Cults and new religions are exploding in
unprecedented proportions on the American horizon. As the light of
Christianity fades, darkness is flooding in from every side. Jehovah’s
Witnesses, Mormons, and New Age religions galore are all seeking the
souls of human beings. Each professes to have the latest way to
enlightenment, the prophet for our time, or the sure way to universal
peace.
Some experts say there are about 700 cults, while
others say there are as many as 3,000. Cults of one form or another
involve more than 20 million people in the United States, and they are
multiplying at an alarming rate. Worldwide there are now over 5
million Jehovah’s Witnesses (who spend over one billion man–hours per
year proselytizing), almost 9 million Mormons (presently growing at a
rate of 1,500 new members per day), and tens of millions of New Agers.
World religions that are diametrically opposed to
Christianity are also growing at a frightening rate. For example,
there are nearly one billion Muslims in the world. That is about one
out of every 5 persons on earth! In North America alone it is
estimated that there are between 4 and 8 million Muslims. And there
are more than 1,100 Muslim mosques in the United States.
Clearly, Christians must take the cultic threat
seriously and learn to defend Christianity in the face of the
onslaught. This book will help you accomplish that goal. But first, it
is important that we understand some of the common traits of the
cults.
What Is a Cult?
There is no universally agreed–upon definition of a
cult; there are only some generally recognizable traits. Actually,
there are three different dimensions of a cult—doctrinal,
sociological, and moral. Below we take a brief look at
these. Keep in mind, though, that not every cult manifests every
single trait we discuss.
Doctrinal Characteristics of a Cult
There are a number of doctrinal characteristics of
cults. One will typically find an emphasis on new revelation from God,
a denial of the sole authority of the Bible, a denial of the Trinity,
a distorted view of God and Jesus, or a denial of salvation by grace.
New Revelation. Many cult leaders claim
to have a direct pipeline to God. The teachings of the cult often
change and, hence, they need new "revelations" to justify such
changes. Mormons, for example, once excluded African Americans from
the priesthood. When social pressure was exerted against the Mormon
church for this blatant form of racism, the Mormon president received
a new "revelation" reversing the previous decree. Jehovah’s Witnesses
engaged in the same kind of change regarding the earlier Watchtower
teaching that vaccinations and organ transplants were prohibited by
Jehovah.
Denial of the Sole Authority of the Bible.
Many cults deny the sole authority of the Bible. The Mormons, for
example, believe the Book of Mormon is higher Scripture than the
Bible. Jim Jones, founder and leader of Jonestown, placed himself in
authority over the Bible. Christian Scientists elevate Mary Baker
Eddy’s book Science and Health to supreme authority. Reverend
Moon placed his book The Divine Principle in authority over all
his followers. New Agers believe in many modern forms of authoritative
revelation, such as The Aquarian Gospel of Jesus the Christ.
A Distorted View of God and Jesus. Many
cults set forth a distorted view of God and Jesus. The "Jesus Only"
Oneness Pentecostals, for example, deny the Trinity and hold to a form
of modalism, claiming that Jesus is God, and that "Father," "Son," and
"Holy Spirit" are simply singular names for Jesus. The Jehovah’s
Witnesses deny both the Trinity and the absolute deity of Christ,
saying that Christ is a lesser god than the Father (who is God
Almighty). The Mormons say Jesus was "procreated" (by a heavenly
father and a heavenly mother) at a point in time, and was the
spirit–brother of Lucifer.
Mormons do speak of a "Trinity," but redefine it
into Tritheism (i.e., three gods). The Baha’is say Jesus was just one
of many prophets of God. The Jesus of the spiritists is just an
advanced medium. The Jesus of the Theosophists is a mere reincarnation
of the so–called World Teacher (who is said to periodically
reincarnate in the body of a human disciple). The Jesus of psychic
Edgar Cayce is a being who in his first incarnation was Adam and in
his thirtieth reincarnation was "the Christ."
Related to the above, cults also typically deny the
bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Jehovah’s Witnesses, for
example, say that Jesus was raised from the dead as an invisible
spirit creature. Herbert W. Armstrong, founder of the Worldwide Church
of God, also denied the physical, bodily resurrection of Christ. (Note
that in recent years the Worldwide Church of God has repudiated many
of Armstrong’s teachings and has taken significant steps toward
orthodoxy.)
Denial of Salvation by Grace. Cults
typically deny salvation by grace, thus distorting the purity of the
gospel. The Mormons, for example, emphasize the necessity of becoming
more and more perfect in this life. The Jehovah’s Witnesses emphasize
the importance of distributing Watchtower literature door–to–door as a
part of "working out" their salvation. Herbert W. Armstrong said that
the idea that works are not required for salvation is rooted in Satan.
From the brief survey above, it is clear that all
cults deny one or more of the fundamental, essential doctrines of
Christianity.
Sociological Characteristics of a Cult
In addition to the doctrinal characteristics of
cults, many (not all) cults also have sociological traits. These
include authoritarianism, exclusivism, dogmatism, close–mindedness,
susceptibility, compartmentalization, isolation, and even antagonism.
Let us take a brief look at these.
Authoritarianism. Authoritarianism
involves the acceptance of an authority figure who often uses
mind–control techniques on group members. As prophet and/or founder,
this leader’s word is considered ultimate. The late David Koresh of
the Branch Davidian cult in Waco, Texas, is a tragic example. Other
cults that involve authoritarianism include the Children of God (now
called "The Family"), the Unification Church, and Jonestown (headed by
Jim Jones).
Cult prophets/founders should not be confused with
legitimate reformers/revivalists, such as Martin Luther and John
Wesley. The differences are significant. A reformer, in contrast to a
cult founder, leads people by love, not by fear. He influences by
love, not by hate. He tries to motivate the heart but makes no attempt
to control the mind. He leads his followers like a shepherd leads
sheep; he does not drive them like goats.
Exclusivism. Another characteristic of
cults is an exclusivism that says, "We alone have the truth." The
Mormons believe they are the exclusive community of the saved on
earth. The Jehovah’s Witnesses believe they are the exclusive
community of the saved.
Some groups manifest exclusivism in their practice
of communal living. Under such conditions it is easier to maintain
control over cult members. Examples of this kind of cult include the
Children of God and the Branch Davidians.
It is important to note that there are some
religious groups that practice communal living that are not cults. The
Jesus People USA in Chicago are an example of a good Christian group
that lives communally.
Dogmatism. Closely related to the above,
many cults are dogmatic—and this dogmatism is often expressed
institutionally. For example, Mormons claim to be the only true church
on earth. The Jehovah’s Witnesses claim that the Watchtower Society is
the sole voice of Jehovah on earth. David Koresh said he alone could
interpret the Bible. Many cults believe they have the truth in a
suitcase, as it were. They alone are in possession of the divine
oracles.
Close–mindedness. Hand in hand with
dogmatism is the characteristic of close–mindedness. This
unwillingness to even consider any other point of view often has
radical manifestations. One educated Mormon we encountered said he did
not care if it could be proved that Joseph Smith was a false prophet;
he still would remain a Mormon.
A Jehovah’s Witness we met once refused to finish
reading an article that proved the deity of Christ because, said he,
"It is disturbing my faith."
Susceptibility. The psychological
profile of many individuals who are sucked into cults is not
flattering. All too often, though not always, people who join cults
are highly gullible. Sometimes they are even psychologically
vulnerable. But above all, the cultic mentality is characterized by an
unhealthy compartmentalization (that is, they "compartmentalize"
conflicting facts and ignore anything that contradicts their claims).
Many Mormons have a "burning in the bosom" which makes it nearly
impossible to reason with them about their faith. Cultists often
accept teachings by a kind of blind faith that is impervious to sound
reasoning. One Mormon missionary said he would believe the Book of
Mormon even if it said there were square circles!
Isolationism. The more extreme cults
sometimes create fortified boundaries, often precipitating tragic
endings, such as the disaster in Waco, Texas, with the Branch Davidian
cult. Deserters are considered traitors, and their lives are sometimes
put in jeopardy by more zealous members of the cult. In many cases
cult members are told that if they leave the group, they will be
attacked and destroyed by Satan. The erection of such barriers,
whether physical or psychological, creates an environment of
isolation, which in turn often leads to antagonism.
Antagonism. In a context of isolation,
both fear and antagonism toward the outside world is often generated.
All other groups are considered apostate. They are considered "the
enemy" and "tools of Satan." In extreme cases this may lead to an
armed conflict, as in Jonestown and Waco.
Moral Characteristics of a Cult
On top of the doctrinal and sociological traits of
cults, there are also some moral dimensions to be considered. Among
those that crop up most often are legalism, sexual perversion,
intolerance, and psychological or even physical abuse. Again, though,
not every cult manifests every one of these traits.
Legalism. Setting down a rigid set of
rules by which the devotees must live is common to many cults. These
standards are usually extrabiblical. The Mormon teaching forbidding
the use of coffee, tea, or any drink with caffeine is a case in point.
The requirement of the Watchtower Society for Jehovah’s Witnesses to
distribute literature door to door is another example. Monastic-type
asceticism, with its rigorous rule–keeping, is often seen as a means
of gaining favor with God. As such, it is a manifestation of the
common cultic rejection of God’s grace.
Sexual Perversion. Along with legalism,
the twin vice of moral perversion is often found in the cults. Joseph
Smith (and other Mormon leaders) had many wives. David Koresh claimed
to own all the women in his group, even the young girls. According to
a 1989 revelation, this reportedly included girls as young as ten. The
Children of God cult
throughout its history has used "flirty fishing"
techniques to sexually lure people into the cult. Sex between adults
and children has been reported in this cult.
Physical Abuse. Tragically, some cults
engage in forms of physical abuse. Ex–cult members often accuse their
former leaders of engaging in beatings, sleep deprivation, severe food
deprivation, and beating children until they are bruised and bleeding.
Sometimes there are charges of satanic ritualistic abuse, though these
seem to be much more rare than advertised. However, psychological
abuse, such as fear, intimidation, and isolation, is more common. The
ultimate physical abuse is illustrated in the person of cult leader
Jim Jones, who led all the members of Jonestown to drink poisoned
punch.
Intolerance toward Others. Toleration is
not one of the virtues of the cultic mentality. Intolerance is often
manifest in antagonism and sometimes culminates in killings. Both
Mormon and Branch Davidian history have examples of this kind of
violent intolerance. Of course, other religious groups, such as
radical Muslims, are known for the same. Closer to home, the Spanish
Inquisition is a manifestation of Christian cultic zeal.
Cultic Methodology
Cults are well known for their questionable
methods. For example, cults often engage in moral deception and
aggressive proselytizing. Let’s take a brief look at these.
Moral Deception. Moonies are known for
their so–called heavenly deception. Duplicity and lies are used to win
converts into the movement. Mormon founder Joseph Smith also engaged
in fraudulent tactics which, on occasion, even landed him in court,
where he was once found guilty and fined. Modern leaders of
Transcendental Meditation have also been deceptive in trying to
further their cause.
Far more common is the cults’ use of Christian
terms infused with new meanings, thus deceiving untrained Christians
into believing the cult is Christian. For example, New Age cults
sometimes use the Christian terms "resurrection" and "ascension" when
they really mean the "rise" of Christ–consciousness in the world. The
familiar Christian term "born again" is often employed by New Agers to
support the doctrine of reincarnation. The term "the Christ" is used
by New Agers to seek Christian approval when to them it actually means
an occult office held by various gurus throughout history.
Aggressive Proselytizing. There is, of
course, a good sense in which every missionary religion proselytizes.
That is, they attempt to win converts for their faith. Christianity,
Judaism, Islam, and even forms of Hinduism and Buddhism attempt to
convert people to their beliefs.
Cults, however, carry proselytizing activities to
an extreme. Often their excessive proselytizing is an attempt to gain
God’s approval. They work for grace rather than from
grace as the Bible teaches (2 Cor. 5:14). Sometimes their efforts are
exerted in satisfaction of their own egos. Many times their
overzealous proselytizing involves impersonal evangelism or
buttonholing people. Followers of the Boston Church of Christ are
known for overzealous attempts to make converts on college campuses
throughout the
United States. Both Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses
have extensive door–to–door programs of proselytizing, though they are
usually less obnoxious in their approach.
Of course, it is important to note that while
almost all cults are aggressive evangelizers, not all aggressive
evangelizers are cults. Campus Crusade for Christ and Jews for Jesus
are ministries that are zealous in evangelism, but they are not cults.
Indeed, if the Christian church were more zealous in true evangelism,
the world would have less cultic proselytizing.
Why Are the Cults Growing?
One noted cult researcher observed that the cults
are "the unpaid bills of the church." The church has failed to
doctrinally train its members; it has failed to make a real moral
difference in the lives of its members; it has failed to meet people’s
deepest needs; and it has failed to provide people with a sense of
belonging. The failure of the church is wide and deep, and this has
made it easy for the cults to flourish.
But, of course, the growth of the cults is
attributable to many other factors as well. Among other things, the
cults are multiplying because of the growth of relativism, selfism,
subjectivism, and mysticism. Further, moral rebellion and the
breakdown of families have contributed to the increase in cults
worldwide. Consider the following:
Doctrinal Failure. Walter Martin once
said that the rise of the cults is "directly proportional to the
fluctuating emphasis which the Christian church has placed on the
teaching of biblical doctrine to Christian laymen. To be sure, a few
pastors, teachers, and evangelists defend adequately their beliefs,
but most of them—and most of the average Christian laymen—are hard put
to confront and refute a well–trained cultist of almost any variety" (The
Rise of the Cults, 24). The failure of the church to teach sound
doctrine leads to the acceptance of false doctrine. One cannot
recognize error unless one first understands the truth. Counterfeits
are known only by comparison with the genuine.
Increase in Relativism. The growth of
relativism in our culture has also contributed to the rise of cults.
The statements, "That may be true for you but not for me" and
"Everything is relative to the situation," are almost proverbial
today. This plague of relativism has nearly inundated the land. Along
with the "Do your own thing" mentality has come the "Have your own
religion" syndrome. Secular humanism’s denial of all God–given
absolutes has led to a God–sized vacuum in our society into which
Eastern mysticism has rapidly moved.
Mystical Turn East. "The Turn East," as
Harvey Cox of Harvard University titled his book, has been as natural
as it is phenomenal. Once American society rejected its
Judeo–Christian roots for secular humanism, which cannot satisfy the
heart–desires of people, the only major force left was Eastern
mysticism. Christian theism affirms that God created all. Secularistic
atheism declares there is no God at all. Both of these being found
unsatisfactory, our culture has now turned to Eastern cults that
proclaim that God is all and all is God.
This turn Eastward has been accompanied by a turn
inward. The mystical cults, stressing as they do subjective experience
and inner feeling, have grown rapidly in the wake of mysticism. We
have turned as a culture from exploring the universe out there to
exploring the universe in here—inside of us. The focus is not
so much on outer space as on inner space. This, of
course, is what the Eastern mystics have always taught, and it plays
right into the hands of New Age cults.
Emphasis on Self. The growth of
selfishness has also contributed to the proliferation of the cults.
The "Do your own thing" mentality leads naturally to the "Start your
own cult" movement. We might say the cults are religious freedom gone
to seed. The humanistic "Every man for himself" philosophy is a
perfect fertilizer for the growth of new religions that cater to the
felt needs, rather than the real needs, of the individual.
Stress on Feelings. Another factor
leading to the rise of cults is the growth of subjectivism and
existentialism. Granted the seemingly insatiable appetite for
religion, the "If it feels good, do it" syndrome leads naturally to
seeking out religions that feel good. While some still seek the
psychedelic shortcut to Nirvana through mind–expanding drugs, others
seek a subjective mystical experience that transcends the routines of
daily life. This accounts in large part for the growth of New Age
cults, such as Transcendental Meditation.
Moral Rebellion. Beneath all the
sociological and psychological factors giving rise to cults is moral
depravity. The Bible makes it very clear that human beings are in
rebellion against the God who is there (Rom. 1:18f.). One dimension of
this rebellion is moral. People turn to more comfortable religions
when their chosen lifestyle is contrary to the moral imperatives of a
transcendent and sovereign God. The moral perversion existing in many
cults is ample testimony to the depravity found in the world of the
cults. The followers of the Hindu guru Rajneesh engaged in orgies in
Oregon. David Berg’s Children of God cult is well known for its sexual
perversions. In fact, moral perversion is characteristic of many
cults. This moral rebelliousness was manifest in the
antiestablishment, antigovernment, and antifamily movement growing out
of the 60s, and its inertia has carried it into the 90s.
Social Breakdown of Families. Walter
Martin once said, "We see a generation without a sense of history—cut
off from the past, alienated from the present, and having a fragmented
concept of the future. The ‘now’ generation is in reality a lost
generation" (The New Cults, 28). Many cults have capitalized on
the breakdown of families in our society and have become surrogate
families for the "lost generation."
It is not without significance that many cult
members address the leaders of their cult in parental terms. For
example, New Ager Elizabeth Clare Prophet, who heads the Church
Universal and Triumphant, is affectionately known among her followers
as "Guru Ma." David "Moses" Berg, founder of the Children of God, was
often called "Father David" by cult members. Likewise, Reverend Moon
is often called "Father Moon" by members of the Unification Church.
What Makes Cults Dangerous?
Cults present many dangers both to the church and
to individuals. These dangers are spiritual, psychological, and even
physical. Consider the following:
Spiritual Dangers of Cults
Cults are involved in serious error, and error is
always dangerous because it misleads people. The Bible declares that
the devil is the father of lies: "He was a murderer from the
beginning, and has not stood in the truth, because there is no truth
in him. When he speaks falsehood, he speaks of what is his own; for he
is a liar and its father" (John 8:44). Ultimately all error is
inspired of the devil. As the apostle Paul put it, "Now the Spirit
speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the
faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of demons" (1
Tim. 4:1).
Those who believe lies are already deceived. And if
they act on these lies they are in danger. Some everyday examples make
the point well. If you believe a railroad flashing sign is just stuck
when it isn’t, you are in serious danger of being hit by a train. If
you believe ice on a lake is very thick when it is thin, you are in
danger of drowning. If you think you are on a two–way street when it
is one–way, you are in dire danger of a head–on collision.
The spiritual danger of believing a lie is even
more serious—it has eternal consequences! To die while believing in
the Jesus of the Jehovah’s Witnesses or the Jesus of Mormonism is to
die believing in a counterfeit Jesus who preaches a counterfeit gospel
which yields a counterfeit salvation (which, in fact, is no salvation
at all).
Psychological Dangers of Cults
The psychological damage done by cults can be
immense. Cults often prey on vulnerable people. Many cults seek out
"loners" and lavish affection upon them (sometimes called "love
bombings") until they become "hooked." Cult leaders become the
absolute authority for weak individuals who have had little or no
authority in their family background. In some cases this authority can
extend to every area of life—how long you sleep, what you eat, what
kinds of clothes you wear, and so forth. Such individuals become
psychologically enslaved to the whims of the cult leader.
Physical Dangers of Cults
In view of recent occurrences, every cult should
have a warning label: "WARNING: This religion may be dangerous to your
health and life." In 1983, Hobart Freeman, leader of the Faith
Assembly in Fort Wayne, Indiana, died having thrown away his heart
medicine. Some 52 other members of his group died, many of them babies
and children. Jim Jones led 900 of his followers in an alleged suicide
pact. Likewise David Koresh led some 80 of his followers in a fiery
suicide in Waco, Texas, in 1992.
Little wonder the Bible constantly warns against
false doctrine. Jesus said, "Beware of false prophets, which come to
you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves" (Matt.
7:14).
Scripture–Twisting and the Cults
In view of this deluge of counterfeits, believers
have an unparalleled need for a deeper understanding of authentic
Christianity. For it is impossible to recognize a fraud unless we have
an understanding of the genuine. Error can only be correctly measured
over against the truth of God’s inerrant Word.
The fact is, the cults are notorious
Scripture–twisters. When dealing with cults, one must keep in mind
that they are always built not upon what the Bible teaches but upon
what the founders or leaders of the respective cults say the Bible
teaches.
The present book was written to help you, the
reader, lovingly turn the tables on the cultist and "untwist" the
Scriptures so the cultist can see what the Scriptures really teach.
Remember—Jesus said his words lead to eternal life (John 6:63). But
for us to receive eternal life through his words, they must be taken
as he intended them to be taken. A cultic reinterpretation of
Scripture that yields another Jesus and another gospel (2 Cor. 11:3–4;
Gal. 1:6–9) will yield only eternal death (Rev. 20:11–15).
This book was also written to help you "untwist"
the faulty interpretations of aberrant groups that fall short
of the definition of a cult. The Roman Catholic Church is an example.
Though it is essentially a Christian church and not technically
a cult (at least not in its official teachings), there are
nevertheless many aberrant doctrines that are taught within Roman
Catholicism. These doctrinal aberrations are so serious that aspects
of orthodoxy are undermined, thus warranting the Protestant
Reformation of the sixteenth century and the continued separation of
present–day Protestantism from Catholicism. You will find that this
book will help you answer Roman Catholic aberrations from Scripture.
We must remember that one way we can shine as
lights in our world (Matt. 5:16) is to set a consistent example before
others of what it means to correctly handle the word of truth (2 Tim.
2:15). By so doing, others may come to imitate us in this regard. And
as others learn to imitate us in correctly handling Scripture, so they
too can be used of God to set an example before still others.
The process begins with a single person—you!
Together we can curb the growth of the cults and aberrant groups.
