Presents
Definition of Terms:
Religion, Sect, Cult, Denomination, Branch, Tradition
There has been a recent explosion of cult activity; an estimated 1,500 to 3,000 cult groups flourish in North America, with 10,000 astrologers and 40 million of Americans trusting the Zodiac, as recorded by the McCall magazine, with 20,000 santeria priests, "babalaos", only in Miami and New York. In San Francisco, the Satanic Church has 10,000 members. In England there are 500 cults, in France 60,000 witches. The Rosicrucians spend $250,000 per year only on postal stamps...
To be on "error" in religion, is worse that to have a "cancer" in the lungs... If we love someone, and believe that he or she is in "error", the best we can do to show our love for him or her is like the Doctor, to try to extirpate that "error", that "cancer", even if it hurts... we have to love the "person", but hate his or her "cancer".
In these commentaries I add to the presentation of the
Religion or cult my personal opinion... it is the hardest part and
the most intimate, I give you my soul!
- If you think I am in "error", please, help me to get out of it, I have
only one life, and I want and need to live it in the truth
- I hope this writings would help someone to get out of his or her error and
find the truth... please, let me know it... and let me tell you:
I believe most "errors" are caused by our "own wrong desire" (Jam.1:14), and by
Satan's work (1Pet.5:8), and the best remedy is our prayer and love... and to do
what Jesus did and ordered: "in my name they will cast out devils" (Mr.16:17,
Matt.10:1)... so, I pray for you, and I love you, as God, your Father loves you;
please, do the same to me.. and, in the name of Jesus, I order the devil of
error to get out of your heart right now, while you are reading these lines.
Thank you, Jesus.
Religion:
"Religion", from "re-ligare", means "to tie back, tie fast,
tie up"... to get in contact with God.
- Religion is a system of faith in and worship of a Supreme Being, or a god
or gods... or a system of denial of any god.
Sect:
"Sect", the past pass of "sectum", means "to cut,
divide"... it is a small group which is an offshoot of an established religion.
It holds most beliefs in common with its religion of origin, but has a number of
novel concepts which differentiate them from that religion.
Of course, there are secular and religious sects. Practically: If a
"religion" was founded by God, it is a "Religion"; if it was founded by a man or
a woman, with known date and place, it is a "Sect".
Cult:
"Cult" is the past pass of "colere", which means "to
cultivate, dwell, worship"; anything to do with worship or ritual. - A
"religious cult", is a sect with religious "rituals"... if there are no
"rituals" of worship, it is a "sect". - Like the Sect, "a Cult" was not
founded by God, but by a person, with a known date and place.
If you think in Charles Manson or James Jones, some cults are
very "destructive cults", and may ruin you only life.
The "leader" often claims divinity or superhuman powers... "brainwashing", or "mind control", may be used, and the word "exclusive" is an important hook: The only ones who know the truth, the only ones who will be saved!, and everyone outside the cult is inspired by Satan... - For "recruitment", they use false promises of joy, riches, love-bombing... to register as legitimate student organizations.. to work against drugs, or crime... to save the world...
Denomination:
It is an established religious group, which has usually been
in existence for many years and has geographically widespread membership.
- It is a sect or a cult separated from the main religion that lasts in
time, and spreads geographically.
- It has always been founded by a man or group of men with a known date and
place.
Branch: Branch in the West is a large part of a great religion.
Tradition: Tradition in the East is usually similar to a Branch in the East