When Did Cultism Start in Christianity?

by onacruse 18 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

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  onacruse

  As I salvage and reformulate my beliefs, I'm exploring all possibilities. One that I've pondered lately: Could it be that cultism actually started within a mere 20 years after Jesus?

  Consider the first 20 years: Jesus's message was very very simple (2 "laws" and a handful of "directives"). He eviscerated the Pharisees for their exclusionary practices and convoluted theology. The NT, and other evidence from early Christian history, suggests a notably loose structure in the early Christian community, without a clearly centralized authority. Doctrinal development was in flux, and personal freedom of action and thought was the norm. Gentiles are accepted, bringing along their various and unique cultures and social structures.

  Consider the next 20 years: Paul (a former Pharisee) comes along and starts formulating all kinds of rules and regulations--how to select elders, how to select deacons, how to practice disfellowshipping, insisting on "unity of thought," being busy busy busy in the "work of the Lord." Conformity begins to be imposed. Many of those that personally knew Jesus have died, and the "chain" to his original intentions is broken.

  Then the next 20 years: Various "heresies" appear, Christians are increasingly persecuted, "trench warfare" mentality develops. The "us vs. them" philosophy blooms, culminating with John's Revelation. "Iron fist in velvet glove" hierarchy becomes the new norm.

  This may be very simplistic, but is it possible that cultic patterns may have started within a mere few years after Jesus died, and that his pure and simple message was quickly polluted by "organizers" with other agendas?

  Craig
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  Stephanus

  My view is that cultism crept in very early - you only have to read Ignatius' insistence on submission to the the bishops to see that.
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  IronGland

  Doesn't early christianity itself fit the definition of a cult? Cult:

  1. A religion or religious sect generally considered to be extremist or false, with its followers often living in an unconventional manner under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader.

  They were certainly considered extremist or false by the pagan romans, and jesus was a charasmatic leader. Eventually lots of people joined the 'cult', Constantine gave it the official nod and the cult became Mainstream. Or are you asking why it went from Jesus' simple message to a 'religion' with rules and clergy and all? Have you ever read The Brothers Karamazov? There's a chapter called The Grand Inquisitor. The chapter stands on it's own without reading the whole book. Anyway,it takes place during the inquisition, Jesus returns,shows himself to the people and the cardinal has him arrested and jailed. The cardinal goes to see Jesus and lectures him, saying that he never did anything for the people, and that people need the church, and rules and guidance, they don't need or want freedom. Here's a link to the story if you are interested. It's not a factual answer to your question but it's an interesting take on the psychology behind it.

  http://www.tameri.com/csw/exist/dostgi.html

  Edited by - Irongland on 17 January 2003 21:52:26

  Edited by - Irongland on 17 January 2003 22:0:44

  Edited by - irongland on 17 January 2003 22:2:40
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  onacruse

  Stephanus: Yes indeed, Ignatius certainly promoted centralized authority. For example, an excerpt from his Epistle to the Ephesians (bold added):

  CHAPTER VI.--HAVE RESPECT TO THE BISHOP AS TO CHRIST HIMSELF.

  Now the more any one sees the bishop keeping silence, the more ought he to revere him. For we ought to receive every one whom the Master of the house sends to be over His household, as we would do Him that sent him. It is manifest, therefore, that we should look upon the bishop even as we would upon the Lord Himself. And indeed Onesimus himself greatly commends your good order in God, that ye all live according to the truth, and that no sect has any dwelling-place among you. Nor, indeed, do ye hearken to any one rather than to Jesus Christ speaking in truth.

  And from his Epistle to the Philadelphians (bold added):

  CHAPTER VII.--I HAVE EXHORTED YOU TO UNITY.

  For though some would nave deceived me according to the flesh, yet the Spirit, as being from God, is not deceived. For it knows both whence it comes and whither it goes, and detects the secrets [of the heart]. For, when I was among you, I cried, I spoke with a loud voice: Give heed to the bishop, and to the presbytery and deacons. Now, some suspected me of having spoken thus, as knowing beforehand the division caused by some among you. But He is my witness, for whose sake I am in bonds, that I got no intelligence from any man. But the Spirit proclaimed these words: Do nothing without the bishop; keep your bodies as the temples of God; love unity; avoid divisions; be the followers of Jesus Christ, even as He is of His Father.

  That Ignatius was almost a contemporary of the the 12 apostles makes his comments all the more telling. Development of authority and command structure began very early on, very early indeed.

  IronGland:

  Or are you asking why it went from Jesus' simple message to a 'religion' with rules and clergy and all?

  Rather more along those lines, yes. To put it bluntly, I'm considering the possibility that Paul himself was the first Christian cultist. He was charismatic, energetic, and authoritarian. And he was the one that more or less single-handedly initiated so much of the structure that most churches have implemented since the 1st century. Of course, this cuts into issues like the supposed inspiration of all his writings, as well as the validity of the whole process of Bible canon development.

  Craig

  IG: Thanks for the link, I'll check it out.

  Edited by - onacruse on 17 January 2003 22:14:27

  Edited by - onacruse on 17 January 2003 22:48:53
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  heathen

  All religion are cults . It's interesting though that people still want to believe what they personally determine as truth is in no way within the definition of the word cult . Just because certain religious groups define themselves as orthodox or some other exceptional term, that this puts them in a different catagory . In fact it was the orthodox church of England that first coined the term cultism in order to defame other religious groups and thus control the religious scene by intimidation. So I guess there's your answer I'm not exactly sure what year it was when the term cult came into common use probly around the 15th century AD.

  Edited by - heathen on 17 January 2003 22:27:34
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  onacruse

  heathen:

  Just because certain religious groups define themselves as orthodox or some other exceptable term, that this puts them in a different category.

  Yes, it certainly is a matter of definition. I mean "cult" in the sense of comparatively high levels of thought control, authoritarianism, and exclusivism.

  And that's where I see a demarcation, in middle of the 1st century. Paul apparently started his letter-writing campaign around 50 CE, almost 20 years after Jesus' death. And that is the first time we start seeing evidence of a "tightening of control" in and over the congregations. The struggles between Antioch and Jerusalem became more pronounced, and "official" envoys started to be dispatched to various areas. And Paul was a major player in every act. The other 11 apostles are noticeable primarily by their absence. Possibly Paul, after some 14 years of silence, thought things were just not moving along quickly enough, saw an opportunity to assert his energetic personality, and embarked on a mission that worked at crossed purposes to the simplicity of Christ's message?

  Craig
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  heathen

  onacruse-paul saw an opportunity to assert his energetic personality, and embarked on a mission that worked at crossed purposes to the simplicity of Christ's message? The apostle pauls writings did not do anything to simplify Christs message . The apostle peter mentioned that even he was having a hard time discerning what exactly paul was trying to say . In fact Paul and Peter contradicted each other on the purpose of baptism . Those are some of the most confusing parts of the bible .Paul often admitted using opinions on matters rather than having a direct answer from a divine source .

  Edited by - heathen on 18 January 2003 17:24:56
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  onacruse

  heathen: Yes, Paul frequently "blazed his own trail" as it were. For example, his instructions about eating meat sacrificed to idols were different than those issued by the Jerusalem congregation (1 Cor 8 vs. Acts 15). And, as you mention, he didn't mind impressing his admittedly personal opinions upon the brothers and sisters (1 Cor 7). [btw, it's interesting that these expressly personal opinions were eventually "endorsed" as actually being inspired by God...hmmm, now there's an interesting little twist.]

  In a way, it reminds me of Rutherford's power play in 1917. He'd been a Bible Student for only a few years, and dragged his feet for some years before that (I forget the exact timeline). But then, by many accounts, he saw an opportunity to usurp control of a group of otherwise independent and open-minded people, imposing restrictive structures and centralizing command authority to himself. One of his great "accomplishments" was the pledge of loyalty that the congregations had to make in 1938 (as I recall). Note the parallel: it took Rutherford just 20 years to do all that. And to a great degree the same evolution occurred in the first century over a span of just 20-30 years.

  Doesn't prove anything, but certainly is an interesting similarity.

  Craig

  Edited by - onacruse on 17 January 2003 23:31:14
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  heathen

  Yeah not too up on what the deal with rutherford was but the org. openly accepts that they suffered at the hands of their leaders at times . The fact that some were thrown in jail and such was because God was correcting them and doing a refining work . At least that's what I read in some publications . gota go for now
• 

  DanTheMan

  There are so many passages in the Bible that feed the grandiose egotistical mind of a fundamentalist/cultist:

  • A feeling of being chosen and therefore special

  Matthew 7.6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. (non cultist reads this and sees it as an admonishment not to become overly concerned with persons who seem animalistic like dogs or swine. Cultist/fundie reads this and the "dogs" and "swine" become all the poor and unknowing unsaved souls who are headed for destruction or eternal torment). Matthew 13.10-11 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. (If Jesus really said this and was the perfect Son who loved mankind so much, I don't understand why he would have said things to his disciples to instill an exclusive mindset in them.) Matthew 13.16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see; and your ears, for they hear.
  Matthew 22.14 For many are called, but few are chosen.

• Being ready to give up everything for spiritual development Matthew 4.18-20 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
  Matthew 6.31-33 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek;) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (What did Jesus mean by this? Is a Christian immune to starvation? If a Christian starves to death, is this evidence of lack of faith?)

• Ignoring warnings that you may be making a mistake
  Matthew 5.11-12 Blessed are ye, when men revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so men persecuted they the prophets which were before you. (Once again a tailor-made scripture for a fundie/cultist looking for a reason to feel superior)

• Embracing the need to endure suffering and humiliation Matthew 7.14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (What is the meaning? Is Jesus speaking of eternal life in heaven, or an enhanced and more fulfilling life on earth, or a future prospect of life in an earthly paradise, or what?)
  Matthew 10. And he that taketh not this cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. (Perfect scripture for the fundie/cultist to measure their Christianity against other "so-called" Christians and others)

• Being prepared to make sacrifices
  Matthew 16.24-26 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

• Relinquishing attachments to family and friends Matthew 4.18-20 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
  Matthew 8.21-22 And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead. (Wha? Once again a contradiction - Jesus speaks of the people as being sheep without a shepherd, but at another time he contemptuously refers to them as being 'dead' - I don't get it) Matthew 10.34-37 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. for I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in low against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. (This one speaks for itself, no commentary needed)

• Becoming a more powerful person
  Matthew 17.20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, if ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

• Accepting fear as a method of reinforcing teaching Matthew 22.12-14 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen.
  Matthew 18.34-35 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

• Giving to the group and accepting a life with few possessions Matthew 20.21-24 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, that a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. (So rich people are all headed for hell? Or eternal destruction? At what income level do people cross the line that puts them in the "rich" category?)

• Being drawn to the inner circle of a group by the possibility of miracles Mark 16.15-18 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that berecover. (the saved and the damned)
  Matthew 13.10-11 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. lieve; in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues. They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall (You've got these people in West Virginia and other places that 'take up snakes' as part of their worship, they get bit, go to the hospital, just about die, but they pull through and think that God's power is at work through it all. Nice.)

• Not requiring proof of the leader's validity Matthew 16.1-4 The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven. He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, it will be fair weather: for the sky is red. And in the morning, it will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times? A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.

• Adopting a childlike dependency on the leader
  Matthew 18.2-4 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them. And said, Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (Nothing wrong with humility, but too often the cult/fundie leaders use this to keep the flock from questioning what they're being told)

I really have lost my appetite for the Bible since leaving the JWs. Christianity, Islam, and Judaism all seem to have this "saved vs. unsaved" blood lust to them. It is present in greater and lesser degrees in all but the most liberal churches. It is all cultish.