Depending on whose list you are looking at, there are numerous traits that characterize a cult. This isn’t an all inclusive list, and indeed just one of these traits alone can’t definitively determine if a system is a cult. This is a guide for us to examine, pray over and decide for ourselves. We are going to use the following to describe a cults characteristics:
- Faulty interpretation of the Bible.
- They question authority of the Bible.
- Salvation by grace is added to “Salvation = Faith + Works”.
- Their god or gods are not the God of the Bible.
- Doctrinal changes – “progressive revelation” inconsistent with the bible.
- Add extra-scriptural writings.
- Saying one thing in public, another in private.
- Only group God deals with – “remnant”.
- Date setting – false prophecies.
- Vigorously attacks Christianity.
- Concept of Jesus is contrary to truth of Bible.
- Head of the organization comes between God and man.
- Claim to answer all religious questions.
- Division of believers loyalty between church & God.
- “Us against the world” attitude.
- Eschatology, or the Doctrine of Last Things is overemphasized.
- Deny personality of Holy Spirit.
- Different view of immortality of soul.
- Definitions of human nature & sin different from Bible.
Copyright 1989.The Christian Counter Project
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