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Question 32 (ABM) - Is the message a cult?: Difference between revisions
Question 32 (ABM) - Is the message a cult? (view source)
Revision as of 01:31, 10 February 2019
, 5 years ago→Clarification by ABM
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=Response to clarification by BTS= | |||
Dear ABM, | |||
Sorry to go back to this but I think you missed part of my email. I specifically referred to Robert Morey's definition of a cult in his book, How to Answer a Mormon: Practical Guidelines for What to Expect and What to Reply When the Mormons Come to Your Door: | |||
:''A “cult” has been defined as a religious group founded by and built upon the teachings of a religious leader whose authority is viewed as being equal to or greater than the Bible and whose teachings are in opposition to the doctrines of biblical and historic Christianity. | |||
:''The crucial part of the above definition of the word cult is, “whose authority is viewed as being equal to or greater than the Bible.” '''The founder of the cult is viewed as being a “prophet”''' or “prophetess” of God. '''Since he or she is the “voice of God,” the person’s teachings are authoritative.''' Thus the cult is based solely upon the religious authority of the founder. Everything depends on the validity of that authority. | |||
:''The '''issue of religious authority''' is the most basic problem one encounters when witnessing to a cultist. While the child of God looks to the Scriptures as the ultimate standard by which to decide religious truth, the cultist looks to his leader to decide the truth for him. As long as the Christian and the cultist are looking to different religious authorities, there is no common ground between them where they can begin. | |||
I think this definition is reasonable and it holds for virtually everyone I have met in the message. Message followers often state that they believe in the supremacy of the scriptures but when pushed will admit that they cannot point out a single doctrinal point where they would not follow William Branham. As such, they have effectively exalted William Branham's message above the Bible. | |||
Shalom, | |||
BTS | |||
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