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Introduction
Recently, an epidemic of cults, sects, and heresies
has spread all over the world. Some come under the category of
pseudo-Christian religions such as Mormonism, Seventh Day
Adventism, Christian Science, Jehovah's Witnesses, Jesus Only,
Worldwide Church of God, Unification Church, the Way
International, Children of God, and many others.
Some ministers present
psychological concepts within the established churches as if
they were the way to God. These include beliefs such as
humanism, positive and possibility thinking, positive
confession, and the prosperity gospel. Though some who hold
these views have stayed in the church, many Christians view them
as unsound or as "thieves coming in another way" (John 10:1).
We call the above faiths "Aberrant
Religions" Unorthodox beliefs, ranging from minor disputes to
major denominational splits, have been increasing rapidly in
recent times. Not all of them are totally wrong, but we need to
distinguish between truth and error.
As we discuss aberrant beliefs, we
can expect disagreements, but we should not harbor a spirit of
criticism or ill will. We can learn from others, but at the same
time the exposure of their errors will establish the truth in
our own hearts. As you read this article, you will see that many
false beliefs were originated by people who were seeking a
spiritual experience or were trying to learn more about God's
Word. Instead of allowing the Holy Spirit to direct them in a
thorough examination of Scripture, they allowed their own human
interpretations or the desire for self-exaltation to lead them
into error.
If you do not know what to believe
on some issues, this articles under the tab "What We Believe" may help you understand how to
examine Scripture and come to some right conclusions. In
addition, you will see some of the tendencies that are common to
all aberrant beliefs. This knowledge should prove to be a
valuable resource as you confront people who are in bondage to
unbiblical beliefs. It may help you restore them to the truth.
We pray that this will be the case.
Nonreligious and personality cults include Hare Krishna, EST,
Transcendental Meditation, Divine Light Mission, Bhagwan Shree
Bagneesh, Theosophy, Scientology, Spiritism, Yoga, Bahaism, and
many others from India. While their methods and motives of
seeking easy wealth and physical pleasures are much criticized
by the church and society as a whole, they are tolerated and are
growing rapidly
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Some information about certain key words will
help you to understand better the articles in the "What We
Believe" section. (More definitions will be added as the
articles increase and the website updated).
Aberrant Faiths
An individual, group, or structure
that reflects a departure from the norm of biblical doctrine.
Heresy
A heresy is an opinion out of harmony with primary biblical
doctrines, believed to contain the seeds of division or
dissension. As we saw in our previous lesson, the medieval
church assumed great power over human lives, and people who were
suspected of heresy were excommunicated or even killed. If
someone objected to an injustice, he either kept quiet or took
great care about how he expressed his opinions. A heresy can
grow into a cult or a sect and then become a denomination or
church.
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Cult
From the word cultus, cult means "veneration" or "worship"; for
example, members of a sun cult worship the sun. Adherents of an
unorthodox or false religious belief are called cultists.
Frequently, a person allows an unbiblical idea or notion to take
root in his heart and to develop. As he permits this belief to
develop, he may separate from the church (if he is associated
with one). If he is a dynamic person, the founder with charisma
often attracts people to himself, and they support his notions,
giving the cult an impetus for growth.
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Sect
A sect is similar to a cult, only sect suggests "dissent" or "a
splitting away" from a parent body. A sect is usually larger
than a cult and may grow into a denomination. Some earlier
non-Pentecostal churches looked upon Pentecostals as a sect, but
Pentecostals now represent the largest and fastest-growing
segment of the church.
Top of page
This article was based on the
course "What People Believe" ICI/Global University, Lesson on
aberrant beliefs.
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