Question: As a Christian, how do I protect myself and my loved ones from the allure of cults?
Answer: Read your Bible, understand the reality of truth, stay connected to a local church, understand the manipulation of cults.
Lately, I've been falling down the rabbit hole of documentaries about all these different cults that wreck people's lives. I have been struck by how obviously crazy these cults are and how 'not evil' the followers are. I had mistakenly thought that many people who fall into cults were already messed up before they arrived. However, after watching many of these documentaries and knowing some people who have fallen victim to cults, I now see that this can happen to anyone.
As a Christian, it's essential to be on the lookout and think critically when it comes to guarding against cults. Cults often try to pull people in with sneaky tactics, so it's crucial to be mindful of the signs and take proactive steps to protect yourself and others. Here are five ways you can keep an eye out for cults:
1- Get to know the Bible really well.
The Bible contains all the essential truths for Christians. By diving into scripture and understanding your faith's core beliefs, you'll be better able to spot teachings that don't align with the Bible.
You have to figure out the essentials of your faith and avoid being easily swayed. A Christian's best weapon is a robust understanding of the Bible. Anyone who reads their Bible every day is unlikely to fall victim to the wolves within cults.
2- Cultivate your critical thinking.
Cults often employ manipulation and persuasive techniques to attract followers. By honing your critical thinking skills and being alert to warning signs such as excessive control, isolation from loved ones, and demands for blind loyalty, you can fortify yourself against falling into a cult's trap. For example, learn the three laws of logic.
- The law of non-contradiction.
- The law of excluded middle.
- The law of identity.
3- Stay connected to a solid Christian community.
Surrounding yourself with other believers who can offer support, keep you in check, and give you advice is super important. A strong Christian community can provide an extra layer of defense against the influence of cults and offer a safe space to talk about any worries or suspicions.
This is why it is so important to go to a good church. You must go with others. You need others who can help you stay on the right track.
4- Get guidance from trusted leaders and mentors.
Building relationships with intelligent and mature Christian leaders or mentors can offer invaluable support in dealing with spiritual challenges. They can give you advice, pray for you, and help you stay true to your faith while spotting any potential dangers. I get that some leaders make this problematic. Bad leaders have done bad things, and they have caused many to doubt their ability to find trustworthy leadership. However, for every bad-acting leader/pastor, a hundred love Jesus and are trying to do their best.
5- Educate yourself about cult tactics and beliefs.
Knowledge is power. Take some time to learn about cults' tactics and beliefs. Understanding how cults operate and the ideas they promote can help you notice warning signs and prepare you to have informed conversations with others who might be vulnerable to cult recruitment. God's Word says we should not be "ignorant of the devil's devices." A wise military maxim says you must "know thy enemy." I recommend the work Dr. Norman Geisler has done on the topic of cults. This is important because some cults are way off, and they are easy to identify. However, many cults are only slightly off and even use God's Word to justify their positions. It takes a keen eye to see the truth.
By following these proactive steps, you can protect yourself from the influence of cults and keep your faith safe. Remember, staying grounded in the truth of the Gospel and being alert in your spiritual journey are vital ways to defend yourself and others from falling into deceptive traps.
