THOUGHTS ON CULTS

After watching a considerable number of videos about cults, | have decided to record a few thoughts on the subject. 

If you have paid attention over the last few decades, you might be thinking of cults that have turned destructive enough to make national or international news, such as Jamestown, the Branch Davidians, or Heaven's Gate. But many cults share similar characteristics as these, so knowing about their commonalities can be helpful. 

Doctrines of Cults

Many cults claim to be Christian, but you can tell if they are Christian in name only by looking at what they do with Jesus. If a group identifies Jesus as anyone other than the virgin born, God become flesh, Son of God, Son of Man, prophesied Messiah (Anointed One, Christ) of Israel who died for the sins of the whole world, rose from the dead on the third day, ascended to the right hand of Father God, and reigns as Lord and Savior, then that group is a false cult. 

You still need to be careful. Some groups might use the same words as orthodox Christianity, but they change the definitions. You could say they are using a different dictionary. Examine their teachings in depth, and consider how their doctrine reflects how they see Jesus. 

Practices of Cults 

Authoritarian leadership is a common aspect of false cults. The founder or current leader will claim to speak as the only one chosen to speak for God, or even to speak AS God. They often place restrictive rules or burdens on their followers, while they often violate those rules in their private lives. Such a leader might even replace Jesus with himself as the only mediator between Father God and man. 

Authoritarian leadership often leads to another characteristic exclusivity. The leader will claim that his message and he himself are the only key to eternal salvation. 

His followers see themselves as the only ones worthy of blessings. They rarely engage in outreach activities, for too many followers might dilute the group's “purity.” Actually, more followers will only dilute their sense of superiority. 

This sense of superiority can cause the leader and the followers to engage in abusive behavior. 

The group will often mentally abuse “violators” who fail to show proper devotion to the leader and his message. The victim feels dirty, ashamed, impure, condemned, and hopeless. 

The group will also extend mental abuse to people who leave the group. 

Physical abuse can get as extreme as torture. 

Leaders and followers might sexually abuse weaker members because their sense of superiority makes them feel entitled to use the vulnerable for their own pleasure. 

I know this is not a complete list of the characteristics of false cults, and | could have gone into more detail. This is a summary, and | hope it is enough to make you more aware of the dangers of cults. 

Dealing with Cults

How we deal with cults depends on if we are dealing with a group or an individual. In either case, we need to consider how Jesus would handle them. 

Group  --  If you are aware of a false cult in your area, your first action should be payer, because God can go places where you can't, and He can do things that you can't. 

Don't expect the group to shut down, unless the authorities get involved. Even so, the group might reappear in another place using another name. Most of the exclusive cults tend to die out as their members age and pass on. 

Pray for the entire group to finally see Jesus as He really is. Ask for protection for those being abused, and for those who could be subject to abuse. Ask for healing those who have been abused. 

Individuals --  God might lead people out individually, or by families. Ask Father God if He wants you to help them. If so, then ask for wisdom, not just for your own actions, but for wisdom to pass on to those you help. 

How should someone deal with a cult member who doesn't want to leave? Again, pray for them specifically. Ask Father God to open their eyes to the truth, and to help them accept it. 

Next, be patient with them. They might argue with you. Don't engage. Just stick with the truth you know. Getting them to change will take some time. Listen to them carefully. They could give you a clue to what they are thinking or feeling. 

When someone is ready to leave a cult, they still need you to be patient with them. Healing will take time. Completing the process might require therapy or counseling, and maybe some de- programming. 

Wrapping Up

I am not an expert on cults.  I have not done extensive research into their doctrines and practices,  not do I have much experience in dealing with people who are involved in cults.

I now see where my family and I have been exposed to cult teachings.  So I face the necessity of re-examining some of my beliefs.  To a smaller degree, I understand what former cult members are going through.

I offer these thoughts for what they are worth.

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