Is The "Church of Christ" A Cult?

Part 1: Common Sense Questions A "Church of Christ Preacher" Cannot Clearly Answer

(This is part of a series where I am answering questions from the tract “Common Sense Questions A ‘Church of Christ Preacher’ Cannot Clearly Answer.” You can find previous posts here.)

Standing Firm (and Not Getting Bent Out of Shape) with Criticism

Let’s get right into the article. The article kicks off with a bang—and not in a good way.

From Common Sense Questions A ‘Church of Christ Preacher’ Cannot Clearly Answer:

"The religious sect known as the 'Church of Christ' has many peculiar and aberrant doctrines that are contrary to the word of God. It is a most deceptive and dangerous cult. Their teaching of baptismal regeneration is an age-old heresy that has damned millions to hell and is still doing so today. The idea that they are the one, true and restored church of Jesus Christ puts them in the same league with the Mormon and Roman Catholic churches."

Well, alright then! The writer comes out swinging with accusations: the church of Christ is a sect and a cult, guilty of heresy, and responsible for damning millions to hell. Oh, and apparently, we’re just like the Mormons and Catholics, too.

Don’t Be Afraid of Criticism

First, I beg you. Do not be afraid of criticism! Many folks try at all costs to avoid criticism or try to run from it. Please don’t do that!

Here’s the truth—if you’re standing for Christ, you’re going to face criticism. It’s not a matter of if but when. Jesus didn’t sugarcoat this:

"If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you" (John 15:18).

God also has some pretty harsh words for cowardice:
"But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death" (Revelation 21:8).

Notice that first word: cowardly. God doesn’t take kindly to backing down when the truth is on the line. So don’t let criticism shake you—it’s often a sign you’re doing something right.

Instead of being surprised by criticism, embrace it. After all:

• They crucified Jesus for preaching truth.

• They stoned Stephen for standing firm.

• They exiled John for his faith.

• They imprisoned Paul multiple times for teaching the gospel.

If someone criticizes you for defending the truth, congratulations—you’re in good company.

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Sect or Cult: Pick One

Back to the article. The writer wastes no time calling the church of Christ both a “religious sect” and a “cult.” So, which is it? Because the two terms are not interchangeable.

A sect is a subgroup of a larger religious tradition, generally recognized as part of mainstream society, even if its teachings differ.

A cult, on the other hand, typically:

1. Revolves around a charismatic leader.

2. Has no connection to a larger religious tradition.

3. Operates outside societal norms (think: secret communes in the woods).

To label the church of Christ—a group dedicated to following the Bible and whose members live normal lives in society—as a cult is not only inaccurate but outright slanderous.

If you recognize the picture at the top of this post, that’s Jim Jones, leader of the People’s Temple. Jones convinced hundreds of people to leave their homes and move to a jungle commune in Guyana. In 1978, he orchestrated a mass murder-suicide, where 909 members died by drinking cyanide-laced Flavor Aid (the origin of the phrase “don’t drink the Kool-Aid”).

When people hear “cult,” they think of extreme cases like Jim Jones, not Bible-believing Christians striving to follow Scripture. So why use such a loaded term? To stir up fear and prejudice.

The writer of this tract is from the Baptist church. Do I consider him part of a cult? Of course not. Mainstream Baptists, Catholics, Methodists, Presbyterians, and many other groups are denominations, but they aren’t cults.

Here’s the reality: The church of Christ is neither a cult nor a sect. We’re simply striving to restore New Testament Christianity. If we are a cult for following the Bible and striving to be just like the church you read about in the Bible, I guess Jesus started a cult.

So, my first question for the writer is this: Do you think the church of Christ is a sect or a cult? Because it can’t be both—and it’s neither. The writers bias and inconsistency is already showing in the tract.

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Baptismal Regeneration: A Loaded Term

Next, the writer claims the church of Christ teaches “baptismal regeneration,” labeling it an “age-old heresy.” Let’s unpack that.

First, “baptismal regeneration” isn’t a biblical phrase. It’s a man-made term that can mean different things depending on who’s using it. For some, it’s a shorthand for the biblical teaching that baptism is essential for salvation. For others, it’s a strawman used to suggest we believe baptism alone saves—which we don’t.

So, here’s a pro tip: Don’t let critics box you in with their language. Insist on using biblical terms and let Scripture speak for itself.

We believe what the Bible teaches: that baptism is an essential part of salvation, along with hearing, faith, repentance, and confession.

Jesus Himself said: “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16).

Other verses tie baptism to salvation, too:

• Acts 2:38

• Acts 22:16

• Romans 6:3-4

• Galatians 3:27

• 1 Peter 3:21

The writer of the tract claims that “faith-only” saves. If that is true, why should it matter what someone believes about baptism? According to the logic of “faith-only,” nothing beyond faith should influence salvation. For example, if someone has faith in Jesus but also believes baptism is necessary for salvation, this belief should not condemn them—because they have faith. By their own reasoning, faith alone should suffice.

This highlights a major flaw in the doctrine of “faith-only.” Advocates claim that faith alone saves, yet they assert that believing baptism is essential will send someone to hell. This clearly shows they don’t actually believe in “faith-only.” Instead, they believe salvation requires both faith and the correct understanding of baptism. That’s not “faith-only”—it’s faith plus an additional requirement.

The doctrine of “faith-only” is self-defeating if anything beyond faith determines whether someone is saved. To hold this position consistently, one would have to become a universalist, believing that anyone with faith—regardless of their other beliefs—is saved.

Yet, Jesus (Mark 16:16), Peter (Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21), and Paul (Acts 22:16) all explicitly taught that baptism is essential for salvation. To claim that baptism “damns millions to hell” is to imply that Jesus, Peter, and Paul were responsible for condemning those millions. That’s a position I wouldn’t want to be in.

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Guilt by Association? Not So Fast

Finally, the writer compares the church of Christ to the Mormon and Catholic churches. Why? To create distrust by association.

But this tactic is flimsy at best. By this logic, I could lump this writer in with the Westboro Baptist Church (widely considered a hate group) just because they both call themselves Baptists. That wouldn’t be fair—or true.

The church of Christ’s mission isn’t to follow human traditions. It’s to restore the faith and practices of the New Testament church. Plain and simple.

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Wrapping It Up

Criticism is part of following Christ. Instead of fearing it, embrace it. Expect it, prepare for it, and respond with love and truth.

And don’t forget: If someone takes a swing at your faith, you’re in good company.

In my next post, we’ll tackle the first question from the tract: “Where was the Church of Christ before the 1800s?” The answer might surprise you. Stay tuned!