Cults?!

[kaylagrl]

I recently watched a documentary on him/the cult on Netflix. Very eye-opening

It was a four part mini-series called, Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey

My sister has Netflix, I will have to look that up. I'd like to see it, I bet it is eye opening.

 

[JohnDB]

Here's a link to an active (but dying) cult

https://www.remnantfellowship.org/

There's a documentary on them. I was expecting just a hit piece and slanted story on this place....but then I recognized one of those interviewed as a friend from another church....he, like me, is a person who massively understates things.

He knows more than he ever tells in the interview.

Look at how "wonderful " the place sounds. They are the "who's who" of Brentwood. They all look so attractive and are wealthy and and so very polite and welcoming.

 

[arthurfleminger]

It's been many years since I've heard or read anything from Walter Martin, but when I did, he seemed to know what he was talking about.

It's odd that you cite Martin as a respected source of information. He claimed to have completed doctorate and other studies. But after his death it was determined that Martin was a fraud and an habitual liar about his fake academic degrees. Maybe Martin was trying to start his own cult? Does Walter Martin Have A Valid Ph.D.? - FAIR (fairlatterdaysaints.org)

 

[TheLearner]

I recently watched a documentary on him/the cult on Netflix. Very eye-opening

It was a four part mini-series called, Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey

You may want to look on programs on Jones Town, I was part of the military clean up crew there.

 

[2ndTimothyGroup]

It's odd that you cite Martin as a respected source of information. He claimed to have completed doctorate and other studies. But after his death it was determined that Martin was a fraud and an habitual liar about his fake academic degrees. Maybe Martin was trying to start his own cult? Does Walter Martin Have A Valid Ph.D.? - FAIR (fairlatterdaysaints.org)

I'm not entirely surprised. Hank Hanegraaff has certainly had his issues over the years.

 

[TheLearner]

It's odd that you cite Martin as a respected source of information. He claimed to have completed doctorate and other studies. But after his death it was determined that Martin was a fraud and an habitual liar about his fake academic degrees. Maybe Martin was trying to start his own cult? Does Walter Martin Have A Valid Ph.D.? - FAIR (fairlatterdaysaints.org)

"Dr. Martin held four earned degrees[8] including a Master of Arts Degree in Philosophy from New York University, where he was a student alongside television evangelist D. James Kennedy. Kennedy confirmed the fact that Martin had completed all of the coursework for his doctorate, with the exception of his dissertation.[9] He subsequently obtained a Ph.D. in 1976 from California Coast University, which was approved (not accredited) by the state of California at the time the degree was awarded.[10] (see Controversies below) "
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Ralston_Martin#Continuing_education

"Martin's tertiary education began with his brief enrollment at Adelphi University (September 1946-January 1947), followed by attendance at Washington Bible College in 1948. Martin finally settled on taking a degree at Shelton College where he was enrolled from 1949 until graduation with a B.A. in 1951. He further obtained a Bachelor of Religious Education degree in 1952 from Shelton College. One of his best known lecturers at Shelton College was James Oliver Buswell. In 1956 he received a Master of Arts degree by coursework in religious education at New York University. Martin then proceeded as a candidate for the Doctor of Education degree at New York University but did not fulfil all the requisite work to be awarded the degree. He subsequently obtained a Ph.D. in 1976 from California Coast University (formerly known as California Western University). "
https://www.theopedia.com/walter-martin

 

[TheLearner]

I'm not entirely surprised. Hank Hanegraaff has certainly had his issues over the years.

The Fair Mormon site is well know for misinformation, bullying, degrading others. I do not consider them a reliable source. On Mormonism Utah Light House is one of the best. http://www.utlm.org/
http://www.utlm.org/navotherwebsites.htm https://www.mrm.org/ David Reed is on of the best Authors, https://www.amazon.com/David-A.-Reed/e/B000AQ76K6?ref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share
https://www.google.com/search?q=aut...TkgEGMC4xNS4ymAEAoAEByAEEwAEB&sclient=gws-wiz
https://christian.net/resources/does-dr-walter-martin-have-a-genuine-earned-doctors-degree/

 

[p_rehbein]

Biblically what constitutes a cult? Use Scripture where possible, and tell my why a person should be considered part of a cult.

Cult Definition | Bible Dictionary

In general, a cult is any group or set of humans who have in common a strong dedication or purpose to a person or a system of beliefs. This explanation, a version of which is in many dictionaries, is applicable whether a group of humans is focused on a religious-based system or not.

Today many people, including news agencies, are unaware that this term has a very specific and technical meaning when used in religious circles. When employed in such circles it denotes a group that does not accept and teach all the points of a very specific set of doctrinal beliefs some believe are the central tenets of historical Christianity.

For example, almost any group that does not believe and teach that the Godhead is a Trinity is labeled a cult, no matter what sort of recruiting tactics it uses, how benign and serving are its leadership, or how many other doctrines it teaches that agree with orthodox beliefs. Still further, if in an interview by the secular press a prominent religious leader labels a group a cult, the erroneous assumption is that the group is somehow dangerous to the safety of its members and outsiders.

 

[2ndTimothyGroup]

The Fair Mormon site is well know for misinformation, bullying, degrading others. I do not consider them a reliable source. On Mormonism Utah Light House is one of the best. http://www.utlm.org/
http://www.utlm.org/navotherwebsites.htm https://www.mrm.org/ David Reed is on of the best Authors, https://www.amazon.com/David-A.-Reed/e/B000AQ76K6?ref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share
https://www.google.com/search?q=author+David+Reed+Mormonism+ministry+website&sxsrf=ALiCzsbYujIFZsTUTENuQAll4v1Tj7yM0w:1655558894914&ei=7tKtYs63N_WdkPIP646kSA&ved=0ahUKEwjO5te-jbf4AhX1DkQIHWsHCQkQ4dUDCA8&uact=5&oq=author+David+Reed+Mormonism+ministry+website&gs_lcp=Cgdnd3Mtd2l6EAM6BwgAEEcQsAM6BQghEKABOgUIIRCrAkoECEEYAEoECEYYAFCwG1j5OWCzO2gBcAF4AIAB_gGIAbUTkgEGMC4xNS4ymAEAoAEByAEEwAEB&sclient=gws-wiz
https://christian.net/resources/does-dr-walter-martin-have-a-genuine-earned-doctors-degree/

Wow. I can't believe that the LDS church is "fact checking." Good grief.

Thanks for the heads-up.

 

[Beckie]

Here's a link to an active (but dying) cult

https://www.remnantfellowship.org/

There's a documentary on them. I was expecting just a hit piece and slanted story on this place....but then I recognized one of those interviewed as a friend from another church....he, like me, is a person who massively understates things.

He knows more than he ever tells in the interview.

Look at how "wonderful " the place sounds. They are the "who's who" of Brentwood. They all look so attractive and are wealthy and and so very polite and welcoming.

This paragraph was enough for me

Our full leadership team consists of 120 people who serve and meet the needs of the congregation through ministries and counsel. Under the leadership and direction of Elizabeth Shamblin Hannah, we have an incredible hope for the future as we continue to heal and grow in love for God as a congregation.

Leader is not Jesus ... Hope in not in Jesus . From a Scripture stand i do not embrace female leadership.

 

[JohnDB]

This paragraph was enough for me

Leader is not Jesus ... Hope in not in Jesus . From a Scripture stand i do not embrace female leadership.

The scary part is that at first glance they look like any normal modern non-denominational church. Just a normal part of life in the Bible Belt in the South East.

But that documentary was not only true...it is true with bells on!

When that plane crashed it did the world a favor.

 

[JohnDB]

Female leadership isn't exactly a red flag to me of something wrong. I know that the congregation won't be a place for me because I'm at a different place in my walk with Jesus...but many Female Christian leaders are truly inspired of God and are capable of teaching and leading.

The women who lead such congregations aren't sinning by doing so because it's God's way of sending a message to the congregations that they are extremely immature. Not accepting God's message simply because it was delivered by a woman is NOT a good idea ever.

But yes, that woman is nuts....the testimonials by former congregation members are uniform and consistent...meaning they are telling us the truth. And the man who lost his daughter...he's a friend from a different church that we both attended. I knew of his wife and daughter but never really got to know them. Met them a couple of times.

He is a kind soul that had a ministry of his own. I really feel bad for him and what happened.

 

[Magenta]

Here's a link to an active (but dying) cult

https://www.remnantfellowship.org/

There's a documentary on them. I was expecting just a hit piece and slanted story on this place....but then I recognized one of those interviewed as a friend from another church....he, like me, is a person who massively understates things.

He knows more than he ever tells in the interview.

Look at how "wonderful " the place sounds. They are the "who's who" of Brentwood. They all look so attractive and are wealthy and and so very polite and welcoming.

I watched the video. My condolences to family, friends, and loved ones of Gwen and Joe Lara, Brandon Hannah,
David and Jennifer Martin and Jonathan and Jessica Walters, who perished in a plane crash May 29, 2021.

 

[arthurfleminger]

Wow. I can't believe that the LDS church is "fact checking." Good grief.

Thanks for the heads-up.

The LDS was fact checking because Martin was attacking their main tenets/beliefs. Martin later changed his criticisms on the LDS Church.

 

[arthurfleminger]

I'm not entirely surprised. Hank Hanegraaff has certainly had his issues over the years.

I've heard Martin speak on theology a number of times, he was very good at what he taught. However, he was always introduced as Dr. Martin and he knew that wasn't true. I guess he used the title in order to impress people as to his academic/religious qualifications.

Sadly, if you need to be dishonest in such things as your academic credentials, then this person wouldn't hesitate to be dishonest in his religious teachings. If a person is dishonest, their case can't be that strong. And Martin was dishonest for many years.

If you can't be trusted in little things.................etc..............

 

[Runningman]

The simplest definition of a cult is that it seeks to serve itself while a non-cult seeks to serve others. Christianity is supposed to be about serving others and, in effect, serving God. You could think of a cult as a for-profit organization and a non-cult as a charity.

By this simple definition of cult, most “Christian” denominations are a cult. Many people are deceived about this because denominations usually tell 9 truths and 1 lie just to get their foot in the door. The #1 motivating factor in most Christian cults is their insatiable appetite for money.

 

[2ndTimothyGroup]

Not accepting God's message simply because it was delivered by a woman is NOT a good idea ever.

Galatians 3:28 NKJV - "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

The body is only a container of who we really are. And being a man, I fully appreciate women . . . there's still time for me to possibly marry again.

 

[2ndTimothyGroup]

I've heard Martin speak on theology a number of times, he was very good at what he taught. However, he was always introduced as Dr. Martin and he knew that wasn't true. I guess he used the title in order to impress people as to his academic/religious qualifications.

Sadly, if you need to be dishonest in such things as your academic credentials, then this person wouldn't hesitate to be dishonest in his religious teachings. If a person is dishonest, their case can't be that strong. And Martin was dishonest for many years.

If you can't be trusted in little things.................etc..............

Even Hank Hannagraph was, or even still is (I don't know . . . I don't pay attention to what others say), known for tremendous anger and control issues. Being the "Bible Answer Man" is a huge role . . . I guess.

 

[Beckie]

Not accepting God's message simply because it was delivered by a woman is NOT a good idea ever.

Agree Or i would never post !

 

[arthurfleminger]

Even Hank Hannagraph was, or even still is (I don't know . . . I don't pay attention to what others say), known for tremendous anger and control issues. Being the "Bible Answer Man" is a huge role . . . I guess.

There have been many cases about people lying about their academic qualifications. In a non religious setting, we had a radical leftist Proffessor of Native American studies at the University of Colorado about two decades ago, Ward Churchill. He claimed to be a combat hero in the Viet Nam conflict, with the US Army. He also claimed to be of Native American Heritage/Blood and made himself to look like he was of American Indian descent.

Churchill made these claims to promote his career as a tenured professor (affirmative actions in the academic world) and to sell his radical agenda/books. However, he was found out when he was investigated for blaming the World Trade Tower bombings on American capitalist pigs. All of his assertions of being a war here and Native American proved false.

He was a truck driver in the US Army, never saw combat. All Natiive American tribes in the USA disclaimed his Native American heritage (Same can be said of Elizabeth Warren and her Native American ancestry claims that she used to climb up the rungs of the academic world). Curchill was uncermoniously dismissed from the University as a fraid, despite his tenure.

Despite the concrete proof that Ward Churchill was a complete charlatan, he still had many supporters who wanted him returned. The point is, IF A PERSON IS A CONSISTANT LIAR, DON'T BELIEVE A WORD OF WHAT THEY SAY, AND MOVE ON. iF THEIR LIPS ARE MOVING THEY ARE PROBABLY LYING!