MODERN CULTS AND THE LORDS CHURCH With the recent carnage of over 50 people in three diverse places on two continents, the power of cult leaders has once again reared its ugly head. Jim Jones and David Koresh are gone, but their spiritual clones are alive and active today in all too many religious organizations. What our society generally labels as cults will define the use of the word cult in this article. Even a casual understanding of the bible shows that, by this definition, cults are as far from the pattern of the New Testament church as any organization can get. To review these differences, consider the following: 1. Cults depend upon a following developed by a single human charismatic leader. Other than Jesus, there was no single predominant leader in the first century. Jesus had ascended into heaven before the church was established (Acts 1, 2). The apostles and prophets each knew in part (1 Cor. 13: 9), and none of them had preeminence. 2. Cults use deception in not revealing to their recruits the full and true nature of their beliefs. (In advertising this is called bait and switch.) Such tactics were absolutely never used in the first century; and today the bible stands open to all as the only doctrine worthy of being taught and practiced (2 Tim. 3: 16-17). 3. Cults use mind control based upon the isolation of the individual from his/her family and peer group, often depriving the individual of sleep, and making them totally dependent upon the cult leader for all physical and emotional needs. Never do we read of any such methods for converting or retaining disciples in the New Testament. 4. The principle tool of the cults for forcing compliance is fear. The bible teaches a proper fear and respect of God (Eccl. 12: 13; Phil. 2: 12, etc., etc.). However, the fear instilled by the cults is not a fear of God; it is a fear of disobedience to the cult leader. Our allegiance is to God and His commands as given in His word; we are to fear no man and no organization of man (Rom. Rom. 3: 4; 8: 38-39). 5. Cults violate the free-will of their recruits. Jesus said Whosoever will may come (Rev. 22: 17). There is no room for coercion, harassment or intimidation (either physical or mental) in the call of the Lord. Jesus did not use these tactics, and neither should we. It is the preaching of the whole truth and that alone which saves (Jn. 8: 32). Gods way cannot be improved. Let us be zealous in doing the work that God has given us to do (Mt. 28: 19-20), but let us do it in His way (Rom. 3: 7-8).
Posted on: Mon, 12 Jan 2015 09:54:34 +0000
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