10 Warning Signs of Cult Recruitment

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.
JohnDB

JohnDB

Well-known member
#81
Jan 16, 2021
6,281
2,561
113
#81
HeIsHere said:
And how do you come to the conclusion that Christianity is a cult?:unsure:
Click to expand...
It fits the exact definition of a cult. Just like many other groups do.

But (and its a biggie)

It's not a destructive cult with the sole purpose of using/destroying the membership so a top guru (or leaders) can live a life of avarice or use us to exert power. (Which is what most people associate with the term)

In this cult we call Christianity we are called to not leech off our communities but instead for acts of altruism to better them. And we are given prohibitions against self harm. IOW we are permitted to be wealthy, successful and live regular healthy lives with spouses and children in normal communities for the betterment of the communities we live within.

IOW the exact opposite of shaving our heads, drinking kool-aid, singing koom-by-yah in a remote jungle location.

We worship Jesus and him alone. Any and every pastor, leader, preacher, or teacher can and will be replaced if they deviate from the scriptures....and it is advisable to do so as disastrous consequences have been seen and observed when that happens. (And even in recent times)
 
Blain

Blain

The Word Weaver
#83
Aug 28, 2012
19,504
2,711
113
#83
JohnDB said:
It fits the exact definition of a cult. Just like many other groups do.

But (and its a biggie)

It's not a destructive cult with the sole purpose of using/destroying the membership so a top guru (or leaders) can live a life of avarice or use us to exert power. (Which is what most people associate with the term)

In this cult we call Christianity we are called to not leech off our communities but instead for acts of altruism to better them. And we are given prohibitions against self harm. IOW we are permitted to be wealthy, successful and live regular healthy lives with spouses and children in normal communities for the betterment of the communities we live within.

IOW the exact opposite of shaving our heads, drinking kool-aid, singing koom-by-yah in a remote jungle location.

We worship Jesus and him alone. Any and every pastor, leader, preacher, or teacher can and will be replaced if they deviate from the scriptures....and it is advisable to do so as disastrous consequences have been seen and observed when that happens. (And even in recent times)
Click to expand...
You are not denying you are going to fuflfill his promise of life
 
JohnDB

JohnDB

Well-known member
#86
Jan 16, 2021
6,281
2,561
113
#86
ResidentAlien said:
Everyone wants to look at Jonestown or the Branch Davidians. This keeps people from looking at the cults in their own backyard.
Click to expand...
There was a group created to be a "Christian" Cult in the affluent Brentwood TN. (Wealthiest community in the USA)

There is an HBO special on this cult. And from the outside looking in they appear to be just another church group. I actually Know one of the couples in the special....and I remember when he was having the issues with his daughter over the cell phone. He wasn't a bad dad or overbearing in some way....he just had a pretty daughter and they wanted her...and they got their claws in her and stole her away.
They were a nice, normal family...not overly rich or anything like that. But it really hurt him bad when they stole his daughter from him. It's like she died. There's always hope that one day he'll get to be in her life again.
 
JohnDB

JohnDB

Well-known member
#87
Jan 16, 2021
6,281
2,561
113
#87
Blain said:
You are not denying you are going to fuflfill his promise of life
Click to expand...
Of course I worship Jesus. I'm not an idiot.
And I believe that I need to go to church on a consistent, regular basis.
 
T

Ted01

Well-known member
#88
May 14, 2022
1,055
448
83
#88
What is the difference between a cult and a religion?

The main difference between the cult and the religion is that a cult is a religious and small group that is not part of a larger accepted religion, with unique beliefs or socially deviant and practices. On the other hand, religion is a particular system of belief or/ and worship, often consisting of a code of philosophy and ethics.

(source: Bing)
 
Blain

Blain

The Word Weaver
#89
Aug 28, 2012
19,504
2,711
113
#89
JohnDB said:
Of course I worship Jesus. I'm not an idiot.
And I believe that I need to go to church on a consistent, regular basis.
Click to expand...
No I am talking about more. Would you belive me if I told you there is a closeness with him that you can even see him in real life anytime? that you and him are no longer two seperate beings but so close together you can't tell the difference? that if you step into a room people will have their attentiomn on you that reality itself doesn't matter anymore? that the glory of God is given and shown because you are in the kingom?

If you want the real thing if you believe anything is possible with God then I have found what your seeking the kingdom of god the unknwon the mytsery and wonders of his person I know the way but it requires your resolve.

He is not after gray only white or black he is not after studiers of the word but doers of the word if you believe his word stop talking about stop debating about it and prove otherwise your just all talk.

You all need to decide where you stand and I don't say this to be rude or mean or condemning but because of the gravity ofthe situation Believe me time is not our friend either we get serious about now or he leaves us behind and gives to others what we could have recieved.
 
JohnDB

JohnDB

Well-known member
#90
Jan 16, 2021
6,281
2,561
113
#90
Ted01 said:
What is the difference between a cult and a religion?

The main difference between the cult and the religion is that a cult is a religious and small group that is not part of a larger accepted religion, with unique beliefs or socially deviant and practices. On the other hand, religion is a particular system of belief or/ and worship, often consisting of a code of philosophy and ethics.

(source: Bing)
Click to expand...
I'll give you credit for the "bing" reference who is trying to make peace.

But when it comes time for some denominations....they tend to blur the lines ALOT.
7th Day Adventist, Church of Christ, Assembly of God, Nazarene, and several others. Even a few outliers of Baptists .

It's very easy to hyperfocus on a few key scriptures to create a cult that becomes a destructive or borderline destructive cult.
Which is something that Jesus had warned us about.
 
Blain

Blain

The Word Weaver
#91
Aug 28, 2012
19,504
2,711
113
#91
Ted01 said:
What is the difference between a cult and a religion?

The main difference between the cult and the religion is that a cult is a religious and small group that is not part of a larger accepted religion, with unique beliefs or socially deviant and practices. On the other hand, religion is a particular system of belief or/ and worship, often consisting of a code of philosophy and ethics.

(source: Bing)
Click to expand...
A cult is a religion there is no difference that is why the gospel the word of life the salvation of the lost makes such a powerful change. The results are the difference and if one cinfuses each other they don't know the truth God is unmistakable if you were in his presents your body would submit to him you would instively repent and subment to him a religion does do this.
 
JohnDB

JohnDB

Well-known member
#92
Jan 16, 2021
6,281
2,561
113
#92
Blain said:
No I am talking about more. Would you belive me if I told you there is a closeness with him that you can even see him in real life anytime? that you and him are no longer two seperate beings but so close together you can't tell the difference? that if you step into a room people will have their attentiomn on you that reality itself doesn't matter anymore? that the glory of God is given and shown because you are in the kingom?

If you want the real thing if you believe anything is possible with God then I have found what your seeking the kingdom of god the unknwon the mytsery and wonders of his person I know the way but it requires your resolve.

He is not after gray only white or black he is not after studiers of the word but doers of the word if you believe his word stop talking about stop debating about it and prove otherwise your just all talk.

You all need to decide where you stand and I don't say this to be rude or mean or condemning but because of the gravity ofthe situation Believe me time is not our friend either we get serious about now or he leaves us behind and gives to others what we could have recieved.
Click to expand...
But I am not going to follow you.

I am on the path that God has set for me and I'm not straying from it. Why would I? What you offer is an illusion....I know reality. And I can't go back.
 
Blain

Blain

The Word Weaver
#93
Aug 28, 2012
19,504
2,711
113
#93
You all know that even Christianity is seen as a cult don't you? as mere religion mere tricking you into their weay of doing things. God is supposed to be different he is suppose to be able to shake us in our boots by merely speaking, We say we know him we say have a relationship with him, ask yourself this power this awe inspiring presence can we honestly say we know it? and not just sometimes or when we feel connected to him but all the time, to always be in his presence to live ina diffewrent kingdom with him.

The human limitation is only human with god all things are possible are is that just words to everyone?

Do you dare to trest that?
 
Blain

Blain

The Word Weaver
#94
Aug 28, 2012
19,504
2,711
113
#94
JohnDB said:
But I am not going to follow you.

I am on the path that God has set for me and I'm not straying from it. Why would I? What you offer is an illusion....I know reality. And I can't go back.
Click to expand...
Did I ask you follow me? Who eas I talking about? you follow him no one else and by all means point out where what I said wasn't of the kingdom
 
Blain

Blain

The Word Weaver
#95
Aug 28, 2012
19,504
2,711
113
#95
JohnDB said:
But I am not going to follow you.

I am on the path that God has set for me and I'm not straying from it. Why would I? What you offer is an illusion....I know reality. And I can't go back.
Click to expand...
Also reality is decided by God you say you follow him byet Jesus himself said with faith anything is possible with God. If you don't even believe that much how can you say you know reality? was that just word to you?
 
JohnDB

JohnDB

Well-known member
#96
Jan 16, 2021
6,281
2,561
113
#96
Blain said:
Did I ask you follow me? Who eas I talking about? you follow him no one else and by all means point out where what I said wasn't of the kingdom
Click to expand...
See?
You were asking me to BELIEVE YOUR INTERPRETATION OF WHAT GOD WANTS FROM ME. And that's a line that I don't ever ever cross. That's the start of EVERY destructive Christian cult.

And I know not to because I know God's Word extremely well. And Jesus was very specific about doing what you just said....it was almost verbatim of what not to listen to. So guess what?

And as far as knowing the power of God?
No....I don't want to. The tiniest fragments that I've personally witnessed are more than enough to make me uncomfortable being around such things. I want nothing to do with wielding any of it. It's God's and his alone to wield. And He does as He sees fit. "The beginning of wisdom is....."
There's gonna be a "fail army" type video booth in Heaven....I don't want to be a star in one of those videos.
 
ResidentAlien

ResidentAlien

Well-known member
#98
Apr 21, 2021
8,437
3,685
113
#98
Blain said:
he is not after studiers of the word but doers of the word
Click to expand...
You need both.

9. Intelligence-dampening. If you find yourself too tired or confused to make decisions, ask yourself why. Cults use techniques like sleep-deprivation, alternate states of consciousness, repetition, and thought-stopping to overwhelm someone’s cognitive resources and critical thinking skills. They destabilize your view of reality. And when your mind is under threat, you keep returning to the safety and love of your leader. It doesn’t mean you’re stupid, even if you develop false beliefs. All humans have false beliefs and a tendency toward magical thinking. But cult members depend on the cult for direction when their brains are disoriented.
 
ResidentAlien

ResidentAlien

Well-known member
#99
Apr 21, 2021
8,437
3,685
113
#99
Blain said:
You all know that even Christianity is seen as a cult don't you? as mere religion mere tricking you into their weay of doing things. God is supposed to be different he is suppose to be able to shake us in our boots by merely speaking, We say we know him we say have a relationship with him, ask yourself this power this awe inspiring presence can we honestly say we know it? and not just sometimes or when we feel connected to him but all the time, to always be in his presence to live ina diffewrent kingdom with him.

The human limitation is only human with god all things are possible are is that just words to everyone?

Do you dare to trest that?
Click to expand...
10. Identity disturbance. If you feel like a new you–a better you–ask yourself why. Cults alternate reward and punishment to stress people out and disrupt their identities. From there, cults can inflict a new identity on a member, one that depends on submission and self-surrender. And it doesn’t help that other sources of identity, like work and school, are slowly taken over by cult participation.
 
R

RaceRunner

Well-known member
#100
Oct 13, 2022
1,576
289
83
#100
ResidentAlien said:
10. Identity disturbance. If you feel like a new you–a better you–ask yourself why. Cults alternate reward and punishment to stress people out and disrupt their identities. From there, cults can inflict a new identity on a member, one that depends on submission and self-surrender. And it doesn’t help that other sources of identity, like work and school, are slowly taken over by cult participation.
Click to expand...
John 6:54
Then Jesus said to them: Amen, amen I say unto you: Except you eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, you shall not have life in you.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.