In Christian terms -- *anything* that departs from the core and standard beliefs (which are considered *essential*) is a *cult*.
If you want to say that *you* don't accept anything as being *Christian* that deviates from certain, specific standards that you hold as sacrosanct - I really have no problem with that. When you decide to use a derogatory term like *cult* and can't back it up - can't even back it up using a dictionary - I think it places you out of the mainstream. I do wonder how old you are? Sometimes in youth - always, never, black and white thinking - help one to deal with fear and anxiety about a world that they just can't make sense of.
I haven't seen posts of someone claiming that *all* theologians agree with their view. That's a pretty difficult statement to back up :-)
Do *all* Christian theologians in the entire universe agree with you, too? :-)
You said -- "If you want to say that *you* don't accept anything as being *Christian* that deviates from certain, specific standards that you hold as sacrosanct - I really have no problem with that. When you decide to use a derogatory term like *cult* and can't back it up - can't even back it up using a dictionary - I think it places you out of the mainstream. I do wonder how old you are? Sometimes in youth - always, never, black and white thinking - help one to deal with fear and anxiety about a world that they just can't make sense of."
Well, actually I wasn't saying that these were beliefs that I hold sacrosanct -- but rather -- these were beliefs that Christian theologians have derived from the Bible, as their authoritative source -- and that they've come up with those core essentials, beyond which they cannot be reduced to any lower common denominator.
And as to what "area" these people would be in -- in terms of "religious groups" -- they would be considered "Evangelicals" (a pretty broad term, but it mostly works). It's a term that came more into use about 50 years ago (I think), meaning that this group adhered to the basic and core Christian beliefs and faith. It was, more or less, a self-proclaimed name, by that group, it seems. It's still in use today, although some have called for a new name to more precisely define those who still do hold to the core and essential beliefs of the Christian faith.
If you wanted something to actually *refer to* -- just go to the Southern Baptist Convention web site and get their statement of faith. That should suffice for you to examine. And since this is the largest Protestant denomination in the United States, it should be representative of a *fairly large group* (meaning it's not some off-the-wall group and their "wacko" understanding of the Christian faith and its beliefs).
I'll go along with whatever they say on their statement of faith -- at each and every point. That should clarify things more for you, I hope.
Regards,
Star Traveler
P.S. -- And when I said -- "In Christian terms -- *anything* that departs from the core and standard beliefs (which are considered *essential*) is a *cult*." -- is pretty much as close to a good dictionary (and useful) definition as you're going to get. That's pretty darned accurate.
Are you not familiar with Christianity? Is that it?