Christianity Vs. Cults

During the past few days I’ve exchanged emails with another blogger who’s tried to “unconvert” me. This man is a former born again Christian who now considers himself an agnostic. He equates Christianity with magic and even labels it “a cult.” 

There’s a clear difference between true Christianity and cults. One dictionary defines cult as “a religion regarded as unorthodox or spurious.” This wouldn’t describe Bible-believing churches and ministries who aim to preach the Word of God without intentionally distorting it. Examples of cults would include...
  • Church of Scientology
  • Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons)
  • David Koresh’s Branch Davidians
  • Unification Church (Moonies)
  • Watchtower Bible and Tract Society (Jehovah’s Witnesses) 
Most of these groups preach truths from the Bible but mix in other doctrines that pervert the gospel. Galatians 5:9 warns, “A little leaven leavens the whole lump.”

One warning sign of a cult is members being told they must shun everyone that’s not part of their group. It’s true believers need to set boundaries when relating to nonbelievers. 2 Corinthians 6:17 says, “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.” Jesus hung out with prostitutes and tax collectors not to become like them but to minister to them. We can demonstrate the love of God to unsaved friends and family members without partaking of sinful activities they may be involved in.

Not long after I started attending a Full Gospel church in the early 1990s, my parents feared I had became part of a cult. Coming from traditional denominational backgrounds, they weren’t used to seeing someone in the family passionate about the Lord. What probably aroused their concerns was my temporarily distancing myself from them. This was in response to heated disagreements we had regarding decisions I made with my life. Eventually, we reconciled.

Another sign of a cult is members not allowed to question their leaders. Cult leaders often expect blind obedience from their followers. On the other hand, Jesus encourages us to ask for wisdom (James 1:5) and for confirmations if we’re uncertain it’s His will to do something. 2 Corinthians 13:1 says, “By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established.”

In his attempt to discredit Christianity, the agnostic blogger listed a couple of his own “hallmarks of a cult”...

“They lure you in with promises of love, security, and happiness.” 

It’s true cults make false promises to draw people in. Over the years I’ve met individuals who got deceived into being part of such organizations. This resulted in much pain and disappointment. Having a relationship with Jesus Christ is entirely different. Walking with the Lord does promise love and security but will also attract persecution from individuals who don’t want to follow His commandments.

“If you even think about leaving, they threaten you with horrific consequences.”

A good pastor or ministry leader will bless departing members who believe God is directing them someplace else. Therefore, leaving a particular church or group isn’t always a bad thing. I avoid those that talk too much about God’s judgment and not enough about His mercy. 

At the same time, a true minister of the gospel will speak the truth in love about the reality of hell. Jesus warned in Luke chapter 13 verses 3 and 5, “...unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” Just as there are consequences for breaking natural laws like gravity and the speed limit, there are consequences when we violate spiritual laws. It’s also worth pointing out Jesus didn’t beg or pressure the rich young ruler to follow Him after he walked away (Mark 10:17-27). The Lord gave us a free will and wants us to choose to love Him.

Another dictionary defines cult as “a small religious group that is not part of a larger and more accepted religion and that has beliefs regarded by many people as extreme or dangerous.” Worldly folks are often scared of believers they consider “fanatical” but see nothing wrong with sports fans extremely loyal to their favorite team. Christians who are doers of God’s word aren’t really a danger to anyone except the devil and his kingdom of darkness. 

Never let fears of being labelled a cult member squelch your enthusiasm for the things of God. He wants us on fire for Him.

“not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord” - Romans 12:11

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Gospel Soul Winning Script

Image
During my early days with evangelism, I developed an approach called the Survey Technique . By asking short direct questions, you can maintain control of the conversation and find out quickly what a person’s spiritual beliefs are. Although the Survey Technique has helped me lead thousands to the Lord, I’m still open to utilizing new methods in reaching people with the gospel. Rodney Howard-Browne 's ministry uses a tool called the Gospel Soul-Winning Script , which originated during their Good News New York campaign in 1999. I became familiar with it a few years later during evangelism outreaches with Rodney’s church in Tampa, Florida. At first, I resisted using the script. I found it restrictive and thought sinners wouldn’t be receptive to me reading the whole thing to them. Then while taking part in a 2009 outreach with Rodney’s ministry in Washington, D.C., my team leader asked me to “stick with the script.” Wanting to maintain unity, I complied with his request. Initially it fe...
Read more

Toking the Ghost Revisited

Image
Back in February 2007, a fellow missionary I was traveling with started talking about “smoking the weed from heaven.”   He would pretend to have a joint of marijuana between his fingers and have “smoke breaks with Jesus.”   He also encouraged other believers to take “hits.”   I was a bit uncomfortable with this idea but didn't contest it. Then in October of that year, I heard John Crowder preach on “toking the Ghost” at a church in my hometown of Fargo, North Dakota.   I was inspired to make a video with John to share with my missionary friend.   During the filming, I experienced much laughter. I decided to make the video public figuring other people might enjoy it also. Two weeks later at a church in Minnesota, I heard Benjamin Dunn share testimonies of people getting healed from “toking the Ghost.”   This was just before he and John Crowder started ministering together.   I believed this was God confirming His word in the mouth of ...
Read more

A Tribute to Al Best

Image
October is Pastor Appreciation Month. This tribute is for one who went home to be with the Lord last Sunday. Al Best oversaw Light in Anoka Church in a northern suburb of Minneapolis. Originally from Florida, Al first gave his life to the Lord at 17 but then backslid. Meanwhile, he served 21 years in the Navy and worked various jobs. That included selling Rainbow vacuum cleaners. I would eventually get to know his sales manager. Eric Gonyon became an associate pastor at Rodney Howard-Browne ’s church (I usually attend services there when in Tampa).  A few years after recommitting his life to the Lord, Al became a pastor. In 2007, the Lord directed him to head north to Minnesota, where his wife Jean is from. First, they ministered in the small town of Dassel. What started as a youth mission transitioned into regular services for all ages. Then in 2016, Al and Jean moved to Anoka to take on a church originally called New Day Fellowship. To counter the city’s motto as the “Hallowee...
Read more