Is Christianity a cult?

So you're advocating for the redefining of the word? M-Web gives you the definition. People are attaching there own connotations to the word outside of the actual definition. Happens all the time. I actually like using the proper word to say what I mean to say. Slang (which I believe MM is defining "cult" in such a way as to call it slang) gets in the way of intended meanings and causes a lot of trouble sometimes. We'd be better off if people stuck with the correct words for things and made up new words when something needs to be given a name.

 

It is an interesting concept however. MarAzul, feel free to explain a little further why you think it's a philosophy.

 

i would say that it depends on the word. Cult, is really not a specific and easily definable thing. MM and Nikolokolus provided their takes on the term, and they made sense. Not totally, there were a couple of things that MM said that did not match my definition, but enough of it did that that I had to think "did Webster's get it wrong?".

Websters, or any any dictionary did not invent any of the words within, they are simply attempting to standardize meaning that already exists in everyday use. Given that The Oxford English dictionary has about 220,000 words, perhaps not all of them are perfectly defined. Also, it is an imperfect format in that we are using words to describe words. I grew up with Yiddish speaking grandparents, and often when I would look up those words they are not quite right in the dictionary. It's not that easy to accurately define a word, especially define 220,000 words. And when one word often has a plethora of definitions that change in context, location, or on tone, there will be room to adjust. The dictionary is a great place to start, but then it's time to use our brains and determine if adjustments need to be made.

At least, that's my current take on it.

 

Many people today accept living their lives within the guidelines of the Christian philosophy without actually believing in the divinity of Jesus Christ. It doesn't become a religion until you accept the teachings of one of the Churches that practice a religion. So of course it is a philosophy of life for some and you may also accept it as a religion if you have the faith to be a member of one of the churches.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_philosophy

http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/christiantheology-philosophy/

http://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Philosophy-A-Christian-Perspective/dp/0801038189

 

Without belief in Christ, I just don't consider it Christianity. It seems to me that is THE defining characteristic. Am I a Christian? I am very kind, don't cheat, love my neighbor, am a good member of my community, but I don't believe in Christ.

 

Not.

A.

Chance.

 

The philosophy of Christianity is all around you everyday whether you believe in Christ or not You probably live your life nearly the same as a Christian but you need not be one unless you wish to be and say you are even though you act like one 95 percent of the time.

This nation was created in the spirit of the Christian philosophy even though the nation does not select the church.

We are endowed by our Creator... The Declaration of Independence

I god we trust.. on our money

One Nation, under God, indivisible... In our pledge of allegiance

The 10 Commandment on the doors to the Supreme court...

You see! The philosophy was selected, even though the church was not.

 

You have no idea what my beliefs are.

I'm just pointing out how hypocritical your thread is, and you can't handle it.

People should be called out for lacking logic. That's what I've done for you.

Carry on with your attempt for having your beliefs stroked and massaged by attacking an opposing view. You should probably start some more threads to do so.

 

Sorry man, but I have been open to discussion and debate, but you keep saying stuff like i just can't handle it. OK,I think most people who read this thread will not see me as the aggressive monster you make me out to be. Just go ahead and reread my posts, start to finish, and I think you will realize you are misrepresenting me. Either way, I'm done trying to have a discussion with someone who isn't interested. Have a pleasant afternoon.

 

Hang in there, man. If you don't Stanford something, you will fall for anything.

 

The majority of our forefathers were most certainly Christian, and that influenced not only their actions but their writings, so you are certainly correct about that. But, they also did make certain to separate church from state, and when I look at what makes our nation the strong republic that it is, I consider that separation to be a major component. But over time, i think that many of those original influences have become dislodged from their birthplace and can just be looked at as part of the American makeup. I am from a Jewish family, and it just rubs me the wrong way to be told that my beliefs and actions are of a Christian way of life. I think they are instead of kind and peaceful nature that Christians would agree with, but they are not Christian. None of my actions are coming from a place relating to Christ, or relating to not wanting to be damned, or relating to God, or Heaven, or any of the key components of Christianity.

I have a feeling that this is going to be an area that we will not agree on, we can discuss it, but I just want to say, isn't great to live in a nation where we can have such diverse beliefs and still communicate openly and civilly.

 

Thanks ABM.

I was having a Tuffs time, Yaleing my thoughts at him but he wouldn't University of Oregon. Oh wait, that last one didn't work.

 

Well you will have to forgive me, I have been using the term Christian Philosophy because I am lazy and trying to shorten the typing. Well also not to be to confusing also I suppose. However, the right term is Judeo-Christian philosophy. As a nation we take much from both even as Christian accept much from Jewish teaching and history. Perhaps it is Abrahamism but I don't see that because that would then include Islam and if you read the Koran, you can not fail to see major differences in the teachings of that religion.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judeo-Christian

Then there is this fellow and he seem to be a little tight, fails to accept what is, the moral system is the same, the Commandments are the same, the teachings of Tolerance are the same, err I choose to overlook the exceptions.

http://modernjewishvoice.wordpress.com/2011/01/30/is-judeo-christian-philosophy-a-farce-2/

 

OP spends a lot of time thinking about something that he doesn't believe in.

 

You're not an aggressive monster. You're just unwilling to look at the other side of the coin. You skipped over my post where I used your own definitions to show that "atheism" could be swapped for "christianity" in your original post.

I'm not misrepresenting you. And I respect your decision to not have a discussion with someone who isn't interested. And you're right, I'm not interested in having an illogical conversation. Let me know if you'd like to have one of those.

 

This is what I said in my first post in this thread. Seems odd that the OP spends so much time worrying about religious views that he doesn't believe in but don't hurt him. Insecurity?

 

Are you working on becoming obnoxious, GOD, or does it come naturally to you?

 

Dang the bloody interloper! Oh well I guess the MarNet will just have to establish the difference and the distinction.