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Author
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Topic: Who has the "right" ministry?
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Pleasemaranatha
Advanced Member
Member # 5150
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posted
Eight Distinctives Of An Aberrational Christian or Bible-based Group
When discussing Christian or Bible-based groups that are "aberrant", the intent is not to simply to hang a label on a minority sect based on their departure from a certain doctrinal standard or theology. There are many groups that do have peculiar doctrinal emphases which are in no way "dangerous" or "cultic", however, it is more accurately the gravitation towards high-control, authoritarian leadership structures that actually make a group "aberrant". In describing this tendency towards spiritual totalitarianism, one could accurately depict the methodology in terms of it's visible manifestation, as does Steve Hassan in his BITE Model of Mind Control. In our explanation below, however, we address the process in the specific way that it expresses itself in a Bible-based group, inasmuch as the beliefs of the group are utilized to create and maintain that strict authoritarian schema. It is the perversion of otherwise benign belief and doctrine which becomes the vehicle for the leader(s) to gain control over the members.
Definition: Aberration - undue emphasis on a fringe doctrine, or a group of persons holding that doctrine that has not separated itself from the Church, frequently resulting in a potentially dangerous leadership structure. This is often an anti-conformist group, sometimes led by a charismatic leader, but as often by some principle of greater strictness, more single minded dedication, or more intense renunciation of the world and its attractions. Often has as its main principle some aspect of orthodox faith that is being neglected. The question concerning the seriousness of the fringe doctrine will be answered by the fact that the group has chosen to stay in the Church (i.e. within the boundaries of the "faith once for all delivered unto the saints").
Introduction: There are eight general distinctives that are frequently found in aberrational Christian groups. Not all aberrational groups will necessarily exhibit everyone of these distinctives, but most do, and some will evidence one or more with greater intensity and scope. It is important to remember in identifying an aberrational Christian group that we are not dealing with a thorough going heresy, but often a mainstream group that is in transition from the fringes of Christianity to a heretical group completely outside Christian orthodoxy. For our purposes the difference between the two is this. A heretical group takes something major in Christianity (who Jesus is, salvation, the Trinity, etc.) and either negates it, or makes it minor. An aberrational group, on the other hand, typically takes something minor in Christianity and makes it major (submission to a pastor, baptism, worldliness, holiness, etc.) usually for the purpose of being able to manipulate or control the members.
I. Scripture Twisting.
This is the most important distinctive from which all other distinctives flow. Usually there is a deficient concept of Church history or theological categories. Consequently Scripture is taken out of context, carelessly applied, and used to justify wrong conclusions (prooftexting).
Doctrine developed from historical books of the Bible. Here, the historical books of the Old and New Testaments (Exodus, Kings, Samuel, parts of Gospels, Acts, etc.) are used to derive authoritative doctrine for the Church today.
Contextual chaos. Verses are pasted together to prove a doctrine.
Mystical mush. Taking verses intended to be literal or are idiomatic and giving them a "spiritual" interpretation.
II. Controlling Leader/Leadership.
Frequently, near to total submission is implicitly or explicitly demanded by the leader/leadership. This is because they have "the mind of Christ," special revelation, are "God's anointed," etc.
The leader/leadership has a special pipeline to God with no actual accountability. This gives to them a special authority and weightiness in their pronouncements, even in non-essentials.
Scriptures like Hebrews 13:17; Psalm 105:15, etc. are used to manipulate the member and justify the leader's position. These verses are taken out of context and were never intended for leaders who are not accountable.
The leader/leadership often determines the areas of your life that are important for you to submit in. Refusing their counsel is to be rebellious.
The problem is that members of these aberrational groups tend to abdicate their decision making power to the group or leader.
III. Separation/Isolation Of The Membership.
Members are separated from the "world" in a variety of ways in order to protect them from "harmful" influences.
This is couched in spiritual language and is usually sincerely believed by the leader/leadership as an appropriate and necessary step for them to take. "We want to help you to become the best in Christ that you can possibly be. It has been our experience that you can be harmed by living with..., getting involved in..., reading..., associating with..., etc. This certainly wouldn't please Jesus, and you might even fall away from the truth. It has happened in the past."
This separation is often from family, friends, and even other Christian groups.
IV. The Chosen Few.
Spiritual elitism is often rampant in these aberrational groups. All other Christians outside your group are either lukewarm or not true believers at all.
Consequently, salvation is not found outside the walls of the group and other Christians are "fair game" for proselytizing (ie. conversion to a group, tradition or belief system).
Aberrational Christian groups rarely, if ever, cooperate with other Christian groups not associated with them.
V. Uniformity Of Lifestyle.
This uniformity of lifestyle may be manifested in beliefs, dress, language and living conditions.
The desire is to create a true disciple of Jesus Christ. However, the issue is what makes a disciple and how is one identified.
This uniformity can intrude in all the private areas of an individuals life where the Scriptures are silent.
VI. No Dissent.
Because the leadership is authoritarian it follows that there can be no questioning.
In non-coercive groups and churches differences on lesser points of doctrine and practice are tolerated. It is the unity of the Spirit that is essential. The individuality of the member is always affirmed. However, minor differences of doctrine and practice are not tolerated in aberrational groups.
To speak out or to question is to have a rebellious spirit and to possibly fall under God's wrath.
VII. Traumatic Departure.
Leaving an aberrational Christian Group is always extremely traumatic.
If a member plans on leaving and the leadership finds out there may be a painful confrontation with the leadership who seek to talk the "rebellious" member out of leaving.
Frequently, the person may be told, "If you leave bad things will happen to you.
Leaving is also very traumatic because even though the member no longer believes in the group, they have been indoctrinated to believe that salvation does not exist outside their walls. No mercy from God is shown. Thus, where can the departing member go?
VIII. In Transition
Doctrines and practices tend to mutate further and further from healthy belief and expressions.
Aberrational groups are never static but tend to devolve theologically. Many begin fairly orthodox, but over time become heretical
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The practices and rituals of aberrational groups also tend to take on divine authority. Practices that were optional or conditional in the beginning become absolute standards whereby commitment and spirituality are measured.
1. PERSONALITY CHANGES
Relatives will say they no longer recognize the person.
From a warm, loving personality will come heaped abuse, rejection and feelings of hate. The cult member sees himself as "righteous" in comparison and this comes across in their attitude toward all outsiders.
2. LOSS OF IDENTITY
They cannot see themselves as individuals apart from the group. Some even change their name as a rejection of their former life.
3. PARANOID - WE ARE BEING PERSECUTED
Any time you say anything negative about the group, whether justified or no, it is regarded as "persecution". Any criticism of the individual is also seen as persecution only because they are the "true Christian" or "enlightened" one - not because they, as an individual, have done the wrong thing. However, at the same time they will feel free to criticise whatever you believe, say and do because they are "the only ones who are right".
4. SOCIAL DISORIENTATION
They lose their ability to socialize outside the group. This can go so far as to not being able to structure their time or make simple decisions for themselves when they leave.
Their world-view alters and they perceive the world through their leaders eyes. They become very naive about life in general.
5. SEVERE GUILT COMPLEXES
They are made to feel guilty of everything they did before entering the group and are to strive to be "good" and "worthy" for "eternal life". Misdemeanors are made into "mountains" so that members are in a constant state of guilt for infringing even the most minor rules. Guilt comes because they aren't doing enough; entertaining doubts or questions; even thinking rationally for oneself.
This guilt is piled upon pile with new rules constantly being laid down about what is sinful and what is not. Illness may be seen as lack of faith - more guilt. Emotional illness may be seen as proof of sin in your life - more guilt.
Not all these points will be found in every cult, but all cults will have some if not most of them, although these may vary to some degree.
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My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning. Psalms 130 verse 6
Joyce
Posts: 308 | From: Missouri | Registered: Oct 2005
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WKUHilltopper
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Member # 5472
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posted
quote:
Originally posted by by_grace:
Ray Comfort and Kirk cameron
Way of the Master ![[thumbsup2]](graemlins/thumbsup2.gif)
I've got a new found appreciation for these guys. I think their ministry is sincere. But you can't put your faith in any man. But right now, I am very glad I was introduced to them over the 'net.
Posts: 259 | From: KY | Registered: Feb 2006
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WKUHilltopper
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Member # 5472
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posted
quote:
Originally posted by ToBeContinued:
Hopefully I won't get banned for saying this, however,
The Chronicles of Narnia was an EXCELLENT movie, and SHOULD be promoted to Christians AND non Christians.
Especially those who have a hard time even listening to the gospel -
From this movie, the parallels in it can be used to soundly teach what the sacrifice meant, the resurrection and its signifigance, etc.
A GREAT movie, that could easily teach those who refuse to be taught about God or Jesus.
Those who've not watched it, you should reserve their commentary until they have - If they refuse, then I can only assume their refusal is based on a legalistic approach that is so overly concerned about "the witch", which represents Satan by the way, that they miss a fantastic opportunity to see how the sacrifice of Jesus is being presented.
I didn't see anything in that movie that was "threatening". It didn't have "cussing" or sex or heads being chopped off. No kids were molested or some other sick event occurred. It had a moral story--good vs. evil. For those who know Christ, you could pull out bits and pieces that were similar. But if you didn't know anything about the Bible, I'm not sure you would have seen the symbolism.
I rank it right up there with a decent family fantasy movie--much like the Wizard of Oz. Was it a great "religious" movie? Uhmmm...probably not. But I didn't have to worry about what my kids were seeing.
Posts: 259 | From: KY | Registered: Feb 2006
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wparr
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Member # 891
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posted
Probably the best ministries are the ones most people DON'T hear about.
They are the ones out reaching and ministering to the individuals, not trying to get on tv and the radio.
They are not out always trying to raise money.
They are humble in spirit and behavior, living very very modestly (caring more about helping others then getting a nice car or house)
Many of them are overseas as missionaries
Posts: 1203 | From: Eagle Nest, NM | Registered: Jan 2003
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KnowHim
Admin
Member # 1
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posted
Once again the ones that are God centered not man centered.
If you teach WOF then you will be removed from this message board without warning.
I don't have a list. So you will have to live with that.
If you teach something that is unacceptable then don't worry I will let you know.
By the way Linda had nothing to do with the new rule about the Prosperity Gospel WOF, I made that rule.
I am the admin on this message board.
No one is forced to stay on this message board if they don't like the way it is ran. If you don't like the way I do things you are welcome to leave.
Thanks,
David
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Posts: 3276 | From: Charlestown, IN | Registered: Jun 2002
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WhiteEagle
Advanced Member
Member # 3728
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posted
quote:
Originally posted by David:
Once again the ones that are God centered not man centered.
Don't start trying to argue over which ministry is the right one.
One for sure that is not right is WOF, prosperity gospel ministries....
If you are just here to argue and continue to do so, please go somewhere else.
There are no perfect ministries but you can be sure that you can tell if they are God centered or Man centered.
Hint: more are man centered then God centered. Be careful who you listen to and know your bible.
I really would like to know what ministries are considered acceptable to this forum.
I've been wondering that.
I'm not going to argue about it just point out that anything someone mentions aa being the acceptable ministry probably has something in it that someone here doesn't like.
I've been reading and participating in this forum for a couple of years I think at least.
I'm getting weary of hearing so many ministries torn down. So it seems to be time to talk about the ones that are Acceptable here so I won't offend.
You and Linda have been very tolerant of good debate on issues that are not Salvation issues.
That I respect.
Posts: 1392 | From: Maine | Registered: Aug 2004
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phebe_cenchrea
Community Member
Member # 5659
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posted
An individual personal ministry that promotes unconditional love for others, selfless service toward all people; with a quiet humility that promotes the true nature of Christ in deeds and not words--that is the only 'right' ministry. That's the only way to do any good in the name of the Father.
We must each work our own salvation out, in fear and trembling. Then we must let our light shine.
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Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
(~Luke 12:32)
Posts: 9 | Registered: Apr 2006
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KnowHim
Admin
Member # 1
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posted
Once again the ones that are God centered not man centered.
Don't start trying to argue over which ministry is the right one.
One for sure that is not right is WOF, prosperity gospel ministries....
If you are just here to argue and continue to do so, please go somewhere else.
There are no perfect ministries but you can be sure that you can tell if they are God centered or Man centered.
Hint: more are man centered then God centered. Be careful who you listen to and know your bible.
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Posts: 3276 | From: Charlestown, IN | Registered: Jun 2002
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ToBeContinued
unregistered
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posted
Hopefully I won't get banned for saying this, however,
The Chronicles of Narnia was an EXCELLENT movie, and SHOULD be promoted to Christians AND non Christians.
Especially those who have a hard time even listening to the gospel -
From this movie, the parallels in it can be used to soundly teach what the sacrifice meant, the resurrection and its signifigance, etc.
A GREAT movie, that could easily teach those who refuse to be taught about God or Jesus.
Those who've not watched it, you should reserve their commentary until they have - If they refuse, then I can only assume their refusal is based on a legalistic approach that is so overly concerned about "the witch", which represents Satan by the way, that they miss a fantastic opportunity to see how the sacrifice of Jesus is being presented.
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helpforhomeschoolers
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Member # 15
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posted
I do not like that Comfort and Cameron promoted Narnia, but I do like their preaching and I have not heard them ever contradict the scrpture. If I should hear that I would say so regardless whether it was someone I liked or not. I think that there are few today who preach the Gospel as clearly and fully as Ray Comfort, but he is still just a man,a nd subject to error as are all of us.
I do not like that Disney who promotes an anti God agenda actively, spent a million dollars promoting Narnia to Christians. I dont like that Christians embraced it and gave their dollars to Disney, who will now continue to use them to promote an anti God lifestyle, but if a non Christian was going to see Narnia any way, I am glad that someone who preaches the Gospel as clearly as Comfort used it as an opportunity to make sure they heard the whole Gospel.
Posts: 4684 | From: Southern Black Hills of South Dakota | Registered: Jun 2002
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WhiteEagle
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Member # 3728
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posted
quote:
Originally posted by by_grace:
Ray Comfort and Kirk cameron
Way of the Master
Uh OH! He is promoting Narnia. I know some here won't like that because CS Lewis was a Catholic.
Be careful sis!
![[Confused]](confused.gif)
Posts: 1392 | From: Maine | Registered: Aug 2004
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by_grace
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Member # 5340
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posted
Ray Comfort and Kirk cameron
Way of the Master
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To "love thy neighbor as thyself" is not expressed by forfeiting, twisting or reinterpreting the Word of God for the cause of unity. It is expressed by hearing, obeying and proclaiming the whole council of God regardless of whom it might offend.
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WhiteEagle
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Member # 3728
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posted
Name names, please!
Which ministries lift up Christ and are teaching the "right" doctrines?
Inquiring minds want to know!
Posts: 1392 | From: Maine | Registered: Aug 2004
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