Considered today are
cults, the benefits of wearing religious items on ones person, and the spiritual
issues of owning manufactured tools and technology. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer
using the ID “foxy_R” (Level 1 with 210 points, member since June 24, 2006)
posted the following:
When does religion become a cult
?
I know this question will anger some, I am really
sorry it's not ment to. My little sister has joined a religious group through
school and in the last 6 months has started to spiral out of controll. We were
brought up religious, church on Sundays, ect. Now she is throwing all her things
out, she said she is not suppose to have worldly possessions. She broke up with
her BF of almost 2 yrs,and has stopped being friends with 90% of her friends
because they are "non believers" (even if they are religious) she has to read
and write bible verses every day. singing and dancing are sins. I just want my
fun loving sister back but the more we try to steer her from this group the more
she considers us the enemy. Any suggestions?????
THE BATTLE AXE: On Religious
Items (08/29/2012)—Men and women take comfort from many objects used to
reinforce awareness of doctrines and teachings of various belief systems.
Included are depictions of angels, medals, rosaries, mezuzahs, phylacteries, and
prayer rugs. Amulets, good luck charms, and talismans are associated with magic
and witchcraft, and not with Christian belief. As such, these are objects that
reinforce the superstitious idea that a person is endowed with a unique quality
(i.e., luck) that enables them to influence the outcome of events, and
that maneuvers every result to their benefit and favor. As an instance of
power that is not derived through the Spirit of GOD, luck is
to be classed with charms, deceits, enchantments, and spells promoted by demons
and devils. In the same way money is an idol in the lives of many, drugs, guns,
sex, and other people (for example, celebrities, ones children, ones spouse,
ones employer) become idols, because fear and desire distort their true
usefulness and value making them appear “all powerful,” controlling, and
sovereign over life and death. Those who exaggerate the importance of body
parts (breasts, buttocks, penis, etc.) also practice a form of idolatry no
different than worship of the lingam, phallic worship, and worship of
the yoni. Consecrated items (e.g., the rod of GOD used by Moses; the
flesh hooks, ladles, gold and silver vessels, and other utensils used in service
at the altar of sacrifice; the holy ground of Tabernacle and Temple) at first
were common, and became holy only in the sense that they were to function
strictly in divine service. Similarly, a man or woman is holy only to the
extent they are filled with the imparted, indwelling spirit from GOD, function
fulfilling sacred purposes, and make the Divine Person present and visible.
Christians are correct to respect manufactured tools, and to carefully clean,
estimate their value, store, and use them as needed. Included are automobiles,
cell phones, computers, firearms, recording devices and televisions. Christians
may occasionally wear festive clothing and jewelry; however, women are specially
cautioned to never be without the adornment of a spirit that is quiet, and ready
to receive instruction from GOD (1st Peter 3: 1-6, King James
Version).
THE GOLDEN ARROW: The
disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. It
is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his
lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more
shall they call them of his household? Fear them not therefore: for
there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be
known. What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what
ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. And fear not
them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear
him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10: 24-28,
King James Version)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Mixing
Islam and Christianity (03/26/2012); Girdle 3: Through The Fire (11/18/2011);
Dispatch 44: Just A Closer Walk (09/23/2011); To Do His Will? (01/31/2011);
Chewing Gum? (01/30/2011)
While cults may be characterized by dietary
laws, dress codes and strict social discipline, the elements that actually mark
a group as a cult are its (1) departures from, and exaggerated focus upon
selected doctrines and teachings of established belief systems; (2) dependence
upon the human characteristics and personality of its leaders--as distinct from
their spiritual anointing or divine endowment--who are typically aggressive,
combative and defensive; (3) isolation and “quarantine” of its believers in
communes, gated communities and “secure” facilities; (4) imbalance between
recruitment programs and outreach or service programs for the larger community;
(5) efforts to manufacture experiences of divine presence; and (6) that members
are not entitled to leave the group.
Generally, cults do not come under organized
campaigns of attack by “mainstream” religious groups. Churches, synagogues and
others dismiss their members who drop out to join cults as being apostates,
heretics or simply immature and irresponsible persons. The cult is held to be a
temporary phenomenon that cannot prosper, or be self-sustaining. Nevertheless,
because they are seen as attacks upon civil law, “common sense” practice,
customs, and tradition, cults quickly come under the condemnation of communities
where they spring up.
There is far more to be said, correctly
applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, to the extent a cult
maintains rules of secrecy they will be characterized as endorsing occult
practices, superstition and unbelief. Also, while members of cults may be
required to participate in fund raising activity, information regarding income,
expenses, and the distribution of money are not routinely shared with donors,
members, or government tax authorities.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be
useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK
PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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