This is FAQ for Evidence Ministries in General.

What is a Cult?

Definitions of this term are hotly debated both by Christians and those outside of religion in general. When Christians use the term they usually have one of two definitions in mind— psychological/sociological or theological.

For Christians the theological definition tends to focus on the adherence of essential doctrines of the Christian faith. According to Alan Gomes in Unmasking The Cults, “A cult of Christianity is a group of people, which claiming to be Christian, embraces a particular doctrine system taught by an individual leader, group of leaders, or organization, which (system) denies (either explicitly or implicitly) one or more of the central doctrines of the Christian Faith as taught in the sixty-six books of the Bible.”

The psychological/sociological definition differs from the theological one in the sense that doctrine has very little, if anything, to do with branding a certain group as a cult. It is the deeds, and not the creeds that alarm those who hold to the psychological/sociological definition. One psychological/sociological definition is as follows:

A group or movement exhibiting a great or excessive devotion to some person, idea, or thing and employing unethically manipulative techniques of persuasion and control designed to advance the goals of the group’s leaders to the actual or possible detriment of Members, their families of the community. (Adapted from Paul Martin’s, Cult Proofing Your Kids)

While we acknowledge both definitions, and believe that Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons fit both of them, we tend to favor the psychological/sociological one for the reason that non-Christians often fail to understand the seriousness of the consequences of heresy. However, we find that the general public does understand the dangers of being involved in deceptive, manipulative, authoritarian religions.

If you would like more information about our views on cults, you can read these three short articles, each of which appeared in the San Antonio Express News.

  • Cults and the Freedom to Believe
  • I Bear You My testimony: Ex-Cultists Speak Out
  • Seven Tips on How to Avoid Cults

Why do you only focus on Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons? Why not other groups?

God has made it very clear that we are to be missionaries to Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons. We believe this is the way He has led us to fulfill the Great Commission. Although we look forward to sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with anyone, we believe that these two groups are the people for which the Lord has consistently given us a burden.The rewards and responsibilities of reaching these two large people-groups are tremendous and we can only do so much. If there is a particular group that you believe needs more attention, we would encourage anyone to prayerfully consider starting a ministry to reach them!

Why do you hate Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons?

Nothing could be further from the truth. We love Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons. We are missionaries to them because we want to reach out and help them understand the complete forgiveness of sins available through Jesus Christ. When the LDS church sends missionaries to Brazil (or any other place) it is not because they hate the people of Brazil, it’s because they love them. It is no different for us. If we hated Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons, we would remain silent and not care if they die in their sins.

How did you get involved with this type of ministry?

Find out more in our bio.

How do you raise support?

We don’t. We are aware that many Christian missionaries do formal presentations to invite believers to be on their monthly support team, but we have never felt God leading us to use this method, although we see nothing wrong with it. We send monthly newsletters to those who are interested and trust God to supply our needs. He has never led us down and continues to faithfully provide for this ministry.We do not initiate conversations about EM’s finances, but are not opposed to sharing that information when asked. If you would like to learn more about how Evidence Ministries is supported, click our Ministry Support link.
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