Cult-Like Characteristics of Selected Doctrinally Orthodox Churches

ISBN-13: 9783847332794 / Angielski / Miękka / 2012 / 124 str.

John Salvesen

Opis

Cults such as Heavens Gate, the Branch Davidians, Peoples Temple (Jim Jones) and many lesser known groups have certain characteristics. But is it possible that some evangelical churches with biblical doctrine have similar characteristics as full blown cults? What are those characteristics and how strongly do they make their presence known? This project seeks to examine if churches that have evangelical doctrine can be similar to cults despite their underpinnings of biblical truth. Results from thirteen unhealthy churches represented by thirty former members are examined through the use of a descriptive survey. The descriptive surveys results are examined so that useful recommendations could be made to help churches recover from cultish conditions or to prevent churches from becoming cult-like. This dissertation makes the case from the literature review for the presence of a large number of cultic characteristics and that many Protestant, evangelical churches have similar problems. Both the literature review and the survey results and analysis make the case for bold moves towards church health so that the Great Commission can be advanced and Christ be glorified.

O autorze

John was born in 1960 and raised in Bloomingdale, NJ. He graduated from Ramapo College of NJ ('83 B.S.), Dallas Theological Seminary ('91 Th.M) and ('10 D.Min). He is married to Carolyn. They have four children: Brittany, Brian, Jenna & Andrew. John is the Senior Pastor at Bear Creek Bible Church in Keller,TX.