CULTS. on today's boadcast.
Posted: Wed Jun 24, 2009 4:55 pm
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Hosted by Steve Gregg
https://theos.org:443/forum/
(a) How many "good, solid" members of "palatable" congregations are "able to think for themselves" - when it comes to the essentials of their faith? Or rather, how many are emotionally and mentally free enough from the influences of their pastor/denomination/congregation to think differently from the party line?Jill wrote:
In the beginning of todays show Steve defined a cult, like Jehovah's Witnesses for instance, saying: "those in a cult are no longer able to think for themselves"...
{and}
Michelle wrote:
If a Calvary Chapel or a Baptist group demand that their members can only think the way the leader does, they could be a cult as well.
More should be. I don't know why everyone doesn't insist upon it.(a) How many "good, solid" members of "palatable" congregations are "able to think for themselves" - when it comes to the essentials of their faith? Or rather, how many are emotionally and mentally free enough from the influences of their pastor/denomination/congregation to think differently from the party line?
Not enough. that's why I consider many (even very orthodox) churches to be somewhat "cultic."(b) How much latitude is generally afforded by "palatable" congregations for thought on the bible, the divinity of Jesus, the means of salvation, and/or other core pieces of dogma?
Thanks, Jill/Karen, for your explanation. I guess since I was raised in a Baptist church and still consider myself one (although I don't belong to a Baptist church at the moment), I have a definition with more emotional ties. What you are describing to me is better labeled Evangelicalism, although I guess Baptist is as good a label as any.Jill wrote:Michelle,
(This is just karenprtland still, but Jill.)What the term "Baptist" means to me? Baptist, Evangelical, Christian, though not necessarily Pentecostal. And not RCC or Protestant either. The Book "Evidence Demands a Verdict" type format is often used I've noticed, though not exclusively by any means. The unity among so many "Baptists" seems to be the term or word "Trinitarian" though many other words may be unifying factors as well. I meant no harm by using it, but it seems to be the backgroung of so many here on the forum, which I consider a "hosted" forum, and TNP is "Steve's show" who happens to still attend. I don't think that Trinitarian is the only non-cultists choice of a God head arrangement that is said to be derived exclusively from scripture text only. Many do still hold this view both on the forum and on the radio however. That "Trinitaianism" is the only dominate view to be found in the New Testament. This is very debatable but I would hope that it would not stop any one from congregating together necessarily, even though I personally do not believe that Jesus Christ is God, but The Son of: God who is The Father. This is not "cult blindness" speaking. This is actually how I read what Jesus Christ to taught, and Moses, and The Prophets. This is difficult. Darinhouston opened up the Religion & Philosophy for The LDS topic section (aka Mormonism) under What is "The LDS View of God"? back in sept '08, and it split right off into far too many different directions almost imediately.
What term would be better for me to use than Baptist ? If not RCC or Protestant nor Pentecostal necessarily. "Christian" is ok, but many are quite exclusive about using this term, though not RCC, Protestant, nor even Evangelical necessarily, but who are especially not LDS or JW. While the Muslim obviously use the Koran and not The Bible, the LDS and JW do. Yet are not necessarily Baptists, and especially are not RCC, though will still argue that they are Christians just like everybody else who disciples Jesus Christ, and that Jesus Christ as Lord and Governor of all mankind. Including over Muslim, Hindu, and Buddist, though not necesarily.
Hi Karen,Jill wrote:Michelle
Well, putting aside potlucks and everyone saying they don't drink alcohol, the two main distinctives that seemed to be drummed into my head when I was a kid were believer's baptism and the autonomy of congregations. Other than that, Baptists are evangelicals in that we are trinitarian, believe that salvation is by faith in Christ alone, and hold that the Bible is inspired by God and is the authority for matters of faith and conduct.Please suggest what you might mean when you think of the term "Baptist".
Hmm...interesting question. I don't know who are the most evangelical believers out there. Sorry.Arn't the Baptist's some of the most Evangelical ?
Dunno. I think Westboro Baptist is probably considered pretty conservative, but less orthodox, although I haven't really looked into their statement of faith.What kind of Baptist's would be considered more orthadox or the more conservative, other than the Evangelical variety.
Ha! Wouldn't we all like to avoid that! I don't know who are the debating variety. My mom used to debate a lot with other members, and even stood up to the pastor at times, but I don't think she slaughtered anyone.And which variety are the more Debating variety, as I would like to avoid both private and public slaughter as much as possible.
Don't argue; the baptist is always right, so you'll lose.I have a Bible just as anyone does, but may lack both the inclination and skill to argue in what may be considered formal debate style "fellowship". Do you have any tips for me?