The Apostles' Creed I believe in God, the Father Almighty, the Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord: Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
The Apostles' Creed The Apostles' Creed I believe in God, the Father I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Almighty, the Creator of heaven and earth, the Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord: our Lord: Who was conceived of the Holy Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit, Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was was crucified, died, and was buried. buried.
Transcript
The Apostles' CreedThe Apostles' Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty,I believe in God, the Father Almighty,the Creator of heaven and earth,the Creator of heaven and earth,
and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord:Lord:
Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit,Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit,born of the Virgin Mary,born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,suffered under Pontius Pilate,was crucified, died, and was buried.was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell.He descended into hell.The third day He arose again from the The third day He arose again from the
dead.dead.
He ascended into heavenHe ascended into heavenand sits at the right hand of God the and sits at the right hand of God the
Father Almighty,Father Almighty,whence He shall come to judge the living whence He shall come to judge the living
and the dead.and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church,catholic church,
the communion of saints,the communion of saints,the forgiveness of sins,the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,the resurrection of the body,and life everlasting.and life everlasting.
What is a Cult?What is a Cult?
Problems of DefinitionProblems of Definition
What the course is NOTWhat the course is NOT
Three Primary Forms of ReligionsThree Primary Forms of Religions IndigenousIndigenous ModernModern WorldWorld
South Asian: South Asian: Hinduism / Jainism / Buddhism / SikhismHinduism / Jainism / Buddhism / Sikhism Far Eastern: Far Eastern: Daoism / Confucianism / Daoism / Confucianism / ShintoShinto Middle Eastern: Middle Eastern: Zoroastrianism / Christianity / Islam / Zoroastrianism / Christianity / Islam /
Shī`ahShī`ah / / JudaismJudaism
Etymology of Illusive TermsEtymology of Illusive Terms
OriginsOrigins Cult (Cult (cultuscultus): honoring/reverencing/veneration): honoring/reverencing/veneration Sect (sequi): to follow / devotion / fanSect (sequi): to follow / devotion / fan
Distinctions – Ernst TroeltschDistinctions – Ernst Troeltsch A religious group which is gathered or called out of some A religious group which is gathered or called out of some
natural organic group or state church on positively natural organic group or state church on positively anticonformist grounds, sometimes by a charismatic anticonformist grounds, sometimes by a charismatic leader, but as often by some principle of greater leader, but as often by some principle of greater strictness, more single-minded dedication, or more strictness, more single-minded dedication, or more intense abnegation of the world and its attractions. Often, intense abnegation of the world and its attractions. Often, the sect has as its main principle some aspect of the the sect has as its main principle some aspect of the orthodox faith which is being lost or neglected.orthodox faith which is being lost or neglected.
Technical RelationshipTechnical Relationship
Etymology of Illusive TermsEtymology of Illusive Terms
Current Trends – Term ModificationsCurrent Trends – Term Modifications Capture phenomena w/o Capture phenomena w/o
stigmatizationstigmatization New Religious Movements (NRM)New Religious Movements (NRM) Alternative ReligionsAlternative Religions Unconventional ReligionsUnconventional Religions Emergent ReligionsEmergent Religions Non-normative ReligionsNon-normative Religions Marginal Religious MovementsMarginal Religious Movements
Meaning in Eyes of BeholderMeaning in Eyes of Beholder
Perspective Factor in Cult IdentificationPerspective Factor in Cult Identification Cult = “Non-normative” by some standardCult = “Non-normative” by some standard
Meaning in Eyes of BeholderMeaning in Eyes of Beholder
Challenges & Dangers of Term “Cult”Challenges & Dangers of Term “Cult” Relative Term (perspective / time)Relative Term (perspective / time) Labeling w/o universal objective basisLabeling w/o universal objective basis
Term “cult” is applied to a “Term “cult” is applied to a “disparate disparate collection of groups and movements and collection of groups and movements and consequently has become unsuitable as a consequently has become unsuitable as a precise legal or social scientific category…in precise legal or social scientific category…in effect, a cult is any group stigmatized as a effect, a cult is any group stigmatized as a cult.cult.” T. Robbins (sociologist) ” T. Robbins (sociologist)
Risk of neutralizing legitimate threatsRisk of neutralizing legitimate threats
Meaning in Eyes of BeholderMeaning in Eyes of Beholder Christian Response: Holistic ApproachChristian Response: Holistic Approach
Glean from secular perspectivesGlean from secular perspectives Academic Recommendation (Hexham)Academic Recommendation (Hexham)
The academic practice of calling such groups The academic practice of calling such groups “new religious movements” should be “new religious movements” should be followed. An alternative to this neutral followed. An alternative to this neutral terminology available for Christians who terminology available for Christians who oppose such groups would be to revive the oppose such groups would be to revive the usage of “heretic” or simply call such groups usage of “heretic” or simply call such groups “spiritual counterfeits.”“spiritual counterfeits.”
Stuck with a TermStuck with a Term We should [drop the term] if we could, but we We should [drop the term] if we could, but we
can’t; I think we’re stuck with itcan’t; I think we’re stuck with it. [J. Sire]. [J. Sire]
Spectrum on Socio-Religious ScaleSpectrum on Socio-Religious Scale World ReligionsWorld Religions DenominationsDenominations SectsSects Fundamentalist-Fringe MovementsFundamentalist-Fringe Movements CultsCults
Eastern-mystical (Hare Krishna, TM)Eastern-mystical (Hare Krishna, TM) Aberrational-Christian (Children of God, The Way Aberrational-Christian (Children of God, The Way
Spectrum Migration Over TimeSpectrum Migration Over Time External re-interpretationsExternal re-interpretations Internal re-structuringsInternal re-structurings
Patterns of MigrationPatterns of Migration Toward Conformity (cult to non-cultic)Toward Conformity (cult to non-cultic)
Social PerspectiveSocial Perspective Theological PerspectiveTheological Perspective
Away from Conformity (non-cultic to Away from Conformity (non-cultic to cult)cult)
Social PerspectiveSocial Perspective Theological PerspectiveTheological Perspective
Normative Standard = Cultural AffinityNormative Standard = Cultural Affinity Key Question = How cultic is it?Key Question = How cultic is it?
World Religion
Denomination
Sect
Fundamentalist Fringe Movement
New Religious Movement
Cultic
Cultic
Cultic
Cultic
Cultic
Normative Center
What is a Cult?What is a Cult?
Nature of CultsNature of Cults
Heresy in an Age of PluralismHeresy in an Age of Pluralism
WhoWho Joins a Cult? Joins a Cult? Profile: Neighbors / Colleagues / FriendsProfile: Neighbors / Colleagues / Friends
Psychological Perspective (Singer)Psychological Perspective (Singer) 2/3 from “normal” families with age-appropriate 2/3 from “normal” families with age-appropriate
behaviorsbehaviors 1/3 with diagnosable depressions (95%) or major 1/3 with diagnosable depressions (95%) or major
psychological problem (5%)psychological problem (5%) Sociological Perspective (Ellwood & Enroth)Sociological Perspective (Ellwood & Enroth)
Most are young (under 30) CaucasiansMost are young (under 30) Caucasians Middle and Upper Middle classesMiddle and Upper Middle classes Nominal religious backgroundNominal religious background Relatively well-educatedRelatively well-educated Isolated / unattachedIsolated / unattached Experienced disaffectionExperienced disaffection Religious seeker-shipReligious seeker-ship
WhyWhy Join a Cult? Join a Cult?
Common Fallacy DismissedCommon Fallacy Dismissed Doctrinal AffinityDoctrinal Affinity
Social Compensators Model Social Compensators Model [Rodney/Stark][Rodney/Stark]
Access to rewards replaced by Access to rewards replaced by CompensatorsCompensators
Cult as Substitute FamilyCult as Substitute Family This is “your This is “your father’sfather’s world” world”
WhyWhy Join a Cult? Join a Cult?
Why cults appeal – Josh McDowellWhy cults appeal – Josh McDowell Provide clear/certain answersProvide clear/certain answers Meet human needsMeet human needs Make favorable impressionsMake favorable impressions
HowHow Do Cults Recruit? Do Cults Recruit?
Direct & Indirect AppealsDirect & Indirect Appeals EvangelismEvangelism MarketingMarketing
Disguise & DeceptionDisguise & Deception Disguising as legitimate enterprisesDisguising as legitimate enterprises Slick solicitation techniquesSlick solicitation techniques
Targeting Most Responsive: Targeting Most Responsive: Young/NaïveYoung/Naïve Children / Adolescents / YouthChildren / Adolescents / Youth Vulnerable populationsVulnerable populations Abusive retention methodsAbusive retention methods
WhatWhat Characterizes Most Cults? Characterizes Most Cults?
Three General CharacteristicsThree General Characteristics Abrupt break with historic ChristianityAbrupt break with historic Christianity Tendency to major in minorsTendency to major in minors Tendency to perfectionismTendency to perfectionism
Five Distinct TraitsFive Distinct Traits Extra-biblical source of authorityExtra-biblical source of authority Denial of justification by grace aloneDenial of justification by grace alone Devaluation of ChristDevaluation of Christ Views itself as exclusive community of Views itself as exclusive community of
savedsaved Self-referential role in eschatologySelf-referential role in eschatology
McDowell’s 11 Characteristics of McDowell’s 11 Characteristics of CultsCults
New TruthNew Truth New Interpretation of ScriptureNew Interpretation of Scripture Non-biblical Source of AuthorityNon-biblical Source of Authority Another JesusAnother Jesus Rejection of Orthodox ChristianityRejection of Orthodox Christianity Double-talk (equivocal doctrinal language)Double-talk (equivocal doctrinal language) Non-biblical Teaching on Nature of GodNon-biblical Teaching on Nature of God Shifting TheologyShifting Theology Strong LeadershipStrong Leadership Salvation by WorksSalvation by Works False ProphecyFalse Prophecy
Enroth’s 9 Characteristics of Enroth’s 9 Characteristics of CultsCults
What Can We Learn From CultsWhat Can We Learn From Cults??
Identifies “Unpaid Bill” of the ChurchIdentifies “Unpaid Bill” of the Church Life transitionsLife transitions Doctrinal sophisticationDoctrinal sophistication Doctrinal neglectDoctrinal neglect Humanitarian voidHumanitarian void Hyper-dispensationalismHyper-dispensationalism
Sharpens skills of rhetoricSharpens skills of rhetoric Reminds of dangers in public forumReminds of dangers in public forum Confession of non-objectivityConfession of non-objectivity
What Can We Learn From CultsWhat Can We Learn From Cults??
Strengthens Church SolidarityStrengthens Church Solidarity Provokes Church to MissionProvokes Church to Mission Hones ApologeticsHones Apologetics
Most “legitimate” response???Most “legitimate” response??? The problem is essentially theological where the The problem is essentially theological where the
cults are concerned. The answer of the church cults are concerned. The answer of the church must be theological and doctrinal. No sociological must be theological and doctrinal. No sociological or cultural evaluation will do. Such works may be or cultural evaluation will do. Such works may be helpful, but they will not answer the Jehovah’s helpful, but they will not answer the Jehovah’s Witness or Mormon who is seeking biblical Witness or Mormon who is seeking biblical authority for either the acceptance of rejection of authority for either the acceptance of rejection of his beliefs. [L. Belford]his beliefs. [L. Belford]
Conclusions: Identify and InterveneConclusions: Identify and Intervene
What is a Cult?What is a Cult?
Methodologies of MisreadingMethodologies of Misreading
A Twisted MethodologyA Twisted MethodologyJohn 8:31-32John 8:31-32
What is Happening?What is Happening? Violations of literary interpretationViolations of literary interpretation Methodology of misreadingMethodology of misreading A “general defense” against perversionsA “general defense” against perversions The authority of ScriptureThe authority of Scripture
A true and unique revelationA true and unique revelation To all humanityTo all humanity Ultimate authorityUltimate authority Understandable by ordinary peopleUnderstandable by ordinary people
A Twisted MethodologyA Twisted MethodologyJohn 8:31-32John 8:31-32
A Problem of World-View ConfusionA Problem of World-View Confusion What is a What is a worldviewworldview??
A set of propositions (or assumptions) which A set of propositions (or assumptions) which we hold (consciously or subconsciously) we hold (consciously or subconsciously) about the basic makeup of our world. about the basic makeup of our world.
Addresses the following central issues of life:Addresses the following central issues of life: What is prime reality (really real) What is prime reality (really real) Who is man? Who is man? What happens to man at death? What happens to man at death? What is the basis of morality? What is the basis of morality? What is the meaning of time/history What is the meaning of time/history
A Twisted MethodologyA Twisted MethodologyJohn 8:31-32John 8:31-32
What is “What is “worldview worldview confusionconfusion”?”? Phenomena which occurs whenever a Phenomena which occurs whenever a
reader of Scripture fails to interpret the reader of Scripture fails to interpret the Bible within the intellectual and broadly Bible within the intellectual and broadly cultural framework of the Bible itself and cultural framework of the Bible itself and uses instead, a foreign frame of uses instead, a foreign frame of reference. reference. [Sire, p. 26][Sire, p. 26]
An ethno- or ego- centric reading of scripture An ethno- or ego- centric reading of scripture Reading from our own cultural, or own personal Reading from our own cultural, or own personal
perspective without regard to its original setting or perspective without regard to its original setting or intention intention
Twenty Reading ErrorsTwenty Reading Errors
The Text of ScriptureThe Text of Scripture #1 Inaccurate Quotation#1 Inaccurate Quotation
Misquoting scripture passages, or wrongly Misquoting scripture passages, or wrongly attributing text source attributing text source
#2 Twisted Translation#2 Twisted Translation Text retranslated, not in accordance with sound Text retranslated, not in accordance with sound
scholarship, but to fit cultic perspectivescholarship, but to fit cultic perspective Cautions/LessonsCautions/Lessons from this class of errors from this class of errors
Must utilize Must utilize accurateaccurate text text test cultic translations for reasonable accuracytest cultic translations for reasonable accuracy
Twenty Reading ErrorsTwenty Reading Errors
Scripture as RhetoricScripture as Rhetoric #3 The Bible Hook #3 The Bible Hook (Conceptual bait & switch)(Conceptual bait & switch)
Scripture quoted primarily as device to grasp Scripture quoted primarily as device to grasp attention, followed by dubious teachings not attention, followed by dubious teachings not logically flowing from original textlogically flowing from original text
Scripture as pretext for own theological agendasScripture as pretext for own theological agendas Cautions/LessonsCautions/Lessons from this class of errors from this class of errors
Examine scriptures to see if message drawn from Examine scriptures to see if message drawn from them is in accordance with their meaningthem is in accordance with their meaning
Twenty Reading ErrorsTwenty Reading Errors
Scripture as LiteratureScripture as Literature #4 Ignoring the Immediate Context#4 Ignoring the Immediate Context
Text quoted but isolated from context that Text quoted but isolated from context that constrains its meaningconstrains its meaning
Text with context is pretext! Text with context is pretext! #5 Collapsing Contexts#5 Collapsing Contexts
Two or more texts joined in argument, without Two or more texts joined in argument, without legitimate literary association of ideaslegitimate literary association of ideas
#6 Over-specification#6 Over-specification Drawing a more detailed/specific conclusion Drawing a more detailed/specific conclusion
than warranted by textthan warranted by text
Twenty Reading ErrorsTwenty Reading Errors
Scripture as LiteratureScripture as Literature #7 Word Play#7 Word Play
Word/phrase from a biblical translation, interpreted as Word/phrase from a biblical translation, interpreted as if revelation came in that language or formif revelation came in that language or form
#8 The Figurative Fallacy#8 The Figurative Fallacy Mistaking literal for figurative language or vice-versaMistaking literal for figurative language or vice-versa
#9 Speculative Readings of Predictive Prophecy#9 Speculative Readings of Predictive Prophecy Predictive prophecy explained as specified events in Predictive prophecy explained as specified events in
time (current/future), despite literary uncertainty and time (current/future), despite literary uncertainty and non-consensus among bible scholars/theologians non-consensus among bible scholars/theologians
Twenty Reading ErrorsTwenty Reading Errors
Scripture as Evidence Scripture as Evidence (Inductive Errors)(Inductive Errors)
#10 Saying but Not Citing#10 Saying but Not Citing Claiming a biblical proposition, without marshalling Claiming a biblical proposition, without marshalling
biblical evidence to make that claim or draw a biblical evidence to make that claim or draw a subsequent conclusion from such claimssubsequent conclusion from such claims
#11 Selective Citing #11 Selective Citing [cf. #4][cf. #4] Limiting scriptural evidence to edited portions of Limiting scriptural evidence to edited portions of
texts relating to the proposition texts relating to the proposition #12 Inadequate Evidence #12 Inadequate Evidence [cf. #6][cf. #6]
Hasty generalization drawn from too little evidenceHasty generalization drawn from too little evidence Cautions/LessonsCautions/Lessons from this class of errors from this class of errors
Ask: Is the evidence really there at all, and is Ask: Is the evidence really there at all, and is allall the the evidence presented? evidence presented?
Twenty Reading ErrorsTwenty Reading Errors Reasoning from Scripture Reasoning from Scripture (Deductive Errors)(Deductive Errors)
#13 Confused Definition#13 Confused Definition Biblical term so misunderstood, that essential Biblical term so misunderstood, that essential
doctrine is distorted or rejecteddoctrine is distorted or rejected Consequence of invalid argument due to improper Consequence of invalid argument due to improper
definition of terms in premises [equivocation]definition of terms in premises [equivocation] #14 Ignoring Alternative Explanations #14 Ignoring Alternative Explanations [cf. #9, 12][cf. #9, 12]
Assigning particular interpretation to text or set of Assigning particular interpretation to text or set of texts, which could more easily be explained by a texts, which could more easily be explained by a more reasonable or historically accepted more reasonable or historically accepted interpretationinterpretation
Ignoring “Okham’s Razor”-- Economy of Ignoring “Okham’s Razor”-- Economy of explanation theoryexplanation theory
Twenty Reading ErrorsTwenty Reading Errors Reasoning from Scripture Reasoning from Scripture (Deductive Errors)(Deductive Errors)
#15 The Obvious Fallacy#15 The Obvious Fallacy Words like Words like obviouslyobviously, , undoubtedlyundoubtedly, , certainlycertainly, , all all
reasonable people hold thatreasonable people hold that… are substituted … are substituted for logical reasons behind conclusions for logical reasons behind conclusions
#16 Virtue by Association#16 Virtue by Association Linking writings/ideas with accepted Linking writings/ideas with accepted
authorities, and/or the Bible, or imitating authorities, and/or the Bible, or imitating biblical forms to gain sense of biblical authoritybiblical forms to gain sense of biblical authority
Cautions/LessonsCautions/Lessons from this class of errors from this class of errors Make certain the terms are defined, the Make certain the terms are defined, the
arguments draw valid conclusions from the arguments draw valid conclusions from the premises, and are supported by actual premises, and are supported by actual scriptures, taken in context scriptures, taken in context
Twenty Reading ErrorsTwenty Reading Errors
The Authority of the BibleThe Authority of the Bible #17 Esoteric Interpretation#17 Esoteric Interpretation
Subjective (private) interpretation based on assumption of Subjective (private) interpretation based on assumption of hidden, esoteric meanings within the text available only to hidden, esoteric meanings within the text available only to those initiated into its mysteriesthose initiated into its mysteries
Dangerous precedent past down since earliest ChristianityDangerous precedent past down since earliest Christianity Alexandrian School of Allegorical InterpretationAlexandrian School of Allegorical Interpretation 3-fold sense in text based on 3-fold sense in text based on bodybody, , soulsoul, , spiritspirit of human of human
naturenature Scripture was historical (literal) / moral / spiritual Scripture was historical (literal) / moral / spiritual
#18 Supplementing Biblical Authority#18 Supplementing Biblical Authority New revelations from post-biblical prophets either New revelations from post-biblical prophets either
replacing, or adding to authority of biblical revelationsreplacing, or adding to authority of biblical revelations
Twenty Reading ErrorsTwenty Reading Errors
The Authority of the BibleThe Authority of the Bible #19 Rejecting Biblical Authority#19 Rejecting Biblical Authority
Bible as a whole, or texts, are examined and rejected Bible as a whole, or texts, are examined and rejected because they do not square with other authorities—such as because they do not square with other authorities—such as reason and other revelation—which does not appear to reason and other revelation—which does not appear to agree with them.agree with them.
Cautions/LessonsCautions/Lessons from this class of errors from this class of errors We must stand intentionally on three touchstones of We must stand intentionally on three touchstones of
Protestant ChristianityProtestant Christianity Scripture alone as our final authority for life/practice Scripture alone as our final authority for life/practice Plain reason as our guide to what scripture means Plain reason as our guide to what scripture means Personal conscious as controller over what we coherently Personal conscious as controller over what we coherently
embraceembrace Maintain critical mind regarding religious beliefs and their Maintain critical mind regarding religious beliefs and their
sourcessources Key questions:Key questions: Unreflective life not worth living…unreflective faith not worth Unreflective life not worth living…unreflective faith not worth
Reading with improper ideological lens, Reading with improper ideological lens, imposing personal or cultural perspective on the imposing personal or cultural perspective on the text, thus discoloring its truth from its original text, thus discoloring its truth from its original intentionintention
Setting up own frame of reference as arbitrary Setting up own frame of reference as arbitrary absolute into which any sentence composed by absolute into which any sentence composed by anybody, anytime, anywhere, must now fitanybody, anytime, anywhere, must now fit
Cautions/LessonsCautions/Lessons from this class of error from this class of error Proof-texting our personal worldview’s Proof-texting our personal worldview’s
perspective perspective
Properly Abiding in the WordProperly Abiding in the Word John 8:31-32 John 8:31-32
Maintain the proper attitude toward Maintain the proper attitude toward scriptural studyscriptural study An open heart and open mindAn open heart and open mind
Maintain a proper methodology toward Maintain a proper methodology toward scriptural study – five principlesscriptural study – five principles Recognize the systematic nature of all claims Recognize the systematic nature of all claims
to truth to truth Base all scriptural study on a good text Base all scriptural study on a good text Consider the literary context of revelation Consider the literary context of revelation Gather as much evidence as reasonably Gather as much evidence as reasonably
possible before drawing conclusions possible before drawing conclusions Consult the community of Faith for affirmation Consult the community of Faith for affirmation
