult then? And if this is the case, why are you (and joobz) speaking of cults in a derogatory way? And which forms of the religion of Judaism are not cults?

I'm not so worried about what christianity is today.

My point is that Jesus shares many many many characteristics of cult leaders.

One primary one being that he was a secret keeper.

 

[joobz]

Why does it bother you so much when someone calls Christianity a cult?

Truth has a way of really bothering people sometimes.

Like I said,
Jesus condoned Slavery and shared many personality traits of cult leaders.

Makes you wonder why someone would think that is the behavior of a god.

 

[L The Detective]

It's already been pointed out that to say Mark treats Jesus as just a prophet is false. See Mark chapter 9 verse 7.

Well, I've been following the discussion, and as far as I can tell, you are incorrect.