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What
is a Cult?
Summary:
The term "cult"; often misused and overused by atheists,
non-church goers,
and the general public; is not found in the Bible, however,
it is probably described best by
Col. 2:8 "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy
and vain deceit, after the tradition of
men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ."
Below is a list of 10 characteristics
that are common to cults (list is from a publication produced
by Rose Publishing).
*In orange font we name some of the denominations that
apply (definitely not an all-inclusive list though) |
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If a religious group has one or more of
these characteristics it may be a cult.
1) A leader who claims to be divine.
Mormonism,
Catholicism, etc.
2) Rejection of all other churches.
Mormonism,
Catholicism, Seventh-Day Adventist, Baptist
Brider, JW, etc.
3) Control over members activities and
friendships.
Mormonism,
Catholicism, etc.
4) A special diet.
Seventh-Day Adventist,
Catholicism, etc.
5) Chants using religious phrases.
Charismatic,
Pentecostal, Catholicism, etc.
6) Sleep deprivation.
7) No privacy.
8) Overpowering demonstrations of love.
Charismatic,
Pentecostal, etc.
9) Control over finances.
Mormonism, etc.
10) Leadership that does not tolerate honest
questions.
Catholicism,
Mormonism, Jehovah's Witness, and many more!
©
1994 Rose Publishing, 4455 Torrance Blvd.
#259 Torrance, CA 90503
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