Christian versus Non-Christian The world that we live in is an extraordinarily large place, and in it there coexist countless different views concerning religion. Imagine the world as a whole, religion can be broken down into two main categories: Christian views and non-Christian views. In order to view both of these cultures it becomes necessary to define exactly what each term encompasses. In the following paper, we will attempt not only to examine the differences, but also the similarities of both Christian and non-Christians. It is also essential to consider the importance of the word cult when discussing any religion, whether it be Christianity or any non-Christian belief. Exactly what is the average Christian? Does it mean just the
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It is also imperative to remember there subsist Christian cults and non-Christian cults. Again, in order not to impose my own personal feelings and/or beliefs about cults is important to try to use an unbiased source. In the process of trying to find an unbiased definition of the word cult, it may be surprising that the best definition came from the website called Ignite Your Faith. Their definition of a cult includes: being exclusive, being secretive, and being authoritative. This definition suits both Christian cults and non-Christian cults the best (Shelley, 2012). The majority of people believe that “cults” are people who believe in devil worshiping or just schemes to swindle people out of money. The problem with the previous definition or any others that were found is the idea that one definition does not seem to fit the bill for every organization. According to several websites, even Got Questions.org many incredibly well-known religions that exist are considered cults, Jehovah’s Witness and Mormons are just a couple (Questions About Cults and Religions, …show more content…
For centuries the word cult brought negative connotations with it. Take for instance, the People’s Temple led by Jim Jones, which ended in a horrible tragedy. In the late 70’s more than 900 people drank poison laced with cyanide and committed mass suicide. More recently the Church of Scientology has raised grave concerns among the public and also from family members whom have a relative or relatives attending this church. With the People’s Temple and the Church of Scientology we can all three warning signs that give clues to the organizations, both are or were exclusive, both are secretive, and both have very authoritative leaders who dictate what members can and cannot do regarding both their professional and personal lives. Another cult that is famous for its actions in the control the leader had over the followers includes the Manson family. Although Manson himself never committed any of the murders, for which he now serves a life sentence in a California jail. It is believed that he had such control over his followers that they committed several heinous murders at his direction. On the outside, the people who are involved with cults seem as ordinary as other people from all walks of life. The Jehovah’s Witness and the Mormons both dislike being put in such a category because of the negativity that comes with the word cult (Questions
It is also imperative to remember there subsist Christian cults and non-Christian cults. Again, in order not to impose my own personal feelings and/or beliefs about cults is important to try to use an unbiased source. In the process of trying to find an unbiased definition of the word cult, it may be surprising that the best definition came from the website called Ignite Your Faith. Their definition of a cult includes: being exclusive, being secretive, and being authoritative. This definition suits both Christian cults and non-Christian cults the best (Shelley, 2012). The majority of people believe that “cults” are people who believe in devil worshiping or just schemes to swindle people out of money. The problem with the previous definition or any others that were found is the idea that one definition does not seem to fit the bill for every organization. According to several websites, even Got Questions.org many incredibly well-known religions that exist are considered cults, Jehovah’s Witness and Mormons are just a couple (Questions About Cults and Religions, …show more content…
For centuries the word cult brought negative connotations with it. Take for instance, the People’s Temple led by Jim Jones, which ended in a horrible tragedy. In the late 70’s more than 900 people drank poison laced with cyanide and committed mass suicide. More recently the Church of Scientology has raised grave concerns among the public and also from family members whom have a relative or relatives attending this church. With the People’s Temple and the Church of Scientology we can all three warning signs that give clues to the organizations, both are or were exclusive, both are secretive, and both have very authoritative leaders who dictate what members can and cannot do regarding both their professional and personal lives. Another cult that is famous for its actions in the control the leader had over the followers includes the Manson family. Although Manson himself never committed any of the murders, for which he now serves a life sentence in a California jail. It is believed that he had such control over his followers that they committed several heinous murders at his direction. On the outside, the people who are involved with cults seem as ordinary as other people from all walks of life. The Jehovah’s Witness and the Mormons both dislike being put in such a category because of the negativity that comes with the word cult (Questions