| Author | Message | ||
| Chyna |
I was reading this book in the library today. Even though Walter Martin does not classify Adventism as a non Christian cult, but rather as a Christian denomination. I, myself, would suggest that Adventism is more like a Christian cult, even though they seem like contradictory terms, it seems like it is possible for some within the Adventist denomination to be Christian, yet at the same time there seems to be a profound spiritual blindness. Reading these excerpts you'll see where Billtwisse comes in with the basic three questions referring to the need for a common ground to start discussion from with cultists. Hope these excerpts bring you encouragement and enlightenment as they did for me :) in Him, Chyna Excerpts from Introduction to Kingdom of the Cults by Walter Martin In General All Cults possess these traits: 1. Cultists are characterized by closed-mindedness, not interested in rational cognitive evaluation of facts the organizational structure interprets facts to cultist. Belief systems are in isolation. They are not to question. 2. Genuine antagonism on a personal level identity. Dislike of Christian message with the messenger who holds such opposing beliefs. Identification of opposing beliefs with the individual in the framework of antagonism leads the cultist almost always to reject individual as well as the belief (which is why it is extremely difficult to engage in general dialogue with cultists). All cultists face in interpersonal contact the problem of hostility towards those who reject their interpretations. They are basically faced with: ěHow can this person (the Christian) be such an acceptable personality yet not share my (the cultists) theology. Then wonders how it is possible a Christian could be accepting of a person and yet not their beliefs. The Christianís role is to be: unprejudiced, reasonably learned, and have a genuine love and concern for the welfare of the cultist Christians that are able to dialogue with cultists if they can get the cultists to like them as a person and yet at the same time be able to discuss doctrine it will serve to break down some of the psychological barrier in talking to cultist, although it may not undercut their (the cultists) theology There is a real mental & emotional chain that inhibits cultist ability to discern truth from error 3. Dogmatism and intolerance for any position but their own 4. Factor of isolation. Isolation is an outright denial of contradiction. Contrary facts denied. (My example) For example the Adventist Health Message preached by Ellen G. White, yet at the same time evidence that Ellen G. White ate pork. The peaceful coexistence of logical contradiction. Important for dealing with Cultists: 1. Terminology! Define usage of terms and authority so that drastic unbiblical redefinitions can be exposed 2. Compare definitions with various context of verses 3. Define: interpretation, historical orthodoxy, the new birth, Atonement, context, exegesis, eternal judgement 4. The Christian must attempt to lead the cultist to a review of importance properly defining terms for all doctrine ESPECIALLY personal redemption from sin. Most cult systems define personal redemption from sin in unbiblical manner 5. Christian must present a clear testimony of oneís own regenerative experience in terminology which has been carefully clarified (the terminology). 1. The average cultist knows his own terminology very thoroughly 2. They tend to avoid the definitons of: Trinity, Deity of Christ, Atonement, bodily resurrection, process of salvation by grace, justification by faith (Cultist will redefine terms to fit orthodoxy unless forced to define terms explicitly) 3. Authority of scripture: Scripture are a powerful tool in dealing with cultists. 4. Familiarize yourself with terms of major cult systems to understand a cultist mind. Heavily emphasize issue of terminology and a proper definition of terms Cultist is already ědeeply religiousî therefore are one of the most difficult persons to reach with the gospel of Christ. Cultist regard Christian as adversaries. They often respond with resentment, ěHow can the Christian dare to convert him?î They believe they are far beyond the Evangelical Christian with special revelations and superior experiences. Fundamentally cultism is a form of self salvation with the emphasis on deliverance from sin through human effort. Christians should point out that aspect of self justification. Regeneration, resurrection, retribution, atonement are not part of cultist vocabulary or experience. Cultist concept is that their group will emerge victorious. Christians should point out the true nature of man: fallen man. It is necessary to find a common ground: Scriptural authority/nature of God and attributes. There needs to be a place of agreement starting point. As Christians we need to be friendly and we need to pray. Cultists are under a cloak of delusion by Satan, spiritual blindness. Cults thrive on ignorance and confusion. Sound doctrine is the antidote. Christians need to learn to become immune from cult teachings by possessing sound theology. Evangelization of cultists is the task of the Christian church (the congregation). ____ The final sentiment is that evangelizing cultists is the task of all Christians. The book also pointed out that secular reasoning has the church believing that a critique of anyone else's beliefs is wrong, but that's not true :). | ||
| Max |
Chyna, Thanks for presenting "Excerpts from Introduction to Kingdom of the Cults by Walter Martin." In answer to your statement, ^^ It seems like it is possible for some within the Adventist denomination to be Christian, yet at the same time there seems to be a profound spiritual blindness, ^^ I would agree that there are many Christians within Adventism. I was one for decades. But my answer now is: Adventism is fallen! Is fallen! Come out of her, My (Christ's) people! Max of the Cross | ||
| Patti |
This is off the subject, but not worthy of a new thread. If anyone has been trying to locate a copy of Geoffrey Paxton's Shaking of Adventism, I was able to order it through Amazon.com even though it was out of print. They found it for me. Just in case anyone is interested... | ||
| Max |
It's interesting, Patti, that Geoffrey Paxton's "Shaking of Adventism" is out of print. Maybe Dale Ratzlaff's organization should republish it. Maybe Paxton could revise it. There's certainly plenty of new stuff for him to add, isn't there? |
