Have You Been Bamboozled?
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Sponsered by:
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Sponsered by:
Pink Mustache Ministries &
Don't Drink the Kool-Aid Fellowship
Don't Drink the Kool-Aid Fellowship
"We know how to get those stains off your upper lip"
(About) Biography
Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio and having been in the "church" for over 30 years, Terry has spent the last 15 years ministering to people caught up in abusive situations. Helping them ESCAPE, by teaching a balanced approach to life. Loving God, spending quality time with family, church friends, obtaining an education, hard work, and enjoying life.
Growing up I learned first hand how damaging religion was. My father was a preachers kid raised in a "oneness pentecostal" home, my mother was a preachers kid, raised in a "trinitarian pentecostal" home. Our house keeper was a Jehovah witness, and our neighbor was a Mormon. Now there is a winning combination!
Growing up I learned first hand how damaging religion was. My father was a preachers kid raised in a "oneness pentecostal" home, my mother was a preachers kid, raised in a "trinitarian pentecostal" home. Our house keeper was a Jehovah witness, and our neighbor was a Mormon. Now there is a winning combination!
What I saw were people arguing over things they did not understand, and most of them were addicted to alcohol, drugs or something else that discounted everything they were saying. They would have had more success in the local neighborhood gang!
I have seen the power of the gospel deliver spiritually wounded people from decades of horrible acts of pastoral abuse and congregational abuse. I am not surprised at the manipulation and the ganging up on mentality these people gain over those who cannot seem to live life independently.The arrogance these "pastors/ congregations" develop, is fueled mostly by a few "yes" people. Their only motivation is temporary financial gain, taken at the pain and expense of others. When land, buildings and money become more important than people, then it is important to speak out for the sake of those who have no voice.
The sad thing is most people do not go to a church because of an overwhelming desire to know truth, they usually go because they have come to the end of themselves. They need help that leans more towards the emotional or physical. They are wounded and bleeding spiritually, far to often they become prey instead of healthy, well educated saints.When there is mental, physical, spiritual or economic abuse, there is also the opportunity through Jesus Christ to be delivered.
Everyone has a right to be empowered, to live productive, independent lives at home, at your place of worship, in your pursuit of an education, your place of employment and in your daily travel."
Terry and his beautiful wife Bridgett have a deep passion, leading by example to see the oppressed become free. Not only from abusive situations, but also from the addictive lifestyles, that typically follow. Together, they make a powerful team ready and willing, to love and encourage those in need. Having ministered the basics of the gospel throughout the United States, and named honorary missionaries to Brazil in 1999, they are making an "IMPACT" in the lives of everyday struggling people.
Terry also has a unique ministry, helping for over 30 years to bridge the gap between "Oneness &Trinitarian" believers, helping them find common ground as it pertains to the foundation of Christianity. That balance is repentance, a belief in the virgin birth of Jesus Christ, his crucifixion and his bodily resurrection from the dead. The salvation process begins when we first believe in the three greatest events in human history as fact. To tell people differently is cultish in nature.
"Terry is also working towards his PhD in Christian Psychology and World Religions and recently graduated from Ohio Christian University with a bachelor of arts degree in substance abuse counseling. His goal, helping those addicted to alcohol, drugs and religious abuse find the freedom they deserve.
The sad thing is most people do not go to a church because of an overwhelming desire to know truth, they usually go because they have come to the end of themselves. They need help that leans more towards the emotional or physical. They are wounded and bleeding spiritually, far to often they become prey instead of healthy, well educated saints.When there is mental, physical, spiritual or economic abuse, there is also the opportunity through Jesus Christ to be delivered.
Everyone has a right to be empowered, to live productive, independent lives at home, at your place of worship, in your pursuit of an education, your place of employment and in your daily travel."
Terry and his beautiful wife Bridgett have a deep passion, leading by example to see the oppressed become free. Not only from abusive situations, but also from the addictive lifestyles, that typically follow. Together, they make a powerful team ready and willing, to love and encourage those in need. Having ministered the basics of the gospel throughout the United States, and named honorary missionaries to Brazil in 1999, they are making an "IMPACT" in the lives of everyday struggling people.
Terry also has a unique ministry, helping for over 30 years to bridge the gap between "Oneness &Trinitarian" believers, helping them find common ground as it pertains to the foundation of Christianity. That balance is repentance, a belief in the virgin birth of Jesus Christ, his crucifixion and his bodily resurrection from the dead. The salvation process begins when we first believe in the three greatest events in human history as fact. To tell people differently is cultish in nature.
"Terry is also working towards his PhD in Christian Psychology and World Religions and recently graduated from Ohio Christian University with a bachelor of arts degree in substance abuse counseling. His goal, helping those addicted to alcohol, drugs and religious abuse find the freedom they deserve.
Counter-Cult/ Person 2 Person Ministry
"Truth never makes progress going in the same direction as the masses, it only becomes revealed when going against the grain of past generational thought."
One of the most difficult things for many Christians to do is to take off the
mask that covers up their faith.
That mask can consist of many things. There is the mask of Trinitarianism and Monotheism. You may have heard it described as Trinity vs. Oneness, even though those words cannot be found in scripture, people would rather focus on what does not exist versus what does. What does exist is the word "Invisible" 5 times to be exact.
Then there is the mask of denominationalism, church buildings, not that those things are bad, but when they overtake the priority of family, then the risk for unbalanced relationships increases. The mask of "I don't know or ignorance" There is the mask of "Christian Prosperity" or "Christian Poverty" and the mask of "Christian Celebrityism" you know, all you here about are the names of people who have created their own following and the gospel message is somehow overshadowed by their personalities.
Some spend countless hours covering up their Christian faith with these different masks.They will fight to the bitter end to defend their right to wear a mask and in
the process ignore fellowship with others of a different mask. During all this they forget about the most important part of living a life for Jesus Christ, that is finding out who they are in Christ. In other words, finding out their Identity, knowing what their specific gifting's and talents are and working to perfect it for the cause and furtherance of the Gospel.
Going to church does not make you a Christian anymore than standing in a garage makes you a car. At the end of the day all of these masks are meaningless. I would rather hang out with a bunch of alcoholics and drug addicts who need and want help beyond the power of a mask, than most who hide their Christianity behind "the mask".
How sad it is to see where the majority are going with their favorite mask and
costume on, thinking it matters to God.
How corporate minded we have become, to constantly hear people defend their right to be this and that, triune or oneness, belong to this church or that church! Don't get me wrong, there are healthy churches and healthy people who attend them, the difficult thing is finding them and keeping a balanced perspective as you and your family engage.
Where are the Christians? I don't mean those who attend church once or twice a week, I mean the Christians who use their gifts and talents without a mask and take the fact of the virgin birth, crucifixion and bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ to people nobody else will reach out to.
Have they turned into Pharisees and Sadducee's? Are they wearing a different kind
of costume? Is it a my four and no more mentality? A my way or the highway approach? A we have all truth and unless you see it our way you are an outsider. There are so many churches of 200 people or less in our country that have done more harm in their efforts than the good they proclaim. Along with that there are churches of 300 and more who have become so independent they no longer feel the need to reach out to other churches who are trying and struggling. For some their stand creates doctrinal division and offers no common ground to build from.
"If God has to be anything other than invisible (outside of Jesus Christ) there will always be a separation between mask wearing Christians that God cannot even repair."
When my family and I finally escaped the mind numbing spiritual abuse that came from church leaders we had spent over a decade laboring under for the "sake of the gospel", at first we were dazed and confused. We finally realized they were not interested in us or anybody else for that matter. They were only interested in the financial rewards that came from their "Non-Profit Christian Business". We eventually left the area we called home and began a new life and developed a new family vision, to help those who cannot help themselves, starting with ourselves.
There is a deception that plagues so many in the church today. Striving after positions and titles that eventually clouds the mind and distorts the plan and purpose that God has for them. Ben Franklin once said, "The man who trades freedom for security does not deserve nor will he ever receive either"
CULT EXPOSERS
Statement of Faith
Our commitment Is to fulfill Christ's command of Matthew 28:19-20 requires that we have a scriptural foundation for what we believe and teach. We have chosen to use the Bible, God's Holy Word, as our authority. The Bible sheds light on human nature, human suffering and world problems. Not only does it tell about these issues, it also gives the answers and solutions to the dilemmas that face mankind. It clearly reveals humanity's way to reach Deity.
The message of the Bible is the message of Jesus Christ, who said, "I am the way, the truth and the life..." (John 14:6). It is the story of salvation; the story of redemption; the story of life, peace and eternity. As a result, the Bible is the only real authority we have. We have purposely chosen to allow God, through His Word, to guide us in our quest to, "work out our own salvation..." (Ph 2:7). We are trusting in the simplicity of the Gospel and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to "...lead us into all truth" (John 16:13) The following Articles of Faith are the result of our belief and commitment to the authority of the Word of God in our lives.
We believe…the Bible. We believe the Bible to be inspired of God, the inerrant and infallible Word of God. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness". (II Tim. 3:16)
The Bible is the only God-given authority which man possesses; therefore all doctrine, faith, hope and instruction for the Ministry/ministry must be based upon and harmonize with the Bible. It is to be read and studied by all men everywhere, and can only be clearly understood by those who are anointed by the Holy Spirit (I John 1:9). "No prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost" (II Pet. 1:20-21).
We believe in the.…one true God We believe in the one everlasting, eternal God: infinite in power, Holy in nature, attributes and purpose; and possessing absolute, indivisible deity. This one true God has revealed Himself as Father, through His son, in redemption; and as the Holy Spirit, by emanation (I Cor. 8:6;Eph. 4:6; II Cor. 5:19; Joel 2:28).
The Scripture does more than attempt to prove the existence of God; it asserts, assumes and declares that the knowledge of God is universal. (Rom. 1:19, 21, 28, 32; 2:15). God is invisible, incorporeal, without parts, without body, and therefore free from all limitations. He is Spirit (John 4:24), and "...a spirit hath not flesh and bones..." (Luke 24:39).
The first of all the commandments is, hear, O Israel; the Lord our God is one Lord" (Mark 12:29; Deut. 6:4). "One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all" (Eph. 4:6).
We believe in the...Son of God"He came unto His own, and His own received Him not" (John 1:11). This one true God was manifest in the flesh, that is, in His Son Jesus Christ. "...God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them..." (II Cor. 5:19).
We believe that, "...in Him (Jesus) dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily" (Col. 2:9). "For it pleased the Father in Him should all fullness dwell" (Col. 1:19). Therefore, Jesus in His humanity was man; in His deity was and is God. His flesh was the lamb, or the sacrifice of God. He is the only mediator between God and man. "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (I Tim. 2:5). Jesus on His Father's side was divine, on His mother's side, human; Thus, He was known as the Son of God and also the son of man, or the God-man. "For He hath put all things under His feet. But when He saith all things are put under Him, it is manifest that He is excepted, which did put all things under Him" (I Cor. 15:27). "And when all things shall be subdued unto Him, then shall the Son also Himself be subject unto Him that put all things under Him, that God may be all in all" (I Cor. 15:28).
"...unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: ...and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace" (Is. 9:6). The prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled when the Son of God was named, "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus: for He shall save His People from their sins" (Matt. 1:21).
"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).
We believe in the...Holy Spirit John the Baptist, in Matthew 3:11, said, "...He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire." Jesus, in Acts 1:5, said, "...ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." The Lord, through the Prophet Joel, said, "...I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh;..." (Joel 2:28). Peter, in explaining this phenomenal experience, said, "...having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, He (Jesus) hath shed forth this which ye now see and hear" (Acts 2:33). Further, "..the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call" (Acts 2:39).
We believe in the…Sacrament/Covenant of Baptism. The Scriptural mode of baptism is immersion, and is only for those who have fully repented, having turned from their sins and a love of the world. We baptize according to an individual confession of faith and repentance in obedience to the great commission of Christ as stated in Matthew 28:19 following the pattern and example of the Apostles as they went forth to baptize in the Acts of the Apostles 2:38; 8:16; 10:48; 19:5, thus obeying and fulfilling Matthew 28:19.
We believe in the…Grace of God"For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and Godly, in this present world" (Titus 2:11-12). "For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ" (John 1:17). A Christian, to keep saved, must walk with God and keep himself in the love of God (Jude 21) and in the grace of God. The word "grace" means "favor". "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God" (Eph. 2:8). We are justified by His grace through our faith in Christ's sacrifice on Calvary. (Rom. 3:21-24)
We believe in…Repentance & Conversion. True pardon and forgiveness of sins is obtained by genuine repentance, which includes a confessing and forsaking of sins. We are justified by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:1). John the Baptist preached repentance, Jesus proclaimed it, and the Apostles emphasized it to both Jews and Gentiles. (Acts 2:38; 11:18; 17:30).
The word "repentance" comes from several Greek words which mean, change of views and purpose, change of heart, change of mind, change of life, to transform, etc.
We believe in…Holiness Godly living should characterize the life of every child of the Lord, and we should live according to the pattern and example given in the Word of God. "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and Godly, in this present world" (Titus 2:11, 12). "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord" (Heb. 12:14).
We believe in…Divine Healing, The first covenant that the Lord (Jehovah) made with the children of Israel after they were brought out of Egypt was a covenant of healing. The Lord said, "...if thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord (Jehovah-Rapha, the Lord that healeth) God, and wilt do that which is right in His sight, and wilt give ear to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians; for I am the Lord that healeth thee" (Ex. 15:26).
The vicarious suffering of the Lord Jesus Christ paid for the healing of our bodies, the same as for the salvation of our souls, for "...with His stripes we are healed" (Is. 53:5). Matthew 8:17 reads, "...Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses". (See also I Pet. 2:24).
"For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps: who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth: who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously" (I Peter 2:21-23).
We believe in the…Second Coming of Jesus. That Jesus is coming again, the second time in person just as He went away, is clearly set forth by the Lord Jesus Himself, and was preached and taught in the early Christian Ministry by the apostles, hence, the children of God today are earnestly, hopefully, looking forward to the glorious event. (Matt. 24; Acts 1:11; 3:19-21; I Cor. 11:26; 4:1-2; Heb. 2:14; Rom. 11:25-27).
We believe in the…Sacrament of Communion. On the night of our Lord's betrayal, He ate the Passover supper with his Apostles, after which He instituted the sacrament. "And He took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, this is my body which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper saying, this cup is the New Testament in my blood, which is shed for you" (Luke 22:19-20). Paul instructed the Ministry how to observe it (I Cor. 11:23-34). Thus was instituted the use of literal bread and the fruit of the vine, which are partaken of literally, as emblems of His broken body and shed blood. This is also a spiritual significance in partaking of the sacrament.
We believe in the…Creation & Fall of Man. In the beginning God created man innocent, pure and holy; but through the sin of disobedience, Adam and Eve, the first of the human race, fell from their holy state, and God banished them from Eden. Hence by one man's disobedience, sin entered into the world (Gen. 1:27; Rom. 3:23; 5:12).
We believe in Hell, a place for the unbeliever!Psalm 9:17 The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. Malachi 41For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. Matthew 13:4242And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Revelation 9:22And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit.
wHo ArE wE?
A Counter-Cult/ Person 2 Person Ministry
"Do No Harm"
Helping people move beyond the difficulty of systematic religious abuse. Leaving a cult or a very religious system can be very difficult at first.
What is a Cult?
DEFINITIONS-Those drawn into cults are asking questions and looking for answers. But they are asking the wrong questions. Instead of, “Which group accepts me and provides answers for my life?” they need to be asking, “Will I accept the truth God has already revealed in the Bible and His answers for my life?”What Is a Cult? A cult is a sect or group of people that holds to deviant doctrines.
A cult is a system of religious beliefs that distorts orthodox Biblical doctrine.“Orthodox” refers to basic beliefs that conform to established doctrine.“Doctrine” refers to a general teaching or a system of principles. Biblical doctrine is teaching based on the self-evident truths of Scripture.
The word cult comes from the Latin word cults, which means “worship” or “adoration.”The word cult became an English word only in the 1600's.It is not used in Scripture. However, the Bible does refer to those who are “turning to a different gospel,” whose leaders “pervert the gospel of Christ.” Galatians 1:6-7
“How do cults vary from orthodox Christianity?” Every cult varies in its teachings from one or more of six fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith.
Virgin Birth --Jesus Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin. Matthew 1:18,23
Atonement--Only the shed blood of Jesus Christ can pay the penalty for personal sin. Romans 5:8-9
Resurrection--Jesus Christ was raised from the dead in bodily form and was seen on earth by many. 1 Corinthians 15:3-6 Incarnation--Jesus Christ, who is God, took on human form and was fully God and fully man. John 1:1-3,14
--After Jesus Christ visibly returns to earth during the end times, a final judgment is a certainty, sending the unrighteous to eternal punishment and the righteous to eternal life. Hebrews 9:27-28; Matthew 25:46
Scripture--
The Bible is wholly inspired by God, is without error in the original writings and revelation, and is the only authority for righteous living. Proverbs 30:5-6; 2 Timothy 3:16 How Can a Person Dissect a Sect?
A heretical sect is a religious group that separates from the established religion and is usually founded by someone who has left that organization.The Greek word translated “sect” is the word hairesis, from which comes the English word heresy.
Hairesis means “a choosing,” usually referring to a division.6 While all religions have their various sects, which differ among themselves in minor areas of doctrine or policy, each religion has also spawned heretical sects.An heretical sect creates division in a church over teaching that perverts Biblical truth.
The result is the formation of a group that chooses to separate from God’s people and God’s truth!Although an heretical sect has questionable doctrine, its deviation from a mainline group is usually a question of what or who will be the source of authority.The Jewish leaders charged the apostle Paul with being the ringleader of a sect. Acts 24:5-6 “Didn’t the apostle Paul start an heretical sect—Christianity—which Christ never intended?”
No. Jesus Christ was the promised Messiah, who fulfilled all the Old Testament prophesies about the “anointed one” who was to come. Christianity is not a perversion of truth, but the perfection of truth. Christ did not come to create a new teaching, but rather to fulfill the old. Matthew 5:17 How Can a Person Distinguish the Cults? “
Are all cults basically the same?” Yes and no. Cults exhibit similar psychological patternsclosed-mindedness . . . not interested in a rational evaluation of the factsblind obedience to authority . . . the dogma of leader or founder is supremecontrolled living . . . details of daily life are dictated by the leadercontempt for outsiders . . . intolerance for any belief system other than their own 2 Peter 2:1 “Is there a difference between a cult and the occult?” Yes. A cult is a deviant organized religion.
The occult refers to diverse practices used in religion as an attempt to gain supernatural power or knowledge apart from the God of the Bible. (The word occult means “hidden” or “secret.”) Although cults are not the same as the occult, some cults do engage in occultic practices. The Bible opposes all occult practices because reliance is on demonic spiritual power, not on the sovereign power of God.
Isaiah 8:19 Occult practices are forbidden in Scripture!Modern-day occult practices include;SorcerySpiritismOmensMediumsWitchcraftSpellsfortune-tellingséancestarot cardsouija boardsastrologycrystal ballsDeuteronomy 18:10-12 CHARACTERISTICSManipulation by Cult Leaders Characteristic of all cult leaders is the belief that they alone have the one true message from God.9 They present themselves as infallible authorities, requiring absolute loyalty.They persuade through their strong, charismatic personalities.They prohibit individual freedom, expecting unquestioned obedience.
They promote themselves as divine or as God’s sole agent on earth.They possess “new truth” from God, while perverting Biblical truth.They provide simplistic answers for complex problems.2 Corinthians 11:13-15 Mentality of Cult Followers Cults thrive on people who know little or nothing of the Bible and who readily replace logical reasoning with emotional decisions.
They willingly pledge allegiance to charismatic leaders who claim to have the key to deeper truths and the answers to all the details of daily living. They follow the cult leader blindly.They forfeit individual freedom.They forsake friends and family to have a new “family.”They fear punishment for not conforming to legalistic rules and regulations.They feel misunderstood and persecuted by the outside world.
They forego reason for emotion.2 Timothy 4:3 “What type of people are most susceptible to being lured into a cult?” People who join cults do not knowingly submit their lives to deceit and error. They are typically intelligent, sincere seekers of truth caught in the snare of subversive spiritual forces.
The following characteristics describe the average cult member: between ages eighteen and twenty-eightmost are malesmiddle to upper classunderachieveridealisticlow self-esteem alienated from familyexperiencing a crisisreligious background, but not spiritually groundedlooking for meaning and purpose to lifedisillusioned with lifenaive or too trustingIsaiah 44:20 Manifestation of Mind Control New recruits converted by cults initially experience a false euphoria.
Along with rigid schedules of intense indoctrination, the mind control tactics of cults rob members of their independence and sense of well-being. The exhilarating highs typically take a downward turn as many leaders employ intimidation, which leads to emotional suppression . . . even suicide in extreme cases. Cult members will exhibit some or all of the following symptoms:
Inability to make rational judgmentsloss of free will and control over the choices of lifeidentity confusion: cutting ties to the pastinability to establish intimate friendshipsparanoia and irrational distrust of othersguilt and fear of expressing doubtsunhealthy dependency on the cult and other cult membersloss of spontaneous joyprolonged depressionthoughts of suicideRomans 16:17-18 CAUSES
“When you meet the friendliest people you have ever known, who introduce you to the most loving group of people you’ve ever encountered, and you find the leader to be the most inspired, caring, compassionate and understanding person you’ve ever met, and then you learn that the cause of the group is something you never dared hope could be accomplished, and all of this sounds too good to be true—it probably is too good to be true!” —Jeanne Mills (former follower of cult leader Jim Jones)
Proverbs 16:25 Have I Got a Deal for You! The word cult is so encumbered with negative implications that no one envisions being a member of a crazy group that ends up “shooting it out” with the federal authorities (the Branch Davidians and David Koresh) or lining up for a lethal dose of liquid suicide (Jim Jones and the Jonestown Massacre).
Can you imagine a neighbor saying, “I have joined a wonderful cult. Would you like me to tell you about it?” Of course not! Cults are much more subtle in their approach, using deceptive statements like these: “Join us for a free dinner and discussion group about current events.”“You can reach your true potential by attending this course on self-awareness.”“Come with me to our retreat this weekend—you have to be present to experience its power.”“Would you be interested in helping us bring love and unity to all mankind?”
“This seminar will teach you a new technique for handling stress in your life.”“We have a new Bible study that reveals ancient secrets unknown to most Christians.”Galatians 4:17 “What is the breeding ground for cult involvement?” Many people are in cults simply because they are “born” into them—their parents or guardians were members. However, the rapid growth of new cults today is basically a reflection of the self-centered philosophies of our culture.
Demoralization of values disrespect for authority deterioration of the familydisillusionment with the “good life”drug culturedemonic fascination with the occult decline of church influencedecrease in doctrinal teaching1 Timothy 4:1 Am I My Brother’s Keeper?
No one can make another person change. So, what is the responsibility of family members when they fear their loved ones are led astray? Is it wrong to impose your values on someone else? Some don’t feel that they have the right to use family influence and thus never try. However, God calls us to rescue those walking in darkness. Proverbs 24:11-12 “Why do family members not take action?”
The reasons for inaction depend on each family.The family isn’t knowledgeable about the cult.The family doesn’t see anything harmful about the cult.The family wants the loved one to make the first move.The family fears further estrangement.The family has no solutions.The family feels powerless.James 5:19-20 New Places—New Faces! Root Cause--People are usually drawn into cults not because of doctrine, but because of unmet emotional needs such as a deep desire for a new family that offers a new purpose.
Since God created every person with three inner needs (for love, for significance and for security), the appeal of cults is powerful.They appear to meet . the emotional need for love the spiritual need for significancethe social need for securityBecause cults are counterfeit “need-meeters,” when the excitement of the new family wears off . . . or dramatic life changes don’t last . . . or problems become evident, the same unfulfilled needs reemerge.Colossians 2:8
Wrong Belief: A cult appeals to one of three inner needs—love, significance and security. • The need for love “This group makes me feel like I’m really loved. They care about me.”Example: Both the Unification Church (the Moonies) and the International Churches of Christ are known for using the tactic called “Love bombing,” overwhelming the victims daily with loving words and emotional embraces.
The need for significance . . . meaning and purpose“This group has given me a new purpose for living. I feel like my life now has meaning and direction.”Example: Mormons teach that Mormon men who have obtained perfection have the potential to attain godhood and to rule over their own planet.
The need for security . . . a sense of belonging“My new family has given me the acceptance I’ve always wanted. I feel like I belong in the group. . . . I feel like I really fit in.”Example: The Watchtower Society (Jehovah’s Witnesses) teaches that members of all religions except their own will soon be destroyed at Armageddon. The only hope to escape annihilation is to remain faithful to the Watchtower organization.Right Belief: The Lord promises to meet all our deepest inner needs. Philippians 4:19
The need for love is met.I know God loves me unconditionally because Jesus sacrificed His life on the cross for me so that I could have eternal life. John 3:16 The need for significance is met.When I put my trust in the person of Jesus Christ alone to save me from my sins, I gave Him control of my life. Christ is now living in me, fulfilling the Lord’s purpose for me. Jeremiah 29:11
The need for security is met.When I gave my life to the Lord Jesus Christ I received eternal life. I was adopted as a child of God and made secure in the family of God. 1 John 5:13 STEPS TO SOLUTIONKey Verse to Memorize 2 Timothy 2:15 Key Passage to Read and Reread John 1:1-18 Who Is the Real Christ?
The ultimate questions concerning cults and their claims are . . .Who is God?Who is Jesus?Who or what is the final authority regarding truth?Confusion over these three questions lies at the very heart of cults and their twisting of the truth. This explains why cults either ignore the Bible, interpret Scripture out of context or boldly rewrite passages to create another bible. When people center their hearts and minds only on the unchanging truths of the Bible, then they are not captured by erroneous religious beliefs.
The Bible clearly addresses the three questions concerning God, Jesus and the final authority on truth. John 1:1 “Word” in Greek is logos, which means“the expression of thought”“the revealed will of God”“the personal expression of God”John 1 teaches that Jesus is God and the source of Truth!
Jesus existed in the plan of God at the beginning of creation.—John 1:1Jesus was with God at the beginning.—John 1:1Jesus was God at the beginning.—John 1:1Jesus is coeternal with God.—John 1:1-2Jesus created the world.—John 1:3Jesus is the source of life.—John 1:4Jesus is the light for the world.—John 1:4-9Jesus gave believers in him the right to become children of God.—John 1:12-13Jesus, as God, took on human form.—John 1:14Jesus is the only begotten Son of God.—John 1:14Jesus is full of grace and truth.—John 1:14Jesus is the source of truth.—John 1:17Jesus is the only Son.—John 1:18Jesus is now at the Father’s side.—John 1:18Jesus reveals the character of God the Father.—John 1:18, 2 Corinthians 2:3-4,13
First Things First The initial goal of concerned family members is to become a unified, supportive family . . . to be emotionally and spiritually healthy yourselves before trying to reestablish contact with your loved one in a cult. Recognize what must be learned and unlearned. Seek information from cult awareness experts and organizations (for example, Watchman Fellowship, Spiritual Counterfeits Projects, Personal Freedom Outreach, American Family Foundation).
Learn options and strategies that are available for families.Learn about cults, cult tactics and mind control.Learn what need (love, significance or security) the cult is appearing to meet for your loved one. Proverbs 1:5 Seek group counseling with other families in the same situation.Realize that you are not alone in your suffering.See what other families are doing to reestablish relationships with loved ones caught up in cults.Solicit critiques about the content and “tone” of letters you plan to send. Proverbs 15:22 Seek outside help to evaluate and improve your family dynamics.
As a family, talk through your pain, anger, guilt, confusion and bitterness.Let go of blaming each other and extend forgiveness toward one another.Role-play and replace negative patterns of relating that could hamper future contact.Hebrews 12:15 “Is complete recovery possible?” Yes! Luke 1:37 Reach Out through Relationship Merely loving those who are lost will not get them through the gates of heaven, but neither will a dissertation on doctrine. Remember, a person is drawn into a cult assuming it will meet emotional needs.
If you care about loved ones caught in the clutches of a cult, realize their first need is to know you respect them as creations of God with God-given worth. Only then will the soil of their hearts be prepared for you to plant seeds of doubt and to replace false teaching with truth. Ultimately, through gentle reasoning and persistent prayer, God can use you to help open a closed heart, clear a confused mind and restore a damaged relationship.1 Peter 3:15 Respect--As long as your loved one is in the cult, make every effort to reestablish and remain in contact. With the following three do’s and don’ts, build a bridge that won’t blow up.
Don’t criticize or make fun of the cult leader and members—this only causes defensiveness.Do . . . Be polite when reference is made to the cult and its leaders. Proverbs 11:12Don’t project negative emotions or get into arguments, in spite of your own discomfort.Do . . . Allow Christ to control your anger, responding always with kindness. 2 Timothy 2:23-24 Don’t interrupt, regardless of your disapproval. Instead, learn to listen without interruption.Do . . . Listen more than you talk. Proverbs 17:28 Replant-- “What is the most effective thing I can do to help pull someone out of a cult?”
Plant a seed of doubt in the mind of the cult member, which, in time, can grow into bigger and bigger doubts. This can help the person become more objective and see errors in the cult’s teaching. God’s Spirit can cultivate the smallest seed to convict the cult member that something is terribly wrong. Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 Seed of Doubt-Plant the realization that joy does exist outside the cult.Example: Send a scrapbook of family pictures to bring to mind happy memories prior to your loved one’s cult involvement.
Plant specific proof of cult errors. Example: Show photocopies of unfulfilled prophecies by the Jehovah’s Witnesses from their own writings.Plant a fresh awareness that your loved one’s freedom to choose has been stifled.Example: Sincerely say, without sarcasm, “It’s a shame that you don’t have the freedom to decide for yourself when you can visit us.”Plant factual information on the cult, facts about which your loved one is probably unaware.Example: Provide proof of the prison record of a cult leader, stockpiling of arms, drug involvement with negative repercussions.
Plant examples of inconsistencies within the cult’s doctrinal teachings.Example: Ask, “Is it true that Mormons teach ‘as man now is God once was’?”21 Show passages from the Book of Mormon (Mormon 9:9-11 and Moroni 7:22; Moroni 8:18) that say God doesn’t change. “Please help me understand which you think is incorrect, the Mormon teaching or the Mormon writings?”
Restore- Goal #1: Regain basic cognitive skills lost during cult involvement. Duration: From up to six or eight weeks after leaving a cult Tasks: To recall memory . . . The past is often suppressed.Recall in detail positive events prior to cult involvement.Talk about positive childhood friends and family members.Laugh about previous humorous situations. (Do not “walk on eggshells.”)
To speak clearly . . . Speech patterns are often broken.If the voice trails off, say, “Would you please repeat that?”If abstract global terms are used, ask what the terms mean for today.If the focus is on the future, talk about current events.To make decisions . . . Decision making is difficult because it was discouraged or denied.
Discourage blind conformity by assuring them of their ability to make good individual choices, rather than conformity.Encourage them to choose their own food from the menu.Let them choose and purchase their own clothing. Galatians 6:1 Goal #2: Regain a sense of God-given worth and individuality lost during cult involvement. Duration: From the first or second month to as long as 24 months Tasks:
To diffuse rage . . . Unhealthy regression when in the cult can swing to unhealthy aggression after leaving the cult, with violent verbal attacks toward the cult and its leaders. Help them focus not only on the wrong doctrine and deeds of the cult, but also on the inner unmet needs of individuals in the cult.Help them see that polarized black and white thinking was the breeding ground for their initial cult involvement. The initial teaching of a cult must contain some grains of truth, or no one would be drawn into it.
Have them list ten important lessons they have learned as a result of their cult experience. James 1:20 To dispel taboos . . . The ex-cult member’s attitudes and beliefs can still be in bondage to the cult’s taboos. Regarding the physical body . . . ask, “Since God created our physical bodies and He called what He created ‘very good,’ do you think it wise to agree with those who say our bodies are bad (or mere illusions)?”Genesis 1:26,31 Regarding sex . . . say, “God created the marriage covenant, and He also created sexual intimacy for bonding in marriage.
Do you think it wise to be against what God chooses to bless?”Genesis 2:24 (Also see 1 Corinthians 7:3-5.) Regarding exclusion of certain foods . . . ask, “Since the New Testament repealed the dietary law and Jesus declared ‘all foods clean,’ do you really think it wise to place human teaching above God’s teaching?” (Read Acts 10:11-16; Mark 7:19 and Colossians 2:16.)Galatians 5:1 To decrease insecurity . . .
Ex-cult members usually feel as though they are living in a goldfish bowl and that the eyes of all the family are on them. Let go of overprotective behavior even though your heart still fears that your loved one may return to the cult.Initiate the subject, “Before you went into the cult, did you feel smothered and in need of a safe place to escape?”Ask, “Now what can I do differently that would be meaningful to you?” Proverbs 20:5 To direct aimlessness . . .
When a cult member finally leaves a group that seemed to have all the answers to life, finding purpose in life can present a huge internal battle. Help them establish a purpose for living.“Let’s make a short list of God’s purposes for your life. "Let’s especially look at your God-given responsibilities.”Help them establish future-oriented goals, both short-term and long-term.“Now, let’s list a few six month goals and five year goals to help you fulfill each of these purposes.”Help them establish their priorities. “Let’s make a plan with action steps for you to accomplish your goals.
What do you think should be first?”Help them establish a Christ-centered spiritual family.“Let’s establish some criteria and set a goal for finding a healthy, Bible believing church. I would enjoy helping you find a safe and supportive family of believers.” Hebrews 10:24 Trade Lies for Truth The Bible calls Satan “the father of lies” (John 8:44), and Satan’s goal is to deceive us with lies.
When we believe his lies, they take root in our minds, and Satan establishes a stronghold. This is why it is so difficult to identify the lies, and even more difficult to stop believing them.The good news is Jesus is Truth, and He is more powerful than Satan. Therefore, His truths are more powerful than Satan’s lies. By allowing truth to take root in our minds, Satan’s stronghold is weakened and eventually destroyed.
God claims the ground once occupied by Satan, renews our minds and sets us free. Nothing is more victorious for a person captive to a cult than to recognize the lies and be set free. Galatians 5:1 Pray for the Lord to reveal every single lie. Renounce each and every lie, every false teaching. Accept truth in place of the lies. Yield yourself to Christ in order for Him to continually renew your mind. Claim the truths that counter each of the lies. The following prayer can help you in this process.Heavenly Father, in Jesus name, I ask You to remove the blinders Satan has placed over the eyes of my mind. Show me the lies I have believed and show me Your truths.
Right now I reject the lies I have believed. I renounce (name the cult and the lies). Lord, I choose to accept only Your truth. I accept that (name truths). I ask you to demolish Satan’s stronghold and reclaim the ground he has had in my life. I claim the victory I have in Christ over all Satan’s tactics. Lord, continually renew my mind through Your truth. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. John 8:32 Rocky Road of Recovery When cult members discover they have been taught error and they decide to leave, their road back to reality is rocky.
Although many were victims of manipulation and cultic indoctrination, they feel guilty, confused and fearful for being lured into the cult as well as for leaving the cult. Jude 22 Post Cult Features and a Plan for Family & FriendsAnger and depression If exiting cult members feel empty and disillusioned when the cause to which they gave themselves seems no longer valid, they can become angry and/or depressed.Look for ways to help them and others . . . in time possibly helping other cult members escape involvement. Galatians 6:2 Distrust If exiting cult members focus on feeling deceived and duped, they can overgeneralize and trust no one.
Change their focus by helping them understand the general nature of cults, and thus narrow their distrust to leaders who distort truth and use mind control. Proverbs 16:16Indecisiveness If exiting cult members were forced to conform to rigid rules, they may have difficulty making their own decisions.Restrain the urge to make decisions for them and have them choose between two or three options.
Proverbs 17:27 Sexual Confusion If talk about sexual morals, intimacy or relationships with the opposite sex is feared, the cult most likely twisted the issue of sex to gain control, which is not uncommon.Although often awkward, a discussion of healthy sex can be most beneficial. Explain that God intended sexual union for procreation and bonding in marriage.1 Corinthians 7:3-5
Disorientation If loved ones seem to go into a trance or have flashbacks, something from their cultic experience has been triggered.Draw them back into the present by engaging them in conversation about something that is occurring here and now. Isaiah 43:18 Instability If loved ones don’t know what they believe, they may still be confused by false cultic teaching.Don’t demand that they adopt your values.
Instead of coercing (as cults do), give them information, then let them decide in their own time. Proverbs 16:23 Hypersensitivity If loved ones are overly defensive and argumentative, they are guarding against further emotional vulnerability.Allow them sufficient time at home to heal and to build healthy emotional defenses that have been torn down.Ecclesiastes 3:1-3 ShynessIf your loved ones seem reluctant to interact with others, they fear rejection and don’t know who to trust.
Encourage positive interaction with proven friends, especially with ex-cult members who can identify with their experiences. Proverbs 27:17Sadness If your loved ones appear despondent and unhappy, they may be grieving over the personal loss of time and credibility.Without preaching, reveal God’s marvelous ability to turn our mistakes into something positive and good.
He promises to bring value out of the time we lost. Joel 2:25 Fear If your loved ones seem apprehensive or suspicious, they could have legitimate fear of being abducted or harmed by the cult members.Share with them that each of us experiences some form of fear, but God promises to keep us safe. Proverbs 29:25 Black and white thinking If your loved ones are verbally attacking and hostile against the cult, they are repeating the same judgmental thinking fostered by the cult.
To overcome judgmental attitudes, help your loved one look for the glimmer of good in “all things.” Speak about something of value experienced in the cult (such as learning to approach strangers with confidence). Romans 8:28 Loneliness If your loved ones want to reestablish contact with a cult member, they probably feel the need to be connected with someone special.Discourage visits or calls to cultic friends. Be available to listen, interact and befriend.
Encourage interaction with others. Ecclesiastes 4:10 Because of the powerful hold cults have over a person’s mind, will and emotions, family and friends often become frightened and bewildered. They find it difficult to believe that the cult continues to have such a lingering influence. However, learning to walk in freedom takes time. God takes us where we are and moves us along the road of freedom one step at a time . . . replacing one lie at a time . . . with one truth at a time.
Titus 3:3-5 Pointers from Paul The apostle Paul, with his sensitive yet persuasive presentation of Jesus Christ, gave us the model for cult evangelism when he confronted those who were spiritually misguided on the streets of ancient Greece. Read Acts 17:16-34. Paul had a heart of conviction. Acts 17:16-18 Be convinced of your own faith.Be committed to the authority of God’s Word.
Write out and know how to share your own testimony.Learn how to communicate the gospel.Ask a mature Christian to critique your presentation.Pray continually for the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Romans 1:16 Paul made himself available. Acts 17:19-21 Be informed about the nature of cults through writings, tapes and conferences, especially the cult you are interested in.Be ready to share reasons for your faith.Be prepared with answers from the Bible.Be warm and friendly—cults teach that outsiders are uncaring.
Be attentive to what they say.Be willing to “hang in there” unless they refuse contact.Proverbs 13:16 Paul treated them with respect. Acts 17:22 Don’t be “better-than-thou”—see them as created and loved by God.Don’t be critical—compliment them when you can.Don’t think they wanted to be duped—acknowledge the sincerity of their spiritual search.Don’t be negative toward them—look for areas of agreement.Don’t slander or belittle the group’s leaders—they will become defensive.
Don’t argue or lose your temper—that confirms they don’t want what you have.Proverbs 16:21 Paul planted seeds of doubt. Acts 17:23 Ask about their personal values.Ask about their personal reason for living.Ask for definitions of words like God, Christ and Scripture. Ask, “Can you explain to me ( present a problem with the cult )?”
Ask sensitive questions like these:“Does your belief give you that inner peace every heart desires?” Answer: John 16:33 “Do you know for sure that you will go to heaven when you die?” Answer: 1 John 5:13 “Do you think we will all be held accountable for what we do?” Answer: Hebrews 9:27 “Do you believe that Jesus would lie to you?” Answer: John 14:6 “Do you feel completely forgiven?” Answer: 1 John 1:9 Colossians 4:5-6 Paul presented the gospel. (Acts 17:24-34)All of us are sinners. Romans 3:23 God loves us in spite of our sins. Romans 5:8 God is just and must punish sin. Romans 6:23 Those who put their trust in Christ are saved.
Romans 10:13 We are saved only by faith, not by works. Ephesians 2:8-9 Once we trust only in Christ, not ourselves or others, we have peace with God! Romans 5:1 2 Timothy 2:25-26 A Pound of Prevention “What is the best deterrent to cult entrapment?” Knowing the Word of God
A warm and loving family A warm and loving church thatteaches sound Biblical doctrine versus extra “new truth”provides a non-extravagant pastor versus a self-indulgent leaderstresses loyalty to Jesus as Lord versus loyalty to human leadersprioritizes a personal relationship with Christ versus religious ritualrelates Scripture to personal experiences versus determining truth based only on experienceencourages fellowship with familyversus separation from family offers.
Bible studies that are inclusiveversus study groups that are exclusiveviews their church as one of many doing God’s work versus God working solely through themfurnishes all teachings for public scrutinyversus fostering an air of secrecy respects everyone’s right to privacy versus intruding into personal matters confronts privately about personal sin versus humiliating people in public,
Encourages financial giving as God leads versus demanding specific amounts allows any member to freely leave the church versus curtailing freedom with threats or guilt invites critical thinkers to ask any questionversus stifling those with objections Ephesians 5:6-8 “Since becoming a true Christian, I now realize that I’ve been in a cult.
Should I stay involved in the cult to help other members open their eyes to see the truth?” Imagine you are standing on a desk and someone else is standing on the floor. Is it easier for you to pull that person up or is it easier for you to be pulled down? The obvious answer is the latter.
Christians and cult members do not have equal footing. They are not equally yoked. Reasons for leaving the cult are these:Someone else may join the cult to follow your example.Over time, you could be pulled back down.The Bible says, “Come out”—come out of the cult. 2 Corinthians 6:14,17 Bank tellers are taught to spot counterfeits not by focusing on fake bills but by continuously handling “the real thing.” The best deterrent from being deceived by a cult is to know Biblical doctrine. It’s easy to detect the false when you know the truth. —
References:
June Hunt NOTESMerriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary (electronic edition) (Merriam-Webster, 2001).Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary.The Watchman Expositor 14:3 (1997).Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary; American Heritage Electronic Dictionary (Houghton Mifflin, 1992).Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary.W. E. Vine, Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, electronic ed. (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1996).See Walter Martin, The Kingdom of the Cults, rev. and expanded ed. (Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House, 1985), 26-28. For further information, see Dave Breese, The Marks of the Cults: The Warning Signs of False Teachings (Eugene, OR: Harvest House, 1998).The Watchman Expositor 14:3 (1997). See also Alan W. Gomes, Unmaking the Cults, Zondervan Guide to Cults & Religious Movements, ed. Alan W. Gomes (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1995), 16, 44.See Steven Hassan, Combating Cult Mind Control (Rochester, VT: Park Street, 1988); Robert Jay Lifton, Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism (New York: W. W. Norton, 1961); Margaret Thaler Singer, Cults in Our Midst (San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1995); Madeleine Landau Tobias and Lalich Janja, Captive Hearts Captive Minds: Freedom and Recovery from Cults and Abusive Relationships (Alameda, CA: Hunter House, 1994).Joan Carol Ross and Michael D. Langone, Cults: What Parents Should Know: A Practical Guide to Help Parents with Children in Destructive Groups (New York: Carol, 1988), 21-22. See also Hassan, Combating Cult Mind Control; Singer, Cults in Our Midst.Rachel Andres and James R. Lane, eds, Cults & Consequences (Los Angeles, CA: Commission on Cults & Missionaries, Community Relations Committee, Jewish Federation Council of Greater Los Angeles, 1988), 2:10-14.Ross and Langone, Cults: What Parents Should Know, 32-34, 120-23. See also David Johnson and Jeff VanVonderen, The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse (Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House, 1991).For further information, see Rick Branch and Carmen Branch, Friendshipping (Marlow, OK: Utah Missions, 1986).For further information, see Edmond Gruss, Cults and the Occult, 4 th ed. (Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian and Reformed, 2002), 9.See Ross and Langone, Cults: What Parents Should Know.On the three God-given inner needs, see Lawrence J. Crabb, Jr., Understanding People: Deep Longings for Relationship, Ministry Resources Library (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1987), 15-16; Robert S. McGee, The Search for Significance, 2 nd ed. (Houston, TX: Rapha, 1990), 27-30.See Bruce R. McConkie, The Mortal Messiah (Salt Lake City: Deseret, 1979), 3:220; B. H. Roberts, The Mormon Doctrine of Deity: The Roberts-Van Der Donckt Discussion (Salt Lake City: Signature, 1998), 135-36.Charles Taze Russell, Studies in the Scriptures (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, 1917), 7:185; Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, 1989), 255.See Ross and Langone, Cults: What Parents Should Know.Andres and Lane, Cults & Consequences, 4:30. See also Tobias and Janja, Captive Hearts Captive Minds, 86-200.Andrew F. Ehat and Lyndon W. Cook, eds., The Words of Joseph Smith: The Contemporary Accounts of the Nauvoo Discourses of the Prophet Joseph (Provo, UT: Grandin, 1994), 84; Bruce R. McConkie, The Promised Messiah (Salt Lake City: Deseret, 1978), 134.For this section, see Andres and Lane, Cults & Consequences, 6:23-30.Andres and Lane, Cults & Consequences, 6:13.See also Tobias and Janja, Captive Hearts Captive Minds.SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHYWith grateful appreciation for editorial review by Watchman Fellowship, Inc. www.watchman.org Andres, Rachel, and James R. Lane, eds. Cults & Consequences. Los Angeles, CA: Commission on Cults & Missionaries, Community Relations Committee, Jewish Federation Council of Greater Los Angeles, 1988.Branch, Rick, and Carmen Branch. Friendshipping. Marlow, OK: Utah Missions, 1986.Breese, Dave. The Marks of the Cults: The Warning Signs of False Teachings. Eugene, OR: Harvest House, 1998.Crabb, Lawrence J., Jr. Understanding People: Deep Longings for Relationship. Ministry Resources Library. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1987.Ehat, Andrew F., and Lyndon W. Cook, eds. The Words of Joseph Smith: The Contemporary Accounts of the Nauvoo Discourses of the Prophet Joseph. Provo, UT: Grandin, 1994.Gomes, Alan W. Unmaking the Cults. Zondervan Guide to Cults & Religious Movements, ed. Alan W. Gomes. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1995.Gruss, Edmond. Cults and the Occult. 4 th ed. Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian and Reformed, 2002.Hassan, Steven. Combating Cult Mind Control. Rochester, VT: Park Street, 1988.Johnson, David, and Jeff VanVonderen. The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House, 1991.Lifton, Robert Jay. Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism. New York: W. W. Norton, 1961.Martin, Walter. The Kingdom of the Cults. Rev. and expanded ed. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House, 1985.McConkie, Bruce R. The Mortal Messiah. Salt Lake City: Deseret, 1979.McConkie, Bruce R. The Promised Messiah. Salt Lake City: Deseret, 1978.McGee, Robert S. The Search for Significance. 2 nd ed. Houston, TX: Rapha, 1990.Roberts, B. H. The Mormon Doctrine of Deity: The Roberts-Van Der Donckt Discussion. Salt Lake City: Signature, 1998.Ross, Joan Carol, and Michael D. Langone. Cults: What Parents Should Know: A Practical Guide to Help Parents with Children in Destructive Groups. New York: Carol, 1988.Russell, Charles Taze. Studies in the Scriptures. Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, 1917.Singer, Margaret Thaler. Cults in Our Midst. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1995.Tobias, Madeleine Landau, and Lalich Janja. Captive Hearts Captive Minds: Freedom and Recovery from Cults and Abusive Relationships. Alameda, CA: Hunter House, 1994.Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth. Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, 1989.
One of the most difficult things for many Christians to do is to take off the
mask that covers up their faith.
That mask can consist of many things. There is the mask of Trinitarianism and Monotheism. You may have heard it described as Trinity vs. Oneness, even though those words cannot be found in scripture, people would rather focus on what does not exist versus what does. What does exist is the word "Invisible" 5 times to be exact.
Then there is the mask of denominationalism, church buildings, not that those things are bad, but when they overtake the priority of family, then the risk for unbalanced relationships increases. The mask of "I don't know or ignorance" There is the mask of "Christian Prosperity" or "Christian Poverty" and the mask of "Christian Celebrityism" you know, all you here about are the names of people who have created their own following and the gospel message is somehow overshadowed by their personalities.
Some spend countless hours covering up their Christian faith with these different masks.They will fight to the bitter end to defend their right to wear a mask and in
the process ignore fellowship with others of a different mask. During all this they forget about the most important part of living a life for Jesus Christ, that is finding out who they are in Christ. In other words, finding out their Identity, knowing what their specific gifting's and talents are and working to perfect it for the cause and furtherance of the Gospel.
Going to church does not make you a Christian anymore than standing in a garage makes you a car. At the end of the day all of these masks are meaningless. I would rather hang out with a bunch of alcoholics and drug addicts who need and want help beyond the power of a mask, than most who hide their Christianity behind "the mask".
How sad it is to see where the majority are going with their favorite mask and
costume on, thinking it matters to God.
How corporate minded we have become, to constantly hear people defend their right to be this and that, triune or oneness, belong to this church or that church! Don't get me wrong, there are healthy churches and healthy people who attend them, the difficult thing is finding them and keeping a balanced perspective as you and your family engage.
Where are the Christians? I don't mean those who attend church once or twice a week, I mean the Christians who use their gifts and talents without a mask and take the fact of the virgin birth, crucifixion and bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ to people nobody else will reach out to.
Have they turned into Pharisees and Sadducee's? Are they wearing a different kind
of costume? Is it a my four and no more mentality? A my way or the highway approach? A we have all truth and unless you see it our way you are an outsider. There are so many churches of 200 people or less in our country that have done more harm in their efforts than the good they proclaim. Along with that there are churches of 300 and more who have become so independent they no longer feel the need to reach out to other churches who are trying and struggling. For some their stand creates doctrinal division and offers no common ground to build from.
"If God has to be anything other than invisible (outside of Jesus Christ) there will always be a separation between mask wearing Christians that God cannot even repair."
When my family and I finally escaped the mind numbing spiritual abuse that came from church leaders we had spent over a decade laboring under for the "sake of the gospel", at first we were dazed and confused. We finally realized they were not interested in us or anybody else for that matter. They were only interested in the financial rewards that came from their "Non-Profit Christian Business". We eventually left the area we called home and began a new life and developed a new family vision, to help those who cannot help themselves, starting with ourselves.
There is a deception that plagues so many in the church today. Striving after positions and titles that eventually clouds the mind and distorts the plan and purpose that God has for them. Ben Franklin once said, "The man who trades freedom for security does not deserve nor will he ever receive either"
CULT EXPOSERS
Hello and thanks for visiting Cult Exposers. We are a person 2 person ministry. We meet with people confidentially one on one, or in small groups. We meet daily, weekly, month to month, or as needed. We meet in homes or in a safe public setting over coffee, lunch or dinner.These meetings are casual and goal oriented.
The purpose is to help people determine if they are in a group with cult like tendencies, bring awareness and healing to them. Ministering hope to those who have left their particular institution. It's also a chance for them talk about their experiences. We also help them find out their individual gifting and talents. We encourage them to find their finger print and leave their own personal mark for Christ before his return. Turning their spot light into a laser beam, for a more effective life.
We do not claim them as our saints, rather we encourage them to live independently for Jesus Christ without the guilt of having to be corralled into an organizational, or church building mindsets of manipulation. We teach them that church is not defined by a building or having a Non-Profit status, but by what Christians do in the communities that they live in. The majority of these people will never walk through the doors of church ever again. For some they have completely given up on God. It is our goal to help them start over, gain their Independence back and eventually become involved in a healthy local Christian fellowship when they are ready! Our schedule is filling up on a weekly basis. If you want to make an appointment you can contact us directly by email at terrymarcum@live.com
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The purpose is to help people determine if they are in a group with cult like tendencies, bring awareness and healing to them. Ministering hope to those who have left their particular institution. It's also a chance for them talk about their experiences. We also help them find out their individual gifting and talents. We encourage them to find their finger print and leave their own personal mark for Christ before his return. Turning their spot light into a laser beam, for a more effective life.
We do not claim them as our saints, rather we encourage them to live independently for Jesus Christ without the guilt of having to be corralled into an organizational, or church building mindsets of manipulation. We teach them that church is not defined by a building or having a Non-Profit status, but by what Christians do in the communities that they live in. The majority of these people will never walk through the doors of church ever again. For some they have completely given up on God. It is our goal to help them start over, gain their Independence back and eventually become involved in a healthy local Christian fellowship when they are ready! Our schedule is filling up on a weekly basis. If you want to make an appointment you can contact us directly by email at terrymarcum@live.com
Sponsored Links
http://www.terrymarcum.com/
Statement of Faith
Our commitment Is to fulfill Christ's command of Matthew 28:19-20 requires that we have a scriptural foundation for what we believe and teach. We have chosen to use the Bible, God's Holy Word, as our authority. The Bible sheds light on human nature, human suffering and world problems. Not only does it tell about these issues, it also gives the answers and solutions to the dilemmas that face mankind. It clearly reveals humanity's way to reach Deity.
The message of the Bible is the message of Jesus Christ, who said, "I am the way, the truth and the life..." (John 14:6). It is the story of salvation; the story of redemption; the story of life, peace and eternity. As a result, the Bible is the only real authority we have. We have purposely chosen to allow God, through His Word, to guide us in our quest to, "work out our own salvation..." (Ph 2:7). We are trusting in the simplicity of the Gospel and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to "...lead us into all truth" (John 16:13) The following Articles of Faith are the result of our belief and commitment to the authority of the Word of God in our lives.
We believe…the Bible. We believe the Bible to be inspired of God, the inerrant and infallible Word of God. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness". (II Tim. 3:16)
The Bible is the only God-given authority which man possesses; therefore all doctrine, faith, hope and instruction for the Ministry/ministry must be based upon and harmonize with the Bible. It is to be read and studied by all men everywhere, and can only be clearly understood by those who are anointed by the Holy Spirit (I John 1:9). "No prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost" (II Pet. 1:20-21).
We believe in the.…one true God We believe in the one everlasting, eternal God: infinite in power, Holy in nature, attributes and purpose; and possessing absolute, indivisible deity. This one true God has revealed Himself as Father, through His son, in redemption; and as the Holy Spirit, by emanation (I Cor. 8:6;Eph. 4:6; II Cor. 5:19; Joel 2:28).
The Scripture does more than attempt to prove the existence of God; it asserts, assumes and declares that the knowledge of God is universal. (Rom. 1:19, 21, 28, 32; 2:15). God is invisible, incorporeal, without parts, without body, and therefore free from all limitations. He is Spirit (John 4:24), and "...a spirit hath not flesh and bones..." (Luke 24:39).
The first of all the commandments is, hear, O Israel; the Lord our God is one Lord" (Mark 12:29; Deut. 6:4). "One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all" (Eph. 4:6).
We believe in the...Son of God"He came unto His own, and His own received Him not" (John 1:11). This one true God was manifest in the flesh, that is, in His Son Jesus Christ. "...God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them..." (II Cor. 5:19).
We believe that, "...in Him (Jesus) dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily" (Col. 2:9). "For it pleased the Father in Him should all fullness dwell" (Col. 1:19). Therefore, Jesus in His humanity was man; in His deity was and is God. His flesh was the lamb, or the sacrifice of God. He is the only mediator between God and man. "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (I Tim. 2:5). Jesus on His Father's side was divine, on His mother's side, human; Thus, He was known as the Son of God and also the son of man, or the God-man. "For He hath put all things under His feet. But when He saith all things are put under Him, it is manifest that He is excepted, which did put all things under Him" (I Cor. 15:27). "And when all things shall be subdued unto Him, then shall the Son also Himself be subject unto Him that put all things under Him, that God may be all in all" (I Cor. 15:28).
"...unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: ...and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace" (Is. 9:6). The prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled when the Son of God was named, "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus: for He shall save His People from their sins" (Matt. 1:21).
"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).
We believe in the...Holy Spirit John the Baptist, in Matthew 3:11, said, "...He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire." Jesus, in Acts 1:5, said, "...ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." The Lord, through the Prophet Joel, said, "...I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh;..." (Joel 2:28). Peter, in explaining this phenomenal experience, said, "...having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, He (Jesus) hath shed forth this which ye now see and hear" (Acts 2:33). Further, "..the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call" (Acts 2:39).
We believe in the…Sacrament/Covenant of Baptism. The Scriptural mode of baptism is immersion, and is only for those who have fully repented, having turned from their sins and a love of the world. We baptize according to an individual confession of faith and repentance in obedience to the great commission of Christ as stated in Matthew 28:19 following the pattern and example of the Apostles as they went forth to baptize in the Acts of the Apostles 2:38; 8:16; 10:48; 19:5, thus obeying and fulfilling Matthew 28:19.
We believe in the…Grace of God"For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and Godly, in this present world" (Titus 2:11-12). "For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ" (John 1:17). A Christian, to keep saved, must walk with God and keep himself in the love of God (Jude 21) and in the grace of God. The word "grace" means "favor". "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God" (Eph. 2:8). We are justified by His grace through our faith in Christ's sacrifice on Calvary. (Rom. 3:21-24)
We believe in…Repentance & Conversion. True pardon and forgiveness of sins is obtained by genuine repentance, which includes a confessing and forsaking of sins. We are justified by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:1). John the Baptist preached repentance, Jesus proclaimed it, and the Apostles emphasized it to both Jews and Gentiles. (Acts 2:38; 11:18; 17:30).
The word "repentance" comes from several Greek words which mean, change of views and purpose, change of heart, change of mind, change of life, to transform, etc.
We believe in…Holiness Godly living should characterize the life of every child of the Lord, and we should live according to the pattern and example given in the Word of God. "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and Godly, in this present world" (Titus 2:11, 12). "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord" (Heb. 12:14).
We believe in…Divine Healing, The first covenant that the Lord (Jehovah) made with the children of Israel after they were brought out of Egypt was a covenant of healing. The Lord said, "...if thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord (Jehovah-Rapha, the Lord that healeth) God, and wilt do that which is right in His sight, and wilt give ear to His commandments, and keep all His statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians; for I am the Lord that healeth thee" (Ex. 15:26).
The vicarious suffering of the Lord Jesus Christ paid for the healing of our bodies, the same as for the salvation of our souls, for "...with His stripes we are healed" (Is. 53:5). Matthew 8:17 reads, "...Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses". (See also I Pet. 2:24).
"For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps: who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth: who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously" (I Peter 2:21-23).
We believe in the…Second Coming of Jesus. That Jesus is coming again, the second time in person just as He went away, is clearly set forth by the Lord Jesus Himself, and was preached and taught in the early Christian Ministry by the apostles, hence, the children of God today are earnestly, hopefully, looking forward to the glorious event. (Matt. 24; Acts 1:11; 3:19-21; I Cor. 11:26; 4:1-2; Heb. 2:14; Rom. 11:25-27).
We believe in the…Sacrament of Communion. On the night of our Lord's betrayal, He ate the Passover supper with his Apostles, after which He instituted the sacrament. "And He took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, this is my body which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper saying, this cup is the New Testament in my blood, which is shed for you" (Luke 22:19-20). Paul instructed the Ministry how to observe it (I Cor. 11:23-34). Thus was instituted the use of literal bread and the fruit of the vine, which are partaken of literally, as emblems of His broken body and shed blood. This is also a spiritual significance in partaking of the sacrament.
We believe in the…Creation & Fall of Man. In the beginning God created man innocent, pure and holy; but through the sin of disobedience, Adam and Eve, the first of the human race, fell from their holy state, and God banished them from Eden. Hence by one man's disobedience, sin entered into the world (Gen. 1:27; Rom. 3:23; 5:12).
We believe in Hell, a place for the unbeliever!Psalm 9:17 The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. Malachi 41For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. Matthew 13:4242And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Revelation 9:22And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit.
wHo ArE wE?
A Counter-Cult/ Person 2 Person Ministry
"Do No Harm"
Helping people move beyond the difficulty of systematic religious abuse. Leaving a cult or a very religious system can be very difficult at first.
The following are the ten most dangerous groups in America today, based on one or both of the above stated concerns:
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormonism).
A very subtle, spiritual deception started in 1830 by Joseph Smith. This aggressively evangelistic group contends that it is the only true Church, and that all Christians outside Mormonism are following a deficient Gospel and a false Christ.The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society (Jehovah's Witnesses).
Militantly anti-historic Christian tenets. This group began in the 1870s with Charles Taze Russell. They not only deny the essentials of the Christian faith, but the control exercised over the membership is highly destructive.The Church of Scientology. A do-it-yourself salvation, science fiction group that masquerades as the true Church, lightly sprayed with a thin veneer of Christianity. Seeks to destroy through litigation and character assassination those who speak out against the group.
- The Twelve Tribes.
This group began in the early 1970s with Elbert Eugene Spriggs. They claim that salvation can only be found by giving all possessions to them and living in their community. All personal decision-making power is given over to the leadership. - The Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of World Christianity (Unification Church).
Founded in 1954 by Sun Myung Moon, this highly authoritarian and destructive group teaches that Jesus failed on the cross. Moon is now the mediator between God and man. - The International Churches of Christ (Boston Movement).
This highly evangelistic group which began in 1978 with Kip McKean embraces most of the main tenets of the historic Church. Teaches that it is the only true Church and is highly authoritarian, with immense control over members' lives. - The Family (Children of God).
This communal group was founded by David “Moses” Berg. A strange mixture of basic Christian tenets and almost total sexual license. Very controlling and manipulative. - Christian Identity Movement (Aryan Nations, Christian Identity Church, Klu Klux Klan, etc.).
A loose-knit confederation of various small groups that are militantly anti-government and conspiracy driven. Each group holds differing, deviant Christian tenets. All hold to Caucasians being the descendants of the ten “lost” Tribes of Israel, God's true people. - The Nation of Islam (Black Muslims).
Began in 1930s by W. D. Fard. Group teaches that the black man is good, the white man is the devil, and that Jesus was merely a prophet. Highly controlling group. - United Pentecostal Church (UPC).
A highly controlling, legalistic group that was formed in 1945. This group denies the Trinityand teaches that in order to be saved one must be baptized in the name of Jesus only.
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Author: Bob Pardon, Director of the New England Institute of Religious Research (NEIRR) in Lakeville, MA, and an AIIA Resource Associate. He appeared as a consultant on NBC's national news documentary, “Dateline”. NEIRR may be contacted directly at 508-947-9571, or visit them at: www.neirr.org. Article provided by AIIA Institute.
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What is a Cult?
DEFINITIONS-Those drawn into cults are asking questions and looking for answers. But they are asking the wrong questions. Instead of, “Which group accepts me and provides answers for my life?” they need to be asking, “Will I accept the truth God has already revealed in the Bible and His answers for my life?”What Is a Cult? A cult is a sect or group of people that holds to deviant doctrines.
A cult is a system of religious beliefs that distorts orthodox Biblical doctrine.“Orthodox” refers to basic beliefs that conform to established doctrine.“Doctrine” refers to a general teaching or a system of principles. Biblical doctrine is teaching based on the self-evident truths of Scripture.
The word cult comes from the Latin word cults, which means “worship” or “adoration.”The word cult became an English word only in the 1600's.It is not used in Scripture. However, the Bible does refer to those who are “turning to a different gospel,” whose leaders “pervert the gospel of Christ.” Galatians 1:6-7
“How do cults vary from orthodox Christianity?” Every cult varies in its teachings from one or more of six fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith.
Virgin Birth --Jesus Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin. Matthew 1:18,23
Atonement--Only the shed blood of Jesus Christ can pay the penalty for personal sin. Romans 5:8-9
Resurrection--Jesus Christ was raised from the dead in bodily form and was seen on earth by many. 1 Corinthians 15:3-6 Incarnation--Jesus Christ, who is God, took on human form and was fully God and fully man. John 1:1-3,14
--After Jesus Christ visibly returns to earth during the end times, a final judgment is a certainty, sending the unrighteous to eternal punishment and the righteous to eternal life. Hebrews 9:27-28; Matthew 25:46
Scripture--
The Bible is wholly inspired by God, is without error in the original writings and revelation, and is the only authority for righteous living. Proverbs 30:5-6; 2 Timothy 3:16 How Can a Person Dissect a Sect?
A heretical sect is a religious group that separates from the established religion and is usually founded by someone who has left that organization.The Greek word translated “sect” is the word hairesis, from which comes the English word heresy.
Hairesis means “a choosing,” usually referring to a division.6 While all religions have their various sects, which differ among themselves in minor areas of doctrine or policy, each religion has also spawned heretical sects.An heretical sect creates division in a church over teaching that perverts Biblical truth.
The result is the formation of a group that chooses to separate from God’s people and God’s truth!Although an heretical sect has questionable doctrine, its deviation from a mainline group is usually a question of what or who will be the source of authority.The Jewish leaders charged the apostle Paul with being the ringleader of a sect. Acts 24:5-6 “Didn’t the apostle Paul start an heretical sect—Christianity—which Christ never intended?”
No. Jesus Christ was the promised Messiah, who fulfilled all the Old Testament prophesies about the “anointed one” who was to come. Christianity is not a perversion of truth, but the perfection of truth. Christ did not come to create a new teaching, but rather to fulfill the old. Matthew 5:17 How Can a Person Distinguish the Cults? “
Are all cults basically the same?” Yes and no. Cults exhibit similar psychological patternsclosed-mindedness . . . not interested in a rational evaluation of the factsblind obedience to authority . . . the dogma of leader or founder is supremecontrolled living . . . details of daily life are dictated by the leadercontempt for outsiders . . . intolerance for any belief system other than their own 2 Peter 2:1 “Is there a difference between a cult and the occult?” Yes. A cult is a deviant organized religion.
The occult refers to diverse practices used in religion as an attempt to gain supernatural power or knowledge apart from the God of the Bible. (The word occult means “hidden” or “secret.”) Although cults are not the same as the occult, some cults do engage in occultic practices. The Bible opposes all occult practices because reliance is on demonic spiritual power, not on the sovereign power of God.
Isaiah 8:19 Occult practices are forbidden in Scripture!Modern-day occult practices include;SorcerySpiritismOmensMediumsWitchcraftSpellsfortune-tellingséancestarot cardsouija boardsastrologycrystal ballsDeuteronomy 18:10-12 CHARACTERISTICSManipulation by Cult Leaders Characteristic of all cult leaders is the belief that they alone have the one true message from God.9 They present themselves as infallible authorities, requiring absolute loyalty.They persuade through their strong, charismatic personalities.They prohibit individual freedom, expecting unquestioned obedience.
They promote themselves as divine or as God’s sole agent on earth.They possess “new truth” from God, while perverting Biblical truth.They provide simplistic answers for complex problems.2 Corinthians 11:13-15 Mentality of Cult Followers Cults thrive on people who know little or nothing of the Bible and who readily replace logical reasoning with emotional decisions.
They willingly pledge allegiance to charismatic leaders who claim to have the key to deeper truths and the answers to all the details of daily living. They follow the cult leader blindly.They forfeit individual freedom.They forsake friends and family to have a new “family.”They fear punishment for not conforming to legalistic rules and regulations.They feel misunderstood and persecuted by the outside world.
They forego reason for emotion.2 Timothy 4:3 “What type of people are most susceptible to being lured into a cult?” People who join cults do not knowingly submit their lives to deceit and error. They are typically intelligent, sincere seekers of truth caught in the snare of subversive spiritual forces.
The following characteristics describe the average cult member: between ages eighteen and twenty-eightmost are malesmiddle to upper classunderachieveridealisticlow self-esteem alienated from familyexperiencing a crisisreligious background, but not spiritually groundedlooking for meaning and purpose to lifedisillusioned with lifenaive or too trustingIsaiah 44:20 Manifestation of Mind Control New recruits converted by cults initially experience a false euphoria.
Along with rigid schedules of intense indoctrination, the mind control tactics of cults rob members of their independence and sense of well-being. The exhilarating highs typically take a downward turn as many leaders employ intimidation, which leads to emotional suppression . . . even suicide in extreme cases. Cult members will exhibit some or all of the following symptoms:
Inability to make rational judgmentsloss of free will and control over the choices of lifeidentity confusion: cutting ties to the pastinability to establish intimate friendshipsparanoia and irrational distrust of othersguilt and fear of expressing doubtsunhealthy dependency on the cult and other cult membersloss of spontaneous joyprolonged depressionthoughts of suicideRomans 16:17-18 CAUSES
“When you meet the friendliest people you have ever known, who introduce you to the most loving group of people you’ve ever encountered, and you find the leader to be the most inspired, caring, compassionate and understanding person you’ve ever met, and then you learn that the cause of the group is something you never dared hope could be accomplished, and all of this sounds too good to be true—it probably is too good to be true!” —Jeanne Mills (former follower of cult leader Jim Jones)
Proverbs 16:25 Have I Got a Deal for You! The word cult is so encumbered with negative implications that no one envisions being a member of a crazy group that ends up “shooting it out” with the federal authorities (the Branch Davidians and David Koresh) or lining up for a lethal dose of liquid suicide (Jim Jones and the Jonestown Massacre).
Can you imagine a neighbor saying, “I have joined a wonderful cult. Would you like me to tell you about it?” Of course not! Cults are much more subtle in their approach, using deceptive statements like these: “Join us for a free dinner and discussion group about current events.”“You can reach your true potential by attending this course on self-awareness.”“Come with me to our retreat this weekend—you have to be present to experience its power.”“Would you be interested in helping us bring love and unity to all mankind?”
“This seminar will teach you a new technique for handling stress in your life.”“We have a new Bible study that reveals ancient secrets unknown to most Christians.”Galatians 4:17 “What is the breeding ground for cult involvement?” Many people are in cults simply because they are “born” into them—their parents or guardians were members. However, the rapid growth of new cults today is basically a reflection of the self-centered philosophies of our culture.
Demoralization of values disrespect for authority deterioration of the familydisillusionment with the “good life”drug culturedemonic fascination with the occult decline of church influencedecrease in doctrinal teaching1 Timothy 4:1 Am I My Brother’s Keeper?
No one can make another person change. So, what is the responsibility of family members when they fear their loved ones are led astray? Is it wrong to impose your values on someone else? Some don’t feel that they have the right to use family influence and thus never try. However, God calls us to rescue those walking in darkness. Proverbs 24:11-12 “Why do family members not take action?”
The reasons for inaction depend on each family.The family isn’t knowledgeable about the cult.The family doesn’t see anything harmful about the cult.The family wants the loved one to make the first move.The family fears further estrangement.The family has no solutions.The family feels powerless.James 5:19-20 New Places—New Faces! Root Cause--People are usually drawn into cults not because of doctrine, but because of unmet emotional needs such as a deep desire for a new family that offers a new purpose.
Since God created every person with three inner needs (for love, for significance and for security), the appeal of cults is powerful.They appear to meet . the emotional need for love the spiritual need for significancethe social need for securityBecause cults are counterfeit “need-meeters,” when the excitement of the new family wears off . . . or dramatic life changes don’t last . . . or problems become evident, the same unfulfilled needs reemerge.Colossians 2:8
Wrong Belief: A cult appeals to one of three inner needs—love, significance and security. • The need for love “This group makes me feel like I’m really loved. They care about me.”Example: Both the Unification Church (the Moonies) and the International Churches of Christ are known for using the tactic called “Love bombing,” overwhelming the victims daily with loving words and emotional embraces.
The need for significance . . . meaning and purpose“This group has given me a new purpose for living. I feel like my life now has meaning and direction.”Example: Mormons teach that Mormon men who have obtained perfection have the potential to attain godhood and to rule over their own planet.
The need for security . . . a sense of belonging“My new family has given me the acceptance I’ve always wanted. I feel like I belong in the group. . . . I feel like I really fit in.”Example: The Watchtower Society (Jehovah’s Witnesses) teaches that members of all religions except their own will soon be destroyed at Armageddon. The only hope to escape annihilation is to remain faithful to the Watchtower organization.Right Belief: The Lord promises to meet all our deepest inner needs. Philippians 4:19
The need for love is met.I know God loves me unconditionally because Jesus sacrificed His life on the cross for me so that I could have eternal life. John 3:16 The need for significance is met.When I put my trust in the person of Jesus Christ alone to save me from my sins, I gave Him control of my life. Christ is now living in me, fulfilling the Lord’s purpose for me. Jeremiah 29:11
The need for security is met.When I gave my life to the Lord Jesus Christ I received eternal life. I was adopted as a child of God and made secure in the family of God. 1 John 5:13 STEPS TO SOLUTIONKey Verse to Memorize 2 Timothy 2:15 Key Passage to Read and Reread John 1:1-18 Who Is the Real Christ?
The ultimate questions concerning cults and their claims are . . .Who is God?Who is Jesus?Who or what is the final authority regarding truth?Confusion over these three questions lies at the very heart of cults and their twisting of the truth. This explains why cults either ignore the Bible, interpret Scripture out of context or boldly rewrite passages to create another bible. When people center their hearts and minds only on the unchanging truths of the Bible, then they are not captured by erroneous religious beliefs.
The Bible clearly addresses the three questions concerning God, Jesus and the final authority on truth. John 1:1 “Word” in Greek is logos, which means“the expression of thought”“the revealed will of God”“the personal expression of God”John 1 teaches that Jesus is God and the source of Truth!
Jesus existed in the plan of God at the beginning of creation.—John 1:1Jesus was with God at the beginning.—John 1:1Jesus was God at the beginning.—John 1:1Jesus is coeternal with God.—John 1:1-2Jesus created the world.—John 1:3Jesus is the source of life.—John 1:4Jesus is the light for the world.—John 1:4-9Jesus gave believers in him the right to become children of God.—John 1:12-13Jesus, as God, took on human form.—John 1:14Jesus is the only begotten Son of God.—John 1:14Jesus is full of grace and truth.—John 1:14Jesus is the source of truth.—John 1:17Jesus is the only Son.—John 1:18Jesus is now at the Father’s side.—John 1:18Jesus reveals the character of God the Father.—John 1:18, 2 Corinthians 2:3-4,13
First Things First The initial goal of concerned family members is to become a unified, supportive family . . . to be emotionally and spiritually healthy yourselves before trying to reestablish contact with your loved one in a cult. Recognize what must be learned and unlearned. Seek information from cult awareness experts and organizations (for example, Watchman Fellowship, Spiritual Counterfeits Projects, Personal Freedom Outreach, American Family Foundation).
Learn options and strategies that are available for families.Learn about cults, cult tactics and mind control.Learn what need (love, significance or security) the cult is appearing to meet for your loved one. Proverbs 1:5 Seek group counseling with other families in the same situation.Realize that you are not alone in your suffering.See what other families are doing to reestablish relationships with loved ones caught up in cults.Solicit critiques about the content and “tone” of letters you plan to send. Proverbs 15:22 Seek outside help to evaluate and improve your family dynamics.
As a family, talk through your pain, anger, guilt, confusion and bitterness.Let go of blaming each other and extend forgiveness toward one another.Role-play and replace negative patterns of relating that could hamper future contact.Hebrews 12:15 “Is complete recovery possible?” Yes! Luke 1:37 Reach Out through Relationship Merely loving those who are lost will not get them through the gates of heaven, but neither will a dissertation on doctrine. Remember, a person is drawn into a cult assuming it will meet emotional needs.
If you care about loved ones caught in the clutches of a cult, realize their first need is to know you respect them as creations of God with God-given worth. Only then will the soil of their hearts be prepared for you to plant seeds of doubt and to replace false teaching with truth. Ultimately, through gentle reasoning and persistent prayer, God can use you to help open a closed heart, clear a confused mind and restore a damaged relationship.1 Peter 3:15 Respect--As long as your loved one is in the cult, make every effort to reestablish and remain in contact. With the following three do’s and don’ts, build a bridge that won’t blow up.
Don’t criticize or make fun of the cult leader and members—this only causes defensiveness.Do . . . Be polite when reference is made to the cult and its leaders. Proverbs 11:12Don’t project negative emotions or get into arguments, in spite of your own discomfort.Do . . . Allow Christ to control your anger, responding always with kindness. 2 Timothy 2:23-24 Don’t interrupt, regardless of your disapproval. Instead, learn to listen without interruption.Do . . . Listen more than you talk. Proverbs 17:28 Replant-- “What is the most effective thing I can do to help pull someone out of a cult?”
Plant a seed of doubt in the mind of the cult member, which, in time, can grow into bigger and bigger doubts. This can help the person become more objective and see errors in the cult’s teaching. God’s Spirit can cultivate the smallest seed to convict the cult member that something is terribly wrong. Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 Seed of Doubt-Plant the realization that joy does exist outside the cult.Example: Send a scrapbook of family pictures to bring to mind happy memories prior to your loved one’s cult involvement.
Plant specific proof of cult errors. Example: Show photocopies of unfulfilled prophecies by the Jehovah’s Witnesses from their own writings.Plant a fresh awareness that your loved one’s freedom to choose has been stifled.Example: Sincerely say, without sarcasm, “It’s a shame that you don’t have the freedom to decide for yourself when you can visit us.”Plant factual information on the cult, facts about which your loved one is probably unaware.Example: Provide proof of the prison record of a cult leader, stockpiling of arms, drug involvement with negative repercussions.
Plant examples of inconsistencies within the cult’s doctrinal teachings.Example: Ask, “Is it true that Mormons teach ‘as man now is God once was’?”21 Show passages from the Book of Mormon (Mormon 9:9-11 and Moroni 7:22; Moroni 8:18) that say God doesn’t change. “Please help me understand which you think is incorrect, the Mormon teaching or the Mormon writings?”
Restore- Goal #1: Regain basic cognitive skills lost during cult involvement. Duration: From up to six or eight weeks after leaving a cult Tasks: To recall memory . . . The past is often suppressed.Recall in detail positive events prior to cult involvement.Talk about positive childhood friends and family members.Laugh about previous humorous situations. (Do not “walk on eggshells.”)
To speak clearly . . . Speech patterns are often broken.If the voice trails off, say, “Would you please repeat that?”If abstract global terms are used, ask what the terms mean for today.If the focus is on the future, talk about current events.To make decisions . . . Decision making is difficult because it was discouraged or denied.
Discourage blind conformity by assuring them of their ability to make good individual choices, rather than conformity.Encourage them to choose their own food from the menu.Let them choose and purchase their own clothing. Galatians 6:1 Goal #2: Regain a sense of God-given worth and individuality lost during cult involvement. Duration: From the first or second month to as long as 24 months Tasks:
To diffuse rage . . . Unhealthy regression when in the cult can swing to unhealthy aggression after leaving the cult, with violent verbal attacks toward the cult and its leaders. Help them focus not only on the wrong doctrine and deeds of the cult, but also on the inner unmet needs of individuals in the cult.Help them see that polarized black and white thinking was the breeding ground for their initial cult involvement. The initial teaching of a cult must contain some grains of truth, or no one would be drawn into it.
Have them list ten important lessons they have learned as a result of their cult experience. James 1:20 To dispel taboos . . . The ex-cult member’s attitudes and beliefs can still be in bondage to the cult’s taboos. Regarding the physical body . . . ask, “Since God created our physical bodies and He called what He created ‘very good,’ do you think it wise to agree with those who say our bodies are bad (or mere illusions)?”Genesis 1:26,31 Regarding sex . . . say, “God created the marriage covenant, and He also created sexual intimacy for bonding in marriage.
Do you think it wise to be against what God chooses to bless?”Genesis 2:24 (Also see 1 Corinthians 7:3-5.) Regarding exclusion of certain foods . . . ask, “Since the New Testament repealed the dietary law and Jesus declared ‘all foods clean,’ do you really think it wise to place human teaching above God’s teaching?” (Read Acts 10:11-16; Mark 7:19 and Colossians 2:16.)Galatians 5:1 To decrease insecurity . . .
Ex-cult members usually feel as though they are living in a goldfish bowl and that the eyes of all the family are on them. Let go of overprotective behavior even though your heart still fears that your loved one may return to the cult.Initiate the subject, “Before you went into the cult, did you feel smothered and in need of a safe place to escape?”Ask, “Now what can I do differently that would be meaningful to you?” Proverbs 20:5 To direct aimlessness . . .
When a cult member finally leaves a group that seemed to have all the answers to life, finding purpose in life can present a huge internal battle. Help them establish a purpose for living.“Let’s make a short list of God’s purposes for your life. "Let’s especially look at your God-given responsibilities.”Help them establish future-oriented goals, both short-term and long-term.“Now, let’s list a few six month goals and five year goals to help you fulfill each of these purposes.”Help them establish their priorities. “Let’s make a plan with action steps for you to accomplish your goals.
What do you think should be first?”Help them establish a Christ-centered spiritual family.“Let’s establish some criteria and set a goal for finding a healthy, Bible believing church. I would enjoy helping you find a safe and supportive family of believers.” Hebrews 10:24 Trade Lies for Truth The Bible calls Satan “the father of lies” (John 8:44), and Satan’s goal is to deceive us with lies.
When we believe his lies, they take root in our minds, and Satan establishes a stronghold. This is why it is so difficult to identify the lies, and even more difficult to stop believing them.The good news is Jesus is Truth, and He is more powerful than Satan. Therefore, His truths are more powerful than Satan’s lies. By allowing truth to take root in our minds, Satan’s stronghold is weakened and eventually destroyed.
God claims the ground once occupied by Satan, renews our minds and sets us free. Nothing is more victorious for a person captive to a cult than to recognize the lies and be set free. Galatians 5:1 Pray for the Lord to reveal every single lie. Renounce each and every lie, every false teaching. Accept truth in place of the lies. Yield yourself to Christ in order for Him to continually renew your mind. Claim the truths that counter each of the lies. The following prayer can help you in this process.Heavenly Father, in Jesus name, I ask You to remove the blinders Satan has placed over the eyes of my mind. Show me the lies I have believed and show me Your truths.
Right now I reject the lies I have believed. I renounce (name the cult and the lies). Lord, I choose to accept only Your truth. I accept that (name truths). I ask you to demolish Satan’s stronghold and reclaim the ground he has had in my life. I claim the victory I have in Christ over all Satan’s tactics. Lord, continually renew my mind through Your truth. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. John 8:32 Rocky Road of Recovery When cult members discover they have been taught error and they decide to leave, their road back to reality is rocky.
Although many were victims of manipulation and cultic indoctrination, they feel guilty, confused and fearful for being lured into the cult as well as for leaving the cult. Jude 22 Post Cult Features and a Plan for Family & FriendsAnger and depression If exiting cult members feel empty and disillusioned when the cause to which they gave themselves seems no longer valid, they can become angry and/or depressed.Look for ways to help them and others . . . in time possibly helping other cult members escape involvement. Galatians 6:2 Distrust If exiting cult members focus on feeling deceived and duped, they can overgeneralize and trust no one.
Change their focus by helping them understand the general nature of cults, and thus narrow their distrust to leaders who distort truth and use mind control. Proverbs 16:16Indecisiveness If exiting cult members were forced to conform to rigid rules, they may have difficulty making their own decisions.Restrain the urge to make decisions for them and have them choose between two or three options.
Proverbs 17:27 Sexual Confusion If talk about sexual morals, intimacy or relationships with the opposite sex is feared, the cult most likely twisted the issue of sex to gain control, which is not uncommon.Although often awkward, a discussion of healthy sex can be most beneficial. Explain that God intended sexual union for procreation and bonding in marriage.1 Corinthians 7:3-5
Disorientation If loved ones seem to go into a trance or have flashbacks, something from their cultic experience has been triggered.Draw them back into the present by engaging them in conversation about something that is occurring here and now. Isaiah 43:18 Instability If loved ones don’t know what they believe, they may still be confused by false cultic teaching.Don’t demand that they adopt your values.
Instead of coercing (as cults do), give them information, then let them decide in their own time. Proverbs 16:23 Hypersensitivity If loved ones are overly defensive and argumentative, they are guarding against further emotional vulnerability.Allow them sufficient time at home to heal and to build healthy emotional defenses that have been torn down.Ecclesiastes 3:1-3 ShynessIf your loved ones seem reluctant to interact with others, they fear rejection and don’t know who to trust.
Encourage positive interaction with proven friends, especially with ex-cult members who can identify with their experiences. Proverbs 27:17Sadness If your loved ones appear despondent and unhappy, they may be grieving over the personal loss of time and credibility.Without preaching, reveal God’s marvelous ability to turn our mistakes into something positive and good.
He promises to bring value out of the time we lost. Joel 2:25 Fear If your loved ones seem apprehensive or suspicious, they could have legitimate fear of being abducted or harmed by the cult members.Share with them that each of us experiences some form of fear, but God promises to keep us safe. Proverbs 29:25 Black and white thinking If your loved ones are verbally attacking and hostile against the cult, they are repeating the same judgmental thinking fostered by the cult.
To overcome judgmental attitudes, help your loved one look for the glimmer of good in “all things.” Speak about something of value experienced in the cult (such as learning to approach strangers with confidence). Romans 8:28 Loneliness If your loved ones want to reestablish contact with a cult member, they probably feel the need to be connected with someone special.Discourage visits or calls to cultic friends. Be available to listen, interact and befriend.
Encourage interaction with others. Ecclesiastes 4:10 Because of the powerful hold cults have over a person’s mind, will and emotions, family and friends often become frightened and bewildered. They find it difficult to believe that the cult continues to have such a lingering influence. However, learning to walk in freedom takes time. God takes us where we are and moves us along the road of freedom one step at a time . . . replacing one lie at a time . . . with one truth at a time.
Titus 3:3-5 Pointers from Paul The apostle Paul, with his sensitive yet persuasive presentation of Jesus Christ, gave us the model for cult evangelism when he confronted those who were spiritually misguided on the streets of ancient Greece. Read Acts 17:16-34. Paul had a heart of conviction. Acts 17:16-18 Be convinced of your own faith.Be committed to the authority of God’s Word.
Write out and know how to share your own testimony.Learn how to communicate the gospel.Ask a mature Christian to critique your presentation.Pray continually for the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Romans 1:16 Paul made himself available. Acts 17:19-21 Be informed about the nature of cults through writings, tapes and conferences, especially the cult you are interested in.Be ready to share reasons for your faith.Be prepared with answers from the Bible.Be warm and friendly—cults teach that outsiders are uncaring.
Be attentive to what they say.Be willing to “hang in there” unless they refuse contact.Proverbs 13:16 Paul treated them with respect. Acts 17:22 Don’t be “better-than-thou”—see them as created and loved by God.Don’t be critical—compliment them when you can.Don’t think they wanted to be duped—acknowledge the sincerity of their spiritual search.Don’t be negative toward them—look for areas of agreement.Don’t slander or belittle the group’s leaders—they will become defensive.
Don’t argue or lose your temper—that confirms they don’t want what you have.Proverbs 16:21 Paul planted seeds of doubt. Acts 17:23 Ask about their personal values.Ask about their personal reason for living.Ask for definitions of words like God, Christ and Scripture. Ask, “Can you explain to me ( present a problem with the cult )?”
Ask sensitive questions like these:“Does your belief give you that inner peace every heart desires?” Answer: John 16:33 “Do you know for sure that you will go to heaven when you die?” Answer: 1 John 5:13 “Do you think we will all be held accountable for what we do?” Answer: Hebrews 9:27 “Do you believe that Jesus would lie to you?” Answer: John 14:6 “Do you feel completely forgiven?” Answer: 1 John 1:9 Colossians 4:5-6 Paul presented the gospel. (Acts 17:24-34)All of us are sinners. Romans 3:23 God loves us in spite of our sins. Romans 5:8 God is just and must punish sin. Romans 6:23 Those who put their trust in Christ are saved.
Romans 10:13 We are saved only by faith, not by works. Ephesians 2:8-9 Once we trust only in Christ, not ourselves or others, we have peace with God! Romans 5:1 2 Timothy 2:25-26 A Pound of Prevention “What is the best deterrent to cult entrapment?” Knowing the Word of God
A warm and loving family A warm and loving church thatteaches sound Biblical doctrine versus extra “new truth”provides a non-extravagant pastor versus a self-indulgent leaderstresses loyalty to Jesus as Lord versus loyalty to human leadersprioritizes a personal relationship with Christ versus religious ritualrelates Scripture to personal experiences versus determining truth based only on experienceencourages fellowship with familyversus separation from family offers.
Bible studies that are inclusiveversus study groups that are exclusiveviews their church as one of many doing God’s work versus God working solely through themfurnishes all teachings for public scrutinyversus fostering an air of secrecy respects everyone’s right to privacy versus intruding into personal matters confronts privately about personal sin versus humiliating people in public,
Encourages financial giving as God leads versus demanding specific amounts allows any member to freely leave the church versus curtailing freedom with threats or guilt invites critical thinkers to ask any questionversus stifling those with objections Ephesians 5:6-8 “Since becoming a true Christian, I now realize that I’ve been in a cult.
Should I stay involved in the cult to help other members open their eyes to see the truth?” Imagine you are standing on a desk and someone else is standing on the floor. Is it easier for you to pull that person up or is it easier for you to be pulled down? The obvious answer is the latter.
Christians and cult members do not have equal footing. They are not equally yoked. Reasons for leaving the cult are these:Someone else may join the cult to follow your example.Over time, you could be pulled back down.The Bible says, “Come out”—come out of the cult. 2 Corinthians 6:14,17 Bank tellers are taught to spot counterfeits not by focusing on fake bills but by continuously handling “the real thing.” The best deterrent from being deceived by a cult is to know Biblical doctrine. It’s easy to detect the false when you know the truth. —
References:
June Hunt NOTESMerriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary (electronic edition) (Merriam-Webster, 2001).Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary.The Watchman Expositor 14:3 (1997).Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary; American Heritage Electronic Dictionary (Houghton Mifflin, 1992).Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary.W. E. Vine, Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, electronic ed. (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1996).See Walter Martin, The Kingdom of the Cults, rev. and expanded ed. (Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House, 1985), 26-28. For further information, see Dave Breese, The Marks of the Cults: The Warning Signs of False Teachings (Eugene, OR: Harvest House, 1998).The Watchman Expositor 14:3 (1997). See also Alan W. Gomes, Unmaking the Cults, Zondervan Guide to Cults & Religious Movements, ed. Alan W. Gomes (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1995), 16, 44.See Steven Hassan, Combating Cult Mind Control (Rochester, VT: Park Street, 1988); Robert Jay Lifton, Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism (New York: W. W. Norton, 1961); Margaret Thaler Singer, Cults in Our Midst (San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1995); Madeleine Landau Tobias and Lalich Janja, Captive Hearts Captive Minds: Freedom and Recovery from Cults and Abusive Relationships (Alameda, CA: Hunter House, 1994).Joan Carol Ross and Michael D. Langone, Cults: What Parents Should Know: A Practical Guide to Help Parents with Children in Destructive Groups (New York: Carol, 1988), 21-22. See also Hassan, Combating Cult Mind Control; Singer, Cults in Our Midst.Rachel Andres and James R. Lane, eds, Cults & Consequences (Los Angeles, CA: Commission on Cults & Missionaries, Community Relations Committee, Jewish Federation Council of Greater Los Angeles, 1988), 2:10-14.Ross and Langone, Cults: What Parents Should Know, 32-34, 120-23. See also David Johnson and Jeff VanVonderen, The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse (Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House, 1991).For further information, see Rick Branch and Carmen Branch, Friendshipping (Marlow, OK: Utah Missions, 1986).For further information, see Edmond Gruss, Cults and the Occult, 4 th ed. (Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian and Reformed, 2002), 9.See Ross and Langone, Cults: What Parents Should Know.On the three God-given inner needs, see Lawrence J. Crabb, Jr., Understanding People: Deep Longings for Relationship, Ministry Resources Library (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1987), 15-16; Robert S. McGee, The Search for Significance, 2 nd ed. (Houston, TX: Rapha, 1990), 27-30.See Bruce R. McConkie, The Mortal Messiah (Salt Lake City: Deseret, 1979), 3:220; B. H. Roberts, The Mormon Doctrine of Deity: The Roberts-Van Der Donckt Discussion (Salt Lake City: Signature, 1998), 135-36.Charles Taze Russell, Studies in the Scriptures (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, 1917), 7:185; Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth (Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, 1989), 255.See Ross and Langone, Cults: What Parents Should Know.Andres and Lane, Cults & Consequences, 4:30. See also Tobias and Janja, Captive Hearts Captive Minds, 86-200.Andrew F. Ehat and Lyndon W. Cook, eds., The Words of Joseph Smith: The Contemporary Accounts of the Nauvoo Discourses of the Prophet Joseph (Provo, UT: Grandin, 1994), 84; Bruce R. McConkie, The Promised Messiah (Salt Lake City: Deseret, 1978), 134.For this section, see Andres and Lane, Cults & Consequences, 6:23-30.Andres and Lane, Cults & Consequences, 6:13.See also Tobias and Janja, Captive Hearts Captive Minds.SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHYWith grateful appreciation for editorial review by Watchman Fellowship, Inc. www.watchman.org Andres, Rachel, and James R. Lane, eds. Cults & Consequences. Los Angeles, CA: Commission on Cults & Missionaries, Community Relations Committee, Jewish Federation Council of Greater Los Angeles, 1988.Branch, Rick, and Carmen Branch. Friendshipping. Marlow, OK: Utah Missions, 1986.Breese, Dave. The Marks of the Cults: The Warning Signs of False Teachings. Eugene, OR: Harvest House, 1998.Crabb, Lawrence J., Jr. Understanding People: Deep Longings for Relationship. Ministry Resources Library. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1987.Ehat, Andrew F., and Lyndon W. Cook, eds. The Words of Joseph Smith: The Contemporary Accounts of the Nauvoo Discourses of the Prophet Joseph. Provo, UT: Grandin, 1994.Gomes, Alan W. Unmaking the Cults. Zondervan Guide to Cults & Religious Movements, ed. Alan W. Gomes. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1995.Gruss, Edmond. Cults and the Occult. 4 th ed. Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian and Reformed, 2002.Hassan, Steven. Combating Cult Mind Control. Rochester, VT: Park Street, 1988.Johnson, David, and Jeff VanVonderen. The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House, 1991.Lifton, Robert Jay. Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism. New York: W. W. Norton, 1961.Martin, Walter. The Kingdom of the Cults. Rev. and expanded ed. Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House, 1985.McConkie, Bruce R. The Mortal Messiah. Salt Lake City: Deseret, 1979.McConkie, Bruce R. The Promised Messiah. Salt Lake City: Deseret, 1978.McGee, Robert S. The Search for Significance. 2 nd ed. Houston, TX: Rapha, 1990.Roberts, B. H. The Mormon Doctrine of Deity: The Roberts-Van Der Donckt Discussion. Salt Lake City: Signature, 1998.Ross, Joan Carol, and Michael D. Langone. Cults: What Parents Should Know: A Practical Guide to Help Parents with Children in Destructive Groups. New York: Carol, 1988.Russell, Charles Taze. Studies in the Scriptures. Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, 1917.Singer, Margaret Thaler. Cults in Our Midst. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1995.Tobias, Madeleine Landau, and Lalich Janja. Captive Hearts Captive Minds: Freedom and Recovery from Cults and Abusive Relationships. Alameda, CA: Hunter House, 1994.Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth. Brooklyn, NY: Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, 1989.
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