Some modern day religions claim to be Christians...but are they really? Go through this series with a small group or mentor, and let's take a closer look at some religions that may actually be cultish.

The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.

Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

Donate Now

In this series: The Big Three Christian Cults (disclaimer #2)

Mormonism (17 million)
Jehovah’s Witnesses (8 million)
Seventh Day Adventists (22 million) - Is it or is it not a cult? Debated for 70 years

What is a Cult?

A Clear Explanation of the Term "Cult"

Define "cult" in a religious context:

Groups that claim to be Christian but deviate significantly from core biblical doctrine.
Disclaimer: Not every person who is in these groups aligns with everything we are going to cover

How do cults start?

“Many cults begin with a charismatic leader or group claiming special revelation or insight that goes beyond or distorts the Bible. They often address unmet spiritual or emotional needs, offering certainty in confusing times or claiming to restore ‘lost truths.’ Over time, they develop exclusive doctrines, emphasize obedience to their authority, and create a sense of dependency by isolating followers from outside perspectives. The common thread is a departure from the core gospel of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, replacing it with human authority, works-based salvation, or extra-biblical teachings.”
Second Great Awakening, burnt over district, restorationism
Cane ridge revival 1801
Back to basic Christianity
End Times fervor
1844
If not careful we see this happening on YouTube today.

Signs You’re in a Cult (Allen Asks)

Explain that any deviation from these essentials leads to a distorted or false version of Christianity.

So what are some of the essentials?

Distortion of Scripture & Sound Doctrine

Sufficiency of Scripture (Sola Scriptura):
The group uses its own interpretation of the Bible or an altered version of Scripture to fit its teachings.
The authority and sufficiency of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Extra-biblical writings or revelations are often elevated to the same level as, or higher than, the Bible.
Example: Jehovah’s Witnesses’ New World Translation and Mormonism’s Book of Mormon.

Deity of Christ

The group teaches a view of the deity of Christ that diverges from the traditional Christian view of Jesus being fully human and fully divine

Salvation by Works

The group teaches that salvation is earned through strict adherence to their specific rules, laws, or practices.
Grace and faith in Christ alone are downplayed or redefined.
Example: Emphasis on Sabbath-keeping by SDAs or door-to-door evangelism by Jehovah’s Witnesses.

High Control Leadership

The group is led by a single charismatic leader or a small group of leaders who demand unquestioning loyalty and obedience.
Leaders often claim divine authority or special revelation, making their words equal to or above Scripture.
Example: Ellen G. White's writings being treated as authoritative by SDAs.
The BITE acronym, developed by Steven Hassan, is a framework used to identify cult-like behavior by analyzing how groups control their members. BITE stands for:
Behavior Control
Regulates individual behavior, often through strict rules, schedules, or restrictions on personal freedom.
The group discourages relationships or interactions with non-members, labeling outsiders as dangerous or untrustworthy.
Members are often isolated socially, emotionally, or even physically.
Information Control
Limits access to outside information and promotes only the group’s teachings as truth.
Encourages censorship, misinformation, or monitoring.
Thought Control
Discourages independent thinking and critical analysis.
Promotes an “us vs. them” mentality and enforces group doctrine as absolute truth.
Emotional Control
Manipulates feelings to instill fear, guilt, or loyalty.
Uses emotional pressure to maintain control and discourage leaving the group.

Exclusivity

The group believes it is the only true way to God, salvation, or enlightenment. All others are considered deceived or lost.
Membership in the group is often seen as essential for salvation.
Example: SDAs view themselves as the "remnant church" with unique truth.

Why This Series Matters

Emphasize the importance of discernment:
(INTERNAL): Protecting believers from false teachings (Matthew 7:15, 1 John 4:1).
We talk about how easily and quickly many of these cults began. They began with private Bible studies that distorted scripture.
(EXTERNAL): Encouraging Christians to engage lovingly and effectively with members of these groups.
Highlight the urgency of addressing cults because they claim to be Christian but distort the gospel, leading people away from freedom in Christ and sometimes even salvation.

How to Engage People in Cult Groups

Lay out a biblical approach to addressing members of these groups:
Speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).
Avoid debates and focus on the gospel.
Ask questions that challenge their assumptions without attacking their beliefs.
Pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance in conversations.