The world groups religions such as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons), the Jehovah's Witnesses, and Christian Science into the category of "Protestant Christianity". What do YOU think? Is this an accurate and appropriate categorization?
I am quite comfortable at this point, with the Christian Research Institutes' definition of cults and what does and does not constitute a legitimate Christian denomination. The world does not determine what a Christian church is, the Bible alone does. There will continue to be a lot of confusion in this regard particularly with those following the Mormon faith coming into such prominence in US politics.
Here is that CRI definition of cults…
http://www.equip.org/perspectives/what-is-a-religious-cult/
What Is a Religious Cult?
WHAT IS A CULT?- Introduction
With such an overwhelming number of religious groups around these days, it is necessary to understand the difference between a legitimate religious group and a cult. What exactly is a cult?
WHAT IS A CULT- Definitions
There are two ways to define a cult. The first way to describe a cult is popular in the secular media. From this perspective, a cult is a religious or semi-religious sect whose members are controlled almost entirely by a single individual or by an organization.
This kind of cult is usually manipulative, demanding total commitment and loyalty from its followers. Converts are usually cut off from all former associations, including their own families. The Hare Krishnas, the Family of Love led by Moses David Berg, and Sun Myung Moon’s Unification Church are some examples of this kind of a cult.
The second way to define a cult is popular in evangelical Christian circles. From this perspective, a cult is any group that deviates from the orthodox teachings of the historic Christian faith being derived from the Bible and confirmed through the ancient ecumenical creeds.
WHAT IS A CULT- Psuedo-Christian Cults
These groups deny or distort fundamental Christian doctrines such as the Trinity, the deity of Christ, and salvation by grace through faith alone. Some cults that would fall into this category are the Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Christian Science, The Way International, and the Unity School of Christianity.
Most of these cults claim to be Christian, and even consider the Bible to be authoritative. But they manipulate the Scriptures to fit their own beliefs. Although they may claim to serve Jesus Christ, and may even use the same terminology orthodox Christians use, their definitions are vastly different.
WHAT IS A CULT- The Dangers of False Teachings
These groups do not lead to the Christ of the Bible, but to another Jesus and another gospel (2 Cor. 11:1-4; Gal. 1:8,9). We must therefore reject these false teachings, and “earnestly contend for the faith which was once and for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). And, of course, remember the Bible also goes on to admonish us that we must do this with gentleness, and with respect. Remember, you must present the message, but you need to recognize that it is only the Holy Spirit that changes the heart.
Very well said, “The Bible is the authority and the Holy Spirit is the heart changer.”
“If you abide in My Word, you are truly My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:32
Well a couple of things: First, what does it matter how the world evaluates religious groups? The world is not our standard anyway. They don’t rate Evangelicals properly either! Second, I believe these groups are often lumped in as Protestants because they uphold Christ in their beliefs in some manner and they are clearly not Catholic. For some, that makes them Protestant. Third, the groups you mentioned are cults. But they spun off from Protestant groups. So their origin may have been Protestant. Again, that is why they are placed there. Protestantism is a wide grouping of extremely diverse groups. There are groups that are at the core of Protestants and then, as in any grouping, there are extremes who are so extreme they are not even Christian. The key not whether they are Protestant, but are they Christian? Clearly groups that deny Christ’s deity and sole sufficiency for salvation are not Christian, regardless of what religious groupings sociologists place them in!
i can’t imagine Jesus not crying if He looks at the Barna research and finds that the majority of those professing Him as Lord never open His Word from Sunday to Sunday. It’s no wonder people are unsure of what real Christianity is. They never look into God’s Word to find out what it says. I’ve been a Southern Baptist missionary in Romania for over 8 years. My wife and I left America on faith as we felt God’s call on our lives to serve the Gypsy people there. Most are never encouraged to read and pray daily. These things break our hearts as well. May 2 Chron. 7:14 overwhelm God’s people today.