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HOW TO IDENTIFY A CULT

1. Is the group reluctant to reveal all its doctrines on request?
2. Is it closed to inside and/or outside criticism?
3. Does it try to promote itself as Christian when major doctrines and practices are not Biblically supported?
4. Have its teachings been publicly questioned or opposed by recognised Bible Scholars?
5. Has it been called a cult? (If so, why?)
6. Have mistakes by past and present leaders been covered up instead of repented of?
7. Do leaders live a lifestyle inconsistent with the Bible or their own message to members?
8. Have its doctrines changed significantly over the years (and if so, why)?
9. Are members prevented or discouraged from reading other religious literature?
10. Do they believe that there are other books or magazines necessary besides the Bible to learn the truth?
11. Does it deny that complete truth can be obtained just by using the Bible?
12. Has the leadership claimed special direction from God not available to others in the organisation?
13. Do they believe that all other Christian groups are false?
14. Is all dissent seen as evidence of pride, sin or rebellion?
15. Can the Bible be interpreted correctly only by members of this organisation?
16. Have they misrepresented the Christian churches and their major teachings?
17. Are members required to sever all ties with the past?
18. Does it have an authoritarian structure?
19. Are people regimented by threats or bribes and disciplined to conform?
20. Are members obviously exploited financially?
21. Does it deny the unconditional acceptance of all Scripture?
22. Does it deny the nature of Christ as fully God and fully man?
23. Does it deny the Trinity?
24. Does it deny salvation through personal acceptance of Christ's death on the cross as payment for all our sins?