Cults On the Rise

by Morris Inch⁽¹⁾

Jane Buckingham heads up a prominent research agency The Intelligence Group, and is a frequent guest on daily talk shows. She expresses alarm with the increase of cult activity, calculated to reap an unfortunate harvest.

I was reminded of the distinctive nature of cults some years ago when doing a study of a wide range of local churches and groups identified as cults. Without exception, the churches clustered at one end of the continuum and cults at the other. In this regard, " If the group isolates members from family and friends, it might be a cult. If it interferes with the ability of the individual to think matters through on his or her own, it might be a cult. If it is dominated by a leader said to have unique qualifications that sets the group apart from the rest, it might be a cult. If it requires that persons suppress their individuality to achieve group goals, it might be a cult. If it instills in its members a fear that leaving the group will have disastrous results, it might be a cult. If two or more of the above pertain, it is likely to be a cult " (cf. " Stockholm Syndrome & the Cult Dynamic, " listed under my name online).

How are we to account for this current appeal of the cults? A certain missionary observed that it as a rule takes about three generations to fashion a well-rounded Christian. It was not his intent to challenge the zeal of new converts, which often excels that of those who have been longer in the faith.

It subsequently occurred to me that if it generally takes three generations to work out the implications of a Christian faith, it perhaps takes a similar amount of time for it to dissipate. In particular, while the second generation may maintain similar convictions, its hold is more tenuous. Then the third generation carries over only a selective legacy. This was humorously expressed recently in an editorial. The writer observed, " While I am not a good Christian, I am a good Methodist. " He meant to imply that he still retained a concern for social issues.

Of course, there is a sense in which there are no second generation Christians. The faith of our parents or other mentors does not suffice for us.

Qualifications aside, it appears that the Christian faith is waning in Western Culture. A recent study observed that while the American population is increasing, church affiliation is not keeping pace. Additional studies indicate that there is a pronounced difference of perspective between those professing Christians who attend church and those who do not. Given this situation, it would not be surprising were cults to proliferate.

Meanwhile, the Christian faith is showing increased vitality in other parts of the world. China, for instance, is now said to have the largest number of adherents. Not only that, but they appear determined to carry out the commission to disciple all nations. This recalls the apt observation, " While God does not need the United States, the United States assuredly needs God. "

Welcome to my publication website at

http://www.ourchurch.com/member/p/publications , and Pilgrim’s Journey—my advice column on searchwarp.com, which attempts to answer questions concerning the Christian life and biblical interpretation.

Article submitted Friday, March 19, 2010 & read 294 times.

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