Before we look at the methods used by the cults, we should invest-
igate what we ourselves do when talking to others.  Many Christians
don't realise that cult members are simply unsaved people like the
rest of the populace, the only difference being that they are
religious and trained unbelievers.

Over the years I have heard many stories of how Christians responded
to cult members they met. Sadly, some would be proud as they
recounted what they had said when a Jehovah's Witness or Mormon
knocked at their door. Others would tell how they won a debate with a
Hare Krishna or told a Scientologist the truth.

THINK FOR A MINUTE......
        
What would your impression be if you received the following responses
while door-knocking?  What do you think they tell the cult member? 

*    I'VE GOT MY OWN RELIGION THANKYOU! (while door is FIRMLY shut in
     your face) 

*    I WORSHIP JESUS! I WORSHIP JESUS! (while staring into your eyes)

*    I'M A BORN AGAIN CHRISTIAN (as door, bearing Christian sticker, 
     is shut FIRMLY in your face.  

*    YOU PEOPLE ARE RELIGIOUS FREAKS! 

*    HOW COULD YOU BE STUPID ENOUGH TO BELIEVE THAT RUBBISH?

*    YOU PEOPLE WORSHIP THE DEVIL!  YOU'RE GOING TO HELL FOR SURE!

*    IF YOU'RE STUPID ENOUGH TO BE A........IT SERVES YOU RIGHT! 

*    I'VE HEARD ABOUT YOUR MAGIC MORMON UNDERWEAR...HA! HA!

*    YOU PEOPLE ARE ACCURSED OF GOD!

*    2 JOHN 10 & 11 TELLS ME I SHOULDN'T EVEN GREET YOU. PLEASE LEAVE
     - NOW! 

Sometimes the householder doesn't speak - except to their dog which
takes delight in obeying it's owner as it encourages you to leave
their property --- fast!

Or.... picture a street scene when the Christian is loudly debating
Christian doctrine with someone who doesn't even accept the Bible as
his source of reality.  

If you have been tempted to use this type of approach.... 

ASK YOURSELF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS

WOULD YOU SAY THIS TO AN ORDINARY, NON-RELIGIOUS UNSAVED PERSON?  
     WHY NOT?  Yet Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses at the doors of
     CHRISTIAN homes have heard these statements!  

WHAT SHOULD OUR ATTITUDE BE TO ALL PEOPLE?  How should we relate to
     them?  How did Jesus relate to them?  

WHAT ARE PRACTICAL THINGS WE CAN DO personally to show them the love 
     of Christ even though we disagree with them. What would be  ways
     we could witness? Does our witness always have to be verbal?  

SHOULD WE 'MIND OUR OWN BUSINESS' OR BE WILLING TO  WALK THE EXTRA
     MILE  TO  HELP  SOMEONE?  Is there anywhere we cannot go to
     reach out to those who need Jesus?
  
The answers to these questions  may  seem  obvious  but  how often do
we check our attitudes toward people and their needs. 

How often are we willing to ........ ASK OURSELVES......

-    Am I really concerned about those who don't know Jesus or do I
     merely give it lip-service?  

-    Is there anything  wrong  with  my attitude  towards  witnessing
     to the unsaved?   Do I see them as "scalps in my belt" under the
     guise of "winning them for the Lord?"

-    How can I show the same love as God has toward unsaved people
     (and me before I was saved)?  
                        
Our attitudes play an integral part in how we relate to others.  If
we fear or disrespect others because they believe differently, or
have different customs we will treat them so. If we see ourselves as
BETTER than they because WE are Christians and they aren't, it will
show in the way we treat them.  

Jesus taught that we are to love our enemies, those with whom we
disagree, to pray for them.  We should respect them as individuals
for whom He died.  We are there to serve them as He did while He hung
on the cross.  Throughout His ministry he made no distinctions
between people.  He ministered to the Jew; He ministered to the
Samaritan; He ministered to the Gentile.  He washed the feet of the
man who betrayed Him; His witness was practical; It was caring and
loving and doing; It met needs.  

When we respect others, when we respect their right to have an
opinion of their own. When we respect their right to make their own
decision, we will use ethical methods of witnessing. 



             ETHICAL AND NON-ETHICAL METHODS OF PERSUASION
                                        
There are a variety of methods used to persuade others to accept our
point of view.  In this lesson we are going to examine some of these
methods and learn if there is anything offensive in our personal
approach to people. You may learn that you said all the right things
- but said them the wrong way. 
 
Sometimes we find that many of those we speak to don't WANT to be
persuaded or have a "Don't confuse me with the facts - my minds is
made up" attitude. This is called "psychological reactance" and you
have probably experienced this yourself when talking to a salesmen. 
You had a built in antagonism to what they were saying.  Simply put -
if someone tries to push us - we push back.  

This applies also to the Gospel.  There are people who do not want to
listen to our message.  Sometimes, in an effort to get our message
across, we resort to methods that only seem to make things worse -
not realising that we have entered the field of "high-pressure"
sales.  Actually, we are then trying to impress them with our
knowledge.  Under those circumstances, any "conversion" is probably a
"yes" response to get rid of us.   

People are only put off the Gospel message when our attitude is
wrong. Do we treat those to whom we speak as people to be  "won for
the Lord" (scalps in our belt) instead of persons who are worth
saving in their own right? Do we send out "we are better than you"
signals or an elitist attitude, as though we are better that they
because WE have the Gospel; WE have Jesus and they don't?  Instead of
seeing  Christ speaking through us, they only see us in the
forefront.  

When we are  willing to admit our own faults and doubts honestly, let
them see that we are like them, we have the most influence because we
are then the least manipulative.  We are being ourselves. 

FACING FACTS!

Sometimes we don't like to face what we are doing wrong because we
don't like to admit failure.  We'd rather assume that what we said
was effective anyway and not analyse what we may have done wrong by
measuring their response or lack of it.  Yet we must analyse our
approach to people without placing ourselves under condemnation.  It
is through our failures that we learn. 

If we are willing to examine ourselves honestly we can improve those
areas of approach that are lacking.  In other words, we need to
become "people readers" - including (especially) ourselves. This
inward and outward "people reading" will help us to become more
Christlike as we become more honest with ourselves and those to whom
we minister. 

GOD USES EVEN US

Our Sovereign God has chosen to use us.  He could have bypassed us
and influenced men Himself directly (It would probably have saved
lots of mistakes).  While He can over-ride our mistakes when we botch
the job of witnessing, it would be irresponsible of us to expect Him
to continue doing so if we aren't willing to take the time or trouble
to discover what we may be doing wrong and learn the best way of
persuading people.  We need to be good stewards, working in
co-operation with the Holy Spirit instead of against Him.

DEFLATING OUR EGO (Dying to Self)

We cannot "save anyone" nor do we "win anyone".  When we see
ourselves as we truly are, "bondservants of Christ for [their} sake" 
(2 Cor 4:5) there is no room left for pride.  We must recognise that
it is the Holy Spirit, God Himself, who "saves and wins" a person to
Himself. Only He is able to unveil His Gospel and let a person see
Christ. Only God can undo the work of Satan in their lives.  Our role
in all this??  We just happen to be privileged to be around for the
"pre-natal care" and "delivery".  We are only "midwives" so to speak. 
We didn't "conceive" the new life. We only help in the "delivery." 
  
                         ATTITUDES & BEHAVIOUR

Attitudes affect behaviour. Change a person's attitude and behaviour
will follow.  It is the "attitude" of the "inner  man" that the Lord
looks at (1 Sam 16:7) and it is this we want to reach - both in
ourselves and those to whom we speak. Studies of persuasion have
shown that attitudes have three important facets: 

   WHAT A PERSON THINKS --  COGNITIVE BELIEF  ---- His head 
   WHAT A PERSON FEELS  --  EMOTIONAL AFFECT  ---- His heart 
   WHAT HE PLANS TO DO  --  BEHAVIOURAL INTENTION - His actions 
 
     (Later you will learn how this is important in mind control).

We can be confident that change of opinion has occurred when there is
a change in each of these three areas. 


OUR BELIEFS AFFECT OUR ATTITUDE

Our theological beliefs shape our attitude toward God. But beliefs
are only PART of our attitude.  Two people can have exactly the same
belief about God, but have different attitudes ( James 2:19) 

        Belief alone is sterile. 
        Emotion alone can be mere gushiness or sentimentality.  

There must be a balance between the two, but the third facet must
also be present before there is wholeness - action.  

A person's attitude toward God is made up of: 

              What he believes CONCERNING Him
              How he feels ABOUT Him
              What he intends to do TOWARD Him.

Any opinion shift must be in all three areas to be effective.

GETTING FEEDBACK

Because most people have "made up their minds" they are resistant to
change. When we are witnessing we like to have "feedback" - some idea
of whether we have been effective or not. The best way to do this is
to ask questions. When we are asking questions we need to ensure that
the way we ask shows that we truly value what he thinks, what his
thoughts are. If we conduct a mini-heresy trial we only create a
judgemental atmosphere and we will hear what he thinks we want to
hear. He may even change the subject and go on the attack to avoid
the issue.  

LOGS & SPLINTERS

Before we try to change everyone else's beliefs and attitudes we need
to examine our own. What is OUR attitude toward God. Jesus emphasised
what our attitude toward God should be when He said "Seek FIRST the
Kingdom" and told the parables of the pearl of great price and the
unjust steward. While eternal life is a free gift of God Jesus did
draw the lines of discipleship which excludes those who value
comfort, family or riches ahead of Him. Jesus was referring to our 
ATTITUDES towards those things in comparison to our attitude toward
Him.  His disciples would be willing to do as He said.  The question
we need to ask is "Would we be truly willing to give up all for Him
if we had to?"  It is easy to say "Yes" ----- but would we........?  

It is this change of attitude that leads to being willing to lay down
our own life for the Kingdom of God.  When we realise that nothing is
of value here and that our riches are truly in heaven then we reach
the state of being willing to allow our old man to be crucified with
Christ.  It is then we are able to forgo our own comforts, our own
wants, and give our all to God. Then we are truly effective in being
His instruments. 

This change of attitude will make us a "good Samaritan" - someone who
is willing to give out of themselves to minister to someone, even if
they are different.  Rather than being "religious" - giving
lip-service instead of action, mercy and compassion instead of
"Sunday best" and looking holy - we will reach out regardless no
matter how costly it may be to our time, finances and other
resources.  We will then follow in the footsteps of our Lord. 

Our attitude needs to aim for what Paul spoke about in Phil 2:5 - 11. 
Having that same mind as Christ - being willing to leave all to be
obedient.  Because He was willing to lay down His life, we have life. 
If we are willing to lay down our life for others, to show them
Christ Jesus, they too will have life.  

This is where we need to be aiming for - that total change of
attitude toward God and what He wants us to do.  He has created us
for good works that we should walk in them (Eph 2:10) - but we can
stifle what He wants by our wrong attitude.  We cannot minister
effectively or ethically with a wrong attitude and be effective. 

             CHRISTIAN ETHICS - VS - MANIPULATIVE METHODS


             IS BEING EFFECTIVE THE SAME AS BEING ETHICAL?

Read 1 Thess 2:3-8 - This whole chapter deals with Christian ETHICS. 

Read 2 Tim 2:23-26 - Avoiding manipulative methods - Non-Ethical. 


                   WE CAN BE FRAGRANT OR A BAD ODOUR

   2 Cor 2:15-17.  (Note "peddling = corrupting")  


   WE PREACH OUR OWN KNOWLEDGE - OR WE PREACH CHRIST JESUS - WHICH?

   2 Cor 4:3-5


           SHOULD WE BE PREPARED IN EVERY WAY - AT ALL TIMES

   2 Tim 2:14,15;  Col 4:5,6;  2 Tim 4:1-4;  1 Pet 3:15 1 Cor 3:6-15 



                        THE FREEDOM TO CHOOSE 

It is imperative that we give  the  other person the right to choose
- The right to say "No." 

Any  persuasive  effort  which  restricts  another's  freedom  to 
choose is wrong.  
                               
Any form of MANIPULATION is restriction of the other's freedom to
choose. 

Some sociologists say that humans aren't free to choose, but are the
product of their  environment  -  that all of their "decisions" are
actually determined by their previous experiences.  There are some
Christians who believe that all of men's  actions  are determined by
God and that we do not have free choice. But if free choice is a
myth,  then so is moral obligation.  C.S.  Lewis said  that you
cannot strip men of autonomy without denuding them of responsibility. 

As we examine the different methods of persuasion,  think of the
various methods you may have used yourself.  Think about various
methods you have seen others using.  Think about the ethics of these
methods. 

 
                     DIFFERENT TYPES OF PERSUASION

The following descriptions are adapted from THE MIND CHANGERS by Em
Griffin.  Published by Tyndale House Publishers (Highly recommended
reading)

"LIVE AND LET LIVE"  - The Non-Persuader

Hopefully none of us fit in here.  This is a luxury not available to
Christians.  A Christian takes seriously the right of each individual
to choose, while desiring that God's way be the option for every
person.  If he doesn't witness in any way that option might not be
made available. 

The person  who  does  not  try  to  witness to others  about  his 
beliefs shows that he does not care about those beliefs nor about the
other person. That leaves room for doubt about their conversion.  

What Paul said to the non-persuader is found in Romans 10:14,15 

"LOVE 'EM AND LEAVE 'EM". - The Scalp-Collecting Persuader

This one is more interested in statistics  than  individuals.  He is
more interested in another scalp than the welfare of his hearer. 
Once he has  won  someone to his way to thinking he dumps them and
moves on to the next scalp.  Sadly this has and does happen  in some 
churches.  Rather  than  make disciples, they make statistics -
quantity and not quality. 

"BUY THIS & YOU GET THAT FREE" - Free Gift With Purchase Persuader

This  persuader  often  appeals  to  irrelevant  desires to success,
financial prosperity, popularity, or an easy life in order to woo
people to his side. "If you take Jesus you'll get....."  It is
similar to the deception of the promise  of  sex appeal if you use a
certain toothpaste.  

What happened  to  "Take  up  your cross and follow me" or "we are
beaten, reviled ....etc  but  not  dismayed"  or  "counting  the 
cost".  

This  type  of persuader  only  presents  part of the Gospel.  The
Gospel message is enough in itself -- if the Holy Spirit is going to
convict a person He will.  He  doesn't need these other trappings. 
How many are sitting in our churches, wooed by this method of
persuasion and still not converted?  They never repented - never saw
themselves as sinners.  An appeal was made to their flesh - not their
spirit. 
 
      What did Paul say about this in 2 Cor 4:2-7?

"OFFER YOU CAN'T REFUSE" - If You Don't You'll Regret It Persuader

This is religious coercion in its fullest.  One would get the
impression that they would use force to impose their will if they
were the ruling majority. Sadly this too has been part of the history
of the Christian faith.   

Any  form  of  HIGH  PRESSURE  to  gain  a  decision for Christ comes
into this category.  This type of persuasion uses GUILT as one of its
main tactics.  



"SEE HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU" - I'm Only Doing It For Your Own Good
Persuader

This persuader won't take "no" for an answer to  the point  of being
obnoxious  They have no respect for the other persons right to say
"no".  

This type of persuader doesn't give his listeners or followers enough 
room  to breathe.  He knows what is best and will set down rules and
regulations for the person's  benefit.  He  often tries to limit them
for hearing another's point of view.  Theologian, Harvey Cox said:
"One-way 'communication' by decree, fiat or promulgation is viewed by
the Bible as the style not of prophets but of tyrants and
oppressors." 

This person may mean well,  but can one justify their actions on the 
basis  of good intentions alone?  

 
"I'M NOT INTERESTED IN YOUR WELFARE" - I Am Doing My Christian Duty
Persuader

This persuader lacks love.  He does what he has to do out of duty or
obligation and  only  goes through the motions.   As a  preacher  he
who would dutifully conduct an alter call every week even  though 
there's  not  an unbeliever in the place.  It looks spiritual. 

This  type  of persuader doesn't look at the total needs of the
person.  He may present the Gospel while failing to fill an urgent
need for food,  clothing  or shelter.  What did James say about this
type of persuader in James 2:15,16?  

"I TRULY CARE" - The True Persuader

Jesus  was a true persuader.  He was both loving and just.  He cared
more about the welfare of His hearers than His own personal welfare. 
He made His  appeals in  a  manner that respected the rights of His
listeners.  Although it saddened Him, He gave people the right to say
no.  

Let's look at some examples:   

        John 3: Nicodemus at night 
        John 4: The Samaritan woman   
        John 6 Feeding the crowd  
        John 20 The doubting Thomas  
        John 21:15-18: Reaching out to Peter 
        Matt 19:16-26: The rich young man  ........ 

The healing of the blind man - the wedding at Cana - the examples go
on and on.  

The true persuader is ethical in his  approach  and  his  appeal.  He 
will  be strikingly effective and God will use him.  This is a hard
standard, but Christ never promised an easy road.  

WHERE DO I STAND?

We are all guilty  of having used the non-ethical approaches. 
Thankfully God forgives and corrects.  He can take our blunders and
use them mightily.  But  this  cannot  be  used  as  an  excuse  on 
our part to continue knowingly doing this.  We  need  to  examine 
our approach  to  people  and  ensure that we are truly reaching out
to that higher goal of being Christlike.  


                
                               EXERCISE
        
a)   Examine  your attitudes toward witnessing. This is a very
     personal examination between you and God.  Only He can give you
     a mark for this one. 
      
b)   Be aware of what you say when witnessing to people. Which method
     of persuasion are you using and how can you change to Christ's
     method?   

c)   Over the next few weeks you will see various Christians,
     including yourself, falling into these patterns of behaviour. 
     Be alert and note how their listeners are reacting and check
     your own  reactions at the same time.  

     What effect do you think the non-ethical methods would have on
     the non-religious unchurched person.

     What effect do you think the non-ethical methods would have on a
     cult member? 

     How would you respond to the use of non-ethical methods on you?


(C) Jan Groenveld 1985 Freedom in Christ, PO Box 2444, 
                       Mansfield, 4122, Australia
		       Internet: py101663mailbox.uq.oz.au
		       Fidonet:  3:640/316	

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