Do you think Jehovah's Witnesses are considered a cult?
819130
No, Jehovah's Witnesses do not match any reasonable definition of the term "cult". It is primarily so-called "Christian" religionists who insist on applying the term to those who disagree with some facet of what they call "orthodoxy".\n\nIn particular, Trinitarians try to use the term "cult" like a sledgehammer to obliterate any thinking analysis of what the supposed "cultist" actually believes. Trinitarians embrace a bizarre, non-etymological, quite arbitrary definition of the term "cult" which includes anyone who does not believe that Jesus is God Himself, rather than the Son of God. Interestingly, pagans in the first century slandered Christ's followers with the insulting term "Atheist" (!) because the Christians had a somewhat different idea from the pagans about the nature of God.\n\nJehovah's Witnesses teach that no salvation occurs without Christ, that accepting Christ's sacrifice is a requirement for true worship, that every prayer must acknowledge Christ, that Christ is the King of God's Kingdom, that Christ is the head of the Christian congregation, that Christ is immortal and above every creature, even that Christ was the 'master worker' in creating the universe! Secular authorities in academia and government routinely acknowledge that Jehovah's Witnesses are a Christian religion. With more than 16 million associating with Jehovah's Witnesses, the term "cult" seems very out of place in a fair discussion of Jehovah's Witnesses. Jehovah's Witnesses are Christians.\n\nSadly, Trinitarians seem more interested in perpetuating their human traditions, Greek philosophy, and Babylonish fetishes rather than reasonably examining the Scriptural definition of "Christian". In fact, the bible most closely associates being "Christian" with preaching about Christ and Christ's teachings. Review all the times the bible uses the term "Christian" and note that the context connects the term with:\n"declaring the good news"\n'teaching quite a crowd'\n'open eyes, turn from dark to light'\n"uttering sayings of truth"\n"persuade"\n"keep on glorifying"\n\n(Acts 11:20-26) [The early disciples of Jesus] began talking to the Greek-speaking people, declaring the good news of the Lord Jesus... and taught quite a crowd, and it was first in Antioch that the disciples were by divine providence called Christians.\n\n(Acts 26:17-28) [Jesus said to Paul] I am sending you, to open their eyes, to turn them from darkness to light and from the authority of Satan to God... Paul said: “I am not going mad, Your Excellency Festus, but I am uttering sayings of truth and of soundness of mind. ...Do you, King Agrippa, believe the Prophets? I know you believe.” But Agrippa said to Paul: “In a short time you would persuade me to become a Christian.”\n\n(1 Peter 4:14-16) If you are being reproached for the name of Christ, you are happy... But if he suffers as a Christian, let him not feel shame, but let him keep on glorifying God in this name\n\n\nSo why do anti-Witnesses try to hijack the term "Christian" and hide its Scriptural implications? Because anti-Witnesses recognize that it is the preaching work that makes it clear that the relatively small religion of Jehovah's Witnesses are by far the most prominent followers of Christ:\n\n(Matthew 28:19,20) Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded\n\nLearn more!\nhttp://watchtower.org\nhttp://watchtower.org/e/ti/
5014
Jehovah's Witnesses, contrary to what some ignorant individuals will undoubtedly come along and say, are NOT a cult. Their way of worship is modeled after that of the established first century Christian congregation. Their teachings, beliefs, practices, etc...are based entirely on the scriptures. They recognize the important of using God's personal name, Jehovah, in worship today and yearly spend over ONE BILLION hours in their global Bible educational work. \n\nThey currently number over 6.5 million active members worldwide and are active in preaching in over 235 lands. They do NOT teach or believe in unscriptural doctrines of man such as the trinity, hellfire, the immortality of the soul, and so forth. \n\nJehovah's Witnesses recognize that Jehovah God alone is the Universal Sovereign and Almighty God. They recognize that Jesus Christ is the first of God's creations, and the second-most powerful being in the universe next to God himself. They recognize from the scriptures that the holy spirit is not a being in itself, but God's active force, or his means of accomplishing his will. \n\nThey recognize from the scriptures that God's original purpose for humanity was to enjoy eternal life here on earth in perfection and in a paradise setting. They know that God's purpose has not changed and that in the very near future, God will be intervening in mankind's affairs to the point of destroying all earthly governments and using his Kingdom (currently presided over by his Son, Jesus) to usher in the world that humans were meant to have. \n\nJehovah's Witnesses, again, are NOT a cult, they do not brainwash its members, they simply explain Bible teachings to people in a way that is easy to understand and will help them to appreciate that living by Jehovah God's standards as set forth in the Bible is the only way to have a truly happy and successful life. To find out more about them, please check their official website below, which has a large number of answers to your questions.
319488
A cult is \n\n1. 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. \n2. The followers of such a religion or sect. \n3. A system or community of religious worship and ritual. \n4. The formal means of expressing religious reverence; religious ceremony and ritual. \n5. A usually nonscientific method or regimen claimed by its originator to have exclusive or exceptional power in curing a particular disease. \n\nObsessive, especially faddish, devotion to or veneration for a person, principle, or thing. \nThe object of such devotion. \nAn exclusive group of persons sharing an esoteric, usually artistic or intellectual interest. \n\n\n[Latin cultus, worship, from past participle of colere, to cultivate. See kwel-1 in Indo-European Roots.]\n\nreligion-\n\n1. Belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers regarded as creator and governor of the universe. \n2. A personal or institutionalized system grounded in such belief and worship. \n3. The life or condition of a person in a religious order. \n4. A set of beliefs, values, and practices based on the teachings of a spiritual leader. \n5. A cause, principle, or activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion. \n\n\nhope this helps.
271851
The following is cut and pasted from the source listed at the bottom:\n\nEvangelical Christian and Counter-Cult Movement  usage: Any religious group which accepts most but not all of the historical Christian doctrines (the divinity of Jesus, virgin birth, the Trinity, salvation, etc.). The implication is that the cult's theology is invalid; they teach heresy. Under this definition, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons), Unification Church and Jehovah's Witnesses to be cults. But they would not classify Wicca as such, because it is not associated with Christianity. The earliest use of this meaning of the word "Cult" is believed to be a 1938 book "The Chaos of the Cults" by  J.K. VanBaalen. On the other hand, new religious groups such as the Mormons, Unification Church and Jehovah's Witnesses generally regard themselves to be the true Christian church. They view all other denominations as being in error. Thus, one groups true church is another group's cult.\n\nFundamentalist Christian usage: Some Fundamentalists would accept the Evangelical definition of cult defined above. Others might brand any religious group which deviates from historical Protestant Christian beliefs as a cult. This definition would include the Mormon Church, Wicca, mainline and liberal Christian denominations, Islam, Hinduism, and all of the other religions of the world. Over 70% of humanity would belong to cults, by this definition.
94660
I was raised a witness and have not spoken with my still believing family members in years, its been very difficult losing my family because I choose to not follow their beliefs. It was very hard to watch and understand as a child how all the sudden no ones allowed to speak with a certain member of the congreation, how easy it was for members to just completely ignore someone theve know for years.As an adult I could certainly never be a member of this religion or any that takes this much control of ones life. Jehovahs Witnesses are considered a cult as previous poster noted.
1023334
Jehovah's Witnesses represent true Christianity and true worship.\n\nIt seems signficant that the relatively small religion of Jehovah's Witnesses are the ones best known for their worldwide preaching work. Yet Jesus commanded that ALL who would call themselves "Christian" perform this public work:\n\n(Matthew 28:19,20) Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you. And, look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.”
144572
Absolutely a cult. Just because people are considered stars doesn't mean they're considered well educated or intelligent. Consider the high profile people who tout scientology who are also getting publicity for jumping on sofa's on national television.  That don't impress me much!  It is unfortunate that so many otherwise logical people are so deceived. I believe that Jesus Christ is the only one who raised from the dead...I mean aren't all of the others dead...budda, confusious, etc...People need to get into the truth, not into what just "feels good"...Perception of the truth does not alter the truth...give Jesus a call...he's expecting you...
518285
Jehovah's Witnesses have the true religion.
198243
They are all cults..leaders with followers..
40924
Yes, they are. They have been a recognized religion for many years, the world over. Check out their official website below for any accurate information you may be looking for on them and their beliefs.\n\nAn examination of their faith will show unmistakably that their teachings and practices are in complete harmony with the Holy Bible.\n\nThey don't change or revise the scriptures to fit their interpretation. If anything, they put BACK into the Bible what most other religions take out, most notably God's personal name.\n\nNOTE: Ignore the last comment below, as the comments reflect personal bias, prejudice, and just plain ignorance, as evidenced from the start of their ramblings by calling them a "cult". This individual purposely twists and distorts information to fit his own personal prejudice and the comments cannot be taken seriously.
1069426
jehovah's witnesses and mormons do not believe in the trinity, i.e. that jesus is god, but they do believe that he is the son of god. that's as close as they get.
562192
CULTS ARE ALSO WICCANS AND PAGANS ARE ALSO A CULT\nIF YOU TRY TO CORRECT THEM THEY HAVE SOME REASONAL EXPLAINATION THEY USALLY WELL SAY JUST LIKE THE MORONS ARE YOU LDS AS THEY WOULD SAY ARE YOU WICCAN OR PAGAN LOL.\nI find it to be very funny and very humorous and all are in correct to there nature because the fact is they all have in common there all correct and if not then f you they say lol.\n\nSo i would say pagans and wiccans follow also a book \nsome wiccans follow the satanic witch mostly all of them do\nAlso there is a book alot of cults follow it is called when worshiping satanic self lol. Satanic Rituals another book made from antone lavey history of books. This book talks about animal sacrifices and all sorts of other bullony lol.\nVery close to voddoo.\n\nThe true books of cult hood are here.\n\nGuide to Jehovah Witnesses\nGuide To MORMONISM\nGuide to Satanic Cults\nGuide To Witchcraft\nGuide To Seventh Day Adventist \n\ndo your own research to find these books i well not do it for you.
18442
Contrary to the ignorant comments of others, Jehovah's Witnesses are NOT a cult. Those saying otherwise speak either out of plain ignorance or fear, or perhaps a combination of both. Jehovah's Witnesses base their faith solely on God's word the Bible. They don't follow the creeds and doctrines of men that dishonor God and pervert the clear teachings of the Bible, i.e. the teaching of the trinity, the teaching of a burning hellfire, the teaching of the immortality of the soul, and so forth. They preach from door to door in obedience to the command given by their leader, Jesus Christ, as stated in Matthew 28:19 - "Go, therefore, and make disciples of people fo all the nations...." \n\nJehovah's Witnesses spend over a billion hours each year worldwide teaching people the precious, life-saving truths from the Bible. They will use ANY Bible to show what God's word clearly states on a number of different topics. Their service is one motivated by (1) love for God and (2) love for neighbor. \n\nBible prophecy clearly shows that the problems common to mankind today are soon to be removed....permanently. Jehovah's Witnesses are active and zealous in sharing Bible truth with those searching for God and for a meaningful life in serving Him as he wants to be served. They study the Bible with people at no charge and would be more than happy to share the Bible's teachings with you. You can then decide for yourself whether you feel they have the truth or not. \n\nYou'll find that people who disagree with the Witness lifestyle are those who prefer to live their lives according to their own warped sense of direction and morality, rather than adhere to God's laws and moral standards as set in the Bible. To them, people who live by the Bible are "brainwashed". People who try and make light of their stand against celebrating birthdays or their non-acceptance of blood only speak out of a great deal of ignorance, and their reluctance to get their wrong view corrected just leaves them as bitter and ridiculous. \n\nIf you want to know how "right" they are, just take a few minutes to talk with them the next time they knock on your door. Have a discussion to let them know where you're coming from and where they base their beliefs. Ignore the comments of others in here who have no agenda but to dissuade you.
266096
just cause its a cult, doesnt mean its satanic. \n\nremember the man who got a whole bunch of people to kill themselves to bring themselves closer to god?\n\nyou can't pull some out of a cult. their beliefs are their decision. you may only suggest help, if you see visible signs of their physical and mental deterioration. and this is not likely to happen
736500
The Definition Of A Cult \nAccording To The Mainstream Experts \nA cult, according to these Organized Mainstream Religious Experts, is a religion started by one man whose teachings are different from Organized Religion. \n\nDigressing here momentarily, I must call your attention to the fact that every religion throughout this world has been started by a man--except for the two Religions, which were started by women (one by Mary Baker Eddy: First Church of Christ Scientist; and the other by Ellen G. White: The Seventh Day Adventist Church)! \n\nAnother fact about these man-made and woman-made mainstream religions is the fact that each and every one of them are against one or more of Yahweh’s laws! In fact, they are against the majority of Yahweh’s Laws, and they take liberty in changing them to suit themselves, as society demands! If the word cult is evil, and if anyone can be classified as a cult, it should be those who reject, change, or otherwise do away with any of Yahweh’s Laws since this is what the Bible condemns. \n\n Deuteronomy 4:2-- \n\nYOU SHALL NOT ADD TO THE WORD WHICH I COMMAND YOU, NOR SHALL YOU TAKE ANYTHING FROM IT, so that you may keep the commandments of Yahweh your Father which I command you.\n Revelation 22:18-19-- \n\n18 For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this Book: IF ANY MAN WILL ADD TO THESE THINGS, YAHWEH WILL ADD TO HIM THE PLAGUES THAT ARE WRITTEN IN THIS BOOK: \n19 and IF ANY MAN WILL TAKE AWAY FROM THE WORDS OF THE BOOK OF THIS PROPHECY, YAHWEH WILL TAKE AWAY HIS PART OUT OF THE BOOK OF LIFE, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this Book. \nThe Scriptures are filled with the testimonies of men who OBEYED YAHWEH’S EVERY WORD by following Yahweh’s Established Doctrines; not one of them added to, changed, or took away from any of Yahweh’s Words. \n\nAbel was one of these men, a Righteous Priest of Yahweh, and he was hated by his brother, Cain. \n\n Genesis 4:4-- \n\nAnd Abel, besides bringing his offering of the fruit of the ground, also brought a sacrifice of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat. And YAHWEH HONORED ABEL and his offerings.\n Hebrews 11:4-- \n\n\nBy the faith ABEL OFFERED TO YAHWEH A MORE EXCELLENT SACRIFICE than Cain, because of which it was testified of him that HE WAS RIGHTEOUS, Yahweh testifying of his gifts; and through it, he being dead, yet speaks.\nAbraham was another man, called the Father of the Faithful, whose teachings are still not accepted by Organized Mainstream Religions, large or small. Nevertheless, as the Scriptures show, Abraham lived his life in total obedience to Yahweh’s Every Word; the only way to Salvation. \n\n Genesis 26:4-5-- \n\n4 And I will make your descendants multiply as the stars of heaven; I will give to your descendants all these lands; and in your Seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed; \n5 Because ABRAHAM OBEYED MY VOICE, AND KEPT MY CHARGE, MY COMMANDMENTS, MY STATUTES, AND MY LAWS. \n\nFor a more in-depth information, visit this link.\n\nhttp://www.yahweh.com/booklets/WhatIsACult/WhatIsACult.htm
690732
Some so-called "charismatic" churches teach a definition of the term "Christian" which excludes anyone who does not accept that Jesus the Son is equivalent and equal to Jehovah the Father.\n\nJehovah's Witnesses understand the bible to teach that the Son is not equivalent to Father, so some members of some of these groups loudly condemn Jehovah's Witnesses as "cultists" and "not Christian". Interestingly, history tells us that pagans in the first century argued that Christians were Atheists (!) because the Christians did not believe in the exact nature of the Almighty as the pagans did.\n\nTheir official name is actually "Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses". In addition, the Witnesses agree that Christ's sacrifice is necessary to cover human sins, that faith in Christ is necessary for salvation, and that every prayer should honor Jesus Christ. Yet because Jehovah's Witnesses elevate scriptures such as those listed below over human philosophy and Babylonish polytheism, many in Christendom condemn them.\n\nMatt. 26:39: “Going a little farther he [Jesus Christ] fell on his face and prayed, ‘My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.’”\n\nJohn 8:17, 18: “[Jesus answered the Jewish Pharisees:] In your law it is written that the testimony of two men is true; I bear witness to myself, and the Father who sent me bears witness to me.”\n\nCol. 1:15, 16: “He [Jesus Christ] is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation\n\nRev. 1:1; 3:14, “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him... ‘And to the angel of the church in La-odicea write: “The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation.”’” \n\nMark 13:32, “Of that day or that hour no ones knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” \n\nMatt. 20:20-23, “Jesus answered,... ‘You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.’” \n\nMatt. 12:31, 32, “And whoever says a word against the Son of man will be forgiven; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven\n\nJohn 14:28: “[Jesus said:] I go to the Father; for the Father is greater than I.”\n\n1 Cor. 11:3: “I want you to understand that ... the head of Christ is God.” \n\n1 Cor. 8:5, 6: “Although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many ‘gods’ and many ‘lords’—yet for us there is one God, the Father\n\n1 Pet. 1:3: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!”
778376
Hi! Good morning to you! If you look at it objectively, any spiritual group with a strong leader could be labeled a cult. I hate it when people accuse others of being in a cult but their belief is the true religion.\n\nThis definition shows most all religion is cultish.\n\ncult     \n\nNOUN: \n\n\nA 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. \nThe followers of such a religion or sect. \nA system or community of religious worship and ritual. \nThe formal means of expressing religious reverence; religious ceremony and ritual. \nA usually nonscientific method or regimen claimed by its originator to have exclusive or exceptional power in curing a particular disease. \n\nObsessive, especially faddish, devotion to or veneration for a person, principle, or thing. \nThe object of such devotion. \nAn exclusive group of persons sharing an esoteric, usually artistic or intellectual interest. \n\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\nETYMOLOGY: \nLatin cultus, worship, from past participle of colere, to cultivate; see kwel- 1 in Indo-European roots