Deep Dive

Almost all information taught today comes from the textbook The Challenge of the Cults and New Religions by Ron Rhodes. All quotations given will come from this textbook unless stated otherwise.^[1]

What is a Cult?

A cult can shortly be defined as “a deviation of a previously established religion.”

This definition recognizes:

1.  “Not every cult is a cult related to Christianity.”

2. “Cults typically deviate from a host religion (whether Christianity, Islam, etc.).”

3.  “Such cults can be headed by individual leaders or by an organization.”

However, within Christianity, we see deviations of beliefs all the time. This is why we have denominations.

To be more specific considering various denominations, a Christian cult can be defined as:

“A group of people, which claiming to be Christian, embraces a particular doctrinal system taught by an individual leader, group of leaders, or organization, which [system] denies (either explicitly or implicitly) one or more of the central doctrines of the Christian faith as taught in the sixty-six books of the Bible.”

Central doctrines would include, but are not limited to:

1.  The Trinity

2. Salvation by Grace

3.  The Inerrancy of Scripture

Doctrinal Characteristics of Christian Cults

1. Redefining Christian Terms: One of the most effective and utilized methods of Christian cults is simply to redefine. Many cults use the same terms found in their host religion, but they alter it to fit their narrative.

   Example: A Jehovah’s Witness would agree with this statement: “Jesus Christ is God, was crucified and died, and was resurrected from the dead.” However, their interpretation would be: “Jesus is a “mighty god” (lesser than the Father), was crucified on a stake (not a cross), and then was resurrected spiritually (not physically).”

2.  New Revelation from God: Many cult leaders claim to have direct communication with God. This “revelation” can influence cult decisions, offer new teachings, and rewrite previous doctrine.

   Example: “I have had many revelations; I have seen and heard for myself; and know these things are true, and nobody on earth can disprove them.” Brigham Young, LDS.

3. Denial of the Sole Authority of the Bible: Many cults attack the reliability of the Bible and offer new books or teachings that “correct and clarify” the doctrine of Christianity.

   Example: The Book of Mormon (LDS), Science and Health with Key to Scriptures (Christian Science), Insight on the Scriptures (Jehovah’s Witnesses), The Writings of L. Ron Hubbard (Scientology), etc.

4. Denial of the Trinity: Many cults deny the Trinity, usually arguing it is not mentioned in the Bible. Others separate the trinity and see its members as three separate gods.

5. Denial of the Full Deity of Christ: Many cults hold that Jesus is not fully God but is lesser. He is still a powerful and miraculous teacher sent by God in their eyes, but not one with Him.

   Example: Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that Jesus was created by the Father as Michael the Archangel. LDS believe that the Father had Jesus as his firstborn, then satan, then the rest of us.

6. Redefining what the Cross Did: Many cults provide extra rules and guidelines to get to Heaven (or the greatest form of it). This denies the work of Christ, which has them change their definitions on what salvation actually saved us from.

   Example: The LDS believe that the cross provided future resurrection, but not salvation from sin. Jehovah’s witnesses believe Jesus covered the sins we inherited from Adam, but not our own sins.

7. Denial of the Personality and Deity of the Holy Spirit: Some cults believe the Holy Spirit is another form of Jesus, some believe the Holy Spirit is not personal and does not dwell within all believers, some believe it is simply an energy force.

   Example: The Unification Church believes the “Holy Spirit is a female spirit and that together Jesus and the Holy Spirit took the roles of “Second Adam” and “Second Eve.”’

8. Denial of Salvation by Grace: Many cults believe one must follow a specific path to be able to achieve true salvation. This is essential for a cult to control its followers.

9. Denial of the Priesthood of the Believer: Many cults insist that in order to understand God’s word and truth, they must submit to the leader/organization to understand.

10. Ignoring Conflicting Facts: Cults regularly disregard and ignore contradictions found in their doctrines, teachings, and history.

    Example: “the Mormon claim that the Book of Mormon is “the most perfect book on earth”—despite the fact that Mormons have introduced over 3,913 corrections into the text over the years.”

11. A Central Role to Fulfilling Prophecy: Many cults claim that they will play a key role in the end times. This gives followers a strong sense of importance believing they are “God’s chosen people. 

Sociological Characteristics of Christian Cults

1. Authoritarian Leadership: “The acceptance of an authority figure who exercises excessive control on cult members. As prophet or founder, this leader’s word is considered ultimate and final.”

   Example: Jim Jones forcing his followers to a mass suicide where 911 people “drank the koolaid.”

2. Exclusivism: Many cults reject all other denominations and declare their body as the true and only church, as well as the way to true salvation.

3. Isolationism: Some cults literally confine themselves behind walls and in compounds (Ex. Waco and Jonestown). Some cults have structures where only their members are allowed (Ex. Mormon temples). Most simply use psychological methods to isolate people from family, friends, and resources (Ex. Vilifying those who do not follow).

4. Opposition to Independent Thinking: Many cults discourage followers and those interested to thinking and studying independently. They urge followers to not trust their own mind, rather the teachings of the leader/organization.

   Example: In publications of the head of Jehovah’s Witnesses, “The Watchtower” has stated the following, “God has not arranged for [His] Word to speak independently or to shine forth life-giving truths by itself. It is through his organization God provides this light,” “Avoid independent thinking . . . questioning the counsel that is provided by God’s visible organization,” “Fight against independent thinking,” and “We should seek for dependent Bible study, rather than for independent Bible study.”

5. Fear of Being Removed: Cults encourage faithfulness in a way to regularly cultivate a “healthy” fear of being removed from the body. Often, voicing doubts are enough to cause one to be removed or to be threatened at the least. Cults also encourage shunning of those who do voice doubts or leave the body in order to discourage those from leaving.

6. Threats of Satanic Attack: “Some cults use fear and intimidation to keep members in line. Members may be told that something awful will happen to them should they choose to leave the group. 40 Others may be told that Satan will attack them and may even kill them, for they will have committed the unpardonable sin. Such fear tactics are designed to induce submission.”

^[1] Rhodes, Ron. The Challenge of the Cults and New Religions: The Essential Guide to Their History, Their Doctrine, and Our Response, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, 2001.