Posted by
Ikester on Saturday, February 09, 2008 9:25:21 PM
Information plays a key role in man's search for truth. Here are ten things to look for when examining questionable religions.
1. It has one human leader in the beginning.
2. It waters down the Bible (adds to or takes away, insists on the necessity of a companion book or books.
3. Encourages members to desert family who won't join them.
4. Tells you to forget the historic church of Jesus Christ by saying that it is wrong and in error without giving evidence of the errors. The reason is that they have no reasons, it is a form of brain washing.
5. They have a new or higher revelation from God (books or teachings). Truth: The book of Revelation CLOSED the canon of Scripture. There is no new revelation of Scripture. Any teaching that does not line up with the Bible is in error!
6. They want you to give up your mind and free will and believe only what they teach you. Tell you to read only what we give you, never other materials or listen to "apostates," ie. those who refuse to be a part of your group.
7. "Keep our secrets" and swear allegiance to us alone. "Only we know the truth."
8. It is abusive in its way of treating people. Authoritarian rule is imposed. The leaders claim to have perfect truth and goodness and they "lord it over" the rest. They use coercive power, fear, intimidation, and manipulation to keep people in line. If one disagrees with leadership,he or she is excommunicated and shunned by all the others, even family members. Abused people often seek refuge in cults only to re-enact their earlier abuse. Personal boundaries are violated by the leader and other members of the community. Healthy boundaries are not honored. Many false religious leaders expect the wives of members to have sex with him and have his children. Multiple wives is often a standard since the leaders are immoral and sex crazed.
9. It breaks moral laws from "above." Sometimes people break moral and societal laws from below--they aren't "good" enough. Others break laws because they think they are too good for them. They think themselves creatures who live above the laws which "ordinary" people need to observe. Cheating the government and others is sanctioned by the leaders, for themselves. Mohammed took the wife of his best friend and yet forbade his followers to do the same. He was above the laws of common decency. Her beauty led him to do this.
10. Three tell tell signs of a cult are money, sex and power. Jesus told His followers to sell their goods and give them to the poor. Cults tell them to give everything to their organization. Often leaders live is excessive luxury and immorality.
Well, there you have it. Use these guidelines and you will avoid religious cults and false religions.
Ikester