This is a must read book that warns believers that aberrant teachings can have a cult-like effect on a church and their members. The Author gives details of their personal encounter and heartbreaking experience when their Church drifted into aberrant teachings.
The Authors define an aberrant Christian group: “We may define an aberrant group as one which emerged from orthodox, mainstream Christianity, but differs from it in belief and practices in one or more essential ways. The word aberrant means “straying from the right or normal way; deviating from the usual or natural type.” An aberrant Christian group, then, is neither a cult nor an evangelical organization.” (from pg. 50)
They further go on to show some examples of groups that started out well in traditional evangelical Christianity and then somewhere along the way the leaders drifted into aberrant beliefs, and then progressed into heretical beliefs and practices, as well as the flock that follows them.
There are 2 excellent lists given in the book, one that describes the teachings, and another on the ‘common characteristics’, that gives these 8 warning signs of an aberrant group:
Charisma and pride
Anger and intimidation
Greed and fraud
Immorality
Enslaving authoritarian structure
Exclusivity Demands loyalty and honor
New extra-biblical revelations
There is also a section that shows some may use prophecy as a substitute for sound biblical teachings.
At the end of each chapter are questions for study and discussion of what was covered in the chapters. There are times when a person may need to consider leaving a church, and this book gives examples of that excellently, and gives practical instruction on how to find a good church. Also appreciated was the warnings given on (pg. 173) on finding a church: “Sometimes we don’t see the real fruit of an individual until we’re involved, and that takes time, observation, and evaluation.”
Discernment for every believer is not an option but is a command from Scripture (1 Thess 5:21). It is important to stand firm in our faith and not get discouraged, and to continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:17,18), regardless of the circumstances we may go through. If you should find yourself in this situation, this book is very helpful.
Copyright © 1995
Authors: Agnes C. Lawless and John W. Lawless
Publisher: Kregel Publications
ISBN-10: 0825431638
Reading / Review Date: May 1997 / Dec. 2007
Reading / Review Date: May 1997 / Dec. 2007