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THE NORTHERN KENTUCKY SEARCHER VOLUME 7, NUMBER 14, APRIL 8, 2007 AN ANSWER TO A FALSE TEACHER PART 2 If you recall, last week we began to answer a short tract, or article, that is on the Internet called “Common Sense Questions A ‘Church of Christ’ Preacher Cannot Clearly Answer.” It is filled with the usual vitriol that such articles frequently contain. It was written by David Martin, a preacher at the Solid Rock Baptist Church in Barlett, Tennessee. In his introduction, Mr. Martin referred to the Lord’s church as a “cult”. I resume dealing with that in this article. There are eight generally recognized characteristics of a “cult.” The Lord’s church contains none of them. Last week we covered two. This week we will cover the remaining six. 3. In and Out Group Demarcations. The Bible does teach the need for discipline, including what may be called the final step, which is withdrawal. 2 Thessalonians 3:6 tells us, “But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us.” Several other passages could be cited, such as Romans 16:17; 1 Corinthians 5:1-7; Titus 3:10-11; and 2 Thessalonians 3:14. What the Bible does not teach is the idea of “shunning” that characterizes a “cult.” In fact, the practice of shunning is contrary to the teaching of the New Testament concerning discipline. 2 Thessalonians 3:15, speaking of a brother or sister who has been withdrawn from, says, “Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.” 4. Mass Participation In Numerous Meetings For Re-enforcing and re-emphasizing rule of the group. These obligatory sessions among the cults are used to instill the peculiar rules of the group – rules established by the cult leaders, into the minds of their followers. The “full group” involvement reinforces the need to “belong” and to “go along”, and are a most effective method of “brainwashing.” The International Church of Christ does engage in such ungodly and unscriptural practices. Anyone familiar with the Lord’s church knows that such foolishness does not take place. 5. Ways of Observing and Dealing With Potential Defectors. The Bible does teach that we are to encourage and uplift one another. Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us, “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and goods works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” The Bible also teaches in Galatians 6:1, “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.” Any faithful congregation of the Lord’s people will seek to encourage and protect each of its members. However, in most “cults” each individual is assigned to, and answerable to, a more experienced member. This method of control extends all the way to the top - to the ultimate leader of the cult. The less experienced member is to confess their sins and innermost thoughts to their “prayer partner” (this was the term utilized by the International Church of Christ). This method is used both to control each individual and to recognize those who might be beginning to revolt against the cult’s teaching. When such an individual is found, the full force of the hierarchy of the cult is brought to bear upon them, generating guilt and fear of being alone. (We will have a bit more to say concerning this when we deal with characteristic number 7). 6. Interpreting Any Questioning Or Objecting To Their Practices as By Enemies (persecution). Practically every faithful teacher and preacher that I know of encourages and invites questions and even objection, for our goal is to abide in and to practice and teach only the truth. Truth never fears investigation; it invites it. Even the Apostle Paul welcomed and encouraged investigation and questions. In Acts 17:10-11, we find, “Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.” Questioning and investigating are good things. I don’t know how many times I have encouraged people not to take my word for it – but to study for themselves and ask me any question they might have. (By the way, I have twice now attempted to call Mr. Martin, the author of the article and have left two messages on his machine. The second time I even asked him to call me collect. At the time of this writing I had still received no response.) 7. Isolation From Family and Friends. The Bible clearly teaches the importance of family and the family responsibilities that we all have. In order for several “cultic” practices to be successful, they must seek to isolate, and alienate, a member from his or her family. Family members who do not belong to the cult can be much more objective and be able to see more clearly the consequences of belonging to such a group. Personally, I was asked by a parent of a member of the International Church of Christ to “deprogram” her daughter. At another time, two members of that cult began to visit with the congregation I was working with. They were threatened with shunning and the loss of their apartment if they continued to visit. Such is absolutely contrary to the scriptures. Faithful members welcome all and encourage everyone to invite and bring their family members for study together. 8. Tendency to Prey on Young, College-Aged People. This was definitely true of the International Church of Christ. This organization was ultimate thrown off of several college campuses, including the University of Cincinnati. Here at the Northern Kentucky Church of Christ we are in the process of mailing information and invitations throughout Boone and Kenton Counties. We welcome and seek to reach everyone. Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” That is what we try to do. Next week we will start to deal with those “Questions a Church of Christ Preacher Cannot Clearly Answer.”
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