Bob L. Ross, director of Pilgrim Publications, one of the leading publishers of the works of the famous Charles Haddon Spurgeon (website: http://www.PILGRIMPUBLICATIONS.COM) & author of several books on the cult of Campbellism (sects created by Alexander Campbell, Thomas Campbell, Walter Scott & Barton Stone in the early 1800s such as the "Church of Christ," the "Disciples of Christ" & the "Christian Church") analyze this topic. Bob's books on this include, "Campbellism: Its History & Heresies," "Acts 2:38 & Baptismal Remission," "The Restoration Movement," & "Campbellites, Cowbells, Rosary Beads & Snake-Handling" (defends instrumental music in worship).
Characteristics of a cult:
1. Leaders appear as "Angels of light" (2 Cor. 11:14), meaning messengers of truth and wisdom.
2. A cult teaches "another doctrine" about Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the Gospel (2 Cor. 11:14; Gal. 1:6-9).
3. Cults invariably teach forms of salvation by works, yet claim to be teaching God's grace, in fact, they are denying God's grace (Titus 1:16; Jude 4).
4. Cults quote the Bible as an authority, but "wrest" it, misinterpret it, add to it, and take from it (Mark 7:7-9; Col. 2:30-22; Jer. 23:36; 2 Peter 3:16).
5. Cults thrive on proselytism and glory in those they proselyte (Matt. 23:15; Gal. 6:13; 2 Peter 2:3).
6. Cults discredit the truth, the gospel, the church, and everyone but themselves. "No doubt but ye are the people, and wisdom shall die with you" (Job 12:2; Matt. 23:1-33; 2 Peter 2:2).
7. Cult leaders are usually strongly dominant over their followers, yet the followers are blind to their own bondage — "blind leaders of the blind" (Matt. 15:14; 2 Cor. 4:3, 4). |
