What Is a Cult?
Why would anyone join a cult? How is it that so many everyday, ordinary, seemingly normal people "drink the Kool-Aid" of a deceptive organization?
A cult is a religious perversion. It is a belief and practice in the world of religion, which calls for devotion to a religious view or leader centered in false doctrine.
People are often concerned about their friends or family getting involved in a cult. Often parents of young people who move to LA are concerned about it. It’s a valid concern.
A Christian might have a different view as to what a cult is, than a person with a more secular view. Some might think a cult is:
- Anything that is different than they believe
- Something that draws a strong commitment from people
- A group with a strong charismatic leader or
- Any group than has standards they don’t understand
While a cult may have some of these qualities – to a Christian the description of a cult involves more and is more specific than that.
1. A religion that denies the deity of Jesus Christ.
Suggesting Jesus is just one of many ‘enlightened’ teachers or prophets.
2. A religion that alters or adds to the Bible or disregards it as the Word of God.
Book of Mormon, Jehovah Witness and others – or “the Holy writings of… (insert a leader here)
3. A religion that has an extreme authoritarian leadership.
While there is a place for respecting your leaders and following their general direction, a cult controls people. They dictate how its members should think, act and feel; sometimes imposing decisions on where they live or work and whom they can marry. This is wrong.
It is also helpful for people to get counsel or ‘coaching’ from church leaders or lay counselors, in making important life decisions. Asking for wisdom is uncommon but very important to the person who wants to make great decisions.
4. A group that engages in the isolation of its members either physically or psychologically from society.
5. Has a secretive order that has duties and requirements unknown or hidden from the public.
They may use emotional leverage; create an increasing sense of obligation, debt and guilt.
These are a few simple guidelines that will help you recognize the difference in a cult and an organization that someone does not like or approve of.
If someone has expressed concern for you because you are involved in a Christian church that is passionate, has a dynamic leader and has impacted you in ways that have brought real change in you lifestyle – and if your church does not fit the guidelines above, you can have confidence in your church and not let their worries sabotage your spiritual growth.
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