Characteristics of Religious Cults

• Does the group claim to be a Christian organization or a friend of Christianity, but their teachings misrepresent Christian theology? Most often, the doctrines of the Trinity and salvation by grace alone are misrepresented in a cult's teachings.
  
  
• Is the group characterized by authoritarianism? Are members who disobey to the slightest degree punished severely or excommunicated? Can a person think and study for themselves or must they rely on the group's leader for all of their instruction?
  
  
• Is the Bible misinterpreted in the groups teaching? They may claim to interpret the Bible correctly, but does their biblical interpretation stand up under closely examination?
  
  
• Are members of the group subject to psychological, physical, or spiritual harm?
  
  
• When asked, can the group provide an accurate and detailed history of the founders and origin of the organization?
  
  
• Do you sense intimidation or deception within the group or toward outsiders? Are the members manipulated - either by time-manipulation or thought-manipulation?
  
  
• Is there secrecy?