Christian Cults: Weighed and Measured – Introduction
Posted on 07. Nov, 2009 by K. Tanner Barfield in Apologetics
If you have lived in any American suburb, chances are you have experienced a run in with a door to door “evangelist” associated with one of the many Christian Cults. You really do not want to listen to what any of them have to say, but you also do not want to be rude. So you stand in the door way and hear them out. They have a compelling script about why what they believe is truly what the bible teaches and when they see your discomfort with such a claim, they tell you it’s not much different from what the general American Christian believes. You might have questions of validity and they will have quick rebuttals. So, they invite you to their place of worship so that all your questions can be answered and you are left with a colorful pamphlet and a lot of confusion.
The way I have decided to do this study is to first, outline what the Word says true Christianity is. Then, in a side by analysis show how the beliefs of Jehovah Witnesses-the Watchtower Bible, Christian Science, Mormonism-the Latter-day Saints, Spiritism-the Cult of Antiquity, Zen Buddhism, and Islam do not align with what the Holy Bible teaches.
I will also explore the origin of these cults. Through this I plan to show the flawed, yet intelligently convincing men responsible for the manifestation of them.
Scripture is clear that the enemy works, not in obvious ways, but discreetly:
“…the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” - 2 Corinthian 11:3
We are also called, as the children of God to arm ourselves for battle against such lies:
“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. Remember how Jesus responded when approached by Satan in the wilderness. ” - Ephesians 13-19
Remember that Jesus battled Satan in the wilderness with nothing more than his Words.
Shawn B.
Nov 12th, 2009
Great opening page! Im looking forward to reading the rest of your study
-Shawn B.
Tanner
Nov 12th, 2009
Thanks brother. Should have the first post titled “What scripture says Christians SHOULD believe” up by the beginning of next week!
Kaye Barfield
Mar 3rd, 2010
Jesus did do battle with Satan, as all believers will eventually do. He did it perfectly! I am learning from His example.
1. For food (sustenance): “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by the word of God.”
2. For rescue from God: “You shall not put the Lord God to a test.”
3. Material things or what only the wordly things that Satan can offer: “You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.”
I have been tempted by Satan with these same things that he tempted Jesus with. Praise you Father for your Word that is an example to all of us in how we should respond.