Cults! The very word calls to mind shadowy, fringe religious groups who prey on the innocent and unaware. From time to time, the word is branded on the public consciousness through news coverage of tragic events, such as the grisly scenario in Waco, Texas - where Branch Davidian leader David Koresh and his followers died in a fiery inferno following a raid ordered by the federal government. And who can forget Jonestown, Guyana, where more than 900 followers of People's Temple leader Jim Jones killed themselves or were murdered - allegedly at Jones' orders? These are the more egregious examples. Other cults are non-violent even preaching righteousness (2 Corinthians 11:15) and go about their business quietly, spreading their teachings, claiming to be the true way of spiritual salvation - and making converts.

But, just what is a cult? And, even if they're not all violent, are they all dangerous? Who has the right to define what truth is? What leaders should be listened to? These are critical questions which must be faced, and eternity itself depends on the answers.

The word "cult" comes from the Latin word cultus, meaning a group of things. It's also the root word of "culture". By this simple definition the Boy Scouts of America or The Focus On The Family organization could be called a cult.

Today, the most common usage of the word "cult" refers to religious or societal fringe groups. Even so, many groups define a cult differently, depending on their world view and perspective. At Mount Carmel Outreach, our definition of a cult is minimalist and based on the absolute truth revealed in God's Word, the Bible.

We define a cult as:

Two or more people with a real or imaginary need they are trying to fulfill by believing that which is false about the person and work of the biblical Jesus Christ.

By defining a cult in this manner, we cut to the heart of the real issue at stake ie: the core of reality and worldview as God reveals and proclaims it in the Bible. The first two cultists were, by this definition, Adam and Eve! They had an imaginary need placed within them by their willingness to listen to Satan's lies. They believed the lies and forsook the truth. They called Satan the generous truthgiver and God the stingy liar. Read Genesis chapter three and see if you don't come to the same conclusion. God demands that we now reverse what happened in Eden and call God the generous truthgiver, as recorded in His word the Bible, and let all others be liars as it is written in Romans 3:4 "...let God be true and every man a liar...!"

Jesus Christ made truth claims. So do cults and their leaders. Jesus claimed to be God Incarnate, whose death, burial and resurrection paid the price for the sin committed by the human race. He claimed, as did His apostles, that anyone who trusts in His finished work on the cross receives forgiveness for their sins, and eternal life. They also warned that anyone who does not believe in Him will face God's judgment for their sins, and spend eternity separated from Him in a place of punishment called Hell. They testified to the truth of what they believed by dying for it. Jesus rose from the dead and thus proved He was Who He claimed to be. On the other hand, cults and their leaders deny some, or all of these claims and do not show the proofs of integrity that the apostle's did. They say what they teach is the truth. Who is right?

The only way to know which is correct is to first study God's word the Bible directly and let Him show you His truth. By knowing the original you can spot the counterfeit! In addition, it is helpful to study the early, great creeds of Evangelical Christianity - the Apostles Creed, the Nicene Creed and the Athanasian Creed. These historic documents clearly show what the true Church of Jesus Christ has always taught and believed, in direct challenge to what most cult leaders would have you believe.

If a leader tries to tell you that he is God, or the way to God, you should not trust him until he proves it in the same manner as Jesus did -by rising from the dead! If he tells you he knows God's plan for your life tell him you'll wait for God to reveal it directly to you through His word.

Evangelical pastors and teachers such as we have at Mount Carmel Outreach hold the Bible in high esteem and devote their lives to helping others to know it as well. If you have questions as you study it on your own you should call us or the Evangelical pastor of the church who provides this service in your area. We would be glad to help. Remember you must ultimately trust God through His word the Bible and not men. Work from the Bible out, and not the other way around from man's ideas in

Mount Carmel Outreach

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