I prefer the Merriam-Webster definition of 'cult' myself.
"a religion regarded as unorthodox or spurious"
Definition of CULT
The word 'cult' in the religious community is generally recognized at pejorative.
Being a Brit i prefer and use the OED.
Welcome to Religious Forums, a friendly forum to discuss all religions in a friendly surrounding.
Your voice is missing! You will need to register to get access to the following site features:We hope to see you as a part of our community soon!
I prefer the Merriam-Webster definition of 'cult' myself.
"a religion regarded as unorthodox or spurious"
Definition of CULT
The word 'cult' in the religious community is generally recognized at pejorative.
The lack of an objective standard for who and what beliefs constitute Christianity is a large and ongoing problem.The question then I think is what makes a person Christian? is it listening to and following every teaching and command of Christ or simply saying "hey, I believe in Christ" so I am a christian.
. That doesn't fool either of us.Again i will repeat, there are over 50,000 different sects/cults/branches of christianity.
Definition of Cult : a system of religious veneration and devotion directed towards a particular figure or object.
What is disparaging about that? Perhaps it is your understanding of the word that is at fault but if it offends you then please feel free to report my use of the english language.
. That doesn't fool either of us.
We all know christ said one must not marry a divorced woman so what are these women supposed to do for the rest of their lives, live alone?
Whats to fool? Check my posts, you will see thats what i wrote and i use english, you don't like it, thats fair enough. I will try and remember to modify my english for you in future. So what word do you suggest i use to replace it?
To follow the spirit of this site stated in the mission statement, avoid labels that have a strong derogatory connotation by common usage.
So, when referring to denominations, it's better not to substitute in a derogatory term, but just write 'denominations'. There's all sorts of ways for you or me to question or challenge denominational stuff, without trying to bash a religion.
Divorced women need to do whatever they fancy.We all know christ said one must not marry a divorced woman so what are these women supposed to do for the rest of their lives, live alone?
A 'connotation' isn't a denotation.The OED definition (being a brit, is the one i use) is not derogatory about the word, in fact quite the opposite.
I think what we have here is a slight language barrier, the american version of a word is not necessarily common usage in the rest of the world and that american accounts for only 5% of world population i find the term you use "common usage" somewhat far fetched.
It in no way (in the definition i use) bashes religion.
However, i will try not to upset you in future
Jesus was emphasizing that reconciliation is a friend not a foe.We all know christ said one must not marry a divorced woman so what are these women supposed to do for the rest of their lives, live alone?
A 'connotation' isn't a denotation.
I think labeling any of these mainstream religions as a 'cult' is only an underhanded way to belittle and disrespect people.
I'd be perfectly happy to learn otherwise!
I expect if you took a poll here at Religious Forums and asked the non-prejudicially worded question:
"Is the word 'cult' disparaging?"
with simple answers:
A) YES
B) NO
Then my expectation is the YES votes will be the majority.
But, try it if you like and see. I already know what it means to people I've heard using the word before you.
In other words, if I understand...I speak English, and no way am i changing my language, i have provided the definition i use so will polls change thay? You say you want to learn so learn it.
Please note, the majority od the english speaking world do not necessarily accept american english as the default
In other words, if I understand...
You mean to intentionally disrespect others here by disparaging their religion with connotations that most everyone knows are slurs?
And then just pretend it's only the denotation.
For that "cult" sure is handy. You could pretend until you can't anymore I guess.