04/23/2023
Is the Church of Christ a Cult?
This question arises because often the media or preachers in denominations make an accusation stating that churches of Christ are cults. In so doing, the public, or seekers of truth may be dissuaded to examine the churches of Christ to see what doctrine they teach.
We want to address this question so that the reality can be plainly seen. If you have additional questions, concerns, or have a desire to study with us to learn what the Bible teaches about the church that Christ established, we invite you to email, or call us.
The following article is used by permission. It was written by Kevin Cauley, Church of Christ Articles.
Is the Church of Christ a Cult?
It has not been too long ago when I heard a report of someone accusing the church of Christ of being a cult.
Now before I even address the question of the church of Christ being a cult, let me first state that the person who made the accusation does not understand the description, church of Christ. In fact, any time someone uses the phrase church of Christ in such a way demonstrates that he or she really thinks that the church of Christ is a denomination.
Such of course is a misrepresentation because the church of Christ is not a denomination. That phrase is merely a description for the people of Christ worshiping at some location. I dare say that the person who made this accusation would call the church that belongs to Jesus, a cult. So I am sure that when the accusation was made, the individual in question assumed that in referring to the church of Christ he felt like he was speaking of some denomination. With such in mind, let’s consider the matter further.
A Cult Has a Charismatic Leader Who Enforces Control
When one thinks of a cult, of what does one think? The first thing that pops into my head is a single living charismatic person who controls everything his or her devotees practice. You identify the cult by the name of its leader: David Koresh, Jim Jones, etc. Of course, if having a single charismatic leader in and of itself meant that you are a cult, then almost every denomination that is out there would be a cult. The one man pastor system is one of the most common practices among Protestant denominations. Some of these denominational leaders even exercise cult-like power over their members. I heard a story of one who told his members that singles who were part of that congregation had to get the pastors permission before they could go out for the evening.
In sharp contrast to this type of system, churches of Christ do not have a one-man pastor rule. In contrast we have a plurality of men referred to as elders (also called shepherds and overseers in the Bible, Acts 20:17, 28) which serve as the leadership for the individual congregation.
The preacher within churches of Christ has no authority beyond teaching and preaching God’s word. If the church of Christ is a cult based upon this standard, then more so are the denominations.
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Is the Church of Christ a Cult?Is the Church of Christ a Cult? This question arises because often the media or preachers in denominations make an accusation stating that churches of Christ are cults. In so doing, the public, or seekers of truth may be dissuaded to examine the churches of Christ to s...
