Is The Catholic Church A Cult?

Q

I am not Catholic, but I have read several books that consider them cults, just like Mormons, Scientology etc. What is your take on this?

A

According to experts like Dr. Walter Martin, who wrote “The Kingdom of the Cults” the following 3 things identify a religious organization as a cult. They deny the deity of Jesus, they deny the doctrine of salvation by grace alone, or they deny the existence of a literal place of torment following death. These three beliefs are the foundation of orthodox Christianity. The Catholic Church does not believe in salvation by grace alone.