re: Group accuses Mark Richt of using “public office” to raise money for Christian..

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Absolutely not. If they believe that Jesus came down to earth to die for their sins, rose three days later and they accept Him as their Lord and Saviour then they are a Christian. I don't care if they are Catholic, Methodist or Jewish, or whatever. Within the christian community there are disagreements as to the best way (or more correct way) to worship, but that doesn't change the fact that they are Christian.

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Wow, this is groundbreaking. So, are you down with the other 87% of Christians and the Nicene Creed? If that is the case, then why did the Evangelicals break off?

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Wait, so you do not have to be born again to be Christian according to the Evangelical faith?

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Yes. You do. But from what you are saying I suspect your definition of born again is way off. You are born again if you believe that Jesus came down to earth to die for your sins, then rose from the grave three days later and you commit your life to Christ. being baptized is simply and display of that faith and obedience, but has nothing to do with being saved.

If you place your faith in Christ and then die before you are baptized you still go to heaven. Maybe that explains it better? I think we are getting confused, or maybe you misunderstand what we are talking about/believe?

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I think the core of the issue isn't the disagreement but rather the folks that will out right tell you you're going to hell if you don't agree with them.

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Well, it depends on what they believe. I've told you what it takes to be a Christian. A personal relationship with Christ. Without that personal relationship, you are not a Christian. if they espouse anything other than that, then they are wrong. There is disagreement in every area of society about every subject. Shoot, there are those people that still believe we never went to the moon, or that the earth is flat.

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That has a way of rubbing people the wrong way. I understand you don't do this but there are plenty that do.

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I am aware of that. But do you reject every walk of life just because there is disagreement within a group? My only suggestion to you and others is to keep an open mind and not shut Christianity down just because you don't like some people in it.

There are a lot of football players I don't like....but I still love football.

First, I just want it to be clear that you 'know' what is required to be a Christian. It is also important to understand that the basis of your knowledge is from scriptures that were arranged by primarily what became the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Christian faiths. So, I am sure you think you 'know' and it is 'clear', but it contradicts the other 87% of Christians. You can try to bridge the gap for argument purposes, but at that point you are being dishonest, even if it is not your intention.

In any case, I wanted to have the differences and 'certainties' displayed here, so as to show you that it is a sect of Christianity that represents 13% of Christians, that has access and influence over student athletes as it is pretty much the only show in town at the BM. The fact that the HCs Brother in Law and other people of influence within the organization are all part of this cult... And a cult that operates within the confines of the BM... Using the facilities... Using gear and player autographs and staff appearances within the confines of the School/AD buildings to raise money to support further recruiting... It sets a very dangerous precedent. If they want to do it at their house, a church, or to use a facility that any other group has equal access to, then this issue will go away. They are all free to recruit and preach their minority beliefs whenever they want beyond that...

I'm not against organized religion. I'm very much in support of creating an atmosphere to where people are free to believe what they want.

As far as a cult goes... Google a cult checklist or characteristics of a cult. It's a shoe fits thing for me, but YMMV...

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But, bottom line is....SOMEBODY is right.

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It's quite possible that everyone is wrong. The only way to find out is to die and see what happens after, if anything.

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I'm a fan of yours, Peter, but you'd be in an extremely small minority among religious scholars (much smaller than 13% btw) in classifying evangelical Christianity as a cult.

When I say religious scholars I don't mean ministers but academics (who are overwhelmingly not evangelicals). The literature on religion almost never references the large scale evangelical Christian community as a cult.

You've made some great observations in this thread but your position on that is far outside current educated thought. This island is minuscule compared to the 13% group you've correctly assessed.

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You are right... I don't think most academics would call it a cult. I don't actually think it is a cult either, but I do think the aggressive recruiting and the 'our way is the only way to salvation' schtick gives it the look and feel of one. Especially in the wrong hands. It's that aspect that, though its intentions may be sincere, actually becomes divisive in a team atmosphere. Throw in the fact that it is administered and supported by authority figures within the organization which only adds to the negative aspect of the issue.

I will add that it is devisive based on personal experiences and I was not alone in this opinion.... And this was at a time when our HC was Catholic.

You lost me

I didn't insist.