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Matthew 28:18–20
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations … teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you” (Matt. 28:19–20a).
We have examined 10 characteristics that mark most cults. But what are some activities that help cults succeed? What attracts people to them? We can point to several such practices.
Cults emphasize definite convictions.
In an age when so many in the church are willing to compromise crucial truths, a group that states its beliefs clearly and boldly is very attractive to some people, particularly idealistic young people.
Cults stress the importance of knowing their religious writings.
Mastery of the holy books is emphasized and adult education programs are promoted to achieve it (the church tends to focus more on education for children than for adults).
Cults inculcate people with a sense of urgency and dedication to their mission.
The cult’s teaching that it is the one true church and that through it truth is being recovered from apostasy breeds a great sense of mission. People are fired with urgency to rescue a lost and dying world that can be saved only by their group’s message.
Cults generate enormous misguided zeal for witnessing.
In some cults, nothing is more important than getting the message out.
Cults teach unusual techniques for witnessing.
The goal of spreading the message is more important to cults than the means for achieving it. They therefore may be willing to employ any techniques that will help them draw in new adherents.
Cults produce abundant literature.
A key tool used by cults to achieve their goal is the printing press. Most cults produce abundant literature to promote their cause.
Cults assign a large role to laymen.
The clergy usually have a low profile in cults; the work is carried forward by laypeople.
Cults foster community.
As they labor together to spread their message, cult members experience meaningful fellowship. Even the ridicule they may receive tends to draw them together.
It is not hard to see how this environment—a dedicated group with a vital task, great zeal, and strong camaraderie—can be attractive to many people.In next week’s studies, we will briefly examine five of today’s most prominent cults.
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
Did you notice that many of the traits that contribute to cult success should be more true of churches? The church has a radical message, and we should be zealous to communicate it, banding together as a mighty army of brothers and sisters to spread the word, even in the face of ridicule. Pray that your church would be such a body.
For Further Study
- John 20:31
- Romans 9:1–3
- Romans 10:8–15
- 1 Corinthians 2:2
- 1 Corinthians 12:4–7