Pastor John,
I do not have anything to add to the “Jesus Is a Cult Leader!” email, but I found it interesting to look up the definition of a cult. I do not think I have ever done that.
Summarizer:
A cult is a relatively small group led by a charismatic and self-appointed leader who excessively controls its members, requiring unwavering devotion to a set of beliefs and practices that are considered deviant outside the norms of society.3 Cult leaders have psychosis or narcissistic personalities that drive them to preach a message and convince others to follow.0 They have a belief system that has the answers to all of life’s questions and offers a special solution to be gained only by following the leader’s rules.1 A cult leader and his followers are bound together by shared beliefs, practices, and rituals that are considered deviant by the mainstream belief systems of a society.
Beth D.
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I have gotten a number of suggestions for the “Jesus Is a Cult Leader!” email, and I will be sending those out later today, hopefully.
Beth, every false religious leader tries to be what Jesus really was: the way, the truth, and the life. And every true man of God IS like him, as Paul said, “Follow me as I follow Christ.” And this especially has always struck me, from Paul: “The things you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these things put into practice, and the God of peace will be with you.” What would those who did not believe Paul say about that? Probably something like, “He thinks everybody has to live the way he does!”
jdc
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It leaves me so thankful that Jesus let me feel him and learn about who he really is. When you see what a mess of confusion is out there, the truth becomes more pure and clean. It feels like that every time. The more I see how muddy the water they are drinking is, the sweeter and purer ours is in my heart. I feel so grateful.
Beth