You seem to be specifically referring to fundamentalist or evangelical Christians.
Most Christians don't follow the teachings that you describe.
But fundamentalist or evangelical Christians would not fit the definition of a "cult."
See [
www.culteducation.com]
[b:57b8222a6e]Psychiatrist Robert Jay Lifton, who wrote the definitive book about thought reform (often called "brainwashing") also wrote a paper about cult formation. Lifton defined a cult as having the following three characteristics: [/b:57b8222a6e]
A charismatic leader, who increasingly becomes an object of worship as the general principles that may have originally sustained the group lose power.
A process [is in use] call[ed] coercive persuasion or thought reform.
Economic, sexual, and other exploitation of group members by the leader and the ruling coterie.
Very few evangelical or fundamentalist Christian churches would fall into the category "potentially unsafe" as defined by the following "warning signs."
See [
www.culteducation.com]
[b:57b8222a6e]Ten warning signs of a potentially unsafe group/leader.
Absolute authoritarianism without meaningful accountability. [/b:57b8222a6e]
No tolerance for questions or critical inquiry.
No meaningful financial disclosure regarding budget, expenses such as an independently audited financial statement.
Unreasonable fear about the outside world, such as impending catastrophe, evil conspiracies and persecutions.
There is no legitimate reason to leave, former followers are always wrong in leaving, negative or even evil.
Former members often relate the same stories of abuse and reflect a similar pattern of grievances.
There are records, books, news articles, or television programs that document the abuses of the group/leader.
Followers feel they can never be "good enough".
The group/leader is always right.
The group/leader is the exclusive means of knowing "truth" or receiving validation, no other process of discovery is really acceptable or credible.
Scientology, which has often been called a "cult" and also potentially safe would fall within all these criteria.
Time Magazine cover story May 1991...
[b:57b8222a6e]"Scientology the Cult of Greed"[/b:57b8222a6e]
See [
www.culteducation.com]
There are groups that profess Christian beliefs and claim the bible as their authority, which have been called "cults," due to the above cited criteria such as "Children of God," "The Tridentine Latin Rite Church" and the "International Church of Christ."
See the following:
[
www.culteducation.com]
[
www.culteducation.com]
[
www.culteducation.com]