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How to Identify a Cult   By Massimo Lorenzini   What is A Cult? The media views such groups as Jim Jones’ People’s Temple and David Koresh’s Branch Davidians as cults, but not groups such as the Jehovah’s Witnesses or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons).   The dictionary defines a cult as "a group of followers." Well, that's not saying much.   Psychologists and secular counter-cult organization define a cult as a group which deviates from cultural norms, not according to the doctrine of the group. Christians define a cult primarily as a group whose doctrine departs from biblical teaching and historic Christianity. For example, the American Family Foundation says, “It is the use of deception and unethical manipulation, not a group’s theology or ideas, that qualifies a group as a destructive cult.” But this definition is inadequate because bad behavior follows bad beliefs.   For the Christian, Dr. Walter R. Martin states: "A cult, then, is a group of people polarized around someone's interpretation of the Bible and is characterized by major deviations from orthodox Christianity relative to the cardinal doctrines of the Christian faith, particularly the fact that God became man in Jesus Christ." (The Rise of the Cults, page 12).   Another good Christian definition is: A cult is any group that claims to be Christian, but whose teaching and practice actually contradict the standard, orthodox, Christian doctrine and practice found in the Bible and expressed by historic Christianity.   Cults are identified by two major characteristics: (1) Although they usually pose as being the true expression of Christianity, or an effort to restore true Christianity, cults possess distinct religious beliefs not found among any other groups. These beliefs are almost always based on extra-biblical sources either from other writings or by the leaders themselves. (2) Cults also usually have a highly centralized leadership structure that requires complete loyalty that belongs only to Jesus Christ.   Patterns in the Cults The four basic operations of math, when applied in the following manner to any religious group, will aid Christians in detecting theological errors which characterize a cult.   + ADDITION +   Does the religious group under consideration add to the Word of God through indispensable publications that claim to give the Bible's clear meaning or through present-day direct revelation from God? In other words, the Bible alone is not the source of authority.   - SUBTRACTION -   Does the examined group subtract from the person of the Lord Jesus Christ by making Him less "God" than His Father or by elevating man one day to become like Him? Does the group subtract attention and loyalty away from Jesus Christ in order to focus on allegiance to the group.   x MULTIPLICATION x   Does the group under consideration multiply the requirements for salvation by making works a necessary condition?   The system of salvation for many of the major non-Christian groups can be better understood by the formula:   FAITH + WORKS = SALVATION   The biblical plan can be described by the formula:   FAITH = SALVATION + WORKS   ÷ DIVISION ÷   Does the religious group in question divide the loyalty of its members between God and itself and its leaders? Also, does the group make devotion to the organization or leader a test of faith and consider adherence to itself the vehicle of salvation for the follower?   Biblical Teaching on False Teachers The following passages shed light on the identifying marks of cult leaders: Deut 18:22; Jer 24:16-32; Ezek 34:1-10; Matt 7:15-20; Matt 23; 2 Cor 11:4, 13-15; Jude.   Characteristics of a Cult or Spiritually Abusive Group These characteristics can also be found among some Christian groups. In such cases, this is called “spiritual abuse.”   Exclusivity – they are the only “ark of salvation.” You can’t leave and be saved (“breaking up is hard to do”). Elitism – all other groups are inferior, apostate, or false; it’s “us against the world.” Information control – They decide what you should know and believe. You are not free to read or listen to other sources. Submission – to the leader and group is required, usually a special title must be used when addressing the leader. Mystical ministry – the leader and sometimes other followers claim special insights from God that are not available to others. This is used to intimidate and manipulate into conformity. Isolation – they group leads its followers to separate from others (family, friends, the world). Faithfulness to the group is sacred. Guilt is used to manipulate. Authoritarianism – disagreeing with the leader is disagreeing with God. Legalism – you must work hard to be approved by the group and God. Majoring on minors – extraordinary focus on minors issues while ignoring real spiritual issues. Enthusiasm – the group is excited about itself. Fear/intimidation – questioning and criticism of the group is severely discouraged unless it’s the leader criticizing the followers or other groups. Conformity of dress, language, lifestyle is strongly encouraged. Leader has no accountability. Loss of personal freedom to make life choices about school, marriage, work, family, etc. Unrealized hopes – whether a prophesy about a soon-coming healing, or a promise of great blessing, or imminent revival, or urgency about the end of the present age, there are often unrealized hopes or expectations that keep you coming back (much like a gambling addiction). Financial exploitation of followers. Sacrificial giving is practically coerced through tremendous pressure to “give to God.”   Recommended Books on Spiritual Abuse The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse by Eric Johnson and Jeff VanVonderen. Healing Spiritual Abuse by Ken Blue.

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