Cults – Lessons to be learned from

The cults and their adherents can teach a number of valuable lessons to those of us who regard ourselves as orthodox Christians.  For example:-

1.  The importance of having strong convictions.
2.  The importance of knowing the Scriptures.
3.  Zeal for witnessing.
4.  Use of the printed page.
5.  Strong sense of urgency.
6.  Large role assigned to laypeople.
7.  Sense of dedication.
8.  Definite techniques for witnessing.
9.  Willingness to endure ridicule.
10. Promotion of good health.

(A.A. Hoekema, The Four Major Cults)

Cults – Christian Approach to

Some general principles for approaching or responding members of cults:-

1.  Genuine love.
2.  Humility.
3.  Recognise lessons to be learned from the cultist.
4.  Knowledge of the teachings of the cult.
5.  Positive testimony to the truth of God’s Word.
6.  Face the question of the source of our authority.
7.  Present the evidence for the major doctrines of the Christian faith.
8.  Follow up contacts.
9.  Keep on praying.

(A.A. Hoekema, The Four Major Cults)

Cults – Characteristics of

The general characteristics of the cults may be set in summary form as follows:-

1.  Exaggerating one part of Christian faith at the expense of other parts. Eg Christian Science and its emphasis on healing.
2.  Over-emphasising the Old Testament at the expense of the New Testament. Eg Jehovah’s Witnesses, Christadelphians, Mormons and Seventh Day Adventists.
3.  Seeking for greater assurance in the religious life than Christ actually offers.  Eg Spiritism, with its attempt to get proof of life after death.
4.  Spiritual pride which declares that all who do not belong to the sect are ‘beyond the pale’.
5.  Tendency to use God as a means to an end.  Eg Christian Science and healing.
6.  Concentration on ‘glory for me’ and an opting out of family and social responsibilities.
7.  Distortion of the Biblical doctrine of Christ.

(Stephen Travis, The Jesus Hope; Horton Davies, Christian Deviations)

Cults – Appeal of

The appeal of the cults may be summarised as follows.  They offer:-

1.  warm and brotherly fellowship.
2.  a centre of integration and personal fulfilment.
3.  a sense of security.
4.  an outlet for the drive towards intensity and radicalness in the religious life.
5.  specific instruction on practical matters.

(A.A. Hoekema, The Four Major Cults)

A Typology of the Major Sects & Cults

From the perspective of Christian orthodoxy, the major sects and cults can be classified according to their attitude towards the authority of the Bible and towards the Trinity and the incarnation.