The Menace Of The Cults

Any serious student of contemporary developments in the religious world cannot but be impressed with the growing strength of cults and isms, and of their menace to the Christian Faith. It is a challenge that cannot be ignored. Undoubtedly, the power behind these movements is Satan, "the god of this age", whose object is to blind "the minds of the unbelieving" (2 Corinthians 4.4).

These cults are feverishly active all over the world and a grave feature of their menace is the deceit with which they distort Scripture to trap the unwary. While posing as "Christians" they are actually among those, described by the apostle Peter, who wrest the Scriptures to their own destruction (2 Peter 3.16). Hence their success among nominal "Christians" who have only a passing acquaintance with the word of God.

Anyone requiring authentic information on the growth of the cults will find it in a recent study of them by Walter R. Martin, M.A., in his book, The Kingdom of the Cults (Marshall, Morgan and Scott, London, 39/6d). This is a carefully documented and objective study: the most comprehensive analysis of the cults I have seen. Fourteen major cult movements are meticulously evaluated. The author delves deeply into their literature to uncover their doctrinal bases. He also gives authentic information of their histories and of the personalities behind them. He assesses the reasons for their growth, the methods they employ, and writes a valuable chapter on "The Psychological structure of Cultism".

A conservative estimate of the total membership of the cults throughout the world is 10,000,000 (some writers have not hesitated to raise the figure to 15,000,000). This indicates the size of the problem. If the growth rate continues at its present volume the challenge of the cults to the Christian Faith becomes more formidable year by year.

The value of Mr Martin's study is enhanced by his counsel on the wisest methods of approach to the victims of cultism, whom he describes as "The Mission Field on the doorstep". Many valuable hints are given on how to deal with various cultists. Any who essay to engage in this work seriously would be well advised to study this book. Such work demands wisdom and patience, as well as an informed mind and Christian compassion.

We have been asked to give an assessment of a movement at present most active in Britain and elsewhere the Herbert W. Armstrong cult, publishers of the magazine, The Plain Truth. This attractively produced magazine is widely distributed and claims a circulation of 2,000,000. It is skilfully advertised in popular magazines and the advertisements include an invitation to enrol for a course of Bible instruction with Ambassador College.

It should be known that a great deal of Armstrong's theology is based on the heresy of Anglo-Israelism. He has also borrowed a good deal from the Seventh Day Adventists. There is, of course, some truth mixed with the errors that Armstrong propounds, but this, allied to the skilful use of modern advertising techniques, makes this cult all the more dangerous to the unwary.

In The Kingdom of the Cults MY Martin devotes a chapter to the history and teaching of Herbert W. Armstrong. The following quote, from the pamphlet, "Just what do you mean, Born again?" indicates the fearful error which is mixed with Armstrong's teaching, and exposes the hollowness of his claim of loyalty to the Scriptures:

"The purpose of your being alive is that finally you will be born

into the kingdom of God when you will actually be God.... You are setting out on a training course to become Creator!"

Commenting on this and other statements of Herbert W. Armstrong, Mr Martin writes, "The plain truth of this whole matter is that ... Mr Armstrong's Radio Church of God serves only as a camouflage for his doctrinal deviations which are mixed with orthodox terminology and evangelical cliches and infused with numerous half-truths.... Mr Armstrong wrests the Scriptures to his own destruction and, sadly, to the destruction, spiritually speaking, of those who follow his training". That this is fair and accurate comment will be obvious to any who examine the facts as they are cited by Mr Martin in The Kingdom of the Cults.

Space forbids further comment on this important subject. What is underlined by our brief reference to it is the very great importance of sound teaching among God's people. Only thus can we be preserved from the subtle activities of false teachers. Those who give themselves to the ministry of the word, whether oral or written, should ever remember Paul's injunction to his son, Timothy,

"If thou put the brethren in mind of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished in the words of the faith, and of the good doctrine (1 Timothy 4.6).

unknown | Aug 1970
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