The Marks of a Cult: The Warning Signs of False Teachings

"But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons." (1 Tim 4:1) This book was released in 1998, and still serves very well as a excellent book for anyone who may be searching for ansers as to what a cult is, and what the danger signs may be. The author's writing is excellent in it's description of a cult. As a example, here is a quote from the book in chapter - 1 Entitled: Why cults prosper; 'A Cult is a religious perversion. It is a belief and practice centered in false doctrine in the world of religion that calls for devotion to a religious 'view' or 'leader'. It is an organized heresy. A cult may take many forms, but it is basically a religious movement that distorts or warps orthodox faith to the point where truth becomes perverted into a lie. It is impossible to define a cult except in contrast to the absolute standard of the teachings of Holy Scripture." Each chapter gives a biblical sound definition of what a cult is. This book is an essential that Christians should know to inoculate themselves from false teaching.

Dave Breese hits the mark with this work, written from the point of view of a Bible Believing Evangelical Christian. He defines ten areas where most false teachers deviate from Biblical Christianity. By studying this book and comparing a religious group to it, you can easily tell if the group you are examining follows the basic tennents of Christianity or if it a false cult which should be avoided. For example, if a group denied the Diety of Jesus Christ, Breese would classify that group as a false cult. Dave and I come from different denominations, but I agree that his teachings on this subject are right on the mark. This book is written for High School age and up.