Cults -- How a Good Church Becomes a Cult -- Part 1 of 5

How does a good church become a cult? When does a pastor overstep his authority? How to recognize a toxic faith system that preys on emotionally dependent church members.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Cults
• Church
• Churches
• false teachings
• theology
• pastors
• pastoral authority
• pastoral abuse
• toxic faith

[DrJerryK]

Sorry, but you are quite far from having a sold basis in Systematic Theology for your positions. As such, further discussions would not be a good investment of my time. It is not at all about opinions. jk

[GmaM11]

@DrJerryK So, please explain why a person needs a "solid basis in Systematic Theology" in order to recognize a cult. I do not agree with Dr. Martin's definition, it is far too broad. My favorite book is "The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse" because it focuses on behaviors rather than doctrine. I think it covers all bases, because behaviors are fruits of beliefs. MS Psych/college teacher

[DrJerryK]

@GmaM11 Without an understanding & command of Systematic theology, one can of course still be right, but it is far more of a hit-and-miss proposition. The book you quote is a wonderful book and it will absolutely steer you correctly, as does "Toxic Faith" & my book, "Clouds Without Rain" (WND Books.)

[DrJerryK]

Don't mean to be unkind, but you are so very far from having a solid basis in Systematic Theology for your positions that further discussion with me is not warranted, nor a good investment of my time. Just being frank. jk

[DLando]

I hate to say this but the Churches of God are currently divided. This video although its intentions are good does more harm to christians. Believe it or not but all christian churches have incorrect doctrines and beliefs, that includes the so called main stream christianity. A time will come when God will call on all christians from all the christian churches, that includes SDA, JW, Mormons and the others so called cults. I suggest christians stop calling each other cults and truly seek truth.

[DrJerryK]

@DLando You are well intentioned but fail to understand the biblical mandate to warn against error. You simply could not be more wrong when you say that "God will call on all christians from all the christian churches..." The task bringing you to a correct understanding of doctrines is far, far, beyond the venue available here. There are foundational definitions of true Christianity throughout Scripture. You should base your beliefs on these.

[limerick121]

The Mother of Cults is Talmudic Judaism & 2 of her Daughters are Roman Catholicism & Islam.

Walter Martin refused to see the Roman cult as anti-Christ!

Infallibility & the Inspired Traditions of Rome! There you have your Cult!

I don't need your books, I have the Word of God!

[michamus]

I have always found it quite interesting that "God's opinion" is always in line with the religious speaker's opinion, especially when it comes to which doctrine is correct.

This should be quite telling as to the true purpose of gods.

[GmaM11]

@GmaM11 If the study of cults were my focus and if I thought it necessary to close myself off from common sense discussion, I would spend more time on "sp theo.". I chose TSPOSA because it offers common sense information and practical solutions to real people, most of whom have as much interest in "Systematic Theology" as I do. I am the student a leading teacher in the worldwide Hebrew Roots of the Christian Faith movement, kingdom theology, not religious intellectual snobbery.

[DLando]

Cont. - Christian Churches will never get the whole truth correct if they don't start sharing information and set aside pride. I blame the leadership of the Christian Churches not the sheeps or the flock. Yes there are christians in all the churches that includes the Mormon and Catholic Church. If you can't see that then I suggest you should stop teaching, remember you are accountable.

[DLando]

@DrJerryK Look for the definition of cult. Non-christians consider the whole christian faith as a cult, if you follow Jesus and are ready to die for Him basically you are in a cult. I am not a Mormon but where in the Bible that says they are not christians. I posted my comment on another video and I get a reply defending that the Roman Catholic Church is a cult. No wonder people of this modern age are turned off on Christianity. As a teacher you are accountable for what you are teaching. Cont.-