Quote:
Originally posted by Rudey
Didn't Christianity start as a cult?
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Using the "classical" definition, Christianity certainly was a cult -- the cult of Christ (just as Judaism was the cult of YHWH). But classically speaking, cult and religion are basically synonymous.
Using the sociological definition I provided above, Christianity certainly could be called a cult in its first century -- "a group of people (often a new religious movement) devoted to beliefs and goals which may be contradictory to those held by the majority of society. Its marginal status may come about either due to its novel belief system or due to idiosyncratic practices that cause the surrounding culture to regard it as far outside the mainstream." Using this definition, Rome would have considered both Christianity and Judaism as cults.
I know of no evidence that would make the use of the third definition (the narrow, perjorative definition sometimes used in North America that implies brainwashing and emotional or financial exploitation) appropriate with regard to early Christianity.
Again, "cult" has become a loaded word. It needs to be used carefully, and probably with some explanation of the meaning intended.