Is the Southern Baptist Convention a cult?

[Radical Activist]

The SBC loves to throw the word cult around at other religions like Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses. I think they themselves met the requirements several years ago. That's why Jimmy Carter long ago denounced the SBC.

At best, it is a political organization rather than a religion. At worst, it is a destructive force in our society that has lead millions far away from the gospel of peace and mercy taught by Jesus.

[GreenPartyVoter]

1. They sure look cult-like to me, a progressive Christian. but they feel

the same way about us, so.....

[lonestarnot]

6. I used to be one...but their ideology is getting corrupted by the damn day

Their leaders are hemmoraging money donated by the following and have gone rabid!

[Maat]

2. I'd better stay out of this one.

Because my in-laws moved back to Oklahoma and became ... uh .. very involved in their local Baptist church, which is part of the SBC.

I know how I would like to vote ....

[parasim]

3. The only difference between a cult and a religion...

...is the number of followers, is something that I heard the other day and I believe it.
Which means, yeah, for all intents and purposes, it is a cult.

[Radical Activist]

4. I don't really agree with that definition.

But they are one of the largest religious groups in America.

[parasim]

13. I understand... but,...

from wikipedia...

-snip

Definition of "cult" in dictionaries and other points of view

The Merriam-Webster online dictionary defines cult as:
"a religion regarded as unorthodox or spurious; also : its body of adherents"

Lloyd Eby calls this definition problematic, because:
"...then we must ask: regarded as spurious or unorthodox by whom? Who has or was given this authority to decide what beliefs or practices are orthodox or genuine, and what are unorthodox or spurious? In the realm of religion and belief, one person's or group's norm is another's anathema, and what is regarded as false or counterfeit by one person or group is regarded as genuine and authentic by another." (emphasis added)

This definition is entirely subjective: it means that if you think a religion is unorthodox, then you will call it a cult.

Indeed, any religion involving unconditional worship and unquestioning obedience to God could be labelled as a cult (using the pejorative connotation of the word), since such a religion would have that high level of dependency, obedience, and unwavering compliance ascribed to cults by definition. Many mainstream religions still require their members to believe in God unquestioningly, to have faith that he is good and that what he does is good (even in light of problems of theodicy that make it reasonable to question this), to consider one's own wants and needs as unimportant while accepting the will of God as paramount. All of these are certainly characteristics commonly attributed to cults, but while it would not be unreasonable to apply this definition of a cult to any dogmatic religion that requires strict compliance with God's word and will as a condition of membership, the notion of applying the word "cult" to Christianity, Islam, Judaism, or any other major world religion today is considered absurd. There are those (e.g., Maltheists) who make this very claim: that those who worship God fit the classic depiction of cult members in their dogmatism, unswerving obedience, and denial of self. This highlights the problematic nature of defining what is and is not a cult.

-snip

This was amongst some interesting articles on the difference between "cults" and "religions" here:

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

[Roland99]

5. Orthodoxy's march

http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050503/OPINION01/505030329/1055/OPINION

The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary's retreat from the mainstream of American life continues, as its once nationally acclaimed program in pastoral counseling is purged in favor of "biblical counseling."

With it, the seminary becomes more like the insular Bible college that some would like it to be. But in the broader world, where many Christians believe their true mission lies, it becomes less relevant, and, by spurning secular licensing requirements, less able to work with medical and social service professionals to address the needs of all people.

This retreat seems to be part of a national trend toward Christian exclusiveness. In some places, it is resulting in a raw kind of prejudice. Consider what is going on at the U.S. Air Force Academy, where about 90 percent of the school's 4,300 cadets describe themselves as Christians, the commander calls himself "born again" and religious orthodoxy is in ascendance.

<...>

As for the seminary, comfort may come from fundamentalist purity, but the long-term relevance of degrees students earn is in question. Meanwhile, Louisville watches, with sadness, as a once important local educational institution follows an ever narrower path.

[megatherium]

9. I have acquaintances who are refugees from this seminary.

Folks who were studying for the ministry and who had the rug pulled out from under their feet when the fundies took control. One or two folks I know ended up becoming lawyers.

[Syncronaut Seven]

7. Wow, 4 options and all 22 responses fell to one.

It's scaring the heck outta me too. Been watching some of these nutch since J.B.S.

[The Magistrate]

8. Cult, Sir, Seems Appropriate To Me

To an outsider, indeed, it seems they are idolators of the most serious order, substituting a worship of a written text for the Living God they proclaim belief in. Its leadership, and many of its communicants, seem to have fallen for that most deadly of the Devil's snares: spiritual pride.

[lonestarnot]

10. Patriarchial class all unto themselves! Dr. Dobson bullshit! Pat

Robertson Mooney! Sick to death of them lording over the country. They must be stopped!

[Radical Activist]

12. Dr. Dobson should be in prison.

He deserves it and he may end up there one day. Have you seen the pictures of his mansion?

[Solly Mack]

11. Gotta go with cult