How Not to Start a Cult/Sect

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[Linda]

John Piper is preaching his last few sermons at Bethlehem Baptist as the preaching pastor. As he prepares to leave, he is doing a series on what he views are the significant aspects of what he wishes to leave with the congregation. He chooses the word "trademark", but goes on to explain what he means. What he says is very insightful. Especially the part about listening to old teachers/theologians/reformers/founders of the faith. Here is what he said yesterday:


When you hear me say that we are in a series of messages on the thirty-year theological trademarks of Bethlehem, don’t think niche branding. Don’t think “thirty-year exclusives.” I don’t even like the word distinctives. It seems to connote a desire to be doctrinally different from others. Our mindset is exactly the opposite. We’re suspicious of being different from the historic teachings of the church. The last thing we want to preach is new doctrines exclusive to us. When we say “trademarks” we mean truths that are defining and shaping and precious. We don’t mean views that we’ve come up with and that set us off from the rest of the church of Christ. We don’t want to be set off. We want to be arm in arm with millions of faithful followers of God’s word. Truth does divide. But it also unites. And it is the uniting power of truth that we delight in most.

So we are always testing our interpretations of the Bible by looking back into church history. If we can’t find our interpretations there, we would be very slow to preach them in this pulpit. Cults and sects are born in the minds of leaders who crave to be different. Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, the Unification Church, Christian Science—these were born in the minds of teachers who wanted new revelations and interpretations, and found them. They were restless with the limitation of the Bible and its historic understandings.

There is a lot of healthy and warranted warning these days about historical hero worship. Warnings about inordinate and uncritical admiration and imitation of historical teachers like Augustine, Aquinas, Calvin, Luther, the Puritans, Edwards, Wesley, Spurgeon, Barth, Chesterton, Lewis, etc. But we should be careful not to overdo this criticism. People with great historical heroes tend not to think of themselves as heroes. They're too busy learning from them. Which means that, for all its dangers, admiring a great line of historical heroes will at least keep you from starting a sect.

I think that is the message I wish GC would hear. Their desire to be different, to be THE church that does 1st Century Christianity RIGHT, not only exposes their pride, but is a cause of division with the Church. And, it has landed them on sect/cult watch lists.

[EverAStudent]

Which means that, for all its dangers, admiring great a great line of historical heroes will at least keep you from starting a sect.

Linda, I much appreciate your many posts and insights over the years.  But not so much the above.  The above sentiment is factually untrue and genuinely unbiblical at its core.  

Throughout the ages many (if not most) aberrant religious sects and political cults have been built on the names and reputations of heroes.  Merely admiring great historical figures and naming their names does not prevent one from inventing new derivative (and faulty) philosophies and calling up thousands of followers to adhere to your new sectarian philosophy.  

What do the Scriptures say about how cults start?  Paul warned us sternly that sects ARE built on the names and reputations of great men (e.g. Apollos, Paul, and even Peter -- 1 Cor.1).  A sect or a cult is divisive specifically because it DOES idolize a particular set of famed men and their specific teachings, regardless of whether those men are living or dead and seeks to have others follow them as well.  

This is what happpened with McCotter.  He built his cult on the basis of being another in the line of biblical apostles, like Paul.  Then he called on others to be like himself, to live like himself, because he claimed he was imitating Paul.  Then he separated himself and his followers from all other Christian churches (in the name of being like Paul) and built himself a great sect, an individual following.  

Ephesians 4 gives the actual remedy for resisting cultic movements:  know the Word of God inside and out in a mature fashion.  

I do apologize for disagreeing with you, Linda.  Nonetheless, cult-proofing is not grounded in following the teachings of famous men but on learning for oneself the Word of God inside and out to the point where it is possible for a person to point to anyone's teachings, even those of the great men, and to accurately say, "That doctrine of his is true at this point and false at this element because the Scriptures teach this."  

[Linda]

EAS,

First of all, Piper was not discussing "cult-proofing". Not his point. This was a preface to a talk that he was giving on teaching that he wanted to emphasize as he left his preaching position, but wanted people to understand that it wasn't "special" and he didn't have a desire to set his teaching up as better. In context,  that is what he was saying. Pulled out of context, the statement you quoted makes little sense.

Secondly, he was talking about not specifically following one teacher. He was not saying that cult-proofing is grounded in following the teachings of famous men. In fact, he was saying the opposite and emphasizing that Christians shouldn't take lightly the Biblical teaching that came before representing the views of millions of Christ followers throughout the ages. I think the key part of the quote is "admiring a great line".

He went on to discuss the solas. Clearly, he is a sola scripture guy.

I don't care if you disagree with me. No need to apologize.

My reason for posting this was to say that a church that presents itself and its teaching as "set off" from the Church of Christ is a church to look out for. I would hate for people to miss that point.

[EverAStudent]

First of all, Piper was not discussing "cult-proofing". Not his point.

Hi Linda,

I see, I guess I misunderstood the title you put on the thread ("How Not to Start a Cult/Sect") along with your quote that stated that admiring the great historical figures of the past "will keep you from starting a sect" (a statement I still find to be invalid, expanded explanation and context not withstanding). 

In any case, as always, I do wish you great blessings and ever progressive growth in Christ.

[Linda]

There are several things GC holds near and dear. Plurality of elders (that really isn't all that accountable, as it turns out). Raising elders from within. "Doing church like Paul."

The point I was trying to make is that if you have a sense of Church history and classical Christian theology in addition to knowledge of the Scripture, you won't brag and say things like, "Men, God has given us something special." You don't set yourself up as different and better than most churches. Sects/cults do things like that.

What he is not saying is "Find yourself a guy and follow him." Key words in the part you quoted were "for all its dangers" and "a great line (as opposed to one)".

[Janet Easson Martin]

Linda,

Thanks for posting the important point above.  Perhaps he chose that message because the bible says in the last days, false teaching will increase.  Perhaps God put on his heart the SOBER WARNING below.  It does agree with what (1 or 2?) Timothy 6:2-4 states:

'False Teachers and the Love of Money

These are the things you are to teach and insist on. 3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4 they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions'

It does seem that when teachers/preachers emphasize something OTHER THAN, DIFFERENT, NEW, BETTER, MORE ENLIGHTENED that does not agree with sound teaching of Jesus taught by many historically sound bible teachers that a red flashing light should go off over their head.  Just believing God about what he has said and with his HELP doing it provides enough excitement and drama for more than a lifetime.  No extra-scriptural requirements are needed, or are safe to our faith for that matter.

GCx has definitely added hard and weighty BURDENS to the easy and light yoke of the christian life.

Thanks again,

Janet Easson Martin

[Outtathere]

I found a list of cult characteristics at letusreason.org . I went through and put in bold lettering some of the things which I experienced first-hand in GC and some of the other. Based on the major definitives of a cult at the bottom, I would be hesitant to call GC a cult. However, that does not mean that it is not cultish or damaging at the very least.

HOW TO RECOGNIZE IF YOU ARE IN A CULT

Are you told not to question what is being taught because the leaders are honest and want the best for you so you must trust them. Has someone replaced your own choices in life.

Are you told not to ask questions why anyone left, your to accept the answers the leaders give you such as: they fell into sin, they didn’t receive correction, they weren’t open or they had a bad heart and didn’t want to be disciples

Are you told that you must be with their certain church or group to be saved and not by Jesus Christ.

If you want to leave are you being told their is no other church that practices truth, you will go to hell.

Are you made to feel your failures, that your performance is not up to par for the bibles standard

Are you being rebuked for things such as the way you say hello or how you respond to being asked to do something for a leader or disciple. Do they tell you its a matter of the heart how one complies.

Are they putting down other church’s and building themselves up. Do they sometimes use people as examples of what you are to be doing and others on what you are not to be doing.

Do they bring attention to what they do, and ignoring others that may be doing the same things outside their church.

Do they put down others to make themselves look better, calling themselves righteous and others unrighteous

Do they call those who leave fall away’s and enemies, dogs returning to their own vomit, using the examples of Korah or Judas.

Do they stop you from reading anything negative about themselves calling it spiritual pornography or recommend you not to read it for your own spiritual protection.

Do they recommend for you to be around their people expecting you to be at all the group activities. If not you're spirituality and dedication are questioned.

Do they defend all that they do even though it can be harmful or wrong.

Do they operate by humility or are they arrogant and demand you to obey if you are considering otherwise. Or is it done subtly by manipulating you into obeying by statements such as, real Christians obey their leaders or if you were following Jesus you would see what I’m saying is right. true disciples did not question Jesus.

THINGS TO BE AWARE OF

People telling you how talented you are and saying you can really go places. (flattery goes a long way in cults)

An instant bonding of friendship without your knowing who they are or they really knowing you, they act as your best friend (love bombing still works).

When you ask questions about their history or the group they are vague in their answers or avoid answering them. (not answering or postponing it makes it go away)

Are you required (I would say STRONGLY ENCOURAGED) to attend studies, going through the program before you are allowed to be a Christian. (this will attach you to the groups goals)

Are they emphasizing their church and who they are, more than Christ. They teach that one can only be a Christian by joining them. (exclusive spirituality appeals to our pride and works well today)

Cults will always divide the family unit instead of bringing them together. They will make you choose between God and their church. they use scriptures such as Jesus came to bring a sword not peace or one must give up brothers sisters wife and house for the kingdom and be a true follower Children often become the most hurt because of strict rules enforced on them.they lose their childhood and are deeply affected being unable to adjust later on in life.Religious systems that are not balanced can be socially and psychologically disastrous for innocent children.

What to do when confronted to join

Say you're not interested and do not put up with their badgering and phone calls.wpe3.jpg (2458 bytes)Tell them you want time to think about what they are teaching before you become committed to their group. If they pressure you for attendance or continuing in their studies then you know this is not something good.

  If you are already a member, leave while it may be easy because it doesn’t get easier to leave later on.

KNOW THE RIGHTS YOU HAVE

You have every right  to ask questions, lots of them in fact.   Ask about what other churches they are affiliated with.                     

What is their history and the people involved and those they look up to for spiritual teaching. What books influenced them or what do they read.

What is their doctrine, is their basic beliefs and philosophy of ministry on paper. If not, why not.

Can you review on paper their revenues, are they open to the people and public. Do they review who gives what to the Church. Are peoples finances monitored?

If others left can you find out why, or is mum the word. Do they allow you to speak to former members. If this is not allowed, this becomes the biggest check in joining quickly. Watch if they become uncomfortable in your asking about their origins or teachings.

Give yourself some time if you're seeking to know God or looking for a church he will give you warnings and lead you. Don’t ignore the warning signs or checks on how they conduct themselves no matter how friendly the people are . Love and emotional attachments are an old ruse to have you accepted without any strings attached. This doesn’t last long. Ask what they do on their spare time .Many times ones talent and creativity is smothered as all their time goes toward the group or church.

Where do all the people in cults come from?

Ron Rhodes writes in his book "The Culting of America," "It is a common myth that unbelievers join Cults." Percentages show that those who join these aberrant groups formerly attended Christian Churches.

Dr. Paul Martin of Wellspring Retreat (where cultists adjust from their harmful experiences) writes, "Twenty-five percent formerly attended evangelical, fundamental churches. Over 40 % had backgrounds in large, more liberal Protestant denominations."

Lately the International Churches of Christ probably have the greatest percentage of Church converts. Because their main goal is to go into the Christian Churches and remove people.

Their are 2 categories of cults one is doctrinally the other is sociologically.

1. Almost all cults deny the Apostles creed which consists of the virgin birth, deity of Christ, his resurrection, his atonement aon the cross nd 2nd coming. They have tendency to pronounce other groups as apostate and they alone have the truth.

3. They devalue or deny the deity of Christ.

4. They have Extra sources of biblical revelation they may use Gods word with something else to interpret it

5. They have salvation by works -either denying God's grace or add performance. It will not always be easy to spot. Mormons say they are saved by grace-this means from death and not the penalty of sin.

6. They will deny a major doctrine. Cult like groups take a minor doctrine and make it a major. Ex: you must speak in tongues to be saved.

The following are basic patterns, or characteristics, found in almost all cults that one can easily identify.

Additions - Cults add to the Word of God by having additional writings they call scripture, or by saying that only the Bible is God's Word but you cannot understand it without their interpretation from their own teachers or books. The Bible is discouraged to be read alone.

Subtraction - Cults subtract from the Person of Jesus by saying he is something less than Eternal Deity. Or they will add their own teacher as deity.

Multiplication - Every false religion has works as part of their system of salvation. They also usually specify what works must be performed at a certain level for acceptance to their group and God.

Mediators- They will always have others involved for ones salvation by others. For the J.W.’s it is the 144,000. for the International Churches of Christ its discipleship partners. For Mormons it is to join their church for salvation and use their materials- Doctrine and Covenants, Journal of Discourses and the Melchizedek priesthood.

Divisive - Cults have people choose by dividing a person's loyalty. It's God through their leadership by claiming to be the only Spokesman or group for God. They also require obedience to their leadership to be in right standing with God. They do not tolerate another’s differing opinions and it is looked upon as being divisive or of the enemy.