Imperishable Inheritance

I use the word "new" lightly. I'm not claiming it to be entirely new, but to me it has been an earth-shattering revelation. We, as Christians, tend to put major religions and what we define as "Christian cults" in largely mutually exclusive groups. But can not a "major religion" be viewed primarily as a Christian cult? We do this for LDS, JW's, Christian Science, etc.; but maybe we need to reflect on Islam in a similar light. Here are some characteristics of Christian cults I found (only one of many lists):

New Truth

Many cults promote the false idea that God has revealed something special to them. This is usually truth that has never before been reveal­ed and supersedes and contradicts all previous revelations. Some cults make no claim to new truth or extra‑biblical revelation, but believe they alone have the key to interpreting the mysteries in the Bible.

A Non‑biblical Source of Authority

Some cults have sacred writings or a source of authority that supersedes the Bible.

Another Jesus

One characteristic that is found in all cults is false teaching about the person of Jesus Christ in the light of historical biblical Christianity. The Apostle Paul warned about following after "another Jesus" (2 Corinthians 11:4) who is not the same Jesus who is revealed in Scripture. The "Jesus" of the cults is always someone less than the Bible's eternal God who became flesh, lived here on earth, and died for our sins.

Rejection of Orthodox Christianity

Characteristic of many cultic groups is a frontal attack on orthodox Christianity. They argue that the church has departed from the true faith.

Double‑Talk

A feature of some cultic groups is that they say one thing publicly but internally believe something totally different.

Non‑biblical Teaching on the Nature of God (Trinity)

Another characteristic of all non‑Christian cults is either an inadequate view or outright denial of the Holy Trinity. The biblical doctrine of the Trinity, one God in three Persons, is usually attacked as being pagan or satanic in origin.

Changing Theology

Cult doctrines are continually in a state of flux and have no sure foun­dation on which to anchor their hope.

Strong Leadership

Cults are usually characterized by central leader figures who consider themselves messengers of God with unique access to the Almighty. Since the leader has such a special relationship with God, he can dictate the theology and behavior of the cult.

Salvation by Works

One teaching that is totally absent from all the cults is the gospel of the grace of God. No one is taught in the cults that he can be saved from eternal damnation by simply placing his faith in Jesus Christ. It is always belief in Jesus Christ and "do this" or "follow that." All cults attach something to the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith.

False Prophecy

Another feature of the cults is they often promulgate false prophecy. Cult leaders, who believe they have been divinely called by God, have made bold predictions of future events, supposedly revealed by the inspiration of God.

And by "changing theology" I'm referring to the Hadith and it's continual re-canonical process (which was actually explained to me by a Islamic theologian). I also found another list that also shows the cultic nature of Islam. I'm not going to go into how Islam actually violates all these principles here (although if anyone has a question let me know). I just want to throw out the thought.

It seems that I have perceived Islam in a light that must be re-evaluated. This new way of approaching this cult has made much light of how to approach studying and apologising for their theological arguments. I will finally get to visit a mosque for the first time on Friday, and I'm looking forward to the worldview-expanding experience.