And thank you for the above link! I do not recall surfing there before, but I did follow through and found an even more exhaustive and current website for gathering information on obscure and/or bizarre belief systems. The information is alphabetized and color coded for easy research. Fascinating website … a database with current events for research on cults and anti-cults and anti-anti-cults.
Lurkers may find their biography of J. Gordon Melton quite illuminating. He is the founder of the Institute for the Study of American Religion whose site you linked above. He also is a founder of CESNUR and runs the U.S. operation. Strangely, he also runs the U.S. chapter of The Transylvania Society of Dracula I also found it quite interesting that he filed an amicus curiae to the court on behalf of the Church of Scientology; it is referenced in this declaration by Jeffrey Hadden.
Food for thought…
I did not know or judge the status of your salvation ( as you do not know mine). I have no clue as I have never heard you proclaim or deny the gospel
The measure I use is that of scripture "saved by faith in Jesus Christ "and His propitiation for our sins.
The Bible is clear that there is no salvation out side Faith in Jesus Christ , God incarnate crucified , died and buried , risen on the third day
I do believe that Pastor xzins would agree with me on that , as it is in the creed of every church that is Christian in creed.
I also suspect that Pastor xzins would agree that seeing a nice personality or a helpful hand or gifts are not necessarily fruit that is a result of our salvation .
I did lots of good works before I was saved, but I was lost on my ways to hell, until God in His gracious love saved me..in spite of myself.
The problem I see with a totally "non judgmental "approach to other gospels or the spiritual state and need of others is there is no need or zeal to give the gospel ..why bother??? We are to go and tell , that always requires a judgment on who to go to :>)
I also have used your link several times. I will not link it now but "Watchman Fellowship" I think their presentation of individual cults and sects is clearer
Why do I think you're a Christian? Mostly because of your behavior. Also, of course, because I've read posts where you declare that your trust abides in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Finally, encouraging is listed as a gift of the Spirit.
Romans 12: 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his[2] faith. 7If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.