Americans generally seem to have a curious fascination with religion and spirituality.

No matter what form that spirituality might take, there seems to be a number of people eager and ready to embrace it as the most cherished principal for all eternity. From historic Christianity (which is a good thing), to eastern mysticism, to New Age Gnosticism, to Satanism, and other belief systems (that are not such good things), all are promoted under a large umbrella of “spirituality” philosophy. The basic tenant of this philosophy is “ It doesn’t matter what you believe, as long as you are sincere because we are all trying to worship the same god and get to the same place.”  Even after generations of Americans have been schooled in the ideas of rationalism, naturalism and in the scientific method as the view that human reason can solve any problem, this quest for the “spiritual” continues to surface. Could it be that deep within the human makeup is an irrepressible essence of being that cries out in rebellion against a personal existence devoid of God, and mystery in finding the meaning of human life.

   Tragically, not all that rushes in to fill the needs of the spiritual vacuum are positive. As stated above, not all spiritual offerings on the smorgasbord of religion are good things. Not all spiritual quests lead to the same god or the same destination. The dangers of cults are very real. Below are some common characteristics that destructive cults possess.

1.The cult is authoritarian in its power structure.  The leader is regarded as the unquestioned authority. Even though the leader my have a close circle of associates, their main responsibility is to make sure the members follow the purpose, wishes and roles of the leader. This leader will generally be charming, focused, and domineering (even if it is in a loving fatherly way).

2. The cult tends to control the routine daily behavior of the members. They persuade followers to drop their families, jobs, friends, and possessions for the privilege of being in the group. Once in the group leaders regulate what members wear, eat, when they work, sleep, as well as what to think. Authentic spirituality teaches people how to exercise responsible freedom, to be honest and truthful to all, and to live by one set of ethical standards.

3. The cult appears to be very creative and on the cutting edge. The leader claims to be breaking with tradition and opening new ways of encountering spiritual reality. The claim is that a new system of change will resolve life’s perplexing problems, meet deep eternal needs and make a difference in the well being of humanity.

4. The cult encourages unrestrained confession. Authentic Christianity encourages confession of sin too, but mostly in private with a pastor, not in public. For cults, the confession usually takes place in a public group setting where admitting past transgressions, imperfections, doubts, and such are divulged.

5. The cult may have its own special language and terminology. Within the context of the group, special code words and terms are used that are unfamiliar to those outside the group. This creates a kind of “group think” atmosphere that can easily become thought control as leaders of the cult reinforced the idea that the member is not understood by those outside the group.

6. The cult teaches that salvation is possible only in the group. Those who leave the group are eternally doomed. Read I John 4:1-3 about testing the spirits and false prophets. Not all that is spiritual is biblical and from God.

   Blessings, Pastor Jesse