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Descriptive Survey Exploring The Cult-Like Characteristics of Selected Doctrinally Orthodox Churches

Dr. John Salvesen, Senior Pastor Bear Creek Bible Church, January 2020

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Abstract


DESCRIPTIVE SURVEY EXPLORING THE CULT-LIKE CHARACTERISTICS OF SELECTED DOCTRINALLY ORTHODOX CHURCHES

Cults such as Heaven’s 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 survey’s 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.

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