In the wake of the tragic murder of Matthew Winkler, many have been trying to make sense of what happened. Nancy Grace, of CNN discussed some of the issues on March 27, 2006. The transcript of the program includes her interview with Tom Rukala, a Baptist preacher from Selmer, TN, the city where Matthew Winkler preached. Mr. Rukala appears to have some personal animosity to the church, which caused him to say several erroneous things, including the charge that the church of Christ is a “borderline cult.”

Many wonder why Ms. Grace, who indicated she knows little about the church, would ask a Baptist preacher about the church of Christ. It seems illogical to us, but most people in the media know nothing about the religious world, so such a mistake is not to be unexpected.

What is a cult? The usual definition of a cult in modern religious circles is that of a group that denies the deity of Christ, and accepts inspiration beyond the Bible (either written or verbal). As the Evangelical Dictionary of Theology (p. 289) points out, the word “cult” is very often used today for its propaganda value, as in this recent use on CNN.

By the usual definition, we certainly would not be considered a cult by most people. We must realize, however, that as long as there is some propaganda value in saying we are a cult, some will resort to this kind of name calling. We should not be surprised that this is happening. As a prisoner in his own hired house in Rome, Paul called the chief of the Jews together to learn about the church, of which they said, “we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against” (Acts 28:22). Let us pray that others will desire to hear even today about this sect that is everywhere spoken against. Peter and other apostles rejoiced “that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ” (Acts 5:41-42). We should do the same!