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Cults and the Occult*

Many times people are confused by the difference between a Cult and the Occult. This chart
will make some of those distinctions a little more clear. There are over 5,000 cults in the U.S.
While the specifics for each Cult differ, the underlying concepts are the same. If you will learn
the biblical concepts in each of these areas, you will be able to defend the Scriptures against
these attacks. You will then be able to provide answers to hurting people in need of the
true Savior.

Christianity Mormonism Jehovah’s Scientology1 Wicca2


Witnesses
God Once a man as One person God, Does not define The supreme
we are now. He called Jehovah. God or Supreme being is called the
is now an exalted There is no other being, but rejects Goddess, sometimes
man. Literally our name for God. the biblical the Goddess and
Heavenly Father. He Jesus is not God, he God. Everyone God, or goddess
and his many wives is the first thing that is a “thetan”, an and horned god.
have sex to produce Jehovah created. immortal spirit The Goddess can
spirit babies that with unlimited be a symbol, the
eventually become powers over its own impersonal force
the human race. universe, but all are in everything, or a
not aware of this. personal being.

Jesus Christ Jesus Christ, spirit Jesus is a god, not Jesus is rarely Jesus is either
brother of Lucifer, God the Son. He mentioned. Jesus rejected altogether
John 1:1-3, 14; 8:58 received a body of is represented as was not Creator, or sometimes
flesh and bone and the first creation of nor was he an considered a
Colossians 1:16-20
is now elevated to Jehovah. Before his “operating thetan” spiritual teacher
deity. He is referred incarnation he was (in control of who taught love and
to as our “elder Michael, captain of supernatural powers, compassion.
brother,” one of Jehovah’s hosts. cleared from mental
many gods. defects). Jesus did
not die for our sins.

Tri-Unity Mormon theology The doctrine of the The doctrine of the The doctrine of the
is henotheistic. It Tri-Unity is denied Tri-Unity is denied. Trui-Unity is denied.
Luke 3:21-22I Peter exalts one God (the emphatically. The The Holy Spirit is not The Holy Spirit is not
1:2 Father -God) above deity of the Holy part of their belief. part of their belief.
Matthew 28:19 the other gods in the Spirit is denied—he Some Wiccans may
John 15:26 universe. The Holy is likened to a radar refer to “Spirit” as a
Spirit is a spiritual beam. kind of divine energy.
impersonal “force.”

Everyone has Yes They argue for There are no Values are part of
painless extinction, particular human our social paradigms
an eternal indicating man incarnations of God as well. Tolerance,
spirit does not possess as the universal freedom of
an immortal soul, life force (Theta) is expression, inclusion,
Matthew 25:46 just a combination inherent in all. All and refusal to claim
Daniel 12:2 of breath and flesh. humans are immortal to have the answers
Ecclesiastes 12:7 That is unless you spiritual beings are the only universal
Revelation 20:11-15 become part of the (thetans) capable values.
Organization or the of realizing a nearly
144,000. godlike state.
Christianity Mormonism Jehovah’s Scientology3 Wicca4
Witnesses
Born a Mormons deny the Adam’s sin imputed No sin and no need Definitely not.
doctrine of original to mankind, as to repent. Hell is a
Lost Soul sin and teach that federal head of the myth. People who get
Psalm 51:5
the fall of man was a race. However, a clear of “engrams”
James 1:15
good and necessary sin nature apparently become operating
Romans 5:12-21
thing. There is no not inherited by the “thetans”.
I Corinthians 15: 21
imputed sin nature race.
-22

Suggested 1. Confront with 1. Present a clear 1. Ask why they think 1. Wicca is an
the “pillars” of biblical case of the world is in occultic “nature
Approaches Mormonism: Christ’s and Holy such a mess? religion”. Explain
For Presenting God, works, Spirit’s deity. 2. Ask how they the origins of this
The Christian salvation. 2. Present the case of know for sure that belief.
2. Compare beliefs the Tri-unity. what they believe 2. Ask them how they
Faith with Bible. 3. Challenge them to is true. know that there
3. The archeology of look at the whole 3. Present the gospel is no God who
the New World of Scripture. and the gift of loves.
refutes the Book eternal life. 3. Share with them
of Mormon. the gospel of
eternal life.

Other Beliefs No alcohol, tobacco, Known as the Highly controversial. Wiccans practice
coffee or tea. Watchtower Bible Publication divination and spell-
Baptism on behalf and Tract Society. of Dianetics. casting, with most
of the dead. Two Meet in Kingdom Organizations rituals performed
year missionary Halls. Do not related: Narconan, in a circle. Many
commitment observe holidays or Criminon, Way Wiccans are part of
encouraged. birthdays. Forbidden to Happiness a coven. Extremely
Extensive social to vote, salute flag, Foundation, WISE, occultic.
network. work in military. Applied Schloastics.

*
Boa, Kenneth, Cults, World Religions and the Occult, (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books,
1990)
1
Rose Publishing, Christianity, Cults & Religions chart. Compares 17 religions and
cults
2
Ibid.
3
Ibid.
4
Ibid.

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