Bible Question: Please define the word "cult". What are the characteristics (social or religious) of a cult? Note: I asked about the word "cult", NOT "occult". They are two very different things. |
Bible Answer: I believe that EdB gave a very good definition of a cult. I would like to add the following. Accoding to Dr. Stan Fleming of Gatebreakers ministry at a recent workshop I attended the 5 basic characteristics of a cult are any group has: 1) a new revelation that supercedes the Bible. 2) redefined Christian terminology. 3) Exclusitivity - They are the only ones with the truth 4) a authoritavity leader - tense, strong willed, charasmatic (not meaning spirit filled) 5) strict, unreasonable rules, and harsh dicipline see also 1Tim 4:1-5,7 |