Question - What is a Cult?

Answer - Whatever society or an individual deems to be a Cult!

Jehovah's Witnesses are regarded by many in society as a cult. They regard themselves as the true church. Mormons seem to be regarded by society as a church - their 'proper' name is Church of the Latter Day Saints of Jesus Christ. 

For our purposes the definition of a cult is tied up in the way in which it views Jesus Christ.

A fundamental tenet of mainstream Christianity is that Jesus Christ is both Son of God and "very" God. The Deity of Christ and the Trinity are the most common factors in differentiating Cults from mainstream Christianity.

Colossians Chapter 2
6 As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. 8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily;

The biblical warning is to beware of Philosophy and the Traditions of Men.

Do all roads lead to God?

I don't see how they can. In order to get to the same place (God or Heaven) then the roads must travel in almost identical directions. If two Christian churches differ on say Head covering for Women or Long Hair for Men, then these are not normally viewed as things that will prevent Christians from knowing God or reaching Heaven. They have a commanality of belief, let's call it a creed, which is correct in all the fundamental and important aspects.

If Jesus says - as He does that "I am The Way" and "No Man comes to the Father except by Me" (John 14v6) then that excludes all other avenues. If there are alternative methods then the bible is untrue and Jesus is a liar. The evidence for this is that cults and alternative religions do not agree on the way to Heaven. There may be a core of love, compassion and mercy but there are glaring errors. Can killing "infidels" as a suicide bomber bring you into heaven?

What suits you

There isn't a "What Faith" magazine.

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e-mail : mcadam@cfn.org.uk