Why do some authorities say that the Church of Christ denomination is a cult that uses brain washing tactics?

Answer 1

There are several denominations that have "Church of Christ" in their name. For example, Church of Christ in Christian Union. However, the church that is described in the New Testament of the Bible, the Church of Christ, is only one church. As a member of the Church of Christ, I can tell you that we believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God which gives clear instructions for salvation. A Christian is one who follows Christ and therefore one must follow His commmands. In John 14:15 Jesus Himself says, "If you love Me, keep My commandments." One of Jesus' commandments was for His apostles to "go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" Matthew 28:19. Another commandment was to "repent and believe in the gospel" (Mark 1:14). We believe that after hearing the gospel of Jesus, believing it, repenting from past sins, being baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and living a faithful life one can receive the gift of salvation. We have firm beliefs, however we are far from a cult. A cult tries to drive people away from their family and friends through isolation. The Church of Christ encourages Christians to preach the same gospel to everyone that was preached unto them (Galatians 1:8-10) so that others may receive the same salvation for "God is not willing that any should parish but that all should come to repentance" (II Peter 3:9). However, we do not abandon our family or friends who choose not to follow Christ. We continue to love and serve them in hopes that they will see the Light of Christ in us. The Church of Christ does not use brainwashing but encourages, just as the Bible does, knowledge so that members may be educated to "test all things and hold to that which is good" (I Thessalonians 5: 21).

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has also been accused by some people as being a cult. However, I would not say that they have much in common with the Church of Christ because the Church of Christ is built upon the fundamental belief that the Bible is sufficient doctrine for the Church. We have no other books, doctrines, or meetings that add to our beliefs. However the Mormon church uses the Book of Mormon and believes that this book is also the word of God. This is a major difference in our fundamental beliefs.

AnswerSome people are uninformed and think their way is the only way so another religion must be wrong to them. No one should say that about any church unless they attend and research the religion first. Even then, some opinions are best left quiet.

The Church of Christ isn't the only church that is talked about this way. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) is also descriminated against because it is so different from other churches. They too have been called a cult and people swear their members are brain washed, but it is also false. Both of those religions have much in common, probably more than any other Christian religion. It makes sense that the 2 religions are controversial to mainstream Christians. However controversial, it is not right to define it as a cult.

Religious tolerance is a big problem in this world, it continues to be the cause of wars and atrocities.