Topic(s): Atheism & Unbelief, Bible Study, Church, Denominationalism, Nature of Man, World Religions

Variations among the thousands of religious cults today make a precise definition difficult. When people think of cults, they often think of belief in reincarnation, UFOs, bizarre sexual practices, or strange dietary practices, but these are not the primary marks of a cult. While each has unique characteristics, there are common characteristics found among cults that claim to be “Christian.” Two primary traits are a claim of inspiration beyond the Bible and a dethroning of Jesus Christ.

Almost always, a cult gathers around a specific leader or that leader’s interpretation of Scripture. This devotion to a charismatic leader affects attitudes toward the Bible and Jesus. Virtually all cults supplement, and in reality supplant, Scripture by elevating their leader’s teachings above Scripture. If pressed about contradictions and faults in their writings, they generally demean the Bible’s inspiration and accuracy.

Not only do the cults reject reliance on the Bible alone, they also generally do not treat Jesus as the Messiah. They may acknowledge Him as a great teacher or a great man, but not as the “only begotten Son” of God (John 3:16). Cults reject Jesus’ statement: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). Some cult leaders, such as Jim Jones, 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 members’ time. They consider the regimented life a reflection of devotion to the leader.

In addition, cults usually cut off members from the outside world and normal family relations, lest they be drawn away from the cult. This isolation from the world helps fuel paranoia and adds to the peer pressure necessary for keeping the members in line. They may consider nonmembers the agents of Satan, ignorant, and untrustworthy.

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, leads to eternal destruction (2 Thessalonians 1:8). The gospel revealed in the Bible saves (Romans 1:16), and must be obeyed (Hebrews 5:9). —Bob Prichard