Cults: Part 1

Cult Behaviors

• A cult is a religious group that differs significantly in one or more respects as to belief or practice from those religious groups that are regarded as normative. some text
  • The beliefs and practices in a cult can be described as strange and sinister. 
  • Often, the group is led by one very charismatic and self-appointed leader.  
  • This leader often uses their position to gain extra power, social control, and abnormal allegiance from their followers. 

Christian Perspective

• Regarding their beliefs, some cults use confusing language to keep followers, and others twist or deny biblical doctrines. 
• Sometimes, a cult will identify itself with normative religions, such as Christianity, but what they mean is entirely different. 
• Any group, whether labeled a cult or not, that expects a following but is teaching unbiblical doctrines is one to be cautious of. 

Confusing Messages

• Rather than prioritizing studying the truth, these cults use misleading vocabulary that can sound believable to those seeking spiritual understanding.

Jehovah's Witnesses and the Watchtower Bible 

• They do not believe God is one being with three persons: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. some text
  • Ex: John 1 is omitted from the Scripture, identifying Jesus as God in the flesh.
• The Watchtower publication is how Jehovah’s Witnesses study and learn doctrine. This type of learning is based on critical thinking and self-discovery. 
• The followers learn scripted answers to complex questions that sound right to those without knowledge of the truth. 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 

• The inclusion of Jesus Christ in their church name confuses many followers, who think they are joining a Christian church. However, under the surface, their beliefs express something entirely different. 
• The LDS church believes that the Heavenly Father is the one god of this world. However, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are separate gods. 
• They believe God was a man first and then elevated to god. 
• If Mormons follow their plan of salvation, they will be exalted to a god, too.  
• Mormons believe that Jesus is an excellent example of how to earn salvation through their good works. 
• Their exaltation to the status of god in the afterlife depends on their good works in this life and their participation in rituals in the LDS church. some text
  • Followers who leave the church are excommunicated from their existing relationships, including family members.