THE 10 MOST DANGEROUS CULTS IN THE U.S.

What is the Christian Identity Movement?

 

The Christian Identity Movement is also known as Anglo-Israelism, Israel Identity.

 

Founder: Some think it to be Wesley Swift, born in the 1800s.  Others claim it can be traced back to the 1600s.

 

Headquarters: None.

 

Membership: less than 50,000. In America only.

 

Origins: This movement has its origins in the 1800’s America where it grew in the shadow of this country’s developing and successful conquering of the American continent combined with racial prejudices. Many of the whites believed that North America was ordained by God and blessed by Him to be supreme in the world. All other racial groups were considered inferior. Early contributing precursors to the Christian Identity Movement were the Nativist movement and Anglo Israelism. The Christian Identity Movement Nativism was a philosophy that those not born in America (excluding American Indians) and were not Protestant, were harmful to the American System. In particular, a strong anti-Catholic disposition was advocated. Manifestations of this philosophy resulted in the physical persecution of many Catholics in New York.

Anglo Israelism (also known as British Israelism) is the belief that the British and, therefore, the Americans and Canadians, are the true descendants of the ancient Israelites — the 10 lost tribes. The present Jews in Israel are really a false group descended from Cain.  Identity believers usually act out their faith through social, military, and political agendas.

An early proponent of this movement, Charles Carroll, wrote a book called The Negro a Beast. He considered Negroes to be subhuman. The KKK is usually associated with this group.

 

Doctrines: The Christian Identity Movement is not Christian at all. It is a theological system centered on a racist/anti-Semitic ideology and white supremacy. It seems to use religious arguments to justify political agendas.

 

Practices:

 

Structure – The Christian Identity Movement does not have a centralized organizational structure but has groups in almost every Western nation.

 

Recruitment – through extreme right-wing “churches,” survival groups, and word of mouth.

 

Adherents – generally are Ku Klux Klan, Aryan Nation, Nazi Party, White Separatist groups, etc.

 

Texts: Old and New Testaments of the Bible; some think sections of the U.S. Constitution were divinely inspired.

 

Comments: True Christianity is Christ-centered and focuses on love, forgiveness, and patience and is opposed to racism. However, there is none of that in the Christian Identity Movement, which advocates racism and anti-Semitism. It is a dangerous group and cultic at its core.

            Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Source: This assessment was written by Matt Slick | Jan 12, 2009; Minor Groups & Issues, Christian Identity Movement

THE 10 MOST DANGEROUS CULTS IN THE U.S.

What does the International Church of Christ (ICOC) believe?

 

The International Churches of Christ (ICOC) is a spin-off of the Churches of Christ; both groups are non-denominational, worldwide associations of churches and part of the Restoration Movement. The ICOC, officially formed in 1993, currently has a network of over 700 non-denominational churches in about 150 countries.

The International Churches of Christ goes by other names, as well: the Boston Movement, the Discipling Movement, the Crossroads Movement, and Multiplying Ministries, for example. Often, the city in which a local assembly is located is added to the name, for example, Milwaukee Church of Christ and Sarajevo Church of Christ. The ICOC teaches that there should only be one church per city and that all churches outside of the ICOC are sinful.

The International Churches of Christ has a number of distinctives. One is a strong emphasis on discipleship; however, “discipleship” in the ICOC often looks very different from what most other churches practice. Many who have left the ICOC have reported “heavy shepherding” tactics. That is, they experienced high-pressure, intrusive, and abusive or spiritually manipulative tactics at the hand of the leader they were assigned to.

Another distinctive is that the International Churches of Christ focuses its evangelism almost exclusively on college students through campus groups such as Campus Advance, Christian Students Association, and Disciples on Campus. This fits well with the ICOC’s preferred method of “love-bombing”—suddenly and purposefully surrounding a person with high amounts of friendly contact, various forms of aid, and an overall sense of being immersed in a community—things first-year college students especially crave. While none of these things are unbiblical (indeed, community, service, and friendliness are all excellent aims for Christians), the International Churches of Christ uses these virtues as a façade and manipulative tool to increase membership.

Theologically, the International Church of Christ holds to the basic tenets of Protestant evangelicalism, with two important exceptions. First, the group is exclusivist, claiming that the church is meant to be divided only by geography. Any church outside of their unified system, i.e., not under the ICOC’s leadership, is not a part of the “true church.” Such claims of exclusivity should raise a red flag. Any church or denomination that claims to be the “one true church” and that all others are false churches is itself teaching falsehood.

The International Churches of Christ also departs from sound doctrine in its teaching of baptismal regeneration, the belief that water baptism is required for salvation. The ICOC believes that anyone who is not baptized is not saved and must be “evangelized” and brought into the church. Further, the ICOC teaches that the only “valid” baptism is one performed by the ICOC. No other baptism will do. Further still, the ICOC does not allow anyone to be baptized until he or she is first a “disciple” committed to the organization. The Bible, on the other hand, teaches that salvation is by grace through faith, apart from works (Ephesians 2:8–9)—including the work of baptism.

The International Churches of Christ has a strict and invasive power structure that uses manipulation and indoctrination to control its membership. Many people have been hurt by this group emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually. Because of its manipulative practices and errant view of salvation, one must be cautious against becoming involved in the International Churches of Christ. In 2006, the ICOC gave rise to another group, the International Christian Church, which teaches the same doctrines and engages in the same practices. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Source: www.compellingtruth.org

THE 10 MOST DANGEROUS CULTS IN THE U.S.

The Nation of Islam – What is it?

 

The Nation of Islam is an American form of Islam that encourages black nationalism and is considered heretical by traditional Muslims. Many of its beliefs tie to black racial supremacy. Wallace Fard, who became Wali Farad Muhammad, began the Nation of Islam in 1930 in Detroit, Michigan. He was frustrated with racial discrimination and created an expression of Islam to counter what he believed was the religion of "the white man"—Christianity. He adopted an altered form of Sunni Islam and then added his own ideas before disappearing in 1934. Elijah Muhammad (born Elijah Poole) then led the Nation of Islam until he died in 1975. He claimed a revelation from Allah to build temples or mosques and oppose integration with white people, whom he called "devils." The most prominent member of the Nation of Islam is Malcom X who joined in the 1950s, but later converted to traditional Sunni Islam. Louis Farrakhan began leading the Nation of Islam in 1977. In 2010 he mixed in some aspects of Dianetics* from Scientology. 

One goal of the Nation of Islam is to create a one-race state run by black people without interference from anyone from any other race. It promotes segregation, calling for African-Americans to establish their own schools, places of worship, and businesses. Additionally, the Nation of Islam is anti-Semitic, saying that Jacob from the Old Testament (whom they call "Yakub") created the white race using eugenics. Farrakhan says Jews control the United States to corrupt society. 

Of course, the Nation of Islam is not biblical. Its association with Islam and Scientology make it a false religion. Its teachings about racial superiority are dangerous. The Bible teaches the value and worth of all human life; no race is superior to another, and racism is anti-biblical. Christians are called to love people (Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 7:12; John 13:34). All people, of every race, are invited to respond to God's offer of grace through belief in Jesus Christ (John 3:16–18). It is only through Jesus that we are saved (Acts 4:12).

Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: www.compellingtruth.org

* Dianetics, or Scientology, is the belief that our personal problems, physical and mental health issues, and other illnesses and troubles are caused by past experiences that have lasting effects upon us.

THE 10 MOST DANGEROUS CULTS IN THE U.S.

Is Scientology Christian or a cult?

 

Scientology is a difficult religion to summarize. Scientology was founded in 1953 by science fiction author L. Ron Hubbard and has gained popularity due to some Hollywood celebrities who have embraced it. Hubbard became a multi-millionaire as a result of creating Scientology. In fact, one of the most common criticisms of Scientology is that it is nothing more than a complex money-making scheme. The LA Times reported that the financial policy of Hubbard’s organization was, in Hubbard’s own words, “MAKE MONEY, MAKE MORE MONEY, MAKE OTHERS PRODUCE SO AS TO MAKE MONEY”. ^[1]

Scientology teaches that mankind is an immortal being (called a Thetan) not originally from this planet, and that man is trapped by matter, energy, space, and time (MEST). Salvation for a scientologist comes through a process called “auditing,” whereby “engrams” (basically, memories of past pain and unconsciousness that create energy blockage) are removed. Auditing is a lengthy process and can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. When all engrams are finally removed, the Thetan can once again control MEST instead of being controlled by it. Until salvation, each Thetan is constantly reincarnated.

Scientology is a very expensive religion to pursue. Every aspect of Scientology has some sort of fee associated with it. This is why Scientology’s “pews” are filled only with the wealthy. It is also a very strict religion and very punitive against those who would try to leave behind its teachings and membership. Its “scriptures” are limited solely to the writings and teachings of L. Ron Hubbard.

Though scientologists will claim that Scientology is compatible with Christianity, the Bible counters each and every belief they hold to. The Bible teaches that God is the sovereign and only creator of the universe (Genesis 1:1); mankind was created by God (Genesis 1:27); the only salvation available to man is by grace through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:8); salvation is a free gift that mankind can do nothing to earn (Ephesians 2:8-9); and Jesus Christ is alive and well and is seated at the right hand of God the Father even now (Acts 2:33; Ephesians 1:20; Hebrews 1:3), awaiting the time when He will gather His people to Himself to reside with Him for eternity in heaven. Everyone else will be cast into a very real hell, separated from God for eternity (Revelation 20:15).

Scientology categorically denies the existence of the God of the Bible, heaven, and hell. To a scientologist, Jesus Christ was simply a good teacher who unfortunately was wrongfully put to death. Scientology differs from biblical Christianity on every important doctrine. Some of the most important differences are summarized below:

 

God: Scientology believes that there are multiple gods and that some gods are above other gods. Biblical Christianity, on the other hand, recognizes the one and only true God who revealed Himself to us in the Bible and through Jesus Christ. Those who believe in Him cannot believe the false concept of God as taught in Scientology.

 

Jesus Christ: Like other cults, Scientology denies the deity of Christ. Instead of having a biblical view of who Christ is and what He did, they assign to Him the characteristics of some sort of lesser god who has obtained legendary status over the years. The Bible clearly teaches that Jesus was God in the flesh and through His incarnation He could act as a sacrifice for our sins. It is through Christ’s death and resurrection that we can have the hope of eternal life with God (John 3:16).

 

Sin: Scientology believes in the inherent goodness of man and teaches that it is despicable and utterly beneath contempt to tell a man he must repent or that he is evil. On the other hand, the Bible teaches that man is a sinner and the only hope for him is that he receive Christ as his Lord and Savior (Romans 6:23).

 

Salvation: Scientology believes in reincarnation and that personal salvation in one’s lifetime is freedom from the cycle of birth and death associated with reincarnation. They believe that religious practice of all faiths is the universal way to wisdom, understanding, and salvation. In contrast, the Bible teaches that there is only one way of salvation and that is through Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

 

Comparing the teachings of Scientology with the Bible, we see that the two have very little, if anything, in common. Scientology only leads away from God and eternal life. Scientology, while sometimes disguising its beliefs in Christian-sounding language, in fact diametrically opposes Christianity on every core belief. Scientology is clearly, and most definitely, not Christian. Based on their skewed views of the above MAIN doctrines professed by Christians, Scientology is very much, and without question, a cult.

Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Source: www.gotquestions.org

^[1] Joel Sappell and Robert W. Welkos. “The Scientology Story, Part 2: The Selling of a Church.” LATIMES. Monday, 6/25/1990, page A1:1. Los Angeles Times. WEB. 11/23/2015.

 

THE 10 MOST DANGEROUS CULTS IN THE U.S.

Who are the Jehovah's Witnesses? - Part 2

What do Jehovah's Witnesses believe? While there are some similarities to Christianity, the movement has distorted fundamental beliefs regarding many key biblical teachings. For example, Jehovah's Witnesses believe Jesus was previously Michael the archangel, making Jesus a created being. As a result, Jehovah's Witnesses reject the deity of Christ and the Christian belief in the Trinity. Only Jehovah is considered God. Further, in their view, salvation comes through faith and a list of works dictated by the Watchtower. This clearly contradicts many Scriptures that declare salvation is by grace alone through faith alone apart from works (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Another key difference is the Jehovah's Witness view of Scripture. The Bible is considered corrupt, except for their own translation (the New World Translation). This version of the Bible has changed the name of God to "Jehovah" in hundreds of places in which the original text uses different names. Many other changes have been made, reflecting the particular theological beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses. Most notable is the NWT translation of John 1:1 that changes "the word was God" to "the word was a god". Many Greek scholars insist that this is not an accurate reflection of the original language and is, in fact, a deliberate mistranslation. Many other passages in the NWT have caused scholars to question the integrity of the translators.

Another area of difference concerns the afterlife. Jehovah's Witnesses teach three realms in the afterlife. First, there are the 144,000 who are in the highest realm with God (Revelation 7:1-4). Faithful Jehovah's Witnesses who do not make the 144,000 will be in the next level and are considered the "little flock" of Luke 12:32. Everyone else will be annihilated, meaning they cease to exist. These views are much different from the Bible's presentation of heaven and hell as the only two destinations after death (Luke 16:19-31).

Jehovah's Witnesses do not celebrate most holidays, do not vote, or hold political office, do not participate in patriotic activities, and do not accept blood transfusions. These and other unique prohibitions have caused much controversy throughout the movement's history.

In summary, the Jehovah's Witness movement is not a Christian denomination. Its core theological beliefs set it apart as a cult. Jehovah's Witnesses' views of God, Jesus, salvation, Scripture, and the afterlife are incompatible with biblical Christianity.

We shall continue our look at ‘cults’ in our next post. Until then, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: www.compellingtruth.org

THE 10 MOST DANGEROUS CULTS IN THE U.S.

Who are the Jehovah's Witnesses? - Part 1  

The religious movement known today as the Jehovah's Witnesses began in Pennsylvania in the 1870s as a Bible class led by Charles Russell. Born on February 16, 1852, in Old Allegheny, Pennsylvania, Russell attended Allegheny City Congregational Church with his parents. In 1868, when challenged on his views of hell, Russell expressed doubts about eternal torment. The following year, he abandoned his church and the Bible.

In 1870, Russell attended a religious meeting led by a Second Adventist speaker named Jonas Wendall. Wendall taught that a person does not have a soul and that unbelievers are simply annihilated. This provided a resolve to Russell's concerns regarding hell.

Two years later Russell organized a Bible class to promote his views. In 1877 he met N. H. Barbour, a man who believed in the invisible return of Christ. Russell, claiming he had already come to this same conclusion, also began to promote this view. Russell published The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence in 1879 and founded Zion's Watch Tower Tract Society in 1884. 

By 1888, Russell's movement had grown to a leadership team of 50 people. Russell had published a series of books and was editing a growing magazine. In his writings Russell predicted that God's judgment and the millennial age would occur by 1914. Because of this teaching, the Russellites were also called Millennial Dawnists. When the prophecies proved untrue, some Russellites left the fold. But because World War I began the same year, many thought Russell's prediction was close enough and that the prophecy would soon be fulfilled. 

In modern times, this growing religious movement, now called Jehovah's Witnesses, has continued to expand nationally and internationally. Their headquarters in Brooklyn, New York, is called the Watchtower, and they have their own Bible translation called the New World Translation (NWT). In 2018, the Jehovah's Witnesses' official website (2017 Service Year Report) claimed a worldwide membership of just over 8.4 million members. (to be continued)

We shall continue our look at the Jehovah Witnesses in our next post. Until then, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: www.compellingtruth.org

 

 

THE 10 MOST DANGEROUS CULTS IN THE U.S.

What is Mormonism?

 

The Mormon Church (also called the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or the LDS Church) was founded in 1830 by Joseph Smith. It began with an alleged vision he claimed to receive telling him all churches and creeds were an abomination and that he was to begin a new church. Through this and other "visions," Smith's theology developed into a movement that spread from the northeastern United States to Illinois and eventually to Salt Lake City, Utah, home of the current headquarters of the Mormon Church.

The Mormon Church has quickly grown in size and influence. It now reaches more than 200 nations and territories with millions of followers worldwide. Millions of copies of its key book, The Book of Mormon, are distributed each year in multiple languages. Mormons are found in all levels of society and are becoming more prominent in politics. In 2012, the Senate majority leader in the U.S. was a Mormon, as were two Presidential candidates.

While Mormonism shares some beliefs with traditional Christianity, its main teachings depart from biblical truth. For example, Mormonism rejects the idea of a Triune God. Why? Because LDS theology says Jesus was a created being, the result of a "heavenly father" and a "heavenly mother." In addition, Mormon doctrine says that God has a physical body and was a man like anyone else at one time. Further, the Mormon Church teaches eternal progression, through which a man can himself become a god, be "sealed" to a wife (or wives) in a "celestial marriage," and produce spirit children to populate another planet. Mormonism is fundamentally a system of multiple gods, not a single, Triune God as held in biblical Christianity.

Salvation is also much different in Mormon teachings. The Bible presents salvation as a free gift of God obtained by grace through faith. Human works do not contribute to our salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9). Mormon salvation includes both faith and a series of works. Eternal security (the belief that a person cannot lose his or her salvation) is rejected, since Mormon salvation is based in large part on acts of obedience after an initial faith experience.

Mormons also view Scripture differently. Mormons accept the Bible as inspired (particularly the King James Version), yet they also claim that The Book of Mormon is the Word of God, along with other writings from early Mormonism such as The Pearl of Great Price and Doctrines and Covenants. These books redefine or contradict key biblical doctrines yet are considered authoritative by Mormons.

Finally, Mormonism teaches a view of heaven that differs from what the Bible presents. According to LDS theology, three eternal options exist: the celestial, telestial, and terrestrial kingdoms. Two are based on good works, with the top level (the celestial kingdom) reserved for the most faithful Mormons.

Despite the Mormon Church's rapid growth and influential members, its beliefs are incompatible with historic biblical teaching. As we have seen, Mormonism's core beliefs are far afield of the orthodox Christian faith. The Mormon error affects their view of God, Jesus, salvation, Scripture, and the afterlife. Because of all this, they are a cult that should be avoided. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Source: www.compellingtruth.org