“Where totalism exists, a religion, a political movement, or even a scientific organization becomes little more than an exclusive cult,” Dr. Robert Jay Lifton writes.
A discussion of what is most central in the thought reform environment can thus lead us to a more general consideration of the psychology of human zealotry. For in identifying, on the basis of this study of thought reform, features common to all expressions of ideological totalism, I wish to suggest a set of criteria against which any environment may be judged — a basis for answering the ever-recurring question: “Isn’t this just like ‘brainwashing‘?”
Concerted efforts at influence and control lie at the core of cultic groups, programs, and relationships. Many members, former members, and supporters of cults are not fully aware of the extent to which members may be manipulated, exploited, or even abused.
This list of social-structural, social-psychological, and interpersonal behavioral patterns commonly found in cultic environments may help you assess a particular group or relationship.
‘Islamic terrorism’ refers to terrorist acts committed by Muslim groups or individuals who are motivated by Islamic or Islamist views.
Condemned by most Muslims, Islamic terrorism is inspired by the concept of ‘lesser Jihad’ — ‘holy warfare’ against the enemies of Allah and Islam.
The Seventh-day Adventist Church goes to great lengths to try and be accepted as a just another Christian denomination.
But based on its serious doctrinal errors we believe it should instead be considered, theologically, a cult of Christianity.
Many people who have been subjected to spiritual abuse wonder, in looking back, why they stayed in an abusive church for so long.
Often it turns out that the church in question grew more and more cult-like gradually.
After all, most abusive churches do not start out that way.
This checklist will help you to honestly evaluate your church, its leaders, and your church experience.
Theologically Iglesia ni Cristo is a cult of Christianity because it denies essential doctrines of the Christian faith.
Sociologically the movement has cult-like elements as well.
We provide research resources for those who are confronted by this fast-growing religious movement.
The Quran states that Muslims, Jews and Christians worship the same God. However, when compared with the Jewish and Christian scriptures, the teachings of Quran show that Allah is not the same God worshipped by Jews and Christians.
In fact, neither Christianity nor Islam can logically endorse the other religion’s distinctive claims and practices without denying its own.
Chapter 1 of the book, “Churches That Abuse,” by Ronald M. Enroth.
An introduction to the problem of abusive churches and spiritual abuse.
The entire bestselling book is available here, courtesy of the author.
The Word of Faith Movement (also known as Word-Faith or simply Faith Movement) is a popular, diverse subculture within the Christian Church.
It is primarily known for its emphasis on the pursuit of health and especially wealth (the so-called “Prosperity Gospel”).
The movement’s teachers claim that both can be obtained through “positive confession” and/or “acts of faith” — more often than not donating money to those teachers, or by throwing away medicines.
Are women allowed to teach or pastor other Christians? There is disagreement between, and within, denominations.
Viewpoints include the Traditional or Complementarian view, the Egalitarian view, and the Developing Egalitarian view.
Gloriavale Christian Community says it is modeled after the first church in Jerusalem.
But the group’s beliefs and practices actually mark it as a cult — both theologically and sociologically.
The group is under increasing media scrutiny as more and more people who have left testify about abuse within the commune.
Many Christians believe that either before, or simultaneously with, the Second Coming of Jesus Christ to earth, believers who have died will be raised from the dead and that they — together with believers who are still alive — shall be caught up (‘raptured’) in the clouds to meet Jesus.
But there is a variety of views regarding the timing of this event.
Theologically the Church of Wells is a cult of Christianity
Cults of Christianity misinterpret and misuse the Bible in support of doctrines and/or practices which place them outside the boundaries of the Christian faith.
Here are 20 ways that cults twist the teachings of the Bible.
Christian science (The First Church of Christ, Scientist) is neither Christian nor scientific.
This religious movement’s denial and/or re-interpretation of key Biblical doctrines mark it as, theologically, a cult of Christianity.
Nevertheless, in many U.S. states the Federal Government has granted Christian Science religious exemptions which, in the eyes of many, has led to needless suffering and preventable deaths as the church’s followers apply its version of ‘faith healing.’
