Religious Cults

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Dec 19, 2009
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#1
It wasn’t so long ago we’d hear about religious cults that would “brainwash” and exploit their members. How does one recognize this phenomenon when it’s happening to ourselves or others?
 
L

lighthousejohn

Guest
#2
It wasn’t so long ago we’d hear about religious cults that would “brainwash” and exploit their members. How does one recognize this phenomenon when it’s happening to ourselves or others?
When one is asked to trust in an individual's teaching or doctrine instead of in the Lord Jesus Christ, that would be the first red flag for me. Davis Koresh, Jim Jones and others all were charismatic leaders who "trained" their followers to do as they were told.

If their teaching does not reflect the Bible or adds new teachings to the Bible, that would be a red flag also.

The key is to put our faith and trust in Christ. Learn His word. Know His truths and not accept any other teachings.

In Christ,
John
 
Dec 19, 2009
27,513
128
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#3
When one is asked to trust in an individual's teaching or doctrine instead of in the Lord Jesus Christ, that would be the first red flag for me. Davis Koresh, Jim Jones and others all were charismatic leaders who "trained" their followers to do as they were told.

If their teaching does not reflect the Bible or adds new teachings to the Bible, that would be a red flag also.

The key is to put our faith and trust in Christ. Learn His word. Know His truths and not accept any other teachings.

In Christ,
John
Don’t such people have a way of taking certain verses out of the Bible, out of context, and tying them together, in an effort to pressure people into doing things they wouldn’t otherwise do?
 
May 18, 2010
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#4
Don’t such people have a way of taking certain verses out of the Bible, out of context, and tying them together, in an effort to pressure people into doing things they wouldn’t otherwise do?
Yes,
just as George W. Bush who said ''If you are Not with US, then you are AGAINST US'' ...before invading Iraq ... then led mankind into darkness !

However, the point is that this sentence comes from Jesus in Mathiew chapter 12 "He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters.'' [Math 12:30]

so i believe yes, some people use verses from the bible to puch people into doing things they wouldn't otherwise do

Peace
 
G

giuseppe

Guest
#5
It wasn’t so long ago we’d hear about religious cults that would “brainwash” and exploit their members. How does one recognize this phenomenon when it’s happening to ourselves or others?
...for example when the group/association/organization/company forces you to marry another staff member.
Or when they decide what your job is going to be without taking your opinion into consideration.
Or when they prevent you from talking to your parents/siblings about your life.
Or when they forces you to change your church/congregation.
Or when... there are many more examples.
 
G

giuseppe

Guest
#6
Also, cults are everywhere nowadays. Alas, even inside Christianity.
 
A

angelos

Guest
#7
Yes,
just as George W. Bush who said ''If you are Not with US, then you are AGAINST US'' ...before invading Iraq ... then led mankind into darkness !

However, the point is that this sentence comes from Jesus in Mathiew chapter 12 "He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters.'' [Math 12:30]

so i believe yes, some people use verses from the bible to puch people into doing things they wouldn't otherwise do

Peace
I hope you realize that WMD's were found in Iraq as well as the components for nuclear weapons and research into them, There is even a book on the latter and if you do a wii bit of research into the former i'm sure you can find that too. what makes you think Bush led mankind into darkness?
 
Dec 19, 2009
27,513
128
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71
#8
Yes,
just as George W. Bush who said ''If you are Not with US, then you are AGAINST US'' ...before invading Iraq ... then led mankind into darkness !

However, the point is that this sentence comes from Jesus in Mathiew chapter 12 "He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters.'' [Math 12:30]

so i believe yes, some people use verses from the bible to puch people into doing things they wouldn't otherwise do

Peace
I find the following verse interesting, after reading Matthew 12:30.
For he that is not against us is for us. Mark 9:40 RSV
 
S

Slepsog4

Guest
#9
There are two kinds of cults:

1. Psychological/sociological -- these seek to take over control of people's personal lives; they often manipulate people into a double bind situation where the only choice is to submit; they begin to make your decisions for you... money, family, jobs, education, entertainment, time, etc...

2. Theological -- these seek to redefine major biblical doctrines, usually associated with the godhead. Many deny the personality of the Holy Spirit. Others deny the eternal pre-existence and deity of Jesus. Some try to wrap the entire godhead into just one person.
 
C

charisenexcelcis

Guest
#10
There are two kinds of cults:

1. Psychological/sociological -- these seek to take over control of people's personal lives; they often manipulate people into a double bind situation where the only choice is to submit; they begin to make your decisions for you... money, family, jobs, education, entertainment, time, etc...

2. Theological -- these seek to redefine major biblical doctrines, usually associated with the godhead. Many deny the personality of the Holy Spirit. Others deny the eternal pre-existence and deity of Jesus. Some try to wrap the entire godhead into just one person.
I would say that there are many groups that are both.