Is Catholicism a Cult?

Christian Research Institute ^ | Kenneth R. Samples

[bogusname]

Even with the significant areas of doctrinal agreement between Catholics and Protestants (see Part One), a notable number of Protestant fundamentalists insist that Catholicism is an anti-Christian cult. Organizations and individuals (some of them quite popular) who classify Catholicism as a cult include: Chick Publications, Alberto Rivera's Anti-Christ Information Center, Tony Alamo's Christian Foundation, Bill Jackson's Christians Evangelizing Catholics, Albert James Dager's Media Spotlight, and Dave Hunt's The Berean Call. (This is not to say that all of these people belong in the same category — the latter three are more respectable than the former three.) Actually this is just a few of many individuals and organizations that classify Catholicism as an anti-Christian cult. Because their position receives a wide hearing in some evangelical circles, we must address their claim.

[exnavy]

Did you ever study the founding fathers?

A more public worshiping of God would do wonders for this nation.

Do you know what lent is?

By the way, not catholic.

[TheRevolution1776]

I’m not againt being faithful to god. I myself have had bad moment that somehow led me back to right side of the road. I just don’t trust organized groups anymore. Is that odd ? Unions, churches, clubs, gangs etc.... they all seem to become corrupt here and there. It’s all I was saying. We can practice our faith without the aid of groups. Thats all I meant. As for lent, yeah I know a little bit about it. All I have seen though is hypocrisy from most who observe it religiously. I am gonna stop eating pizza tomorrow so they come in Tuesday and gorge themselves. It’s like an addict saying I’ll stop tomorrow but tonight, let’s see if I can OD.

[plinyelder]

"This is a stupid thing to even consider...I don’t agree with a lot of how Catholics might practice their faith but there are many who love Christ and the rest will come out in the wash when we all see Him.... There are false religions...In my opinion Jehovah Witness, Chrisitan Science and such would go into that."

================

Let me ask you .. Just How Much do you know about the religious faiths that you just called False Religions?

How can you say that there is a lot of how Catholics might practice their faith, that you don't agree with but .. many who love Christ then .. turn around and condemn others that you may not agree with?

These False Religions (your words) can't or don't love Christ? Please, Enlighten me.

[exnavy]

Actually Gods word points us toward Fellowship in worship, not away from it.

I would say the practicers of lent you describe are the exception, not the rule.

[plinyelder]

"Personal investigation and affiliation."

===========================

Since I have a little time .. Enlighten me on .. Oh, I don't know .. The Jehovahs Witnesses maybe?

[plinyelder]

Before spewing about The Jehovah’s Witnesses this and The Jehovah’s Witnesses that .. I’ll tell you this about me.

I grew up Catholic but have been affiliated with the Witnesses for over twenty years now.

[caww]

Actually in both Protestant and Catholicism there are as many who “attend” but are not Christian in both, (shall I say yet?) as there are those who are united in Christ.

There is comfort in the familiar so many who attend were raised in their denomination so it fits well for them. However in time those who seek the truth of what they believe will look closer...again in both denominations I have found these things so. Yet in both the Gospel of Christ is preached.

I think the Protestant church has become too worldly and Christ and His teachings, study etc. have become an afterthought after all the programs, entertainment, etc. things that distract from the chuches original intent. which was to arm believers to go into the world. Lives are at stake and that vision seems secondary.

I think the Catholic church focuses too much on rites and relics and celebrations of people who have died and are no longer here, and too many long and complicated writings and prayers, that are more repetitious than what simple language one naturally speaks and understands might better communicate to the listener as well as the speaker. Too much pumpf which is distracting.

There are no perfect churches...and to deny either of these denominations is an affront to Christianity and the Christ who is over us as believers.

The chuch family is like the Tea Party movement in some respects...for Christianity has moved across the ages and lives were saved...but we have a leader His name is Jesus Christ.....I don’t think it’s coincidence that many in the Tea party movement are believers and come from various faiths. Just my opinion and with no disrespect to either denomination.

[caww]

.....”Before spewing about The Jehovah’s Witnesses”....

---

That is not going to come from me...you’ve made your decision, as you say for twenty years now. And since anything I might have said has been judged “spew” there really is no reason to waste my time nor yours.

[caww]

answered in post #28

[bogusname]

That has to be one of the most logically thought out and intelligent posts I’ve ever read. Every word of it was true and accurate. There is no doubt in my mind you are a born again believer in Christ.
The only problem I have with it that I didn’t write it. Just kidding. :-)

[vladimir998]

“Organizations and individuals (some of them quite popular) who classify Catholicism as a cult include:

“Chick Publications,” - run by a man who is clearly nuts.

“Alberto Rivera’s Anti-Christ Information Center,” - Rivera was shown to be a fraud by his fellow anti-Catholic Protestants.

“Tony Alamo’s Christian Foundation,” - Look up his recent arrest and conviction and you’ll know all you need to know.

“Bill Jackson’s Christians Evangelizing Catholics,” - clearly an idiot, a lying idiot, if you look at his website you’ll see why.

“Albert James Dager’s Media Spotlight,” - don’t know him, but if this is his company, well...

“and Dave Hunt’s The Berean Call” - I read his book. I have never seen so many deliberate distortions crammed into so few pages.

[IntolerantOfTreason]

Of course not. It’s just a version of Christianity with the power hierarchy altered slightly; most denominations say that God is all powerful, but here a priest can call down Jesus at will and put him in a cookie.

[Phantom4]

We are drowning in labels. The term “cult” is often used as a contentless pejorative term, like “fundamentalist.” I don’t even use words like “Calvinist.” If I call myself a Calvinist, then this implies I am following the teachings of a mere man. Most of what Calvin taught is in the Bible, and it is unfortunate that his name has become associated with it.

I will permit two sets of labels: “believer” and “unbeliever,” or “lost” and “saved.” It refreshingly clarifies the whole discussion.

[uglybiker]

Chick Publications
ORLY??

Jack Chick:

Christianity's Noam Chomsky.

[bogusname]

Considering all of the fierce oppostiion Christianity is facing today, it is neither productive nor profitable for anyone of the faith to criticize any ceremony or ritual that symbolically represents the sacrifice of Christ.

[perez24]

As Jesus taught them to do.

[IntolerantOfTreason]

I think you’re unfamiliar with Catholic dogma; other denominations practise this ritual, and to them it is symbolic, but to Catholics, it literally is Christ in the wafer.

[bogusname]

No no, that’s way too simple for most folks. What Christ made simple they need to complicate.

[caww]

Well thank you but I’m certain there are many here on FR who could say as much far better than I.

BTW there is a difference between a cult and a false or counterfeit religion. Just thought I’d clarify that a bit.

[IntolerantOfTreason]

I think you’re unfamiliar with Catholic dogma; other denominations practise this ritual, and to them it is symbolic, but to Catholics, it literally is Christ in the wafer.