Examining the EvidenceExamining the EvidenceIn Light of God’s WordIn Light of God’s Word

World English Dictionary (Collins)Cult [kuhlt] — n 1. a specific system of religious worship, esp. with reference to its rites and deity 2. a sect devoted to such a system 3. a quasi-religious organization using devious psychological techniques to gain and control adherents 4. sociology - a group having an exclusive ideology and ritual practices centered on sacred symbols, esp. one characterized by lack of organizational structure 5. intense interest in and devotion to a person, idea, or activity: the cult of yoga 6. the person, idea, etc., arousing such devotion 7. a.) something regarded as fashionable or significant by a particular group; b.) ( as modifier ): a cult show 8. ( modifier ) of, relating to, or characteristic of a cult or cults: a cult figure [from Latin cultus cultivation, refinement, from colere to till]

Word Origin & History (Etymonline)Cult - 1617, "worship," also "a particular form of worship," from Fr. culte, from L. cultus "care, cultivation, worship," originally "tended, cultivated," pp. of colere "to till" (see colony). Rare after 17c.; revived mid-19c. with reference to ancient or primitive rituals.

Cultural Dictionary (American Heritage)cult definition In anthropology, an organization for the conduct of ritual, magical, or other religious observances. Many so-called primitive tribes, for example, have ancestor cults, in which dead ancestors are considered divine and activities are organized to respect their memory and invoke their aid. A cult is also a religious group held together by a dominant, often charismatic individual, or by the worship of a divinity, an idol, or some other object.

• Common religious groups in the US widely considered as cults: Sun Myung Moon – Unification Church (1940’s), Church of Scientology (1950’s), The Way International (1950’s), Charles Manson (1960’s), Anton Lavey – Church of Satan (1960’s), Family of Love (1960’s), Church of Bible Understanding (1970’s), The Raelians (1970’s), Jim Jones – The People’s Temple (1970’s), Elizabeth Clare Prophet – Church Universal and Triumphant (1970’s), Order of the Solar Temple (1980’s), Cross Roads – Boston Movement – ICC (1980’s), David Koresh – Branch Dividians (1990’s), Heaven’s Gate (1990’s)

• Is the church of Christ a cult? This question is sometimes asked of us (1 Pet. 3:15)

Churches of Christ are listed on the “Index of Cults and Religions” of Watchman Fellowship (watchman.org/index)

Websites are devoted to claiming that Churches of Christ are actual cults (jesus-is-savior.com/F) or close to it (chocd.org)

• There are religious groups using the name “Church of Christ” that bare the marks of cults…

Church of Christ Jesus (ICC)

Church of Christ Consciousness (Center of the Light)

Church of Christ with Elijah Message

• We must not judge or be judged a “cult” by appearance only or hearsay (Jn. 7:24; 15:18-21; Acts 24:5)

• We must be on guard for anyone who would lead us astray (Mt. 7:15; 24:11,23-26; 2 Pet. 2:1-2)

• Remember, the presence of a counterfeit implies the presence of the truth

• Consider four issues related to cults: (1) authority, (2) scripture use, (3) daily living, and (4) future outlook

CultsCults Lord’s ChurchLord’s ChurchSelf-styled, charismatic, unproven leader

Proven Christ: Jn. 20:30-31

Question, neglect, or malign Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is truly divine and first (Col. 1:15-18)

Unproven, latter-day / extra-biblical revelations (in conjunction with the Bible)

Complete revelation: Jn. 16:13; Gal. 1:6-9; Col. 2:8; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Jn. 9; Jude 3

Unquestioned leadership Test all things: 1 Thess. 5:21; 1 Jn. 4:1

CultsCults Lord’s ChurchLord’s ChurchDoctrinal ambiguity Truth can be known

(Jn. 8:32; 17:17)Private study and investigation discouraged

Private study encouraged (Jn. 5:39; Acts 17:11; 1 Tim. 4:13

Special help needed; “special discoveries” made

You can know the truth (Eph. 3:4; 5:17)

Bible texts twisted and distorted; use of specialized translations (NWT)

Bible texts are kept in context (Mt. 4:5-6; 2 Tim. 2:15; 2 Pet. 3:16)

CultsCults Lord’s ChurchLord’s ChurchTotal isolation, remove from family and friends, closed fellowship

We are the light of world: Phil. 2:15 [no fellowship with worldliness, 2 Cor. 6:17; no fellowship with worldly members, 1 Cor. 5:1-13]

Secret and sometimes immoral practices

Open, righteous example to all: 1 Tim. 4:12; Tit. 2:7-8

Privacy denied; accountability partner; financial exploitation; “total commitment”

Total commitment to God alone: Mt. 22:37; 1 Cor. 16:1-2

CultsCults Lord’s ChurchLord’s ChurchCoercion; violence; stalking in joining or leaving

Invitation given, voluntary: Ac. 2:41; Rev. 3:20

Dishonest, manipulative proselytizing methods

No dishonest methods: 2 Cor. 2:17; 1 Thess. 2:3-6

Psycological manipulation; de-program; brainwashing; mind control; drug use

No psychological manipulation: Rom. 1:16; Acts 17:2

Daily activities controlled, limited, or removed

Activities such as work (1 Thess. 4:11) and family are encouraged (Eph. 5-6)

CultsCults Lord’s ChurchLord’s ChurchFalse basis of salvation No false basis: 1 Pet. 1:3-4

Secret plots of destruction preached

No secret plots: 1 Pet. 4:16

Physical preparations made for Armageddon

No Armageddon: Rev. 16:16

Paradise on earth No earthly home: 2 Pet. 3:10-13

• The label of “cult” against some churches of Christ is slanderous. The Lord’s church is not a cult! It is not a secret group that seeks to control your mind contrary to your will or (more importantly) the will God.

• It has been demonstrated that the Lord’s church is not a cult. The Lord’s church does not have the common characteristics of a cult. Anyone who charges otherwise is either ignoring the evidence present here or is committing slander.

• Know the difference between a cult and the Lord’s church! Don’t be fooled!

• The Lord’s church always welcomes your investigation. We keep an open Bible, an open schedule, and an open mind to study with anyone, anytime, about any religious matter.