Remember Clinton and the "briefs or boxers" inquiry? What, pray tell, might they ask Mitt.
Posted on 11/12/2011 10:43:37 AM PST by Saundra Duffy
Some public figures have labeled the “Mormon” church as a “cult”. Most recently, ABC News reported that Dallas Pastor Robert Jeffress applied such a label in an interview following a political gathering where Jeffress introduced a political rival to Mormon candidate Mitt Romney.
Use of such a term to describe Mormonism is highly offensive to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “Cult” carries the connotation of dangerous, even violent groups whose beliefs are irrational and whose practices are immoral and lawless (Koresh and the Branch Davidians, Heaven’s Gate, Aum Shinrikyo, and The People’s Temple are all prominent examples) . The term cannot be applied to Mormons unless it is so broadly defined that its use could be applied to virtually any religious body.
Like racist language, the use of the word “cult” to describe a religion usually tells us very little about the religion, but a great deal about the person using the word. In short, it tells us only that the person using the label “cult” doesn’t like the religion in question, or thinks it is illegitimate. Bryan Wilson, a Fellow of All Souls College, Oxford, and a noted sociologist of minority religions noted:
(Excerpt) Read more at mdl.org ...
Blah blah blah
SOMEone appears to be a FLIP-FLOPPER: just like her FAVORITE candidate!
That and his future income and that little thing called a soul.
I asked for clarification and pointed out which aspects went into my own definition.
The definition as given could easily apply to ANY system of religions beliefs or practices.
I find that unsatisfactory that it is entirely up to the opinion of the person using the term rather than it being some sort of objective standard. But many words are like that in English.
Usually on this thread and seeing the definitions given .....
Cult = any system of belief or practices that differs significantly from my own.
By that definition Mormonism is decidedly a “cult” compared to actual Christianity.
I was wondering if Catholicism was included via the definition of another poster - but he chickened out.
How about providing source links for this information you are posting about cults? Thanks.
It was a cute joke, but when time comes where I see many otherwise good people being purposefully led off the path to The Father I sorta get a little serious....
I told you that according to what I mean when I say the word - of course not.
I was interested in the applicability of the definition YOU provided, and what use YOU make of it.
Don’t chicken out.
Do you think Catholicism is a cult?
No worries.....
I am my own source for what I mean when I say “cult”.
The definitions provided were clumsy at best, imprecise, and entirely subjective. As given it could be easily applied to any system of belief or religious practices.
I like my definition because it is simple, direct, cuts to the heart of the matter, and is objective.
HOW MUCH DOES A RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATION WANT FROM ITS ADHERENTS?
a particular system of religious worship, especially with reference to its rites and ceremonies.
LDS, Inc has pretty non-biblical "temple" rites..and ceremonies. Among many other things.
great devotion to a person, idea, object, movement, or work (as a film or book); especially : such devotion regarded as a literary or intellectual fad.
LDS, Inc...has GREAT devotion to Joseph Smith and his ideas, words and Brigham Young, and his ideas, words...principally. But others followed.
Obsessive, especially faddish, devotion to or veneration for a person, principle, or thing. 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.
Same as I wrote above....Note: Smith's and Young's very unconventional manner about marrying as many wife's as they could. And it continues right NOW....with various sects of LDS.
Is that clearer?
As a matter of the historic record - and as per application of what I mean when I say “cult”....
Mormonism was founded as a SEX CULT.
Joseph Smith thought your wife (if she was hot) should be 100% his property - and anybody who went along with THAT - obviously a cult member!
:)
right click image, see properties.
Obviously you've never seen these women.........
Nope. No point. You have decided that it is your definition of cult that matters, not what is commonly recognized. So you go ahead and use your definition to your little hearts content and I will continue to expose the cult of mormonISM.
Wow, the IQ of the thread dropped 100 points with that posting.
Just being my sarcastic self.
The definition doesn't mention the Bible, biblical, or non-biblical. It would apply to any particular system of religious worship, especially with reference to its rites and ceremonies.
Great devotion is also definitive in my definition, in particular the devotion showed in turning over your time money and assets (and sometimes wife).
Extremist is also definitive and something you can point to objectively. Although what is thought to be extreme can vary between cultures - there are certainly some objective standards of human conduct that some cults can definitively said to be an “extreme” deviation from. But “false”? False in religion is subjective.
Clearer but still unsatisfactory in that it seems either applicable to any religion - or based upon subjective criteria.
Mostly as I see it being used it means they are significantly different in belief from the speaker - thus my seeking clarity on if a different poster considered Catholics to be in a cult.
I commented above on the applicability of taking some other man's wife as being decidedly a cult.
Jeffords and his ilk - where with a phone call (or whatever) he could “reassign” a family to a different man.
That is cult behavior.
Mormonism was founded as a SEX CULT. Mormons who hold to Smith's ‘eternal covenant’ are still a SEX CULT.
THX 1138
OK, once again subjective!
If Joseph Smith (not known for being rational, reasonable, or particularly choosy) thought your wife was hot!
Mormonism was a SEX CULT!
Fundamentalist Mormons are still a SEX CULT!
Worse still, with ugly women! ;)
It's okay....millions of people don't see the Democrats in Congress for what they are.
Remember Clinton and the "briefs or boxers" inquiry? What, pray tell, might they ask Mitt.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.