<> Ask the Pastor Pastor Walter Snyder Q: I know that cults can be distinguished by traits such as isolationism and preaching on unity within the church group only. How do we prevent cultic practices or ideas from spreading from an individual within the church and how do we spot the problem? Also, how do we rid cultic ideas and practices from an individual? Thanks. I am from Singapore currently studying in University College London for a degree in Geography. A: There are many ways of defining. Christianity was considered a cult by many during its early days--perhaps until it was legalized in the Roman Empire. However, if we use isolationism of some sort as part of our definition, true Christianity would need to be omitted during its entire history. For while the church sometimes had to partially conceal itself to protect individual members from persecution and death, we have never isolated ourselves to keep the outside world from finding out about us. Also, Christians define cults according to their denial of Christ's person and work. I will emphasize permutations of Christianity in this all-too-brief examination of cults. It is true that the Christian Church has been infected at times from without. Yet there are many examples from within of doctrines and practices which have been twisted to manipulate and maintain control of individuals. Still, we must consider outside influences. Pseudo-Christian cult teachings usually combine Biblical doctrine with eastern religion, secret society ritual, the occult, or a combination of these and other factors. Sometimes the cult forms outside Christianity, yet weaves certain Bible teachings into its own philosophies, especially as it seeks to attract new disciples from the ranks of those who consider themselves Christian. For comparison, the Jonestown cult started within what most would consider to be Christianity, twisting Biblical teaching, adulterating it with other sources, and placing all under control of Jim Jones. Heaven's Gate began outside the bounds of Christianity, yet it reached into the Bible for verses (taken out of context) that helped its leaders to gain and hold power over the followers. Much that eventually results in cults and sects comes from pastors, teachers, and congregations outside the mainstream. They are independent or loosely affiliated with other churches. A church that has checks and balances can spot aberrant behavior more quickly than when false teaching is allowed to grow in an isolated area. While each has its own peculiarities, common factors often contribute to cult growth. Among these are uncertainties of the future, such as in times of depression, unemployment, or the threat of war. Cults usually focus more than does mainstream Christianity upon eschatology (the "end times"), often with enhanced and fantastic interpretations of Revelation, Daniel, and Ezekiel, and Christ's own words in the Gospels. The people involved may not see much hope for themselves in present times. They look to a charismatic leader who promises that they will be the "meek" who will "inherit the earth" or some other reward. Having surrendered to despair, it appears easy for them to also surrender their wills to their leader. Contrary to the Bible, these cults try to establish or usher in some sort of Golden Age, rather than waiting for the time appointed by God. The only way to truly combat cult teaching in the body of the church is through the pure words of Scripture. While some may be too far lost in the cult to heed the Bible, those not yet or not fully infected may still listen and turn away from the manipulations of the cult's teachers. In dealing with individuals, we need to determine the sway that the cult holds and "know the enemy." There is no blanket "deprogramming" that will work on everyone. Finally, those who are truly saved will be rescued by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Anything else that removes them from the perceived safety of the cult and restores them to society but does not proclaim Christ crucified and resurrected is a failure. Saving someone from a car crash only to see them run over by a train is no rescue. While blindly following a cult leader on anti-scriptural paths is a way to hell, the destination of one living a supposedly normal life in secular society is no different. Much of the blame these days must fall on those churches that do not adequately proclaim the resurrection and the final destination of mankind. Heaven and hell are Biblical certainties. Churches fail insofar as they do not hold out the promises of Christ to come to take his people home. Modern liberal theology, rationalism, blind confidence in science, and denying Biblical miracles contribute to the growth of new cults and the strengthening of old, established cults--all too many of which have grown in the fertile soil of American independence and pluralism. If you'd like more on cults, please let me know. There are a number of good sites on the Internet that deal with cults. I also encourage you to get the most recent edition of Walter Martin's *Kingdom of the Cults*, which may be the definitive work on cults to this date. Remember to "Ask the Pastor" at P.O. Box 1080, Jasper, Texas, 75951; E-mail xrysostom@aol.com; or catch me around town. Pastor Snyder serves St. Paul and Faith Lutheran Churches, Jasper and Woodville, Texas and is the coauthor of "What Do Lutherans Believe? A Study Guide in Christian Teachings for Adults." Copyright (c) 1997 by Walter P. Snyder Permission is granted by author to reproduce or retransmit this by any means, provided that its content is not altered, that this notice of copyright and permission is included, and that no financial gain is realized.