Vol. 6, No. 11, 1989

Articles on Other Religious Topics

Bud Press

While researching the vast numbers of cults in the United States, one could find it difficult to pinpoint and/or agree on which cult actually poses the greater danger. The following evaluation will serve to put things in proper perspective when searching for an answer to this growing problem.

Satanism, of course, is usually first on the list due to the recent surge of ritualistic sacrifices (both human and animal); accompanied with the abnormal practice of bodily self-mutilation with razor blades, knives, and drugs to name only a few (Florida Times-Union/Jacksonville, 2/14/88, p. A-19).

The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society warrants strong consideration due to the numerous deaths resulting from the refusal to take blood transfusions. Accordingly, since the Jehovah's Witnesses continue to allow their friends and family members to die (adults and children) by refusing a life-giving blood transfusion, they could be placed first in line as the most dangerous cult (The Watchtower, 6/15/89; Sun-Sentinel, 7/5/89, front page).

The Church of Christ, Scientist (Christian Science) could certainly contend for a close "runner-up" to the Watchtower organization due to their denial of proper medical care which has resulted in the deaths of numerous followers (Palatka Daily News, 4/10/89, p. 3A).

In addition, Americans were literally outraged over the deaths of more than 900 people under the "religious" guidance of the Rev. Jim Jones (Newsweek, 12/4/78). For this reason, the People's Temple is in strong contention for "the most dangerous cult in America."

Indeed, the cults listed above could certainly qualify for being the most dangerous. However, when the world's final chapter is written, which will prove to be "THE most dangerous cult in America?" One of the cults mentioned above? Or, the "cult of compromise?"

The cult of compromise ? What is that? A cult which has infiltrated every church in America! It consists of those Christians who do not study the Word of God so as to be well-grounded even though God clearly commands them to do so in II Timothy 2:15. It also is made up of well-grounded Christians who turn people away for lack of time and constantly do that which they know is not right. Every day, God's people are tempted to compromise, to turn from closely following God. Thus, our witness to those in the darkness of the cults is weak.

Don't be caught up in the cult of compromise for it is the most dangerous cult of all. Why? Because it keeps God's people from being bold witnesses and cult members from hearing the gospel of Jesus Christ!