If Christ died on the cross for all of humanity

I wholeheartedly disagree with you, Biblical-based Christianity is not a cult and does not support the use of cultic practices. When people say that a religious group is a cult, they typically mean that it has one or more of the following characteristics: 1. Overly aggressive recruitment/evangelization. 2. False/deceptive teaching including hyperexclusivism. Prior to the beginning of the group, everyone was lost, condemned, without any true knowledge. Only a very small exclusive set of people will be saved and enter heaven. 3. Use of brainwashing techniques, including: Questioning of the group's teaching of leadership forbidden. Isolation (physical or forced isolation, or encouragement to break contact with family and friends). Sleep deprivation and other abusive practices. 4. Financial exploitation of members, that ultimately profiting the leaders. 5. Emotional exploitation of young adults, the elderly, etc.

Unfortunately, there are Christian and pseudo-Christian individuals and groups who exhibit one or more of the above characteristics but the reality is Biblical-based Christianity is not a cult and does not support the use of cultic practices.

1. Overly aggressive evangelization

There are many Christians who are too aggressive in their attempts to share their faith, not to mention times in history when people were forcibly converted. Yet forced evangelism and/or conversion are not supported by the Bible. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience. (1 Pet. 3:15-16)

When Jesus sent his disciples out to preach, he told them to leave towns that didn't welcome them. When the disciples wanted to punish a town that rejected Him, rather than accepting their offer, He rebuked them.

2. False teaching: Hyperexclusivism

Of course, whether or not basic Christianity is true or false is a topic of much debate, but one can provide many reasons to believe in its truth. However, when any group claims to have an exclusive hold on truth, we tend to immediately doubt the claims of that group as is the case here on this thread here at covers.

Does Christianity make such a claim? It does claim that Jesus is the only way to God, but it also claims that this path is available to everyone and has been taken by people throughout all of history. It does not restrict membership in heaven to a certain number of people, a certain ethnic race, or those who joined a very specific church or denomination. Nor does it claim that before the appearance of Jesus (or Abraham or Moses), no one had any access to truth or knowledge of God.

3. Brainwashing

Does Christianity forbid asking hard questions about its doctrines? Again, while some individual Christians have frowned on skeptics, inquisitive children and others who ask hard questions, this is not something prohibited by the Bible, but rather encouraged by it. Jesus not only answered questions from his disciples and nonbelievers, he even brought up a hard question of his own: Then Jesus presented them with a question. "Why is it that the Messiah is said to be the son of David? For David himself wrote in the book of Psalms: The Lord said to my Lord: "Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet." Since David called the Messiah 'Lord,' how can the Messiah be his son?" (Luke 20:41-44)

Does Christianity forbid questioning of its leaders and their doctrine or behavior? While the Bible does teach respect for authority figures, it also teaches that all people fall short of perfection. Accusations can be brought against church leaders, if there is a reasonable amount of evidence.

Does Christianity promote isolation of Christians from nonbelievers and their views? While the Bible does caution against being influenced by the evils present in society, it doesn't advocate isolation from society, but rather says that believers ought to participate in society in order to influence it.

Finally, it should go without saying that Christianity is opposed to all forms of physical and emotional abuse. Not only is one of the central tenents of Christianity to love other people as one loves oneself, the Bible also teaches that harming another person is harming someone created by God and loved by God and is comparable to harming God himself.

4. Financial exploitation

Unfortunately, there are Christian organizations whose primary focus is fundraising and who may even resort to deception in order to line the pockets of their leaders. This practice is directly opposed to the teachings of the Bible, which condemns greed and trusting in wealth, giving under compulsion and exploitation of the poor. Despite what such organizations might claim, the Bible doesn't promise material riches to those who follow God or make large donations.

The apostle Paul explained his attitude towards profiting from his preaching in 1 Corinthians 9:11-18. While pastors and missionaries do have a right to be paid for their work, he voluntarily waived this right so that people wouldn't think he was motivated by greed.

5. Emotional exploitation

Do Christians target young adults, the elderly and others who might be vulnerable to exploitation? Christians often do focus evangelistic efforts on a particular segment of society. Is this exploitation? It might be if the evangelists used some of the techniques listed above to bully or deceive their audience, or if their teaching is false and ultimately harmful.

However, the question assumes that evangelization in general, and Christianity in particular, is harmful, which is not necessarily the case. If Christianity is true, then becoming a Christian is not harmful, but is beneficial in many ways. Since Christianity does fulfill needs, it should be no surprise that people with deeply felt needs are often the ones who become Christians.

If Christians are following Biblical principles when evangelizing, then they are letting people know in a gentle and respectful manner that God cares for them and is able to meet their needs. This is no more exploitive than a food pantry or homeless shelter advertising its services to those it was intended to provide for. Just as churches and religious groups may be exploitive, a homeless shelter could be abusive by harrassing people on the streets, bullying them to come inside and then prohibiting them from leaving. The fact that such an organization can be abusive doesn't mean that all such organizations are abusive or that having such organizations is a bad idea.