Miscellaneous Cults
Dr. Jim Denison
“A cult…is a group of people polarized around someone’s interpretation of the Bible and is characterized by major deviations from orthodox Christianity relative to the cardinal doctrines of the Christian faith, particularly the fact that God became man in Christ Jesus” (Walter Martin, The Rise of the Cults).
Basic traits:
Authority figure
Extrabiblical text
Unorthodox theology, somewhat related to Christianity
General characteristics:
Presents a Jesus different from that of orthodox faith
Claims new truth
Offers new, non-orthodox interpretations of Scripture
Cites non-biblical authority source(s)
Rejects major tenets of orthodox Christianity
Generally develops a changing, often contradictory theology
Strong leadership, usually centered in a single person or group of persons
Almost always offers a salvation by works
Generally makes unsubstantiated prophetic claims
Hare Krishna: International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON)
History
15 century A.D.: Chaitanya Mahaprabhu developed The Doctrines of Krishnaism from the Hindu sect of Vishnuism