5/1 Christian Foundation’s Intro to the World of Cults
We now investigate the fourth major challenges to the teaching of Jesus and of His followers. So far, we have set out the basis for Humanism, for Evolution and the New Age belief systems. We have seen the changes in mind set and secular philosophy in following these model of lifestyle as they have emerged in the 1960’s to the present day.
Our next step is into that of the Cults and other Religions as counterfeits to the teachings of the Bible. In this section of the major challenges to Christianity we shall define what we mean by cults, how to tell a cult from the teachings of Jesus and what to share with those caught in the webs of confusion and false teachings.
A. INTRODUCTION
The Christian ‘religion’ is based on Jesus Christ. If we know what He taught, then any false and twisted doctrines arriving in our mailboxes, or knocking on our door, would not sway us from His Truth. The aim of our session is not for you to become an expert in cults or other religions. Rather, we want you to have an understanding of Biblical truth in order for you to face the challenges to your Christian faith.
We are not seeking to attack or ‘belittle’ a person’s beliefs in these posts. However, what concerns us the most are cults masquerading as ‘Christian’. We must know what we believe and why, because false teachings are invading the church as well. How we need to know the Bible, in order to support even the basic beliefs of Christianity!
B. THE HOLY SPIRIT WAS SENT TO BE OUR TEACHER
Jesus knew false prophets would come. Observing the heresies of the first five centuries after His ascension support His teachings. Many of these same heresies are at the root of cults today. He warned us in Matthew 7:15:
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.”
He knew that the reconciliation message He brought from Father God would be attacked, diluted, isolated and added to. These ‘wolves’ appear to the innocent ‘sheep of His flock’ as something they aren’t. We must be alert to those who come with a pleasant message on the outside but their inner life does not match. “You shall know them by their fruits”, as Matthew 7:16 points out.
As Marin Luther pointed out in 1566: “For, where God built a church, there the devil would also build a chapel … In such sort is the devil always God’s ape.” The same is true for today.
It is easy to get caught up in someone’s promises, their ‘anointing’, or their ‘charisma’ without checking whether their character, doctrine or morals match their words. Jesus passed this test perfectly, His life reflected His teachings. He showed God’s heart, and love for people, by His actions and words. Again, He is our Example and our best Teacher!
C. SO WHAT IS A CULT?
1. Wikipedia define the word cult:
This usually refers to a new religious movement or other group whose beliefs or practices are considered abnormal or bizarre.[1] The word originally denoted a system of ritual practices.
The word was first used in the early 17th century denoting homage paid to a divinity and derived from the French culte or Latin cultus, ‘worship’, from cult-, ‘inhabited, cultivated, worshipped,’ from the verb colere, ‘care, cultivation’.
2. A group that changes part of the basis tenants of Christianity
A cult is any group that appears to support the basic principles of Christianity, but then deny or change one or more of the fundamental Biblical doctrines (teachings) of traditional Christianity. They usually do this by adding their own teachings.
3. A Cult is usually built around one or a few people
The cult is usually built around one dynamic, charismatic person. S/he will use a corrupted version of the Bible, claiming their version was given supernaturally and all other Bibles are dismissed. Dr. Walter Martin, a recognised expert in this area, defines a cult as “a group of people gathered around someone’s misinterpretation of the Bible!” (Fatal Faith, page 6)
4. A Cult has its own doctrines and traditions
Another author, James Sire, states a cult is “…..any religious movement that is organizationally distinct and has doctrines and / or practices that contradict those of the Scriptures as interpreted by traditional Christianity … and as expressed in such statements as the Apostles Creed.” (Fatal Faith, page 6)
In our next post, we will continue with the theme on how the Cults are a growing challenge to the teachings of Jesus and the Christian faith. We will set oout what we mean by the term ‘Cult’ and how to see the difference between a Cult and being a Jesus Follower. Join us then,
Susanne Fengler, Blog Author
www.christianfoundations-jesus.treeoflife.info
PS. You will find the Sources used for this series on the last post, 5/9
Tags: Intro to Cults
Filed under: Challenges to the Christian Faith
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