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Episode 1: Defender Of The Faith - Vol 1 | By Dr. Bern Zumpano
Defender of the Faith – Vol. 1
This study, Defender of the Faith, is designed to recognize and deprogram individuals from cults, including certain Christian-identifying groups. Rooted in John 8:32, the core message is that freedom comes from knowing and following the pure doctrine of Christ as revealed solely in Scripture. Any addition—man-made doctrines or extra-biblical revelations—creates "another gospel" and leads to deception.
22 Signs of a Cult
Bern identifies 22 characteristics common to cults, whether non-Christian, pseudo-Christian, or even within accepted denominations:
Exclusive, unscriptural doctrines: Unique teachings not found in the Bible.
Salvation by works: Grace is supplemented with human effort.
Uncertain eternal future: Members lack assurance of salvation.
Extra-biblical authority: Truth claimed from sources outside Scripture.
Authoritarian leadership: Leaders assume roles meant for the Holy Spirit.
False teachings accepted as truth.
Syncretism: Mixing pagan elements with Christian worship.
Scripture manipulation: Twisting verses to support specific beliefs.
Mind control: Fear-based or doctrinal manipulation.
Absurd lies taught as truth.
Exploitation of members.
Blind submission to human authority.
Another gospel: A distorted salvation message.
Religious spirit: Legalism disguised as holiness.
Antichrist spirit: Denying Christ’s true nature.
Pharisaical spirit: Overemphasis on outward law.
Jezebel spirit: Manipulative control.
Control spirit: Excessive control over members’ lives.
Spirit of error: Leading others from biblical truth.
Nicolaitanism: Clergy-layperson divide and domination.
Fear-based control.
Resistance to the Holy Spirit.
Understanding Those in Cults
To effectively help someone out of a cult, it’s essential to understand their mindset:
Lack of "Sola Scriptura": They don't view Scripture as the final authority.
Reliance on human interpretation: Trusting doctrines about God over God’s word itself.
Ingrained beliefs: Lifelong teachings make them resistant to new ideas.
Deep investment: Their identity or career may be tied to the group.
Tactics to avoid truth: They may redefine terms, dismiss Scripture, or claim subjective interpretation.
Brainwashing: Indoctrination is gradual, persistent, and difficult to undo.
Pre-programmed responses: Members are trained to deflect objections instinctively.
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By Word Of Faith Ministries International Miami
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Defender of the Faith – Vol. 1
This study, Defender of the Faith, is designed to recognize and deprogram individuals from cults, including certain Christian-identifying groups. Rooted in John 8:32, the core message is that freedom comes from knowing and following the pure doctrine of Christ as revealed solely in Scripture. Any addition—man-made doctrines or extra-biblical revelations—creates "another gospel" and leads to deception.
22 Signs of a Cult
Bern identifies 22 characteristics common to cults, whether non-Christian, pseudo-Christian, or even within accepted denominations:
Exclusive, unscriptural doctrines: Unique teachings not found in the Bible.
Salvation by works: Grace is supplemented with human effort.
Uncertain eternal future: Members lack assurance of salvation.
Extra-biblical authority: Truth claimed from sources outside Scripture.
Authoritarian leadership: Leaders assume roles meant for the Holy Spirit.
False teachings accepted as truth.
Syncretism: Mixing pagan elements with Christian worship.
Scripture manipulation: Twisting verses to support specific beliefs.
Mind control: Fear-based or doctrinal manipulation.
Absurd lies taught as truth.
Exploitation of members.
Blind submission to human authority.
Another gospel: A distorted salvation message.
Religious spirit: Legalism disguised as holiness.
Antichrist spirit: Denying Christ’s true nature.
Pharisaical spirit: Overemphasis on outward law.
Jezebel spirit: Manipulative control.
Control spirit: Excessive control over members’ lives.
Spirit of error: Leading others from biblical truth.
Nicolaitanism: Clergy-layperson divide and domination.
Fear-based control.
Resistance to the Holy Spirit.
Understanding Those in Cults
To effectively help someone out of a cult, it’s essential to understand their mindset:
Lack of "Sola Scriptura": They don't view Scripture as the final authority.
Reliance on human interpretation: Trusting doctrines about God over God’s word itself.
Ingrained beliefs: Lifelong teachings make them resistant to new ideas.
Deep investment: Their identity or career may be tied to the group.
Tactics to avoid truth: They may redefine terms, dismiss Scripture, or claim subjective interpretation.
Brainwashing: Indoctrination is gradual, persistent, and difficult to undo.
Pre-programmed responses: Members are trained to deflect objections instinctively.