Bob Prichard

Topic(s): Atheism & Unbelief, Denominationalism, Nature of Man

Variations among the thousands of religious cults today make precise definitions difficult. When people think of cults, they often think of belief in reincarnation, UFO’s, bizarre sexual practices, or strange dietary practices, but these are not the primary marks of a cult. While each group has its own unique characteristics that set it apart from others, there are, however, some common characteristics found to certain degree among most all the cults that claim to be “Christian.” The two primary traits are a claim of inspiration beyond the Bible and a de-throning of Jesus Christ.

Almost always a cult gathers around a specific leader or that leader’s interpretation of scripture. This devotion to one charismatic leader affects its attitude toward the Bible and Jesus Christ. Virtually all the cults supplement, and in reality supplant the scriptures by elevating the writings or teachings of their leader to the place that they are equal to, or above the Bible. They claim that there is more authority in their man-made writings or teachings than in what the Bible says. If pressed about contradictions and faults in their writings, they generally tear down the Bible or demean its inspiration.

Not only do the cults reject reliance on the Bible alone, they also generally do not treat Jesus Christ as the Messiah. They may acknowledge Him as a great teacher or a great man, but seldom recognize Him as the “only begotten son” of God (John 3:16). Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). The cults reject this. Many modern cult leaders, such as Jim Jones of the Jonestown tragedy, have claimed to be Christ. Sun Myung Moon claimed to be the Messiah for the twentieth century, sent by God to complete the failed mission of Jesus.

A secondary characteristic usually found in the cults is mind control of their converts. By taking away the free will of their converts, or “brainwashing” them, they maintain control, and are better able to promote their anti-Christ agendas. The cults advance this mind control by rigorously controlling every waking moment of the member’s time. They consider the regimented life a reflection of devotion to the leader.

In addition, the cults usually cut off the members from the outside world and normal family relations, lest they be drawn away from the cult. This isolation from the world helps fuel the paranoia felt by most groups, and adds to the peer pressure necessary for keeping the members in line. They consider non-members the agents of Satan, ignorant, and untrustworthy. They thus consider it proper for the cultist to lie to those outside, or use any kind of deception necessary to accomplish cult purposes.

It does matter what one believes in the realm of religion. Many think that as long as one is sincere, any belief is right. Rejection of Christ and the Bible, however, cannot but lead to destruction. Christ warned that one day He will return, “In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thessalonians 1:8). The gospel revealed in the Bible must be obeyed.