11,141
edits
What is a cult?: Difference between revisions
→How cult leaders manipulate their followers
| (4 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown) | |||
| Line 23: | Line 23: | ||
A heretical Christian sect creates division in a church over teaching that perverts Biblical truth. The result is the formation of a group that chooses to separate from God’s people and God’s truth. Although a heretical sect has questionable doctrines, its deviation from a mainline group is usually a question of what or who will be '''the source of authority'''. | A heretical Christian sect creates division in a church over teaching that perverts Biblical truth. The result is the formation of a group that chooses to separate from God’s people and God’s truth. Although a heretical sect has questionable doctrines, its deviation from a mainline group is usually a question of what or who will be '''the source of authority'''. | ||
In practical terms, there is no real difference between a cult and a heretical sect. | |||
=Didn't Paul create a new sect or cult?= | =Didn't Paul create a new sect or cult?= | ||
| Line 43: | Line 45: | ||
#contempt for outsiders … intolerance for any belief system other than their own | #contempt for outsiders … intolerance for any belief system other than their own | ||
''“There will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.” (2 Peter 2:1) | |||
=How to determine wheter something is a cult?= | =How to determine wheter something is a cult?= | ||
| Line 53: | Line 55: | ||
Jehovah’s Witnesses and message followers teach that Jesus was actually Michael the Archangel, not God in the flesh. | Jehovah’s Witnesses and message followers teach that Jesus was actually Michael the Archangel, not God in the flesh. | ||
“Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words,or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.” | ''“Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words,or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.”'' (Proverbs 30:5–6) | ||
“He [Jesus] is the image of the invisible God.… For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.” | ''“He [Jesus] is the image of the invisible God.… For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.”'' (Colossians 1:15–16) | ||
==Does it MULTIPLY Salvation requirements OR DIVIDE the | ==Does it MULTIPLY Salvation requirements OR DIVIDE the follower's loyalty?== | ||
The New Age Movement denies Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for salvation and substitutes reincarnation as the means of perfecting the soul. William Branham taught that if you didn't believe him to be a prophet and follow his message, a person does not have the Holy Spirit. | The New Age Movement denies Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for salvation and substitutes reincarnation as the means of perfecting the soul. William Branham taught that if you didn't believe him to be a prophet and follow his message, a person does not have the Holy Spirit. | ||
| Line 65: | Line 65: | ||
Branch Davidians taught that one cannot be loyal to God without being loyal to David Koresh. Message followers believe that one cannot go in the rapture if they don't follow William Branham. | Branch Davidians taught that one cannot be loyal to God without being loyal to David Koresh. Message followers believe that one cannot go in the rapture if they don't follow William Branham. | ||
''“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”'' (Ephesians 2:8–9) | |||
''“You shall have no other gods before me.”'' (Exodus 20:3) | |||
=How cult leaders manipulate their followers= | =How cult leaders manipulate their followers= | ||
| Line 82: | Line 80: | ||
#They provide simplistic answers for complex problems. | #They provide simplistic answers for complex problems. | ||
''“For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.”'' (2 Corinthians 11:13–15) | |||
{{Bottom of Page}} | {{Bottom of Page}} | ||
[[Category: Unfinished articles]] | [[Category: Unfinished articles]] | ||