Dear Izzy and Jade,First, the Catholic Church is not a cult as popularly understood today. Indeed, if her claim is true that she is the first Christian community and the new People of God established directly by Christ, then she is the most authentic “church” and “religion” of all. Definitions are necessary. The word “cult” might also be understood in Catholic circles as having to do with worship and ritual. This is not what we are discussing here. Admittedly, it is somewhat difficult to define a cult, especially as some of them become more mainstream. Cults tend to be small and syncretistic in their outlook, viewing themselves as having a special and often a secret saving message. They will distort or utterly replace Christian doctrines with the tenets of other religions, often exotic and eastern, and/or they will fabricate new ones altogether. Their leadership often takes upon itself a mesmerizing and oppressive control, dictating in matters which involve personal integrity and liberty. They are fearful of the truth and dialogue to a degree that might be termed narcissistic. The membership tend to be dependent personalities, easily molded and fearful of outsiders. They tend to sacrifice the individual for the whole. All of these things run counter to the Catholic Church’s understanding of the human person and the revelation of God: the Gospel of Life.
See next post.
Peace!
