Cult Characteristics of Groups that Claim to be Christian
Avoid groups which claim to be Christian but do any of the following…
​
-
Redefine God as a former human or as an impersonal force.
-
Redefine Jesus as merely a man or as only a prophet or a mere ‘holy’ man.
-
Redefine the Holy Spirit as either only a force or as a mystery to which only the group has access.
-
Elevate humans to being Gods, either by earning that status or by ‘becoming one’ with God.
-
Devalue the Bible, either by claiming that it must be translated and/or interpreted only by that group, or by ranking it below writings of the group in authority.
-
Claim they have a ‘new truth’ or a unique revelation which was hidden from the world until revealed to the group’s leader.
-
Claim to exclusive revelation and guidance from God.
-
Make prophetic predictions, most of which do not happen when and how the group predicted.
-
Use Bible terms with ‘new’ meanings, which do not fit their context, their historical usage, or their sources in their original language.
-
Teach things which change according to the circumstances.
-
Claim that pleasing God and going to heaven are possible only by being a member of their group.
-
Teach that salvation from sin, death and punishment are based upon what we do, not solely upon what God did for us through Jesus.
-
Reject all other churches and Christian organizations.
-
Have an extreme dependence on subjective feelings or personal experiences as the ‘proof’ of the validity of their teachings.
-
Claim special knowledge about the future and the end of the world.
-
Teach that baptism must be done only by their group.
-
Require special extra duties or have secret ceremonies.
-
Strictly control members of the group, and severely treat or shun those who would leave the group.
Four simple signs of cults to watch for: Does this group…
​
(+) Add Sources of Authority beyond the Bible?
(-) Subtract from the Person and Work of Jesus Christ?
(X) Multiply Requirements for Salvation?
(÷) Divide followers from family and friends?
​
​
​