by Steve Wilcox » Mon Nov 24, 2008 12:27 pm
From Part 1 of Jim's series...
"Brooks Alexander, co-founder of the Spiritual Counterfeits Project, notes that a cult has a false or inadequate basis of salvation and/or a false basis authority. Danny Akin lists four criteria of a cult that includes Alexander’s criteria. These four will be used for our analysis.
1. ADDITION
Books equal to the Bible either as corrections or additions.
2. SUBTRACTION
Either from Christ’s perfect Divinity or His perfect Humanity, so He is either not God or not sinless.
3. MULTIPLICATION
Of the paths to salvation, bringing in adherence to variant and extra-biblical steps, usually in allegiance to the movement. Salvation is not by grace but continuing works.
4. DIVISION
Of the Body of Christ, so they are the only group through which man can be saved. Allegiance is usually to a particular leader."
Jim is laying the foundation for the definition of a cult.
1. Catholics have done this.
2. Catholics have NOT done this.
3. Catholics have done this.
4. Catholics have done this.
Note what I underlined in the quote above.
Catholics believe you must do good works to maintain your salvation and that sin causes one to lose your salvation.
Their basis of authority is the Pope and Papal Infallibility (declared by a Pope).
Some background on me. I was raised Catholic, attended Catholic school from K-5 through 12, was an altar boy for five years and looked up to the priests of my church. My best friend is a born-again Catholic. And yes he and I have had many discussions on these subjects.
I disagree with Papal infallibility, baptism and first communion before salvation, the adoration of Mary, that one must be Catholic to be in the church of God, losing your salvation, any works to gain or maintain my salvation and their form of church of government.
That being said, they do teach Jesus Christ is the Son of God and is the ONLY way to God and to heaven.