From a netfriend:

KEY:

(CHRISTIAN) Content Which Is Biblical - (CULT) Content Which Is Authoritarian

(CHRISTIAN) Teaches/matures - (CULT) Indoctrinates / clones

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1. Leaders open to questions and discuss them - Unquestioning obedience / Leaders do not discuss questions

2. Truth is the bottom line - Love and loyalty are the bottom line

3. Freedom to form own conclusions - Indoctrination /Leaders' conclusions must be accepted.

4. Emphasis on unity - Emphasis on uniformity

5. Not elitist / accepts ALL Christians - Elitist / accepts SOME Christians

6. Open program - Hidden agenda

7. Influences - Manipulates

8. Leaders shepherd (guide) the flock - Leaders "lord" it over the flock

9. Results in diversity, freedom - Results in conformity, rigidity

10. Provides many avenues of service - Allows one avenue of service ...serving their group

11. Individual is responsible to God for his / her life - Individual is responsible to leaders

12. Individual seeks, discerns and follows God's will - Leaders tell individual what God's will is

13. Critical thinking encouraged - Analytical thinking hindered

14. Complex, no simple answers - Simplistic approach to life

15. Reasoned approach based on whole counsel of God, full bible in context, prayer, counsel, circumstances, other information - Pick your own bible verse to lead you / Choices must conform to leaders' dictates, leaders' approval

[adapted from Joanne Ruhland 1995]