What Makes a Cult? Here Are the Defining Characteristics

What are the defining characteristics of a cult? Hank Hanegraaff uses the memorable acronym C-U-L-T-S — Counterfeit, Unbiblical Revelations, Linguistic Subversion, Theological Perversion, and Sociological Deviance — to expose the teachings and practices of Eastern Lightning, also known as The Church of Almighty God. Hank examines Eastern Lightning’s claim that Jesus Christ has been reincarnated as a female christ in China, its rejection of the Bible as outdated and unreliable, its subversion of biblical language, its denial of essential Christian doctrine, and its use of intimidation and threats to demand unwavering obedience. With millions of first-generation Christians worldwide vulnerable to false teaching, Hank explains why equipping Christian leaders to recognize and respond to movements such as Eastern Lightning is central to the worldwide work of the Christian Research Institute — and why a special issue of the Christian Research Journal is devoted to helping Christians contend for “the faith once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). For more information about this special issue of the Christian Research Journal (48:02–03) The Eastern Lightning Cult: Christ Returns to Earth as a Female, click here.To receive this issue with your partnering gift, click here. https://www.equip.org/christian-research-journal/the-eastern-lighting-cult-christ-returns-to-earth-as-a-female-special-print-issue-48-02-03/ For information on receiving the special dual-language “flip” edition — English and Chinese — click here.https://www.equip.org/product/cri-resource-special-dual-language-flip-english-and-chinese-print-issue-48-02-03-the-eastern-lighting-cult-christ-returns-to-earth-as-a-female-wa/ Dig Deeper with Hank Unplugged — Hank Unplugged is a podcast brought to you by the Christian Research Institute, where Hank Hanegraaff takes you beyond the sound bites and into thoughtful, in-depth explorations of the critical issues confronting Christians today. Drawing on Scripture, history, theology, and culture, Hank equips listeners to think Christianly about the questions that matter most and to contend for “the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). Listen to Hank’s podcast and follow Hank off the grid where he is joined by some of the brightest minds discussing topics you care about. Get equipped to be a cultural change agent. Archived episodes are on our Website and available at the additional channels listed below. You can help spread the word about Hank Unplugged by giving us a rating and review from the other channels we are listed on.