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Essay On Cults As A False Religion

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Throughout the Bible, in both the Old Testament and New Testament numerous Scriptures warn of false prophets, teachers, doctrines, etc. (1 Tim. 4; Ezek. 13:9; Jer. 23:16; Matt. 7:15-20; Tit. 1:6-16); therefore, yes, 12-step programs could fall under the definition of being a false religion. According to VandenBos (2015), cult is defined as “a religious or quasi-religious group characterized by unusual or atypical beliefs, seclusion from the outside world, and an authoritarian structure (p. 272). Given this definition along with comparing 12-step programs to the Bible and Christianity one can further see how AA could be viewed as a false doctrine. Moreover, “Cults tend to be highly cohesive, well organized, secretive, and hostile to nonmembers” (VandenBos, 2015, pp. 272-273) which suspiciously sounds like many AA settings, meetings, and attendees (Dodes & Dodes, 2014; Vaillant, 2005). …show more content…

When Christianity and counseling are combined the same goal remains: Spreading the true and undiluted, unaltered Word of God while providing the best therapy possible. Therefore, each Christian counselor must prepare daily for the sectarian attack of proposed ideologies that support “higher powers, spiritual awakenings, and understanding Him” (Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, 2001). “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1, NASB). Awareness of self is highly important to all counselors as well as being aware of everything else that may ensnare clients or

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