The topic of Christian cults came up in our parent prayer group because a former student of IU came into our Facebook group to warn us about a local church who actively recruits in the student community. She was involved with this church group and she informed us that ex-members are now working together to warn parents and students about this church.

From their church website, they appear biblically sound but ex-members say that the leaders are very controlling and isolate their members from their families and friends. That is a very big no-no! In addition, the church leadership is exposed for sexual misconducts and other dark secrets. This exposé report is written by the student newspaper. Thank goodness for brave young student journalists.

Here is the article – https://specials.idsnews.com/members-allege-spiritual-abuse-high-rock-church-bloomington-network/

I did a deep dive into Christian cults a few years ago. Below is an email that I wrote about this topic. Please review my email below. Because Bible literacy is so low, deception can happen more easily. The best way to prevent this from occurring is by reading the Bible continually. Not only that – people who read their Bible, minimally 4 times a week have less depression. Winter seasonal depression is a known phenomenon. Bible reading is a natural way to lower depression and anxiety. Just like eating, you just have to eat even if you don’t want to. Eventually you’ll enjoy the spiritual food and want it more.

https://stephencutchins.com/2021/01/09/thepowerof4/

I just finished reading through the Bible and I have been praying if I should read through it again or do a deep bible study on a specific topic or book. Then I came across this podcast of a woman who read through the Bible 48 times! She said reading the Bible chronologically is essential. I’ve never read the Bible chronologically and so I will do that next. 

Here is the interview if you want to hear her reasoning. 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-proverbs-31-ministries-podcast/id757953988

Good suggestion in here. 

https://billygraham.org/answer/how-can-i-get-started-reading-the-bible/

When asked, ‘What is more important: praying or reading the Bible?’ I ask, ‘What is more important: breathing in or breathing out?’ – Charles Spurgeon 

😂

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Sent: Sunday, October 31, 2021 8:22 AM

Subject: Christian Cults

Hello ladies!  Lately I have been trying to understand how good, well-meaning Christians end up in a religious cult or even becoming one.  I found these short articles and a good simple chart as a warning guide. 

As I’ve been pondering on these things, the other night I saw my husband watching an interview of ex-cult members.  I think it was by CBS.  They were all from different Christian-based cults.  I wasn’t watching the interview fully since I was cleaning up dinner but whatever I heard was very disturbing and I realize that if it can happen to these well-meaning people seeking God, then it can happen to anyone!  Therefore, it’s important for hear from ex-cult members about their experiences and how they became deceived by charismatic leadership and wrong doctrines.  It happens very gradually.  From the articles I’ve read, there are very similar characteristics.  There are also professional experts who research and study cults. They summarized their extensive research simply for the public and it’s helpful to be aware of the key warning signs. 

– A short article about four main characteristics of a cult by an emeritus professor of sociology and expert in extremism, cults and situations of undue influence. 

https://amp.tennessean.com/amp/90377532

– 6 tips on identifying a cult by an expert psychologist on cults:

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-to-identify-a-cult-six-expert-tips/

– Here is a powerful testimony by a young adult whose small group became a Christian cult in college.  If only they had better accountability to a local church community then I believe this could have been prevented.  The stories were disturbing and very sad with a tragic ending for those involved.  I read it twice so I can learn more from their experiences.  It seemed that these well-meaning students relied too heavily on worship and prayer, and hardly any time on studying the Bible together. That’s a red alarm for me.  

https://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2014/06/the-seven-signs-youre-in-a-cult/361400/

There are many articles, books and documentaries about cults if you want to learn more.  I suggest you learn from reputable Christian authors and teachers.  I am all for supernatural experiences, emotions and signs but you have to be first and foremost established on the word of God, the Bible.  If you are not reading and studying the Bible daily, then anyone can be deceived.  Please be careful, mindful and prayerful, and let’s use our brains, good common sense and the good relationships that God has given us for our safety and encouragement. 

Good short article about the importance of unity and cooperation. If your church or ministry leader rely too much on experiences, emotions and personal stories rather than the Bible, then please be careful.  Generally, I also look at their spiritual fruit listed in Galatians 5:22-23 and also if they are good listeners, learners, cooperative, team builders, encouragers and humble servant-leaders. 

https://www.gotquestions.org/two-better-than-one.html

1 Peter 5:8 (AMP)

8 Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour.

Galatians 5:22-23 (AMP)

22 But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Colossians 2:18-19 (AMP)

18 Let no one defraud you of your prize [your freedom in Christ and your salvation] by insisting on mock humility and the worship of angels, going into detail about visions [he claims] he has seen [to justify his authority], puffed up [in conceit] by his unspiritual mind, 19 and not holding fast to the head [of the body, Jesus Christ], from whom the entire body, supplied and knit together by its joints and ligaments, grows with the growth [that can come only] from God.

Also if you haven’t listened yet to Priscilla Shirer’s message to young adults in 2018, please do. Her sharing and warnings are excellent for all believers, especially the students and singles. 

By the way, since my husband stopped watching the Christian cult documentary after 30 minutes or so and never said anything, I’m hoping and praying that he doesn’t think I belong to one. 😅