It depends on your definition of cult, the particular shade of church of Christ you are involved in, how long you have been a member, how many family members are in it, and how involved you have been, and how controlling a particular congregation is. I believe churches of Christ can be conducive to cult like attitudes and effects, which vary from family to family, congregation to congregation, and region to region. However, for the most part, churches of Christ do not appear to qualify as cults.
In the Wikipedia article on cults, we see that New Religious Movements (NRM) are often, but not always, considered cults. An NRM is said to be a religious or spiritual group that has come into existence since about the mid 1800's. The restoration movement churches, which include churches of Christ, would seem to qualify as NRMs based on that criteria, but they are not listed in Wikipedia's articles on them (link and link) It appears that they were not unique (strange) enough. Churches of Christ would NOT be classified as destructive cults, doomsday cults, political cults, polygamy cults, racist cults, or terrorist cults.
If we read the Wikipedia article on the sociological classification of religious movements, it seems that Churches of Christ are more institutionalized sects than anything else, halfway between sects and denominations. They have numbers 1,3,5, 7 of the characteristics of denominations. They are not religious pluralists (2). They do not "accept the principle of at least modestly changing doctrine and practice and tolerate some theological diversity and dispute." (4) They do not always insist on formal certification requirements for professional clergy (6). Their membership does not contain many members of the upper classes (8). They are not mystically oriented and not particularly service oriented either, as this article says cults are.
If we look at a second definition/explanation of cults, the ICSA (International Cultic Studies Association) has different criteria for judging if an organization is a cult. Let's see if the church of Christ applies.
(1)" Excessively zealous and unquestioning commitment to its leader and (wether he is alive or dead) regards his belief system, ideology, and practices as the Truth, as law."- Yes, if Jesus and/or the god of the bible counts. This would also apply to a great deal of Christianity in general.
(2) "Questioning, doubt, dissent are discouraged, even punished." -Yes. Though not usually vicious, the church of christ, while often claiming it accepts questioning, does discourage public dissent. After you question, you are expected to accept the standard answers.
(3)" Leadership is dictatorial and controlling." This varies greatly across congregations. The more conservative the congregation, the more controlling. This is a distinct advantage to the autonomous congregation model. Elders of more liberal congregations may get chastised for not being strict enough.
(4)"The group may be elitist, claiming a special exalted status for itself (yes), its leaders (Jesus as the messiah or avatar of god), its members (yes)." Also the group may claim to be on a special mission to save humanity. Can't this be said to be true of much of Christianity?
(5)"The group may have a polarized us vs. them mentality (yes) which may cause conflict (no, but sometimes withdrawal from socialization.)
(6) "The leader is not accountable to any authorities." No. Churches of christ are big on following the law. Jesus and god, however, are not expected to conform to the laws of the land.
(7) "Exalted ends justify whatever means necessary." No, which is surprising when you think about it. It makes you wonder if they actually believe all the stuff they claim to believe.
(8) "Leadership uses shame and guilt to control and influence members." Not as a general rule, but again, each congregation is different. Also the shaming and guilting are more likely to be used by parents in the private homes of members. That does happen.
(9) "Subservience to the leader or group requires members to cut ties with family and friends and radically alter personal goals and activities they once had." It depends. There is no firm requirement to cut ties, but members are often encouraged to discontinue previous amounts of socializing with those who might pull them away from the church and its teachings. Very seldom is it insisted upon.
(10) "The group is preoccupied with bringing in new member." Yes. See: mission to save the world.
(11) "The group is is preoccupied with making money." Not as a general rule. In fact, they are not fond of ostentatious wealth.
(12) "Members are expected to devote inordinate amounts of time to the group and group related activities." Kind of. The more active and involved you are, the higher standing you have in the community. You are expected to want to attend most worship services, but most other activities are considered voluntary.
(13) "The most loyal members (true believers) feel there can be no life outside the context of the group. They often fear reprisals to themselves and others if they leave." As a former true believer, I can say that those who leave membership in the church are often mourned as possibly lost to eternal damnation. I am certain that if/when I leave, there will be those who are certain I am doomed. Reprisals may or may not happen, depending. on individual convictions and congregational practice.
The International Churches of Christ have been called a cult. They are often extremely controlling and psychologically abusive. They are in the list of NRMs. The so-called non institutional churches of christ, or "anti" churches, are usually quite small and are generally very strict and somewhat controlling. I consider them somewhat cult like. Mainstream churches of christ are what I have been affiliated with. They are middle of the road, accused of being too conservative/legalistic by some and too liberal by others. Some who have left churches of Christ would still consider them cults. Indeed, many would consider all of christianity a cult.
The things that cross the line for me are shunning, manipulation, and coercion. Shunning is number one. The threat of shunning, even implied rather than stated, is used to manipulate. I would say that if a person is formally shunned by friends and family members for leaving the group for any non-criminal reason, that group is acting like the popular definition of a cult. Shunning and fear of shunning show that something is definitely wrong. Get out if you can.
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