How Not To Be Deceived By Cults (Even Christian Ones)

[UntoHim]

HOW NOT TO BE DECEIVED BY CULTS
(EVEN CHRISTIAN ONES)

By Todd Fishkind

Deception has certain telltale signs, which apply not only with cults like the Watchtower, the Mormons, the mind sciences, and endless others. These signs also apply for true believers, who are prone to get caught up in a mighty rushing wind of good-sounding, but deceptive doctrine.
The following checkpoints are by no means exhaustive, but here are some prominent signs to watch out for:

1) WHEN THERE'S ALWAYS A STUDY GUIDE:
There's always some study guide, a "key to the scriptures," or, some founder's writing, in order to provide the true interpretation, or the INSPIRED word (as opposed to the literal word), or to "complete the revelation" of the Bible. These guides lead you down narrow corridors of thought, and are intended to keep, (and often discourage), you from studying on your own. This is often reinforced with powerful group dynamics of fear, and an intensely loyal following. Not all study guides are bad, of course. But, be careful with special editions, which may highlight certain aspects of scripture, to the exclusion, or even negation, of others. Or which imply, in any way, that the standard versions are not enough.

Be especially careful of any remade version, bearing the instrumentality or image of an apostle, popular teacher or tele-evangelist.
Beware of too many private interpretations and novel opinions, which have the effect of alienating and isolating you, and your church, from the Lord's body at large.
Also, be careful with people who bear a theme of restoration, who sincerely seek to bring back a radical, pure, New Testament church life, but who have a spirit of exclusion; who regard all other ministries as "off", or "out to lunch", or simply less fortunate than they are, because, they do not have THE revelation.

2) AN UNTEACHEABLE SPIRIT:
An unteachable spirit with a popular leader whom you respect. Such a person will not receive correction from outside; and is seldom, if ever, approached from within, due to control, legalism, fear of man, and often an authoritarian, top-down style; intense loyalty for one's group, (an "us against all the world" mentality), political correctness, etc.
Suspect leaders are always "right"; and seldom, if ever, repent before their following; and are insensitive toward the consensus of father-figures in the Lord's Body. They do not recant their positions when proven wrong, but merely modify them, and cite persecution against the Lord's "true followers" when they are questioned or criticized.
One must be willing to give up being right; one must be willing to be found wrong, many times, along the path of life, in order to obtain truth, and to remain in truth. And, what is truth, but a person?... Jesus. "I am the way, the truth and the Life; no one comes unto the Father but through Me." (John 14:6)
And, what does He require but humility? (Micah 6:8)
God gives grace to the humble.

3) INTERPRETING SCRIPTURE WITH TEACHING, INSTEAD OF INTERPRETING TEACHING WITH SCRIPTURE:
This is the highway to deception. And it happens everywhere. Beware, when you are told not to question teachings, or that you are "out of your league", or too young a believer to understand.
Beware, if you are told that "you don't have the measure, insight or capacity to question such things." This is elitist thinking.
There's nothing wrong with honest questions, coming from pure motives.
Be careful when you are told to just trust leaders, when they are not willing to trust you. Be willing to walk the fine line, the tightwire of balance, even when it means social reproach, or falling out of favor with some.
Beware, when no one around you is exercising personal discernment before the Lord. Especially, beware, if such discernment is discouraged. The Bereans, in the book of Acts, were commended for testing apostolic teaching with scripture. Scripture also tells us, ALL of us, (not just an elite few), to try the spirits, to TEST ALL THINGS, and hold fast to what is true.

4) A STARSTRUCK AND SPELLBOUND FOLLOWING:
Watch out, when a charismatic (gifted) leader is SO popular, has such force of persuasion, and enjoys such a loyal following (especially the exclusivist kind), that people hang on to his or her EVERY WORD, as though it were scripture itself. Like the canonizing of saints, their every musing, out of their times of devotion, are assumed to be right from the throne of heaven.
This is especially suspect, because, this kind of leader ALLOWS his following to be so taken with him, and seems to enjoy being the center of focus. A true Christian leader does not continually cause a following to be awestruck over his teaching, incredible knowledge and uncanny giftings, but brings attention to Jesus.
Oftentimes, such leaders start out right, but due to unresolved root issues in their lives, drift further and further into peripheral teachings, private interpretations, or obsessions, which are not governed by love; and often, have an alienating and divisive affect toward the rest of the body of Christ. It's not wrong to enjoy the ministry, but the wayward leader LOVES the ministry, and loves the limelight. The ministry has him. He tends to see it all as "his" ministry, as he does his big thing before a crowd of spectators.

And, when problems arise within the ministry, rather than leveling with the people and opening his heart in repentance regarding the true issues, they are glossed over, all the damage control comes out, and a positive spin is put on everything. Any wrongdoing becomes blame-shifted to the outside, while reputation is preserved at all costs, even at the awesome cost of character.

5) USING SELF-INTEREST AS AN ALLUREMENT:
Beware, when good-sounding teaching is spear-headed and characterized by some selfish motivation like health and wealth. These are relative values in life, not absolutes.
Be wary of teaching that is popularized by some scintillating personality, promising you all sorts of blessings without suffering in this life, grace without cost, peace without pain, fruit without the process.

Beware, when teaching is primarily focused on your happiness, rather than your holiness. (True happiness, and great joy, is a result, a normal outflow of holy living).
Beware, when you are not given the "whole counsel of God"; when one body of scripture is played against the other, with the effect of negating the other.
For example, religious health-and-wealth hucksters promise you all blessing and no suffering, while some holiness preachers give you the cross and no healings, little prosperity, and no grace.

Beware of extremism which shows little regard for balance.
Pursue biblical faith without turning to extreme and imbalanced teachers for inspiration, as they seem to just 'go for the gold', without due regard for sound doctrine, the Spirit's tempering, nor the consensus and balancing of father figures in the Lord's Body.

6) EXCLUSIVISM:
A sense of "We are it," or "We are the ones," to the exclusion of others. Sometimes, this involves a sense of paranoia and suspicion toward all others, such as, "the world is out to get us," and an end-of-the-world sentiment which finds safety in our group alone. The feeling comes across as, "Everyone else is deceived. Everyone is under a spell. We alone are awake. We are the overcomers."

7) NO REGARD FOR SOUND DOCTRINE:
When there is no real hunger for truth.
When individuals are apathetic and indifferent regarding sound doctrine, in many cases, relying on their tradition, or cultural backround to keep and preserve them on the path of live.
When people are gathered together for what sounds good, feels good, looks good.
When people stop learning, they stop growing. The meaning of "disciple" is basically "a learner."
When people just settle in on "what they've been always taught," not knowing WHY they believe what they believe, they are often candidates for deception.
A high percentage of people in the cults actually came from traditional denominations. Growing tired with the same old same, not really getting the heart and life of the gospel (a personal relationship with Jesus), they hop on the first bandwagon that makes them feel good once again. It may be right on; something that leads them to life in Jesus. Or, it may be a cult. But, when you hunger and thirst for righteousness, as Jesus promised, you shall be filled!

8) THE FOCUS ON MAN, OURSELVES, OR OUR MINISTRY, NOT ON JESUS: Many forms of deception can be found right in the church, of course. And, though legitimate churches are not cults, sometimes the dynamics can be similar.
Measuring ourselves among ourselves, the standard in scripture is lost by which we examine ourselves to see if we be in the faith.
Seeing Jesus, and His life expressed through us, as we are conformed to His image, is real key here.
If we look at our favorite teacher or preacher, and pattern ourselves after him, taking on their characteristics, we will be fixing our eyes in the wrong direction. If we look to a committee, or a church or ministry staff for all of our approval, we could become seriously midlead.
Remaining teachable, is vital for ongoing growth. Only, test it against God's word, not merely against what is politically correct within a body of believers. Be respectful of others' positions, but don't compromise your convictions.

Also, watch out when a church IS holy, radical and right on in many ways. High and holy standards can get so elevated, and a ministry so performance and control-oriented, that the person of Jesus becomes subtley pushed out of His proper center.
A religious spirit can slowly take over, as legal experience and fear of man, more and more, creeps in.
When leaders become enamored with themselves, become high-minded and authoritarian, lose their servant hearts, and find it easy to exploit submission, that's a sign that the ministry is man-centered, and not truly Christ-centered.

The life in Christ is not primarily a code of externals, but His life flowing through us. Keep Jesus at the center, measuring all things against Him, tempering and characterizing all things after Him. Be cautious with those who claim to be apostles, but do not act like New Testament apostles. Paul, the greatest apostle of all, came in the Spirit of Christ, a servant of all, a tentmaker, even denying his apostolic rights to be supported by the churches.
He did not ride high over others, flushed with power, throwing his apostolic weight around. Nor did he take spiritual authority in the flesh, using control and manipulation to keep leaders in line. Rather than being 'a major player in the big leagues', grasping the spotlight and applause of men, he was tempered and governed by a servant heart under the mighty hand of Christ.

9) SELF-DECEPTION:
Guard your own heart. Often, the most difficult deception to see is that of self-deception. We are all vulnerable here. To the degree that we are not doers of the word, responding to revealed light, we may soon become forgetful hearers, deceiving ourselves.

10) AN INDEPENDENT SPIRIT:
Being a free-thinker does not mean being a 'free spirit' -- a wild, whimsical 'spiritual' gypsy who lives nomadicly, is never really broken, never trusts, and never really has the exposure that comes with normal growing in a close fellowship with brothers and sisters, whom the Lord would build together as lively stones in His temple. Such a person ultimately has an independent spirit toward God. Stay dependent and stay close, walking tenderly before Him. Stay open and teachable to others.

[ZNPaaneah]

Originally Posted by UntoHim

HOW NOT TO BE DECEIVED BY CULTS
(EVEN CHRISTIAN ONES)

By Todd Fishkind

The following checkpoints are by no means exhaustive, but here are some prominent signs to watch out for:

1) WHEN THERE'S ALWAYS A STUDY GUIDE:
There's always some study guide, a "key to the scriptures," or, some founder's writing, in order to provide the true interpretation, or the INSPIRED word (as opposed to the literal word), or to "complete the revelation" of the Bible. These guides lead you down narrow corridors of thought, and are intended to keep, (and often discourage), you from studying on your own. This is often reinforced with powerful group dynamics of fear, and an intensely loyal following. Not all study guides are bad, of course. But, be careful with special editions, which may highlight certain aspects of scripture, to the exclusion, or even negation, of others. Or which imply, in any way, that the standard versions are not enough.

Be especially careful of any remade version, bearing the instrumentality or image of an apostle, popular teacher or tele-evangelist.
Beware of too many private interpretations and novel opinions, which have the effect of alienating and isolating you, and your church, from the Lord's body at large.
Also, be careful with people who bear a theme of restoration, who sincerely seek to bring back a radical, pure, New Testament church life, but who have a spirit of exclusion; who regard all other ministries as "off", or "out to lunch", or simply less fortunate than they are, because, they do not have THE revelation.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

In the world there is always a study guide.

It is a "short cut". Idiot's guide to everything. Cliff notes for every subject. "Broad is the way that leads to destruction".

[leastofthese]

Originally Posted by UntoHim

HOW NOT TO BE DECEIVED BY CULTS
(EVEN CHRISTIAN ONES)

By Todd Fishkind

[COLOR="DarkRed"]Deception has certain telltale signs, which apply not only with cults like the Watchtower, the Mormons, the mind sciences, and endless others. These signs also apply for true believers, who are prone to get caught up in a mighty rushing wind of good-sounding, but deceptive doctrine.
The following checkpoints are by no means exhaustive, but here are some prominent signs to watch out for:

Untohim,

Where did you find this and who is this author? Every college student or parent of a college student being approached by the LSM should read this warning, really think of the implications of their choice into Witness Lee's ministry, and pray that God leads them to the truth.

One home meeting I was so overwhelmed by the Spirit telling me to "run" that I literally got up and left the house and waited by the car for my friends.

[Evangelical]

None of these points are biblical. I note the minimal use of Scripture. And there is no mention of any of the biblical tests for false spirits, prophets/teachers, that we have discussed in another thread. This is just the author's musings of what he thinks a cult looks like based on hollywood movies. His tests would make the Amish a cult, and Catholics too, and many other Christian groups.

And mention of the so-called "religious spirit" proves he does not know what he is talking about. There is no such thing as a religious spirit/demon in the bible, this term was invented by Pentecostals to characterize everyone who does not believe in receiving the power of the Spirit with signs of speaking in tongues and strange manifestations. It's a term used on charismanews and similar pentecostal sites, but there is no scripture which suggests that demons go around causing people to behave religiously. If there was then Jesus would have cast out that demon from the Scribes and Pharisees.

Use unbiblical tests like these and you're almost guaranteed to end up in a cult. Why? Because they don't test the spirits. A good place to start is a test of the spirits, do they confess Jesus or not according to 1 Cor 12:3. Do they confess Jesus is come in the flesh according to 1 John 4:2 and Jesus as the Son of God according to 1 John 4:15? Confession is a tried and true method of discernment in the church, more importantly, confession is biblical.

[ZNPaaneah]

Originally Posted by Evangelical

None of these points are biblical.

1. When there’s always a study guide -- John made it clear we are not to add anything to the NT nor are we to take anything away from it.
2. An unteachable spirit — If any man teacheth a different doctrine, and consenteth not to sound words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 1Tim 6:3, For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts; 2Tim 4:3
3. Interpreting scripture with teaching — Peter says that no verse is of its own interpretation, but the Bible has to be understood in the light of many other Bible verses.
4. A starstruck and spellbound following — 16Be not deceived, my beloved brethren. 17Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, neither shadow that is cast by turning. James 1:16-17 If you are drawn away into a cult you are being deceived, one possible deception is that the good and perfect gifts are from the “man of God” rather than from God himself.
5. Using self interest as bait — “each man is tempted when he is drawn away by his own lust an enticed” James 1:14 — if you are in a cult you are “drawn away” and this is due to your “own lust” or self interest being used as the bait to draw you away.
6. Exclusivism -- Paul rebukes Peter of exclusivism in Galatians
7. No regard for sound doctrine -- quoted from Timothy
8. Focus on man, ourselves, our ministry — rather than Jesus -- based on the Lord's word in the gospels about searching the scripture but not coming to Him, and those that say "Lord, Lord, yet He never knew them".
9. Self deception 22But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deluding your own selves. James 1:22 — Self deception in James 1 is in the context of “being drawn away” in verse 14 and “being deceived” in verse 16. Finally, in verse 26 it talks about a man that “deceiveth his heart” in the context of religion that is not pure or undefiled, i.e. a cult.
10. An independent spirit -- he defines this as "Living nomadically" -- which is condemned in Hebrews which tells us to not forsake the assembling of ourselves together as the custom of some is.

Perhaps you meant to say "all of these points are scriptural".

[Evangelical]

Originally Posted by ZNPaaneah

1. When there’s always a study guide -- John made it clear we are not to add anything to the NT nor are we to take anything away from it.
2. An unteachable spirit — If any man teacheth a different doctrine, and consenteth not to sound words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 1Tim 6:3, For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts; 2Tim 4:3
3. Interpreting scripture with teaching — Peter says that no verse is of its own interpretation, but the Bible has to be understood in the light of many other Bible verses.
4. A starstruck and spellbound following — 16Be not deceived, my beloved brethren. 17Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, neither shadow that is cast by turning. James 1:16-17 If you are drawn away into a cult you are being deceived, one possible deception is that the good and perfect gifts are from the “man of God” rather than from God himself.
5. Using self interest as bait — “each man is tempted when he is drawn away by his own lust an enticed” James 1:14 — if you are in a cult you are “drawn away” and this is due to your “own lust” or self interest being used as the bait to draw you away.
6. Exclusivism -- Paul rebukes Peter of exclusivism in Galatians
7. No regard for sound doctrine -- quoted from Timothy
8. Focus on man, ourselves, our ministry — rather than Jesus -- based on the Lord's word in the gospels about searching the scripture but not coming to Him, and those that say "Lord, Lord, yet He never knew them".
9. Self deception 22But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deluding your own selves. James 1:22 — Self deception in James 1 is in the context of “being drawn away” in verse 14 and “being deceived” in verse 16. Finally, in verse 26 it talks about a man that “deceiveth his heart” in the context of religion that is not pure or undefiled, i.e. a cult.
10. An independent spirit -- he defines this as "Living nomadically" -- which is condemned in Hebrews which tells us to not forsake the assembling of ourselves together as the custom of some is.

Perhaps you meant to say "all of these points are scriptural".

These interpretations are mostly out of context with some quite strange views such as the one that using study guides is 'adding to the bible'. If that is the case then the KJV is a cult bible because it has added so many words not in the original Greek or Hebrew. The fact is that the bible nowhere prohibits the use of study guides and for this reason Todds and your view is unbiblical.

None of these verses mentioned actually apply to cults. For example you have liberally extended James 1.22 to apply to cults which goes beyond the stated context of self deception. There is nothing in the text or context that indicates it should apply to cult deception which is about being deceived by others, not the self.

Point 6 is another failed attempt at testing for a cult because if I recall this was about hypocrisy, fear and Judaism...not cult exclusivity.

The last point about independence is puzzling because I would have thought that people who are attracted to cults would not have an independent free thinking mind but rather one that cannot think for itself and must rely on others to think for them.

Todd has merely pulled some ideas together and made some claims about them applying to cults.
Overall these points as presented are a false dichotomy because a person could meet all 10 criteria and yet not be in a cult. Each point should be considered as standalone and there is nothing in the bible that suggests they can be tied together as a test for cults.

Worryingly these 10 points fail to mention any of the biblical tests of spirits and fruit but instead replaces them with manmade opinions such as that study guides are wrong. If that were true then every theologian is in a cult if they always turn to their Greek concordance and other study guides.

[ZNPaaneah]

Originally Posted by Evangelical

These interpretations are mostly out of context with some quite strange views such as the one that using study guides is 'adding to the bible'. If that is the case then the KJV is a cult bible because it has added so many words not in the original Greek or Hebrew. The fact is that the bible nowhere prohibits the use of study guides and for this reason Todds and your view is unbiblical.

I agree that the use of study guides is pretty much universal so it is a very strange criteria and also not very useful. I would prefer using the Bible prohibition about adding to or taking away. We use that today to identify a few cults.

Originally Posted by Evangelical

None of these verses mentioned actually apply to cults. For example you have liberally extended James 1.22 to apply to cults which goes beyond the stated context of self deception. There is nothing in the text or context that indicates it should apply to cult deception which is about being deceived by others, not the self.

I'll respond in a separate post

Originally Posted by Evangelical

Point 6 is another failed attempt at testing for a cult because if I recall this was about hypocrisy, fear and Judaism...not cult exclusivity.

On the contrary I understand the Judaizers to be the NT example of a "cult", "religion", "synagogue of Satan" and the book of James is the light he got to see through these deceptions.

Originally Posted by Evangelical

The last point about independence is puzzling because I would have thought that people who are attracted to cults would not have an independent free thinking mind but rather one that cannot think for itself and must rely on others to think for them.

I think we need to broaden our view, false prophets lead astray, if there is one narrow way that leads to life then there are an infinite ways that would lead you astray from that way.

Originally Posted by Evangelical

Todd has merely pulled some ideas together and made some claims about them applying to cults.
Overall these points as presented are a false dichotomy because a person could meet all 10 criteria and yet not be in a cult. Each point should be considered as standalone and there is nothing in the bible that suggests they can be tied together as a test for cults.

All 10? I imagine a typical cult might not meet all 10, I would think that would be hard to find.

Originally Posted by Evangelical

Worryingly these 10 points fail to mention any of the biblical tests of spirits and fruit but instead replaces them with manmade opinions such as that study guides are wrong. If that were true then every theologian is in a cult if they always turn to their Greek concordance and other study guides.

I agree that many are not very useful. Study guide for one, interpreting scripture with teaching, etc. I doubt this would really help someone who is in a cult.

[ZNPaaneah]

Originally Posted by Evangelical

None of these verses mentioned actually apply to cults. For example you have liberally extended James 1.22 to apply to cults which goes beyond the stated context of self deception. There is nothing in the text or context that indicates it should apply to cult deception which is about being deceived by others, not the self.

James explains why we are deceived.

1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him.

God is not here finding fault, on the contrary our experience in being deceived showed we had some basic failings and if we pray God will provide the wisdom we need. Likewise if you are stuck in a cult or are unsure if you are.

1:6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

You can’t be in a cult without questioning the things you see. Did you question that without wavering, or when you were told that focusing on the negative things is “death” did you get driven by the wind and tossed?

1:7-8 For let not that man think he shall receive anything of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

You must decide conscience or cult. Those that are seduced into a cult are later ashamed because they know they ignored their conscience.

Referring to saints as being “rich” in the word, or in life is a major red flag. V.9-10

The reason people get ensnared into a cult is we were drawn away by our own lusts. Perhaps the idea that you were special or better than other Christians was the lure. Any discussion of special revelation, special blessing, or proper ground is a major red flag. V. 14-15

Those in a cult will ask “how could this be false if the teachings are good” know that “every good gift is from above”. The “truths” didn’t come from the cult leader, the truths came from God.

“Be ye doers of the word not hearers only” v. 22. Just as women are saved through child bearing, and it is through bearing fruit that you will be my disciples in deed. Being a doer of the word protects us from cults.

Pure religion is to visit the fatherless and widows v.27. If you are not doing that then your worship is not pure.

Pure religion is to keep yourself unspotted from the world. Many cults scam the members into business interests run by the leaders.

James 2:1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. When you study cults there is always the respect of certain persons, the inner circle, the key brothers, etc. That is essentially the definition of cult.

James made mistakes because the other saints in the Body had faith in the Lord Jesus with respect of persons, James. As a result James can get the vision to say this word.

I imagine the early church may have also had the same opinion towards James that I had towards WL. He is the "brother of Jesus, surely we can trust his judgment".

James 3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. Confusion and evil work are major warnings.

3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

The various business dealings that cults are involved in are obviously not "pure" and yet so many are willing to wink at that or ignore that. I appreciate how precise James is here.

Then peaceable -- we think of cults like Manson, Jim Jones and Koresh and it is striking how they are not peaceable.

Easy to be intreated -- wow, what a contrast with our experience with the LRC, or JWs or again the Branch Davidians. The minute they are intreated they lock up the doors and get the guns.

Full of mercy -- instead of full of lawsuits.

Partiality and hypocrisy -- the two hallmarks of any cult.

[awareness]

Who's Todd Fishkind?

[leastofthese]

Originally Posted by Evangelical

Todd has merely pulled some ideas together and made some claims about them applying to cults.
Overall these points as presented are a false dichotomy because a person could meet all 10 criteria and yet not be in a cult. Each point should be considered as standalone and there is nothing in the bible that suggests they can be tied together as a test for cults.

I agree that there is potential for groups to meet all these criteria and yet not be a cult.

I don't know the author's intent, but I didn't read this as a litmus test for cults, as you did. In the brief intro he mentions that it is "not exhaustive" and calls them merely "prominent signs". I think this is a great starting point for those entering a group (like the LSM churches) where they feel something is initially "off".

During my time with the LSM churches I could provide countless examples of "saints" who felt that something was just not right with the group - but persisted and end up staying (or getting sucked in). It may have been helpful for them to review a list, such as this, when their spirit was warning them of something being wrong. It doesn't make the list perfect or good, but potentially helpful.

For those in the LSM churches or exploring - please consult with other committed Christians. The best thing to do is have them read the words of Witness Lee first hand and invite them along to the meetings with you.