Does the Government need to start regulating and monitoring new Churches that be

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   Stacie Lposted 8 years ago

   Does the Government need to start regulating and monitoring new Churches that behave like Cults?
   
   In the news recently, two brothers were savagely beaten and one died due to his injuries in an upstate NY church. They were beaten so they would confess their sins.
   It was not one of the recognized Christian denominations and seemed to be private. in fact, the catholic priest next door, stated that they didn't welcome newcomers. Is that a sign of trouble and should they be monitored by state child welfare workers for possible abuse?
   http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/cultli … ar-AAfwRJ0

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2. 84

   Austinstarposted 8 years ago

   According to the First Amendment to our Constitution, government is barred from making any laws regarding churches or religion.
   But there are laws against beating your kids and killing them which these parents and others were arrested for.
   This is why churches are not allowed to make our laws. If so, then some religions would have us killing 'witches' and 'homosexuals' among other so-called sins.
   But it goes both ways. Religious people are allowed to BELIEVE whatever they want to, but they MUST obey the secular laws of this country just like any other citizen.
   Religion has no place in the justice system that oversees all religious and non-religious people.
   Our country is founded on "government FOR the people and BY the people" It was NOT founded on 'Christianity' or ANY religion.
   This country was founded on Freedom from religious tyranny.

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   1. 89

      Stacie Lposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      There are many people who cannot distinguish good from evil. They are weak minded,depressed and directionless and are looking for guidance in their lives.
      Should they have some protection against unscrupulous religious organizations?

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      Austinstarposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      That is why we have "social services", child protection agencies, and other public and private groups. Unfortunately, no one can predict criimes before they happen.

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   Say Yes To Lifeposted 8 years ago

   I remember coming across that article a few days ago.  It sure gives Christianity a bad name, doesn't it?
   Because the US as we know it was founded by people who were persecuted for their beliefs, we tend to shrink in horror from regulating religion.  As a result, we are free to practice any weird religion we wish, but no law protects us against cults.  We can even throw away our future if we want to, just like my niece did when she dropped out of high school.  However, we are not free from the consequences of our choices (the cult isn't helping her now!).   When cult practices break the law, they should be punished like any other criminal.  They may see it as "persecution", but if they don't like it, they can establish their own country on some desert island!

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      Stacie Lposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      It seems that the government agencies are private ones for that matter, cannot help anyone until a crime is committed.

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   SpiritusShepherdposted 8 years ago

   I think the best we can do as Christians is to continue to renounce cults and all forms of false doctrine. I think it would be more helpful for Pastors to address the issues of cults and warn their flocks of the dangers they cause.
   Also for parents and maybe even teachers to explain to their children that cults are dangerous and hurtful.
   I think these might be more effective than government regulation.

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      Say Yes To Lifeposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Because Christianity lends itself so well to cults, many Americans have a hard time understanding what a cult is. A cult is a mind control medium. They lead people into doing things that defy logic regarding positive living. Suspect NE such religion!

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      SpiritusShepherdposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      True. Especially since many do not see any difference between popular religions and cults. I would like to see more studies on cults. I applaud those who escape cults and come forward to teach  and warn others.

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      Say Yes To Lifeposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I was in a cult once. I'm still trying to understand what happened, and why I made the choices I did. That's why I wrote about the world's 10 most practiced religions. I found that helped my understanding a lot.

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      SpiritusShepherdposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I grew up in a very cult-like family environment, also the denomination I was a part of was borderline cult. I don't think you can see until you leave.

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