The dictionary defines culture as, “the beliefs, customs, arts, etc., of a particular society, group, place, or time” (merriam-webster). There are variations of the definition, but they all point to a way of acting and interacting based on shared values/beliefs in a group of people. To have a culture is to have an identity or at least the beginnings of an identity on which we can build who we are and how we interact. I am fine with an accepted set of values defining how we involve ourselves in each other’s lives especially when they are based in the Bible. But even in communities of believers, it doesn’t take much to go from biblical culture to biblically based unbiblical behaviours.

Cults are just culture gone beyond the limits.

I think most wonder how people can fall for the mangled messages of cults? The dictionary defines cult(s) as, “a group (such as an organization or religious sect) with tenets and practices regarded as coercive, insular, or dangerous”. This is the main definition but also included as part of the definition is, “great devotion to a person, idea, object, movement, or work (such as a film or book)” (merriam-webster ). Cults create an abnormal culture from a normal culture. This is important to remember when wondering how anyone can get so far off base.

Cults are obvious at least to those outside.

Most people have heard of cults that have ended on horrific emotional, sexual and physical abuse, that often lead to death. Most people on the outside can see the coercive, insular, or dangerous practices that become the norm for those on the inside. Sadly, those on the inside were once on the outside, blinded by a need for a certain something that makes them feel like they belong. It is their myopic view of the world that does not allow them to see the big picture leading them to overlook the danger that is right in front of them.

The difference between culture and cult is not as obvious as one might think.

Spiritual abuse and twisted faith models often based in biblical concepts are not a rare occurrence. In most cases the damage is minimal to the individual, but it completely stops the plans God has for the collective of Christ followers who become devoted to a person, idea, object, movement, or work. Yes, there are those who are hurt and in some situations the hurt becomes abuse, but in a lot of cases the hurt is not recognized as it is not seen as emotional, spiritual, physical or sexual injury to the person. That doesn’t mean no one gets hurt. When one person, idea, object, movement or work becomes the only accepted expression of faith, a, shall we call it, mini cult is formed.

Satan is sneaky.

We know from the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness that he knows scripture. When we give an individual an elevated position that cannot be challenged either because of doctrinal malpractice or earthly cultural practices, we play into the hand of the father of lies. Honour your father and mother, obey those in authority, are a few of the biblical concepts that echo in the church buildings of those who try to force others to follow them. Beyond the biblical but can be tied into the Bible or other books of faith, is ordered society that insists that age defines one’s position and authority while being younger automatically makes any opposing views both wrong and disrespectful. This is the cult coming out of the culture.

All ideas need a champion, good, bad, godly, evil, all need someone who can present the idea so that others will buy in. Culture defines who that person can be but often the idea comes before the person who presents it. Someone must have come up with the idea but the one that pushes it to be most important turns an idea into a religion or at least makes it central to a belief system. It doesn’t stop at ideas. It can be an object. Our church buildings become more important to have than we realize. We can’t picture following Jesus as a collective without a church. We can’t reach the community without an updated décor. It can be a movement. How many of us have set up in our camp, our denomination, willing to fight to the death, not physical but often relational death, over doctrine that is not heaven or hell? It can also be work(s). Actions that become faith, define faith and if not done exclude people from the faith. You’re not a real Christian or at least you’re not a good Christian if you do not practice______ (you can fill in the blank).

Culture is the beginning of a cult.

Okay, you’re right, cult is actually the beginning of the word culture. As a matter of fact, you are very right. The creation of beliefs, customs, arts, etc., of a particular society, group, place, or time is culture, great devotion to a person, idea, object, movement, or work is a cult. The difference is almost non-existent and the tendency for sinful humans to take what should be a Bible based way of living, a culture if you will, and create a cult, a man centered way of living are not far apart. While it may not lead to obvious abuse; when we raise people, ideas, objects, movements or works above being questioned simply because that person or those ideas and/or actions are considered untouchable we create something that is not only a culture but is flirting with being a cult.

“These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught. Isaiah 29:13 (NIV)