Thanks, Peter, an interesting read, for this non-believer that loves US, in all its contradictions. Perhaps there was almost a "self selection" initially, where extremists and malcontents were more inclined to sign up for Jamestown and so on.

For Australians, the key question of the moment: Is Pentecostalism a cult? If like me you believe the answer is a resounding yes, then his looney-tunes Q-Anon mates just seem like icing on the cake.

"Is Christianity a cult?"

What a stupid and insulting question; certainly one that is not worthy of further contemplation.

Christianity is not perfect, but it is better than the rest, and was deemed suitable to base Western civilisation on.

Is Christianity a cult? Well, yes and since Constantine changed it from what it once was into today's pagan ritualistic abomination! Which now needs huge edifices not ever part of esoteric Christain, in remembrance of me, practise.

Where the confessional, marriage ceremonies were not ever subject to esoteric Christian control or practise! One being around 700 years old the other around 300. Nor was there at the altar, sacrifice.

Nor was there great wealth and treasure piling up in Christian coffers!

Nor leaders involving themselves in politics or controversy or priestly pluralistic paedophilia. Albeit, Paul as by all accounts, a self-confessed homosexual.

I'd call it a polyglot abomination and a stye in the eye of God.
Alan B.

ttbn,
I wonder if you would have ventured that opinion in pre reformation days.
David

Apologies, Paul as, should be read as I wrote it, Paul was.
Alan.

I can’t quite fathom the point the author is attempting to make.

Trump had a cult following. I am unashamed to admit I was one, and would be overjoyed, and not alone in the joys of a second Trump coming.

Islam is a cult of Christianity. No mention of that one.

And all the Crusades were not interested in selfish pursuits in their quest for the return of Jerusalem to Christendom. Their enemy was on the most part, the Muslim infidel Now the Jews have it. Didn’t mention that one.

The civil war in the US over slavery was probably less harmful than the modern war between debt slaves and the robber barons, often resulting in a lifetime of servitude to the debt slaves.

I think Christianity adequately adjusted to its historic social connections as history moved on. It offered the West an moral anchor for its peoples and well served it’s purpose, in spite of mad Popes and self serving politicians who were quick to extort it’s virtues for self gain.

Shame about the present loss of purpose and direction in the West which is struggling to find a useful substitute in the decline of the Christian belief system, resulting in epidemics of suicide among the young, and too many other side effects to mention.

This post is actually an anti American rant which blames Christianity as motivation for war, when actually it is greed and advancement of Corporate interest often the prime driver.

Dan