You said — “I’ve seen a lot of Christian groups that define a “cult” as any group of individuals that do not follow orthodox — for their own definition of orthodox — Christian teaching.”
That’s exactly the definition — in terms of “Christianity”. I thought I was in the “context” of Christianity. If I didn’t specify that, first — then I should have clarified that the context *is* Christianity. And thus, the *definition* of “cult” is according to a Christian definition.
That book — Kingdom of the Cults — is a Christian book because it compare the *essence* of Christianity (what the basics are) across the board with all the other groups around. It’s a tool for Christians to be able to define and identify those (other groups) who *deny the faith* — by *rejecting* one or several of the basic, historic and foundational doctrines by which *all* must adhere to, in order to be called “Christian”.
It is a definition for Christians in order to maintain the faith of Christianity — as something *different* and *apart* from all who are *non-Christian*.
It’s not a narrow definition — but quite wide-based and covers many many Christian groups and denominations. It serves to let anyone know who is *not Christian* (in their teachings and doctrines in that they deny certain basic, historic and foundational doctrines of Christianity).
Regards,
Star Traveler
So, then — by your own statements — “cult” is synonymous with “not (sufficiently) Christian.”