6 Traits of a Cult

Since we’ve looked at cults on this blog over the years.  we thought it might raise the awareness of readers who are in a cult to recognize some of the traits common to what Dr. Walter Martin used to call “non-Christian cults”/ I think the term sounds a little awkward but it is a good way to differentiate those cults which claim to be Christians from those that do not.  This post will only address some traits of non-Christian cults.

Aristocentric:  Cults are usually aristocentric which means they are not only the sole body of the saved but are superior to others outside the group.  We often hear “I’m so proud to be a part of [insert cult name here].”  While the Bible teaches pride is a sin, they feel better than others.  They might not say so, but we can see it in their actions and condescending attitude when discussing their faith.

Slights to the Bible:  Non-Christian cults cannot allow the Bible to stand by itself or it would expose the cult’s errors.  They must add other authorities to the Bible, authorities which are taken as more reliable than Scripture.  For Jehovah’s Witnesses, it is the Watchtower Organization itself and their publications.  I have heard of Jehovah’s Witnesses who pray before reading their Watchtower Magazine that they might be worthy of the truth God is about to express to them through this magazine.

JWs have also printed their own Bible which has been changed to align with their teachings.  A Christian organization aligns it’s doctrine with the Bible not the other way around.

Mormons have as their eighth article of faith: “We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.”  This tells the Mormon the Bible can’t be fully trusted but the Book of Mormon can.  As a result, the Bible takes a back seat.

Centered around someone’s interpretation:  For Mormons, Joseph Smith has told them what the Bible says and has produced his own “New Translation of the Bible.”  To show how this works, here are three “translations”. The first is the English Standard Version – a scholarly translation of John 1:1, then Smith’s translation of the same passage, and lastly the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ New World Translation:

John 1:1 (ESV)  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God

John 1:1 (Smith’s) “In the beginning was the gospel preached through the Son.  And the gospel was the word, and the word was with the Son, and the Son was with God, and the Son was of God.”

John 1:1 (NWT)  “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god”

Cannot be questioned: 

A non-Christian cult’s leadership will either not allow the doctrine to be questioned or will treat the questioner as unspiritual or a troublemaker.  Questioning the Watchtower doctrine can get you disfellowshipped (excommunicated) from the group.  This means other JWs are not allowed to be friends with you including family even within a household.

One woman I spoke with was studying with JWs and was about to join.  The elders of the group told her to divorce her husband if he refused to join.  I think this is rare, but JW elders carry a lot of authority over the rank and file.

Mormons are a little looser in their discipline of questioners, probably because so much of their hidden past is now on the internet for all to see.  Many cultist remain in the group because of this shunning.  They are called PIMOs (Physically in but Mentally Out).  They stay to prevent losing their family and friends.

No outside research:  This is very true of the Jehovah’s Witnesses.  They can, again, be cast out of the group for looking into the organization through outside sources.

Why is this important?

Many trapped in cults do not realize they are.  They are lost and following an organization or individual who is more interested in power and/or money than the well being of the rank and file.  The Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses live a luxurious lifestyle as do Mormon high leadership.

I’ve limited this post to just Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses because they are the most public in America.  We see them on street corners and at our doorsteps.  But, these traits are common to all cults along with denying the basic doctrines of the Christian faith: the deity of Christ, His bodily resurrection, the Trinity, and salvation by grace alone.  A group needs only to call itself Christian but deny any one of these, and they qualify as a non-Christian cult. These traits are common through the cults, however.

Some good news is God is using the internet to draw people away from these deceptive groups and toward His Son.  Now a person can sit alone in their home and research their group if they have doubts.  No one is the wiser, so they don’t risk discipline from the leadership.

Pray for these people and love them.  They are people Jesus loves and died for.