What Important Differences Distinguish CCC from Sects and Cults?

Religious and governmental leaders in Europe have strongly attacked sects in recent years, rightly alerting the general public to the dangers of illegal activities of a host of new religious groups. While no universally recognized definition exists of a sect or cult, the following characteristics are often discernable. 

CULTS ESPOUSE RADICAL NEW RELIGIOUS BELIEFS AND PRACTICES. 

□ In contrast, CCC's doctrinal position is the orthodox Christianity taught by the early Christian church. We do not seek to be "creative" in what we teach and practice; we do aim to be sincere, fresh and relevant in teaching and practicing old truth.  

CULTS FOLLOW A RADICAL LEADER WHO OFTEN DOMINATES HIS FOLLOWERS. Cult leaders are autocratic, father figures or absolute dictators who make life-changing decisions for their followers without the free consent of the cult's members. 

□ Members of CCC, on the other hand, while agreeing to abide by to the church’s constitution, are ultimately accountable to God alone and choose to submit themselves to God's authority as expressed in the Scriptures as interpreted in a normal, straight-forward manner. Furthermore, the church membership as a body has the final voice in the selection of its leaders. 

CULTS OPERATE DISHONESTLY. Some hide their true purpose (sometimes commercial fraud) under a mask of religious activity. Others recruit new members by questionable or clearly dishonest methods. 

□ CCC's purposes, beliefs and values are set out publicly in its documents (the Bible, doctrinal statement, constitution, policies, and this handbook). CCC is committed to practicing biblical standards of integrity, openness and purity in all aspects of its ministry. Members are encouraged to speak with other people about their convictions, but CCC hopes that inquirers will be won as God’s Spirit uses His Word, proclaimed through open, respectful conversation about spiritual matters. There must be no place for hidden agendas. CCC is committed never to use coercive or manipulative methods in teaching and leadership training. We never use sleep loss, food restrictions or vows of abstinence, chastity or poverty to manipulate recruits or members. 

CULTS CONTRIBUTE TO THE BREAKDOWN OF FAMILIES. Many require their members to cut off all contact with their former life, friends and family members. 

□ CCC members are encouraged to maintain contact with their former friends and family members because born-again Christians attract others to faith in Christ through their giving, loving spirit, even when this means personal sacrifice and being misunderstood. Believers are also encouraged to strengthen their marriages, even if their partner is not a Christian (1 Corinthians 7.12-14; 1 Peter 3.1ff). Since they are "in the world, but not of the world" (John 17.11,14), their distinctive beliefs and lifestyle have often cut against the grain of society. CCC members should live pure and distinctive lives, but they must not isolate themselves from the rest of the world. 

CULTS DO NOT ALLOW THEIR MEMBERS TO LEAVE THE GROUP. 

□ In contrast to this, members of CCC may leave at any time. They submit themselves to local church discipline when they become members, so that the church may apply a process of correction in order to restore a member who violates clear Scriptural commands. This process is spelled out in the church's constitution.