Youthworker Journal Forums on Faith Community Network
  Forum Tools
Ministry Leaders Folder

Forums |  Register |  Login |  My Profile |  Inbox |  Address Book |  My Subscription |  My Forums 

Photo Gallery |  Member List |  Search |  Calendars |  FAQ |  TOS |  Disclaimer |  Ticket List |  Log Out | 
  Sponsor

Question About Possible Cult

 
View related threads: (in this forum | in all forums)

Logged in as: Guest
Users viewing this topic: none
  Printable Version
All Forums >> [Theology] >> The Church >> Question About Possible Cult
Jump to post #:
Page: [1]
Login
Message << Older Topic   Newer Topic >>
Question About Possible Cult - 6/26/2008 4:13:10 PM   
ClintonPI

 

Posts: 74
Joined: 1/30/2008
Status: offline
Just moved to a new area and noticed that at the pharmacy down the street there is always a person outside the door with a can for donations. I've only seen men, but they all wear white "uniforms" with red bands on the sleeves and stripes down the leg. The patches on their shoulders say something about a Missionary church of Jesus. I asked one of the guys what religion he was and he said Christian. He didn't seem to like that I was asking and was evasive about further questions. I gave him a gospel tract and went on.

I know cults sometimes wear white medical uniforms to make people think they're looking for donations for medical purposes. Like the ones that used to wear nurses uniforms in airports.

The donation can said it was charity for drug rehabilitation.


So is this legitamate or a cult? And if they're on the up and up then why the white outfits?

Thanks.
Post #: 1
RE: Question About Possible Cult - 6/26/2008 4:18:43 PM   
PrexicKehdaki


Posts: 190
Joined: 6/26/2008
Status: offline
I know Mormons tend to use that phrase, "Missionary church of Jesus".
Post #: 2
RE: Question About Possible Cult - 6/26/2008 6:45:00 PM   
4IMPersuaded

 

Posts: 424
Joined: 11/17/2007
From: Florence, KY
Status: offline
Hmmm... Dunno, but it sounds fishy. It could be, though, that the fellow you spoke with was new and afraid to witness to strangers. It is odd that he wouldn't be more open about his church and what they were doing. It seems like he'd want you to know.

All I can say is pray for him and see if you can strike up any more conversations with them as you go by.
Post #: 3
RE: Question About Possible Cult - 6/26/2008 8:35:06 PM   
earthless


Posts: 5682
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: where pigeons are getting their sweaters ready....
Status: offline
Ask him one simple question....

"Who do you say Jesus is?"

_____________________________

Probing Today's Religious Movements | Promoting Doctrinal Discernment & Critical Thinking | Providing Reasons for Christian Faith & Ethics
Post #: 4
RE: Question About Possible Cult - 6/26/2008 10:16:04 PM   
ClintonPI

 

Posts: 74
Joined: 1/30/2008
Status: offline
I plan on going by there tomorrow and will ask if he'd read he'd read the tract. Then I will ask him who he thinks Jesus is, along with a few other questions, like how do I get to heaven, etc.

I'll give an update when I'm done.
Post #: 5
RE: Question About Possible Cult - 6/27/2008 12:20:40 AM   
elliemaejune

 

Posts: 102
Joined: 9/16/2006
Status: offline
Not a cult, but certainly a scam.

Many years ago, one of the television stations where I lived did an exposé on that group that supposedly took medical donations. Turns out it was a scam.

That's what I'd think. Maybe it's not very charitable of me, but there it is.

_____________________________

Born again since 1974
Married to Mr. Ellie for over 30 years
Mom to 2 dds and 2 dsil
Caretaker of 2 cats, 1 French bulldog, and 6 hermit crabs
Hula dancer extraordinaire
Post #: 6
RE: Question About Possible Cult - 6/27/2008 7:53:43 AM   
SonInMe1

 

Posts: 3523
Joined: 4/16/2005
From: my mom by God
Status: offline
I can't imagine...a christian...on the street asking for donations....would not want to share his faith.

I also believe christians should support christianity...not stand on street corners looking for donations from whomever walks by. Tithes and offerings. Not barter, not street vending, and certainly not begging.

_____________________________

You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.

James 4:4
Post #: 7
RE: Question About Possible Cult - 6/27/2008 11:55:51 PM   
teachered

 

Posts: 46
Joined: 12/11/2007
Status: offline
Have you asked anyone in the Pharmacy who the people outside the door represent? Unless you are led by God I would not give them any money.

As far as whether or not they are a cult, I do not think you can tell without knowing their beliefs. If their beliefs are secretive and not in line with the bible, then they are probably a cult.

I pray that God will give you the words to say and the right questions to ask to this man, or person who happens to be out there when you go back.

Blessings

_____________________________

d2d
Post #: 8
RE: Question About Possible Cult - 6/28/2008 2:02:42 AM   
Kath


Posts: 16972
Joined: 2/28/2005
Status: online
Moving from General Faith to The Church
Post #: 9
RE: Question About Possible Cult - 6/28/2008 7:36:17 AM   
csl7037

 

Posts: 1360
Joined: 3/24/2008
Status: offline
It really could be A. a cult, B. an OK organization but a shy/new person you talked to, or C. a scam. The cynic in me leans toward the scam options without any further info.
Post #: 10
RE: Question About Possible Cult - 6/28/2008 11:27:35 AM   
1love1God1way


Posts: 2169
Joined: 5/16/2005
Status: offline
Salvation Army?

_____________________________

love.ben
Post #: 11
RE: Question About Possible Cult - 6/28/2008 12:29:39 PM   
Kat_D


Posts: 3197
Joined: 9/2/2005
From: Where We Shake, Rattle & Roll!
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: elliemaejune

Not a cult, but certainly a scam.

Many years ago, one of the television stations where I lived did an exposé on that group that supposedly took medical donations. Turns out it was a scam.


Probably....and if so, they likely have nothing to do with the Christianity and are using the church title as a means to get money out of people.

Ask for written information and ID. A legitimate charity will give you information outlining its mission, how your donation will be distributed, and proof that your contribution is tax-deductible. Many states require "paid fund-raisers" to identify themselves as such and to name the charity for which they're soliciting.

If they won't or can't give this to you, they are a scam.

_____________________________

~Kat

"...And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes...no more death, sorrow, nor crying."
Post #: 12
RE: Question About Possible Cult - 7/11/2008 1:46:44 AM   
kimmiejake

 

Posts: 14
Joined: 6/27/2008
Status: offline
I've seen folks dressed like that in my town. They are often at one particular intersection.

hmmmmmmm
Post #: 13
RE: Question About Possible Cult - 7/11/2008 2:26:55 AM   
OLEEguacamole

 

Posts: 1063
Status: offline
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Missionary_Church_of_the_Disciples_of_Jesus_Christ

_____________________________

there's life in a pit.
Post #: 14
RE: Question About Possible Cult - 7/11/2008 10:40:44 PM   
Eric B

 

Posts: 61
Joined: 11/22/2005
Status: offline
quote:

Having by some accounts a few thousand adherents and being loosely connected to the Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement, the organization's most visible public activity is the solicitation of donations from the public by white-uniformed associates who are stationed outside the exits of various department stores and supermarkets, and other public places.


Another Campbellist sect. While the original churches of Christ are sometimes considered orthodox, most other Campbellist sects are definitely cults. They believe in works-salvation, and claim they are the only true Christians.
Post #: 15
RE: Question About Possible Cult - 7/13/2008 12:48:05 AM   
brothertodd


Posts: 119
Joined: 4/7/2008
Status: offline
To determin if its a cult, Next time you see him or them ask them about their church, that your looking for a new one, get as much info about their church. Then either go to that church and find out their mission statement (that is a question you could ask one of the guys)
Find out if they accept the attonement on the cross (many dont) are they works based not faith based, their views on the Godhead (trinity) hold what they feel, teach, etc according to the word. If they contradict they are a cult.

_____________________________

Brother Todd, servant of Christ
Post #: 16
Page:   [1]
All Forums >> [Theology] >> The Church >> Question About Possible Cult
Jump to post #:
Page: [1]
Jump to:





New Messages No New Messages
Hot Topic w/ New Messages Hot Topic w/o New Messages
Locked w/ New Messages Locked w/o New Messages
 Post New Thread
 Reply to Message
 Post New Poll
 Submit Vote
 Delete My Own Post
 Delete My Own Thread
 Rate Posts


Youthworker Journal Forums on Faith Community Network
  Forum Tools
Ministry Leaders Folder

Forums |  Register |  Login |  My Profile |  Inbox |  Address Book |  My Subscription |  My Forums 

Photo Gallery |  Member List |  Search |  Calendars |  FAQ |  TOS |  Disclaimer |  Ticket List |  Log Out | 


Faith Community Network is a proud member of the Salem Web Network of sites including:

CCMmagazine.com | ChristianJobs.com | ChurchStaffing.com | Crosscards.com | CrossDaily.com | Crosswalk.com | LightSource.com | OnePlace.com | SermonSearch.com | TheFish.com | XulonPress.com | YouthWorkerJournal.com
Enjoy the websites of these Faith Community Network Sponsors:

ChristianBook.com | EHarmony.com | Gospel for Asia | LifewayStores.com | Campus Crusade for Christ | Trinity College and Seminary | Townhall.com | Moody Distance Learning Center | Billygraham.org

© Copyright 2006, FaithCommunityNetwork.com. All rights reserved.
Forum Software © ASPPlayground.NET Advanced Edition 2.5 ANSI