Fundamentally, a cult is a
religious
system with distinctive rites and customs. Cultus
comes from Latin and means worship.
Cult:
A group usually religious that
is unorthodox,
and has an abnormal commitment to an
authoritarian leader or group of leaders
and is characterized by exclusiveness (we
are the only ones) along with secret
doctrines and practices not easy to get to
by the public. The word cult is not
found in Scripture. In addition, the word
cult is comparable to saying
aberrational, heretical, either, which would
describe an organized group that
follows false prophets or false teachers.
Heresy:
A belief that is contrary to
orthodox religious doctrine, specifically,
Christian creedal formulations.
Sect:
A sect is a subgroup or
offshoot of
a religious belief system.
From a
Christian Perspective:
“We define the word ‘cult’ to
mean a
group of religious people whose belief
system and practices deviate
significantly from and often contradict the
Holy Scriptures as interpreted by
orthodox, biblical Christianity and as
expressed in such statements as the
Apostles’ Creed.” (1)
General
Observations:
First, a cult is a group that
loves
something or someone. For example, the
phenomena of the “Elvis cult,” which is made
up of devoted fans. A film (Rocky Horror
Picture Show) or rock band (The
Grateful Dead) can have cult status.
Second, a cult is a religion
whose
beliefs differ from the mainstream of a
particular religion. For example, Sufism
usually is translated “mysticism,” could be
considered an Islamic sect or cult.
Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons are
Christian cults.
Third, is exclusivity, governed
by secrecy,
and has authoritarian structures.
Forth, an abnormal commitment
or
devotion to a leader or group of leaders.
Fifth, will play upon fears,
the
world to end soon.
Sixth, will cut people off from
families or those who raise questions about
the validity of the group.
Scriptural
Warnings and Admonishments:
“And then if anyone says to
you,
‘look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘Look, there
he is!’ do not believe it. For
false Christs and false prophets will arise
and perform signs and wonders, to
lead astray, if possible, the elect.” (Mark
13:21-23 ESV)
“For I know this that after my
departing shall grievous wolves enter in
among you, not sparing the flock. Also
of your own selves shall men arise, speaking
perverse things, to draw away
disciples after them.” (Acts 20:29-30 KJV)
“For such are false apostles,
deceitful workers, transforming themselves
into the apostles of Christ. And no
marvel; for Satan himself is transformed
into an angel of light. Therefore, it
is no great thing if his ministers also are
transformed as the ministers of
righteousness; whose end shall be according
to their works.” (2Corinthians
11:13-15 KJV)
“All scripture is given by
inspiration
of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for
reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness.” (2Timothy
3:16 KJV)
Is there
value in studying cults and cultic
teachings versus
the Bible?
When you know the truth, that
which
is genuine, you will quickly recognize the
counterfeit. Bank tellers spend time
becoming familiar with real currency. After
this familiarity with the real
thing, encountering the fake currency is
easy. It is the same with biblical
doctrine. Spend your time becoming experts
in understanding sound doctrine.
Then when encountering false doctrine, it
will be easy to detect an error.
In closing:
“Through thy precepts I get
understanding: therefore I hate every false
way.” (Psalm 119:104)
Notes:
1.Ronald
Enroth, Evangelizing
the Cults,
(Servant Publications, 1990), p. 11.
“To
God, only
wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever.
Amen.” (Romans 16:27) and “heirs
according to the promise.” (Galatians 3:28,
29)
Mr.
Kettler has previously published articles in
the Chalcedon Report and Contra
Mundum. He and his wife Marea attend
the Westminster, CO, RPCNA Church. Mr.
Kettler is the author of the book defending
the Reformed Faith against attacks,
titled: The
Religion That Started in a
Hat. Available at: http://www.TheReligionThatStartedInAHat.com