| What is a cult?
I think a definition/description of "cult " is in order (after reading the question about Pentecostalism).
A certain Jim Sire says a cult is, "any religious movement that is organizationally distinct and has doctrines and/or practices that contradict those of the Scriptures as interpreted by traditional Christianity as represented byt he major Catholic and Protestant denominations, and as expressed in such statements as the Apostles' Creed." (Ruth A. Tucker, [i:204e6f2de0]Another Gospel[/i:204e6f2de0] (Grand Rapids: Acadamie Books, 1989), 16
Cults have certain characteristics.
Many cults are founded by, and continue to be led by, a "prophet"-leader.
They claim either directly, or by inference, that they are [i:204e6f2de0]Christian[/i:204e6f2de0]
Many (but not all) deny the divinity of Jesus Christ. [b:204e6f2de0]ALL[/b:204e6f2de0] disesteem the work of Christ in some way.
They either disesteem the Holy Scriptures or add to them.
Many have a distorted view of the Holy Spirit; some deny the Trinity.
In [b:204e6f2de0]ALL[/b:204e6f2de0], salvation is by works, rather than grace.
Many whitewash sin, its effects, and its consequences.
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