As I write about the theological characteristics of cults, I think of my own ten-year involvement in the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Deliverance from the organization and salvation came when I acknowledged my spiritual condition (Rom. 3:23; Eph. 2:1) and placed my faith in the Christ of the Bible (John 20:28). Assurance of eternal life was found in Him alone (1 John 5:10–13). I also am reminded of many friends who have been delivered from the Jehovah’s Witnesses and other cults.
How many cults there are today cannot be stated precisely. It has been estimated that there could be as many as five thousand worldwide, with 150 million adherents (The Encyclopedia of Cults and New Religions, Harvest House Publishers, 1999, p. xvii).
With these statistics, Christians certainly cannot ignore the existence of cults, and their adherents should be viewed as a significant mission field. Many persons in these groups once attended, or were members of, mainstream Christian churches. Read more
In adding to and subtracting from the teachings of the Bible, in multiplying the requirements for salvation beyond faith in Jesus Christ, and in claiming to be the only true church, the Roman Catholic Church qualifies as a cult, an observation that the sixteenth century English Reformers made.
The Cult word gets over-used,but in some cases it is appropriate.
ReplyDeleteThe Watchtower came into existence as false prophets to 'announce' Jesus second coming in 1874 then they switched it to October 6 1914.
They fulfill St. Paul's warning of those who 'preach a different Gospel'.(Galatians 1:8)
The definition of a destructive religious cult is like alcoholism-if booze controls you instead of the other way around you are an alcoholic.
Jehovah's Witnesses are cult-like in their dogmatic tactics.
The Watchtower society is not benevolent and won't let you leave their organization in peace.
If they try to ruin your reputation and break up your family for trying to get out then they are a cult!
Whenever you surrender your logic and reason to anyone who asks you to trust them because they know better and to please donate generously, it's a cult. If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it's probably a duck...
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''tell the truth don't be afraid--Danny Haszard FMI dannyhaszard.com