Is The Messianic Movement Cultic Or Is Christianity The Cult?

Posted on by Aleda Keeney

Is The Messianic Movement Cultic Or Is Christianity The Cult?

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For many years, Christian apologetic organizations have been raising awareness about non-christian cults in order to defend the “historic Christian faith” against teachings they believe contradict the Bible and traditional Christian theology and tradition.

Some Christians, in their passionate defense of the Christian faith against the influence of cult groups, have adopted a defensive mindset that labels anything contradicting their interpretation of the “historic Christian faith” as a cult. However, many Christians may struggle to provide a clear definition of the term “cult” according to sociological, psychological, and theological parameters established by Christian theologians who have dedicated themselves to raising awareness about cults, Christian apologetics for cultists, and defining what constitutes a cult.

Let us first define from Webster’s Dictionary the word “cult”:

1) a particular system of religious worship;

2) an instance of great veneration of a person, ideal, or thing;

3) the object of such devotion;

4) a group or sect bound together by devotion to or veneration of the same thing, person, ideal, etc.

5) religion that is considered or held to be false or unorthodox (Webster’s Encyclopedia of the English Language, Random House, 1983).

How does the late Dr. Walter Martin, author of the famous book, The Kingdom of the Cults and founder of the anti-cult, Christian apologetic organization, The Christian Research Institute in southern California define a cult?

In the above-named book on page 11, quoting a Dr. Braden, Martin writes: “A cult…is any religious group which differs significantly in some one or more respects as to belief or practice from those religious groups which are regarded as the normative expression of religion in our total culture.”

In order to provide a thorough response to the question presented in the title of this article – “Is the Messianic Movement cultish or is Christianity a cult?” – it is imperative that we delve into and investigate the following inquiries: 

  • What is normative? No doubt, whatever the majority is believing at a particular point in time could be called “normative” 
  • Is the majority always right? 
  • Who is the majority now? 
  • Was it always the majority? 

In his book, Martin explores the concept of “consensus theology,” which asserts that the beliefs held by the majority at a given historical moment are inherently correct. True Believers must inquire: Can today’s truth be yesterday’s truth? How can we truly discern what truth is?

Asking these questions can be risky and challenging. When confronted with such a question, many individuals tend to seek refuge in the familiar and secure confines of organized religion, unwilling to confront these thought-provoking and potentially transformative subjects that challenge long-held religious beliefs and icons. However, the answers to these questions are incredibly straightforward and can have a profoundly transformative impact on one’s spiritual journey.

First, we must ask the following question: What is Truth? As Believers in the Bible, we hold a simple premise: the Bible, the inspired Word of HaShem, is Absolute Truth.

According to the dictionary definitions mentioned earlier, it can be argued that all religious groups technically fall under the category of a cult, without necessarily carrying a negative connotation. However, Christian groups that watch out for cults use the term in a negative manner. For them, the fifth definition of the word in the dictionary has become their main understanding and usage of the word “cult”.

Is The Christian Religion, By Its Own Definition, A Cult? 

This question arises from the use of the word “cult” by Christian apologists like Dr. Walter Martin to refer to religious systems that deviate from the normative and original group in a negative sense.

Because this is what we’ve taught, we assume that the origins of Christianity can be clearly traced back to the early Messianic Jewish Believers who followed Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah, as documented in the Apostolic Writings, also known as the New Testament. Yeshua and His followers were Jews who lived according to orthodox Jewish practices and followed the Jewish religion of the first century A.D. Additionally, they were Spirit-filled Believers in Yeshua as the Messiah and spread the Gospel, which was the Good News about the Kingdom of Heaven. 

In an excerpt from the book “Yeshua—A Guide to the Real Jesus of the Original Church,” Dr. Ron Moseley addresses the question at hand. He says: 

“After the Temple was destroyed in A.D. 70, two new religious organizations grew out of the Judaism of Jesus’ and Paul’s day. The Pharisees had fled Jerusalem to Yavneh and were spared, while the Jewish followers of Jesus had fled to the mountains of Pella and also survived (Matthew 24:16). From these two groups came two separate religions known as Rabbinic Judaism and the Christian Church. Today, neither Rabbinc Judaism nor the Church, which formed much of its theology from fourth-century Roman ideas, hold the same views as the pre-70 Judaism of Jesus’ and Paul’s day” (p. 69).

Marvin Wilson, a prominent scholar, professor, and theologian specializing in the Hebrew roots of Christianity, eloquently presents his compelling arguments in his book, Our Father Abraham—Jewish Roots of the Christian Faith, published in 1989. He writes:”

“A cursory look at the beginnings of Christianity reveals a Church that was made up exclusively of Jews. Indeed, the Church was viewed as a sect within Judaism, as the book of Acts makes clear in referring to early followers of Jesus as the ‘sect of the Nazarenes’ (Acts 24:5). They seemed to function easily within Judaism in that they were described as ‘enjoying the favor of all the people’ (2:47)” (p. 47). 

Wilson goes on to explain that between 70 AD, when Pagan Rome destroyed the Temple in Jerusalem, and 135 AD, when the Second Jewish revolt against Roman occupation occurred, the 1st-century Messianic congregation began to diverge from its Jewish origins. 

We need to consider the timeline of events that ultimately caused the early Messianic Assembly to detach itself from its Hebrew origins, as documented by Wilson (ibid. pp. 74ff). Assuming the first-century Messianic Believers in the Book of Acts adhered to the Jewish Commandments, it is logical to question who has deviated from their original Torah-observant faith foundation. Is it not the Christian religion that has divorced itself from its Hebrew or Jewish roots? According to the dictionary, could “traditional” or “normative” Christianity be considered a cult? 

Indeed, it is undeniably a challenging question. Using definitions from the dictionary and Dr. Walter Martin’s book, it can be concluded that the term “cult” can be applied to the Christian church, due to differences in beliefs or practices compared to the normative expression of religion in our culture.

This is by no means a suggestion that born-again Believers within the Christianity are not saved, or that everything the Christian church teaches is false. I wholeheartedly support the fundamental teachings of the Gospel as conveyed in the Christian church, which include the Divinity of Yeshua, His embodiment, the redemptive mission He fulfilled on the cross, His death, burial, and resurrection, His anticipated return, and salvation through grace by faith in Yeshua the Messiah alone. What I take exception with is areas within Christian theology which have strayed from the truth of the Bible as taught and practiced by the 1st-century Messianic Jewish Apostles.

Why shouldn’t we confidently declare the truth that Christianity has indeed strayed from its Hebrew origins and has essentially transformed into a cult, as it defines itself? We should do so with love, humility, meekness, and under the guidance of the Ruach HaKadosh (Holy Spirit), but why should we fear the Truth? The Truth serves as a beacon, revealing the darkness, and in its light, many can find freedom, just as our Savior and Messiah proclaimed in John 8:31-32.

Reasons Some Christians See The Messianic Movement As Cultic 

Apart from a limited comprehension of the true meaning of the term “cult” and the profound historical and spiritual connection between Judaism and Christianity, we would like to present a compelling list of reasons why Christianity considers Messianism as a cult:

  • Messianism presents distinct differences from traditional Christianity in certain aspects, which may lead some to perceive it as peculiar or even as a potential threat
  • There is a lack of understanding among Christians who label Messianism as a cult, because they fail to grasp the true meaning of a cult.
  • Why should Believers who are returning to the Hebraic roots of the faith be labeled as cultists when Messianic Jews are not?

Pagan Roots of Christian Traditions

Numerous customs and practices embraced by Christians have roots in pagan traditions and lack biblical justification. Examples include the celebration of Christmas and Easter, as well as the observance of Sunday worship. The Messianic Believer is not only letting go of these Christian “sacred cows” or icons, but their new belief system is also prompting a profound transformation in their lifestyle. They are embracing the observance of the Sabbath, Feast Days, dietary laws, growing beards, and much more. Considering this, Christian individuals might perceive Messianic Believers as members of a cult due to the behavior often associated with cults. When Messianic Believers adhere to the biblical principles of holiness and righteousness, it is sometimes misunderstood by other Christians as cult-like behavior (1 Pet. 4:1-4; Matt. 10:34-39). .As such, Messianics must be extremely careful how they present their new beliefs to their Christian friends.

Are These Traits Present in Your Christian Congregation?

Let’s delve into the psychological, sociological, and theological traits of tightly-controlled religious groups to assess whether any of these are present in your Christian community:

  • Cults manipulate biblical and Christian terminologies, distorting their original Hebrew meanings. They employ tactics such as spiritualization or allegorization of scriptures and doctrines, deliberately altering their significance. They achieve this by manipulating, distorting, or misrepresenting the Bible in ways that are misleading, inappropriate, or even deceptive.
  • Terms like the Deity of Yeshua (Jesus), the virgin birth, sin, salvation (by grace and faith), born-again, atonement, the bodily resurrection of Yeshua, etc., acquire a deeper significance, while the terminology remains consistent.
  • Cults frequently base their beliefs on questionable theology and doctrinal interpretations, relying on vague phrases like “interpretations” and placing emphasis on terminology, rather than on the personal relationship between the individual and Yeshua, as well as the Truth of the Gospel message.
  • Cultists manipulate Scripture by taking passages out of context, disregarding the rules of biblical interpretation and logic, and ignoring the historical and linguistic context of the text. They twist the meanings of the verses (2 Pet. 3:16) to suit their specific and unusual doctrines.

These are some additional characteristics of cults that deserve attention:

  • Every cult possesses a belief system or theology, which can diverge significantly, slightly, or hardly at all from the Truth found in the Bible.
  • All cults possess a socio-psychological dimension. The majority of cults are led by a central authoritative figure, who may be deceased or alive, and usually serves as the cult’s founder or main spokesman. This person essentially becomes HaShem’s (YHWH) representative on Earth, similar to the Pope in the Roman Catholic Church, serving as HaShem’s foremost revealer of Divine Truth. Examples of such a leader would include well-known religious figures as Joseph Smith, Mary Baker Eddy, Charles Taze Russel, Rev. Sun Moon, Ellen G. White or L. Ron Hubbard. In cults, the leader’s word is commonly regarded as the divine law on earth. Those who dare to oppose the leader are labeled as demonic, deceived, or simply mistaken.
  • To maintain control over cult members, an authoritarian administrative framework is frequently established to enforce conformity to the cult’s doctrines. Dissenting views are rarely accepted, and adherence to the organization’s ideology is strictly enforced. Individuals with dissenting views are often subjected to reprimand and required to re-align their beliefs with the established doctrine. Those who resist are commonly met with consequences, such as excommunication and ostracism.
  • Spiritual salvation is believed to be attainable only for members in good standing with the cult (only Catholics are the true Bride of Christ, Baptist Bride, etc.). Those who dare to question the cult’s leadership and theological beliefs face significant social and authoritative pressure.
  • In cults, leaders often exert excessive control over the lives of cult members, dictating various aspects including financial contributions, attire choices, residential locations, marital partners, reading materials, social interactions, conversational topics, and even speech patterns.
  • Cult belief systems are marked by narrow-mindedness and intolerance.
  • Cultic belief systems exhibit a true hostility towards those who hold different beliefs.
  • In a cult, acceptance and love are typically contingent upon conformity. Those who align with the beliefs of the cult receive unwavering love and assistance, while individuals with divergent beliefs or outside the confines of the cult are left unsupported, unloved, or condemned.
  • Members of cults are commonly discouraged from engaging with materials or attending meetings that present opposing viewpoints or beliefs.
  • Cultists frequently respond with open hostility towards those who challenge their beliefs, refusing to peacefully agree to disagree. Cultists struggle with accepting any deviations from the group’s doctrine. Even the smallest disagreements are seen as a danger, resulting in the immediate exposure and removal of those with differing viewpoints within the cult (“church discipline”). Cultist groups will struggle to coexist harmoniously with others in a community that holds diverse beliefs.
  • Cultists often display a complete lack of tolerance and embrace prejudiced and bigoted attitudes towards individuals who hold different opinions.
  • Cultic groups are recognized for their extreme exclusivity and isolationist tendencies.

I dare anyone reading this paper, who is inclined to dismiss the Messianic Movement as cultic, to support their argument using the criteria established by Christian leaders to identify a cult. Although there may be some Messianic groups with cult-like qualities, such as authoritarianism, legalism, and exclusivism, it would be unfair and illogical to label the entire Messianic Movement based on the actions of these few. 

Our previous categorization of Christianity as a cult was solely based on the strict definition of the word from the dictionary. However, we now acknowledge that the sociological and psychological understanding of a cult, as explained by Christian leaders like Walter Martin, provides a more comprehensive evaluation. I agree with their understanding of the definition of “cult” and the concerns about its rise. As such, leaders in the Messianic Movement should have a clear understanding of cultism to prevent it from infiltrating their congregation or organization.

My only disagreement with Martin and others regarding cultism lies in their use of the terms “the historic Christian faith” or “normative Christianity,” as mentioned earlier. I firmly believe that my point can be substantiated by Scripture and the historical writings of the pre-Nicene Church Fathers. These reliable sources testify that the early Messianic Assembly unquestionably distanced itself from its Hebrew or Jewish origins. The departure from the original “faith once given” occurred with the Council of Nicea and the Roman Catholic Church, which bred “daughters” through later Protestant theology. However, the true origin of the faith lies in the writings of the Apostles in the first century. This departure has significantly shaped the church’s path throughout history to the point where modern-day Christianity bears little to no resemblance to the original assembly founded by Yeshua Messiah and spread throughout the world by the Apostles. However, through the Messianic Movement, many Believers are returning to this ancient and unique faith.

The act of branding such behavior as cultism reflects a narrow-mindedness and lack of knowledge on the part of those who accuse, and in no way contributes to the furtherance of the Bible’s Truth. Attacks like these echo the persecution suffered by Martin Luther and other Protestant reformers almost 500 years ago at the hands of the Catholic Church, the organization that once determined what constituted “normative Christianity” and “the historic Christian faith.”

The “apparent” papal persecution of the reformers disregarded the essential biblical truths (sola Scriptura – the Word of God only, in opposition to anti-biblical Catholic traditions, and salvation by grace and faith alone, in opposition to works) that the reformers were advocating. These are truths that we now take for granted, but for which many reformers were martyred.

I implore those immersed in apostate Christianity to reconsider the foundation of their faith, ensuring they are truly following the authentic “Jesus”: Yeshua Messiah.

Please read the following posts available on this website for further information: 

  • What Parts of Torah Were Fulfilled By Yeshua?
  • Yeshua’s View of the Torah-Law: A Study of the Sermon On the Mount
  • How Paul Viewed the Torah
  • Paul: An Orthodox, Messianic, Spirit-filled Jewish Rabbi
  • From AD 70 to AD 135: How Christianity Lost Its Roots
  • The Roots and Branches of Our Messianic Faith