Use of the Word 'Cult' on This Site
You've probably noticed the word 'cult' popping up here and there on this website. Lest you freak out, we want to explain. The Christian community often uses the word 'cult' in reference to groups that are doctrinally unorthodox,1 such as the Watchtower Society. That is not why you see it here. Problems with Assembly doctrine (and there are some) perhaps do not rise to the level of heresy.
The
word 'cult' appears on this site in the sense in which the academic community uses it
to describe a category of sociological functioning that is manipulative and
controlling.2 The term is associated in
many peoples' minds with tragedies like
Heaven's Gate and Waco. But an organization as socially acceptable as Amway fits
into the other end of the spectrum. Both are cultic in the sociological sense.
Because of the spectacular cult disasters of the twentieth century, the "C" word is inflammatory in our culture, and so on this site we generally prefer to use terms such as 'authoritarian', 'totalistic', and 'high-demand' to describe groups like the Assembly. We think those are fair, objective and accurate terms, and don't raise the specter of either Jonestown or the Mormon temple.
But the insights from sociology are invaluable to understanding the phenomenon of the Geftakys ministry. Consequently, we've made the decision to link to many articles that use the "cult" word. Don't get hung up on a label. If the term sends shivers up your spine when you see it on this site, just think 'Amway', or the 'sheep' in the picture above. What is important is understanding how the sociological and psychological dynamics of the Assembly and other similar Christian groups actually do fit into the spectrum of 'cultic' behavior even though the mind control does not rise to the level of weapons stashing or mass suicide.
1 Here is an example of a common use of the word 'cult': "Defined theologically, a cult is “a group of people, which claiming to be Christian, embraces a particular doctrinal system taught by an individual leader, group of leaders, or organization, which (system) denies (either explicitly or implicitly) one or more of the central doctrines of the Christian faith as taught in the sixty-six books of the Bible.” Alan Gomes, Unmasking the Cults, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1995, p. 7.
2 "Sociological definitions of the term...include consideration of such factors as authoritarian leadership patterns, loyalty and commitment mechanisms, lifestyle characteristics, [and] conformity patterns (including the use of various sanctions in connection with those members who deviate)." Ronald Enroth, ed., A Guide to Cults and New Religions, Downers Grove, Il., InterVarsity Press, 1983, p. 14.