On Defining a Religious Cult

Through the years I have been criticized by some, particularly those who are Hardshell Baptists, for calling them a cult and I have been asked how to define a cult. In my book (blog) "The Hardshell Baptist Cult" I titled chapter three "The Hardshell Cult" and defined what is a religious cult. I cited from Bob L. Ross who wrote extensively against Hardshellism on the criteria for judging whether a church or denomination is a cult. Here are some excerpts from that chapter (see here):

Brother Ross said:

“A group becomes such a cult when it becomes so distinct from other sects within the Christianity cult that it has reason to reject all of the other sects as not being basically Christian. In other words, the group declares "exclusivity" for itself, and theoretically and practically separates as "an island unto itself."

“In declaring its own uniqueness from all other Christian sects, and from all other religions as such, it has "culticized" itself.” When does this happen? It happens when (1) no other sect is regarded as having any "true Christians" in that sect, and (2) no other sect is regarded as preaching the true Gospel which is capable of producing a "true Christian."

Thus, as Baptists and other Christians of the same basic Gospel faith and brotherhood, we do not unilaterally declare "who" is a cult by our own determinations; rather, the cult creates and declares its very own "culticization." The cult REJECTS US. It declares itself to be exclusive from others, and considers itself to be a distinct and unique entity from all other sects, a group wherein, they say, alone, may the truth of God be found, along with the legitimate adherents of that truth."

(From his article entitled "Cult" - emphasis mine)

I believe cult has come to be recognized by the following characteristics.

1) A denial of some fundamental teaching of the Bible. Such a denial being unique to that group (i.e. their “hobby horse” or “unifying principle”).

2) Exclusiveness – the belief that this group consists of the “one and only ones,” the purest religion and the only true representatives of “the faith.” Involved here are bigotry, pride, and egotism.

3) Psychological Entrapment – wherein the individual members are “brainwashed” and “mesmerized.” The leaders manipulate and control the minds of the members. Escape from the group becomes rare. These folks are ruled by intimidation and the fear of man.

4) False Claims – wherein the cult expresses its extravagant view of itself. Many cults believe that they are “special,” yea, in the highest and most restrictive sense, the “chosen” or “favorites” of the Lord. For instance, a cult might claim that their members are the 144,000 of the Apocalypse. They also may claim to have “special revelation” that other groups do not have.

In each of these areas, the Hardshells “fit the bill.” They are by scriptural definition a “heresy”; that is, they are a “schism,” “sect,” “faction,” “party,” “division,” “split,” etc. They are “apostate” because they have “removed,” “departed,” “left,” and “changed positions” from the faith of the apostles, early church, and of the historic Baptists. They are anything but “primitive,” “original,” or “Old” Baptists.

Now let me add to all this by citing from an article I recently read titled "Character of the Cults Article" (contributed by Probe Ministries) at bible.org (here - emphasis mine). 

"What is a cult? The greatest authority on the cults, the late Dr. Walter Martin, described a cult as “A group of people gathered around a specific person’s misinterpretation of the Bible.” Cults are groups that claim to be in harmony with Christianity but deny foundational Christian doctrines such as the Trinity or the unique deity of Jesus Christ."

The only thing I would disagree with is the limiting of the false novel interpretation to a single person. It could be a group of persons as it is in the Hardshell Baptist cult. Some of those men are Daniel Parker, Gilbert Beebe, Joshua Lawrence, James Osbourn, Wilson Thompson, and Samuel Trott. Further, as I have pointed out before, many of the first PB leaders were anti Trinitarian and Two Seeders. Their novel doctrines led their followers to finally say (in the latter part of the 19th century) that conversion to Christ by the gospel was not a necessity for being eternally saved (for adults). 

Next, the article says:

"The second factor in the growth of the cults is the breakdown of the family. Cults provide the family atmosphere many from broken homes long for; the cult leader often takes the place of a father figure."

From my years spent among the "Primitive Baptists" of the Hyper Calvinist wing I can say that this is true. Many of their churches are made up mainly of a few families and some individuals do join their churches because they long to be part of a family. Many Hardshell churches function as "clans." In some respects they are "tribal." In my book on the Hardshells I mention how they can be much like social clubs and fraternal organizations with exclusive memberships. Cults can fill a social and psychological need, at least superficially. 

Next, the article says the following under the sub heading "Doctrinal Character of the Cults": 

"How do you know if a religious group is a cult? Jesus said that you will know false prophets by their fruits. In stating this he was not only speaking of their words and actions but of their doctrinal beliefs as well. Cults deviate from biblical Christianity in several key areas of doctrine."

In my chapter on the cultist nature of the Hardshell church I delineated on those "key areas" of bible doctrine where they fit this description. When you hold to a doctrine that is held only by a very small number of people and churches, then you probably are holding to a wrong view, and if it deals with fundamental doctrine it will be heresy. That fits the Hardshells. 

Next, the article says:

 

"Fourth, there is extra-biblical revelation and the denial of the sole authority of the Bible. Cults claim that extra revelation is given to the leader whose words are seen as inspired by God and equal to the Bible."

Though it might seem not to be such a case with the Hardshells, yet it is really not. Many of them think, for instance, that the views of Hardshell leader C.H. Cayce, leading debater and editor of the later 19th century periodical "The Primitive Baptist" (which is not to be confused with a periodical of the same name that was begun in the 1830s and published in North Carolina), as "the sole authority" for what is authoritative PB doctrine. His "editorial writings" are consulted as if he were inspired. Daniel Parker certainly believed that he was inspired and that his "two seed" doctrine was given to him by God. Many of them think Sylvester Hassell's history is an inspired book without errors. Also, as I have pointed out before, they believe that their novel doctrine of "time salvation" is their cultic secret. (See my posting on this here) Also, Elder Gilbert Beebe, signer of the Black Rock Address and editor of the "Old School" first leading periodical "The Signs of the Times" was the one who came up with the "direct speaking" idea in the 1840s and this too is a key cult doctrine of the Hardshells.

Next, under the sub heading "Sociological Structure of the Cults" the article says: 

"Not only do cults deviate doctrinally from biblical Christianity, they have distinctive sociological characteristics. The first is authoritarianism. The leader or organization exercises complete control over a follower’s life. The words of the leadership are ultimate and often considered divinely inspired. Going against the leadership is equivalent to going against the commands of God."  

I mentioned these things in my chapter on defining cult. They are indeed authoritarian. People are afraid of either being excluded from the cult or shunned and ostracized. They have used "church councils" to threaten preachers and to keep them in line, to keep them from going against the central doctrines of the cults. They do not allow independent thought but pressure all to conform. 

Next, the article says:

 

"The second characteristic is an elitist mentality. Most cults believe they are the true church and the only ones who will be saved. This is because the group believes they have new revelation or understanding that gives them superior standing."

This certainly fits the Hardshells as I have stated and shown many times through the years. They are indeed elitist, believing that they are are "the elect within the elect," or "the very elect." They believe that they and they alone are the true church of Christ and only they dispense valid baptism. They are an extremely exclusivist group. They have also said that they are the only ones who preach the gospel. Like most cults, they make great claims for themselves. 

Next, the article says:

 

"Third is isolationism. Due to their elitist mentality, cultists believe those who do not agree with them are deceived or under the influence of Satan. Therefore, many feel their members must be protected from the outside world, and physical or psychological barriers are created. Members are prohibited from communicating with those outside the organization who do not agree with the teachings of the group."

This is certainly true and I have shown it to be so by citations from their writings. The first periodicals of the PBs were filled with denunciations of all other groups other than their own and which they thought were of the whore of Babylon or Antichrist. They also excluded any member who gave a penny to support a missionary, or sent a child to a Sunday School, etc. Many of them won't even sing songs that are sung by Missionary Baptists.

Next, the article says:

 

"Fourth, there is closed-mindedness and the discouragement of individual thinking. Because of its authoritarian nature, leaders are the only ones thought to be able to properly interpret the Bible. All members are to turn to the organization for biblical interpretation and advice on life decisions. Therefore, individual thinking and questioning is discouraged. There is an unwillingness to dialogue and consider other viewpoints."

Well, that is certainly true of the Hardshell Old School Baptist church! 

Next, the article says:

"Fifth is a legalistic lifestyle. As mentioned earlier, salvation is not based on grace; cults teach a works-oriented gospel. This leads to a lifestyle of legalism. Followers must live up to the group’s standards in order to attain or maintain their membership and hope for eternal life. Followers are required to faithfully serve, and attend meetings, studies, and services. As a result, there is tremendous pressure to live up to the requirements of the organization."

You certainly find a legalistic lifestyle in many Hardshell churches, and this has been true of them historically and traditionally, although there are always exceptions. My father was a very strict Hardshell pastor and he delighted in telling us all how strict the "Old Baptists" have been, especially in the 19th century. He spoke of how they tolerated very little and were quick to "deal with" (exclude) disobedient members. When they threatened exclusion for every member of their churches who supported a missionary of any other church other than their churches, or ever allowed their children to attend a Sunday school or bible class given by Missionary Baptists churches, etc., they manifested their "legalistic" thinking and practice.  

Further, as we have pointed out in this blog many times (brother Fralick and I), the PBs are indeed Arminian and even Pelagian in their views about conversion (their "time salvation"). They even say that this time salvation is by works (but don't worry, say they, time salvation is not essential to eternal salvation). They also teach an Arminian view of "time salvation." Even two of the first leaders of the newly formed "Primitive Baptist Church," Elders John Clark (Luray, Virginia) and (Dr.) John M. Watson (Nashville, Tennessee) spoke out against those who began to say that preaching to dead sinners was Arminianism. These elders said that the real Arminians were those who taught time salvation ideas. Though the Hardshells would deny that they teach salvation by works, they mean that they teach that eternal salvation is not by works (but by grace), but that time salvation is by works. 

Next, the article says:

"Finally there is a difficult exit process. Since salvation is found in the organization, leaving the organization is considered by many to be leaving God. All former members who leave cults are shunned by members which often includes members of their own family. Many are warned that if they leave, they will be condemned to hell, or seduced by Satan. Many ex-members are harassed by the organization even after they leave. Exiting members often end up distrusting any religious organization and end up feeling isolated and alone." 

 

Well, all this well describes the "Primitive Baptist" church (with some exceptions, like in the Eastern District Association of Primitive Baptist churches). I have been shunned by the cult for leaving the Hardshells and preaching against their errors. So too have others, such as elder Fralick, Elder Sarber, Elder Emmons, etc. Elder Ben Winslet even derogatorily said that this blog is for "former" and "disgruntled" PBs, and that it is simply a "gossip" blog. (See Answering Elder Ben Winslet)

I said to my father years ago, in one of our disagreement spats, "when you are a humble obedient member of the Hardshell church, they heap all kinds of love and kindness upon you, but when you get on their bad side, they can be most viciously unkind and unloving." He could not disagree with this assessment and said "well, it was like that in the early church also." (Meaning that the early church had members who behaved like this) 

Yes, if you leave the Hardshell cult, then you will certainly be "harassed." It is interesting that most of my persecution for my faith has not come from unbelievers, but from fellow believers, especially from leaders of the Hardshell cult. The many Hardshell cult leaders who have visited this blog have, with few exceptions, simply practiced taking "pot shots" at us (see the posting Hit And Run?). 

So, yes, by this criteria and standard, the "Primitive Baptist Church" (aka "Hardshell," "Old School") is a cult and those who have left it at some point experience epiphany and say to themselves "I have been in a cult and didn't even know it"; And "How could I have been so wrong, so deceived?" They also go on to say "thank you Lord for delivering me" (which is a good time salvation).

Does this mean that all members of the Hardshell cult are lost in sin? No. However, there are indeed some cults that to be part of would be a sign of lost condition. But, those PBs who truly believe in, love and serve, our Lord Jesus Christ, I have no doubt are elect and called, God's children. I regret that they have accepted serious errors which, ironically, affects their time salvation! Because of their heresies they are not involved in evangelism with zeal, are not exhorting and persuading sinners to believe in Christ, are not supporting their preachers properly, nor missionaries of the church, in not having bible classes (education ministries) for children and young adults, etc. Their errors have made them practically, if not theologically, Antinomians. It has led them to be like the servant who hid his Lord's money (talent) without using it to make money for his Lord and to be styled by other believers as "Do Nothings."