Basic Church Overview and Beliefs

Read our growing outline of this remarkable group.

Is the "House of Jacob" a Cult?

The first thing to know when talking about cults is that "cult" is not the same as "occult" which many people have come to believe. The following are excerpts from my favorite informative website www.ex-cult.org. This is a site that deals with informing the public on cult awareness issues, such as what a cult is, some examples of cults, ways to identify a cult, and resource networks to help cult members escape. Another good resource is located at the host of this site, trancenet.net.

THE UNIVERSAL DEFINITION OF A CULT: Any group which has a pyramid type authoritarian leadership structure with all teaching and guidance coming from the person/persons at the top. The group will claim to be the only way to God; Nirvana; Paradise; Ultimate Reality; Full Potential, Way to Happiness etc, and will use thought reform or mind control techniques to gain control and keep their members.

A group is called a cult because of their behaviour - not their doctrines. Some cults teach the basics of the Christian faith but have behavioural patterns that are abusive, controlling and cultic. This occurs in both Non-Charismatic and Charismatic churches.

These groups teach the central doctrines of the Christian faith and then add the extra authority of leadership or someone's particular writings. They centre around the interpretations of the leadership and submissive and unquestioning acceptance of these is essential to be a member of good standing. The key is that they will be using mind control or undue influence on their members.

The group will have an ELITIST view of itself in relation to others, and a UNIQUE CAUSE. e.i. THEY ARE THE ONLY ONES RIGHT - everyone else is wrong. THEY ARE THE ONLY ONES DOING GOD'S WILL - everyone else is in apostasy.

They will promote their cause actively, and in doing so, abuse God-given personal rights and freedoms. This abuse can be THEOLOGICAL, SPIRITUAL, SOCIAL & PSYCHOLOGICAL.

Read our detailed comparison of "House of Jacob" practices that can be considered cultic.

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