Fatal Faith: Cult Counterfeits of Christianity

By Selwyn Stevens

This book explains how cults develop, and what patterns to avoid. Key Christian and Cult beliefs are compared with the main active cults. How to handle door-knockers, cult exiting, pre-cult spiritually-abusive churches; and how to protect young people from cults. Major ancient and modern heresies examined.
New expanded 7th Edition.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Selwyn Stevens
• Release date: Sep 3, 2021
• ISBN: 9781877203862

Selwyn Stevens

Selwyn Stevens, Ph.D.; D.Min.; M.I.S. D.M.; M.E.A.C.M., is the President of Jubilee Resources International Inc. a New Zealand-based educational and religious organization involved in informing and equipping Christians of all denominations how to reach the lost and deceived in cults, the occult and secret societies such as Freemasonry. Author of over 35 books (and co-author of two), including twelve Best Sellers, an International Speaker (on five continents) and ordained minister. Dr. Stevens is a third-generation preacher, and has been involved in various Christian groups, and also maintains an active interest in national and world affairs and politics. Dr. Stevens is a Foundation Member of the International Society of Deliverance Ministers, founded by Dr. C. Peter Wagner and convened by Dr. William Sudduth of Virginia, USA; and Apostolic Overseer of the Alliance of African Christian Churches & Ministries based in Zambia. Regular Facebook and e-mail teaching and mentoring is also provided to many Christian leaders across Africa, Asia & Latin America, resulting in tens of thousands being equipped for service to the Kingdom of God.

Book preview

Fatal Faith

The Cult Counterfeits of Christianity

Selwyn Stevens, Ph.D.

PUBLISHED BY

Jubilee Resources International Inc.

PO Box 3, Feilding 4740, New Zealand

ISBN: 978-1-877203-86-2

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever.  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to another person. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for you use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

© Selwyn Stevens, Ph.D., 1992, 1993, 1994, 1997, 2011, 2018

Sections of this book may be reproduced for the purpose of teaching or discussion by Christian groups, provided that no financial gain is derived from the reproduction and that the source of the material is clearly acknowledged.

All other rights are reserved. Other than for the purpose of review or that described above, no portion of this book may be reproduced or stored in any form without the prior written permission of the Publishers, as that would breach Biblical Ethics and the relevant Copyright Law.

That includes copying, photocopying, and transmitting electronically.

Permission for legal duplication and translation into other languages may be granted in writing on your request, provided it is not for personal financial gain.

The author uses American English spelling, not the Queen’s English.

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scriptures are taken from The Holy Bible, New International- al Version. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, International Bible Society. Used by permission.

After consultation it was decided not to include the many hundreds of quotations and other references, mainly due to space limitations. It is also recognized that most of those references will be found in the Unmasking of Deception book series also published by Jubilee, so duplication seemed unnecessary.

Your guarantee of accurate Information: various sources and authorities have been quoted in good faith throughout this book. Every attempt has been made to ensure these quotations are accurate and in context.

CONTENTS

FOREWORD

INTRODUCTION

WHAT IS A CULT?

BASIC PATTERNS OF CULTS

HOW TO IDENTIFY A CULT

CULTS AT WORK NEAR YOU

ARE THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS A CULT?

THE PILGRIMAGE OF THE WORLDWIDE CHURCH OF GOD

HERESIES -ANCIENT & MODERN

SHOULDN'T WE SEEK COMMON GROUND?

WHO'S THAT KNOCKING AT MY DOOR?

HOW CAN WE PROTECT OUR YOUNG PEOPLE?

HELPING PEOPLE LEAVE A CULT

CONCLUSIONS

HOW YOU CAN RECEIVE ETERNAL LIFE

RECCOMENDED READING

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Dedication

This book is dedicated to; my parents and grandparents, who gave me a Christian heritage; the late Rev. Hector Bruce and the late Rev. Eric Chambers, who both taught me to trust God and His Word; and to my wife Anne, for all her encouragement and practical support. Special acknowledgement to Jenny and Graham for their unstinting encouragement to put this message into print, and to Julie, Bill, Ross and many others for advice and proofreading.

FOREWORD

"In these days when there has been such a great falling away from the basics of Scripture, both within and without the Church, it is good to come across a book such as this.

I believe that the questions that can be raised concerning cults are clearly answered. They are not dealt with in a judgmental or dogmatic way, but rather with a clear expression of truth given by the Holy Spirit.

While at all times believers must center their lives upon Jesus Christ, nevertheless, it is important that we do understand the deceptions of Satan. It is also imperative that we continue to pray in a loving way for those who are bound by such deceptions so that the true reality of the love and saving grace of Jesus Christ may come into their lives. Many people who are under the influence of the cults have a sincere desire to know God and all Christians should be concerned to minister in God's love and grace in all circumstances.

At the same time, we must not compromise the truth of God as revealed in the Bible. I believe that it is possible to do both of these things as we walk under the anointing of God. By producing the enclosed book, Selwyn Stevens has done a great service to the Body of Christ and those who are still under the bondages of deception. I trust and believe that this book will be widely used for the extension of the Kingdom of God."

Bill Subritzky, LLB, QSM.

International Evangelist

New Zealand

INTRODUCTION

I do not seek to condemn or belittle any person who is or has been involved in any of the groups we will look at in this book. I believe all people are entitled to their opinions. However, if any belief does not line up with the Bible, then please do not call it Christian, for it is not. Sincerity is not the same as truth, for it is possible to be sincerely wrong. Truth can always stand being questioned; anything not true needs to be questioned! God tells us not to blindly accept everything which seems to be of Him but to test it (1 Thessalonians 5:21, & 1 John 4:1).

Christian orthodoxy affirms that God has revealed Himself in the person of His only Son, Jesus Christ, and that His Word, the Bible, serves as the only reliable plumbline with which to compare truth and error. It is important to question any belief or teaching that differs from the Bible because it is likely to have a direct bearing on our eternal destiny. It is also recognized that the Christian Church has not always explained the Bible as clearly as it should.

This book is intended to be a concise, yet simple overview of the subjects covered. This is the age of instant coffee and instant communication. Yet the pace and complexity of modern life has made it difficult for many people to know the difference between truth and plausible error. Many, particularly nominal Christians, have been drawn into the spiritual deception of cults through ignorance. Their only solution is to be introduced to the real Jesus Christ and to have a relationship with Him.

The information in this book has mainly been gleaned from each organization’s own writings, seeking carefully to present an honest reflection of their beliefs. That is not to say the spotlight of Biblical truth will please those who belong to such groups. Claiming to be Christian isn't sufficient; it is God's Word that judge’s error, not mine. The Bible is my yardstick, and in the end, I am accountable to the God of the Bible. I have also sought wisdom and guidance from many mature Christian leaders.

There is always a place for an in-depth study on every subject; however, that is not the purpose of this publication. This is intended to provide Christians with a brief yet reliable outline of the beliefs and groups covered.

The real tragedy of spiritual deception isn't that it always leads to destruction - but to live a life without serving the Master!

Before you read any further, let us pause briefly now and pray.

"Almighty God, you are the God of Truth. Your Word the Bible says it is impossible for