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Summary
Season 4 launches with a field guide to American cults: where they came from, how they function, and what sets them apart from orthodox Christianity. We lay out our two-episode rhythm for each movement (history + doctrine) and explain why this isn’t just academic—these are the folks knocking on your door and sitting in your break room.
Highlights
Walter Martin’s working definition of a cult
The 1830–1890 surge in the Northeast and the “Burned-Over District”
First vs. Second Great Awakening—and how Finney’s “new measures” influenced later errors
Doctrinal markers: denial of the Trinity, diminished view of Christ, extra-biblical revelation
Sociological markers: authoritarian leadership, information control, us-vs-them identity, behavioral rules, shunning, apocalyptic urgency
Works/loyalty systems vs. the gospel of grace
The real cost of leaving—and how Christians can care well
Connect
Generations
Be sure to visit our friends at Generations.org! They’ve built an incredible library of Christ-centered homeschool curriculum, books, and podcasts — all designed to help your family apply the Bible to every area of life. History, science, worldview, you name it — it all points back to Christ.
Use the code CHORUS at checkout for 15% off your order.
By The Chorus in the Chaos4.8
111111 ratings
Summary
Season 4 launches with a field guide to American cults: where they came from, how they function, and what sets them apart from orthodox Christianity. We lay out our two-episode rhythm for each movement (history + doctrine) and explain why this isn’t just academic—these are the folks knocking on your door and sitting in your break room.
Highlights
Walter Martin’s working definition of a cult
The 1830–1890 surge in the Northeast and the “Burned-Over District”
First vs. Second Great Awakening—and how Finney’s “new measures” influenced later errors
Doctrinal markers: denial of the Trinity, diminished view of Christ, extra-biblical revelation
Sociological markers: authoritarian leadership, information control, us-vs-them identity, behavioral rules, shunning, apocalyptic urgency
Works/loyalty systems vs. the gospel of grace
The real cost of leaving—and how Christians can care well
Connect
Generations
Be sure to visit our friends at Generations.org! They’ve built an incredible library of Christ-centered homeschool curriculum, books, and podcasts — all designed to help your family apply the Bible to every area of life. History, science, worldview, you name it — it all points back to Christ.
Use the code CHORUS at checkout for 15% off your order.

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