Generally, the definition of a Christian Cult is a religion that claims to be "Christian" but denies the essential beliefs thereof. They also can be described as having been founded by a single charismatic individual, accepting of the Bible but adding their own equally sacred literature and having heaven being a place specially reserved for them. It has often been said, and is true, that the best way to be able to discern a false religion is to know the Christian faith and therefore be able to recognize imposters and pretenders.
During the recent election campaign, with Mitt Romney in the race, the topic was brought up quite a bit and always with the media's scorn for intolerance of Christians. It is necessary for Christians to understand why this is important. I prefer the term "false gospels" to "cults" for when you use the term "cult" it can be countered with arguments of a voluntary, normal lifestyle and therefore simply "Christians" with some different beliefs, a description that can accurately describe protestant denominations.
I want to highlight two particular "false gospels," the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons/Mitt Romney) and Jehovah Witnesses. Representatives from both will come to your door. Young Mormon men, and sometimes women, spend two years of their life in missionary work. Jehovah Witnesses regularly go out among their neighbors with Watchtower literature. I do not want to get into specifics for two reasons, first, anyone can go to www.equip.org (Bible Answerman /Hank Hanegraaff) for all the specifics and done better than I can do. Second because dwelling on these specifics when talking to their representatives is counterproductive. For example, if we waste time talking about the Jehovah Witness refusal to have a blood transfusion, we simply run the risk of ostensibly bringing them into the Christian faith only to argue against their strange doctrines, this type of theological debate is something that can be done legitimately with various Christian denominations.
The Mormons and Witness are totally different to the outside observer. One is patriotic and the other will not even serve in the military. One can be seen in many entertainment venues (Donny and Marie/ Glenn Beck) while the other is rarely seen in this profession. One is accepted by the public as "Christian" and the other is tethered to the term cult. All of the "Christian Cults" are different from another. They have their own writings, founders and peculiar beliefs, BUT, they all have one thing and one thing only in common. It is the one thing that is hated by the Adversary of God. Christianity hinges upon it and false gospels hinge on denying it. It is the person and the work of Jesus Christ as we know it as true for the Bible clearly proclaims it, indeed is built upon it.
You should know that false gospels will use the name of Jesus, they will proclaim Him "God/god," and they will give testimony and proclaim many doctrines that are true. If you have entertained their witness and proclamations and do not recognize the seriousness of error then the testimony of Orthodox (traditional) Christianity throughout the world and since the inception of these religions, will give strong urging that failure to investigate these warning is to your on spiritual peril. Building and strengthening the foundational blocks of the Christian faith is one thing that is necessary in hoping for an American Christianity that will no longer be impotent in influencing our nation and better prepared to accurately present the gospel of Jesus Christ.
During the recent election campaign, with Mitt Romney in the race, the topic was brought up quite a bit and always with the media's scorn for intolerance of Christians. It is necessary for Christians to understand why this is important. I prefer the term "false gospels" to "cults" for when you use the term "cult" it can be countered with arguments of a voluntary, normal lifestyle and therefore simply "Christians" with some different beliefs, a description that can accurately describe protestant denominations.
I want to highlight two particular "false gospels," the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons/Mitt Romney) and Jehovah Witnesses. Representatives from both will come to your door. Young Mormon men, and sometimes women, spend two years of their life in missionary work. Jehovah Witnesses regularly go out among their neighbors with Watchtower literature. I do not want to get into specifics for two reasons, first, anyone can go to www.equip.org (Bible Answerman /Hank Hanegraaff) for all the specifics and done better than I can do. Second because dwelling on these specifics when talking to their representatives is counterproductive. For example, if we waste time talking about the Jehovah Witness refusal to have a blood transfusion, we simply run the risk of ostensibly bringing them into the Christian faith only to argue against their strange doctrines, this type of theological debate is something that can be done legitimately with various Christian denominations.
The Mormons and Witness are totally different to the outside observer. One is patriotic and the other will not even serve in the military. One can be seen in many entertainment venues (Donny and Marie/ Glenn Beck) while the other is rarely seen in this profession. One is accepted by the public as "Christian" and the other is tethered to the term cult. All of the "Christian Cults" are different from another. They have their own writings, founders and peculiar beliefs, BUT, they all have one thing and one thing only in common. It is the one thing that is hated by the Adversary of God. Christianity hinges upon it and false gospels hinge on denying it. It is the person and the work of Jesus Christ as we know it as true for the Bible clearly proclaims it, indeed is built upon it.
You should know that false gospels will use the name of Jesus, they will proclaim Him "God/god," and they will give testimony and proclaim many doctrines that are true. If you have entertained their witness and proclamations and do not recognize the seriousness of error then the testimony of Orthodox (traditional) Christianity throughout the world and since the inception of these religions, will give strong urging that failure to investigate these warning is to your on spiritual peril. Building and strengthening the foundational blocks of the Christian faith is one thing that is necessary in hoping for an American Christianity that will no longer be impotent in influencing our nation and better prepared to accurately present the gospel of Jesus Christ.
