In General All Cults possess these traits:
1. Cultists are characterized by closed-mindedness, not interested in rational cognitive evaluation of facts the organizational structure interprets facts to cultist. Belief systems are in isolation. They are not to question.
2. Genuine antagonism on a personal level identity. Dislike of Christian message with the messenger who holds such opposing beliefs. Identification of opposing beliefs with the individual in the framework of antagonism leads the cultist almost always to reject individual as well as the belief (which is why it is extremely difficult to engage in general dialogue with cultists).
All cultists face in interpersonal contact the problem of hostility towards those who reject their interpretations. They are basically faced with: “How can this person (the Christian) be such an acceptable personality yet not share my (the cultists) theology. Then wonders how it is possible a Christian could be accept a person and yet not their beliefs.
The Christian’s role is to be: unprejudiced, reasonably learned, and have a genuine love and concern for the welfare of the cultist
There is a real mental & emotional chain that inhibits cultist ability to discern truth from error
3. Dogmatism and intolerance for any position but their own
4. Factor of isolation. Isolation is an outright denial of contradiction. Contract facts denied. For example the Adventist Health Message preached by Ellen G. White, yet at the same time evidence that Ellen G. White ate pork. The peaceful coexistence of logical contradiction
Important for dealing with Cultists:
1. Terminology! Define usage of terms and authority so that drastic
unbiblical redefinitions can be exposed
2. Compare definitions with various context of verses
3. Define: interpretation, historical orthodoxy, the new birth, Atonement,
context, exegesis, eternal judgement
4. The Christian must attempt to lead the cultist to a review of importance
properly defining terms for all doctrine ESPECIALLY personal redemption
from sin. Most cult systems define personal redemption from sin in
unbiblical manner
5. Christian must present a clear testimony of one’s own regenerative
experience in terminology which has been carefully clarified (the terminology).
1. The average cultist knows his own terminology very thoroughly
2. They tend to avoid the definitons of: Trinity, Deity of Christ,
Atonement, bodily resurrection, process of salvation by grace, justification
by faith (Cultist will redefine terms to fit orthodoxy unless forced to
define terms explicitly)
3. Authority of scripture: Scripture are a powerful tool in dealing
with cultists.
4. Familiarize yourself with terms of major cult systems to understand
a cultist mind. Heavily emphasize issue of terminology and a proper
definition of terms
Cultist is already “deeply religious” therefore are one of the most difficult persons to reach with the gospel of Christ. Cultist regard Christian as adversaries. They often respond with resentment, “How can the Christian dare to convert him?” They believe they are far beyond the Evangelical Christian with special revelations and superior experiences
Fundamentally cultism is a form of self salvation with the emphasis on deliverance from sin through human effort. Christians should point out that aspect of self justification. Regeneration, resurrection, retribution, atonement not part of cultist vocabulary or experience.
Cultist concept is that their group will emerge victorious. Christian should point out the true nature of man: fallen man.
It is necessary to find a common ground: Scriptural authority/nature of God and attributes. There needs to be a place of agreement starting point. As Christians we need to be friendly and we need to pray.
Cultists are under a cloak of delusion by Satan, spiritual blindness.
Cults thrive on ignorance and confusion. Sound doctrine is the antidote.
Christians need to learn to become immune from cult teachings by possessing
sound theology. Evangelization of cultists is the task of the Christian
church (the congregation).