DANGEROUS RELIGIOUS GROUPS
by Rev. Fred Grigg, BR.Ed
© Copyright 1997 by Mandate Ministries

A Note from the Author

It is important from the outset that the reader of this work realize that there is absolutely nothing new about people gathering together into collective bodies/groups that are labeled by many as being dangerous religious/spiritual/mind controlling groups. These groups are simply referred to by many as being ‘cults’. The historical record provides us with comprehensive details that show very clearly, that down through the centuries, there has always been a minefield of dangerous religious cult groups, for every generation to walk through.

Each cult group claims to provide their followers with the ‘true way’, or ‘path’ for all mankind to follow. In fact, with the passage of time, the historical record shows clearly that these dangerous cult groups have only provided a means for their devotees to escape from the realities of life in their generation! Sadly, to their own hurt spiritually, emotionally, and physically, followers of such dangerous groups have learned, in time and often too late, the error of their ways.

The teachings and practices of such dangerous groups, in reality, only gives rise to what later proves to be false ideals and hopes that existed only in the minds of the followers. For example. Where are the former ‘Orange People’ who zealously gave their all for the now deceased Bagwhan Shree Rajneesh? And what has become of the surviving followers of the also deceased Jim Jones? (who led almost a thousand of his followers to their suicidal death!) What of the group that was known as ‘Heaven’s Gate’ who recently donned their Nike shoes and committed group suicide in order to link up with a ‘space vehicle’ riding in the wash of a passing comet?

There are a multitude of cult groups that are active in our societies/communities today. Back in 1980, over 900 different religious groups were officially listed by the United States Government! Logically, there are hundreds more functioning today. Many of the groups that are active in the USA are also present in Australia, New Zealand and the Islands of the Pacific. Today, there is a vast array of religious groups who are promoting their ‘gospel’ [the word ‘gospel’ simply means ‘good news’]. Each one claiming their message as being the only true ‘teaching’ for mankind to follow in order to receive ‘salvation’ or ‘enlightenment’.

Consider the dilemma created for the average person confronted by the large numbers proclaiming to be the only true representatives of God on earth! Is it any wonder that the question is often asked, "Well, which church is the right church?" or, "Which religion is the true religion?" And of course, there are many from these cults ready and willing to answer with a very definite and positive ‘Mine’!

As an aside, by way of illustration. In many societies/communities there is a lack of teaching to help people to cope with the pain and suffering of death - even though death is really a part of life! So too, when it comes to dangerous religious groups! There is almost no provision in our permissive and tolerant societies to educate people to understand what constitutes a dangerous religious group! This lack of information, that should be there, brings with it the inevitable result that many people unknowingly become involved in one or other of these cult groups are now, from a Christian understanding, going towards a Christ-less Eternity! Not only are they the victims of their own ignorance, but sadly they are often helped on their way by uncaring and indifferent members of the Church!

It is hoped that by the time you reach the conclusion of this short work that you will be equipped sufficiently to get out of, and stay out of danger. The writer believes that you will be also equipped and enabled assist those around you who may have become involved in the cults. Yes, you can help them to become enlightened to the Truth, to the point where they will realize their need and take the opportunity that you give them to prepare themselves to enter the true Kingdom of God (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

By careful and prayerful study of the Scriptures used and use of the information presented, the writer believes that if you already know the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour, that your study of this work will also assist you. In what way? To be more firmly established in the Word of God (the Bible), and thereby more firmly ‘planted’ in God’s Kingdom of Light. This will have the added effect of assisting you to not be tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine, teaching or practice that ‘blows’ through the Church - as it states in Ephesians 4:13. The writer of Ecclesiastes, in the first chapter, informs us that there is "nothing new under the sun", so I do not claim the originality of the content of this work, for it is all there in the Word of God. May you know God’s richest blessing as you read, absorb and grow in understanding.

~Copyright Mandate Ministries 1997~