From a netfriend:

KEY:

(CHRISTIAN) Content Which Is Biblical – (CULT) Content Which Is Authoritarian

(CHRISTIAN) Teaches/matures – (CULT) Indoctrinates / clones

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1. Leaders open to questions and discuss them – Unquestioning obedience / Leaders do not discuss questions

2. Truth is the bottom line – Love and loyalty are the bottom line

3. Freedom to form own conclusions – Indoctrination /Leaders’ conclusions must be accepted.

4. Emphasis on unity – Emphasis on uniformity

5. Not elitist / accepts ALL Christians – Elitist / accepts SOME Christians

6. Open program – Hidden agenda

7. Influences – Manipulates

8. Leaders shepherd (guide) the flock – Leaders “lord” it over the flock

9. Results in diversity, freedom – Results in conformity, rigidity

10. Provides many avenues of service – Allows one avenue of service …serving their group

11. Individual is responsible to God for his / her life – Individual is responsible to leaders

12. Individual seeks, discerns and follows God’s will – Leaders tell individual what God’s will is

13. Critical thinking encouraged – Analytical thinking hindered

14. Complex, no simple answers – Simplistic approach to life

15. Reasoned approach based on whole counsel of God, full bible in context, prayer, counsel, circumstances, other information – Pick your own bible verse to lead you / Choices must conform to leaders’ dictates, leaders’ approval

[adapted from Joanne Ruhland 1995]