Is Christianity a cult?
In order to answer this question, we must first understand what we
mean by the word “cult.” When people say that a religious group is a
cult, they typically mean that it has one or more of the following
characteristics:
Overly aggressive recruitment/evangelization
False/deceptive teaching, including hyperexclusivism:
Prior to the beginning of the group, everyone was lost/condemned/without any true knowledge
Only a very small, exclusive set of people (i.e. the group members) will be saved/enter heaven
Use of brainwashing techniques, including:
Questioning of the group’s teaching/leadership forbidden
Isolation (physical or forced isolation, or encouragement to break contact with family and friends)
Sleep deprivation and other abusive practices
Financial exploitation of members (ultimately profiting the leaders)
Emotional exploitation of young adults, the elderly, etc.
Hmm... Sound familiar?