Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones on the Cults: Questions and Answers

What are the cults according to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, cults are counterfeit forms of Christianity that present themselves as Christian but are not Christianity at all. He defines a cult as "a devotion to a particular person or thing as paid by a body of professed adherents." Examples he mentions include Christian Science, Theosophy, Jehovah's Witnesses, Christadelphianism, Positive Thinking, Unity School of Christianity, Anthroposophy, the Science of Thought, and Mormonism. Lloyd-Jones distinguishes cults from heresies, apostasy, and schism, noting that cults are not Christian at all, whereas heresies involve Christians who go wrong on certain doctrinal points.

What makes cults particularly dangerous according to Lloyd-Jones?

Lloyd-Jones explains that cults are dangerous because they sound like Christianity and often use Christian terminology, but evacuate these terms of their true New Testament meaning. They offer great blessings in a more wonderful and attractive manner than the Christian church appears to offer. The devil is "a master" at presenting these counterfeits attractively, making them appeal particularly during times of crisis, trouble, war, bereavement, or ill health when people are seeking comfort and guidance. Additionally, the devotees of cults are typically sincere, zealous, and willing to make sacrifices, which can be compelling to others.

How do cults typically originate according to Lloyd-Jones?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones points out that cults generally have a common pattern of origin. They typically began in the last century, often in the United States of America, and usually started as the result of a supposed revelation given to the founder. He notes that curiously, this revelation was often given to a woman. Sometimes the founders claim to have discovered miraculous documents (like Joseph Smith with the golden plates of the Book of Mormon). This claimed direct divine revelation gives special authority to the founder and distinguishes cults from heresies, which typically develop gradually through biblical interpretation.

What is the relationship between cults and the Bible according to Lloyd-Jones?

Lloyd-Jones explains that cults "always recognize and are governed by an authority additional to the Bible." While some may claim to believe in the Bible and others may ignore it entirely, they invariably have another authority that takes precedence - typically the writings or sayings of the founder. He states that "in practice, of course, whatever lip service they may pay to the scriptures themselves, the real authority is this other, this extra, this new, this direct revelation that has been given." They might use the Bible for illustration, but their teachings don't come out of it or represent genuine biblical exposition.

What doctrinal errors are common in cults according to Lloyd-Jones?

According to Lloyd-Jones, cults invariably go astray on essential Christian doctrines. These doctrinal errors include:

1. Wrong views about God Himself (seeing Him as a force rather than a person)
2. Incorrect understanding of the person of Christ (usually denying His deity)
3. Rejection of the work of Christ, especially the atonement
4. Ignoring or depersonalizing the Holy Spirit
5. Denying or misunderstanding the doctrine of the Trinity
6. Being "shaky" about creation and the material universe
7. Rejection of the biblical doctrine of sin
8. Wrong views of salvation (not believing in substitutionary atonement)
9. False understanding of prayer (often replacing it with formulas or "thought transference")

Why does Lloyd-Jones say that times of crisis make people more vulnerable to cults?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that during times of crisis, trouble, war, or personal difficulty, people are seeking relief, help, comfort, and guidance. He states, "Well, that's just the opportunity for the wiles of the devil in the form of cults." He notes that "there has never been a time, perhaps in the whole history of the world, when the cults have had a greater opportunity than just this present time," referring to the post-World War era with its continued uncertainty and threats. When people feel "hemmed in on all sides" with failing health, inability to sleep, and similar troubles, they become particularly vulnerable to the promises and apparent solutions offered by cults.

How does Lloyd-Jones distinguish between heresies and cults?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones makes a clear distinction between heresies and cults. He explains: "By definition a heretic is not a man who is essentially not a Christian. A heretic is a man who is a Christian, but who goes wrong at some particular point with regard to some particular doctrine. Whereas the whole point about the cults is that they're not Christian at all, they're counterfeits for Christianity." He notes that heretics typically arrive at their errors through biblical study and interpretation, whereas cult founders claim direct divine revelation. While heresies involve errors on particular doctrines while maintaining the general body of Christian teaching, cults don't hold to Christian teaching at all.

What is the relationship between cults and the doctrine of sin?

Lloyd-Jones identifies the rejection of the biblical doctrine of sin as "a hallmark of the cults." He explains that cults "don't believe in sin" and often criticize the church for preaching about sin. Instead, they advocate "positive thinking" and tell people to "believe in yourself." He notes that this makes cults popular, as "you're never going to be very popular if you preach the biblical doctrine of sin." This rejection of sin naturally leads to their rejection of Christ's substitutionary atonement, since without sin there's no need for such a sacrifice. Lloyd-Jones points out that cults "don't believe that the Son of God came from heaven to earth in order to take sin upon himself and to bear its punishment."