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S04E01 American Cults 101:What is a Cult?
Season 4 Episode 1
Summary
Season 4 launches with a field guide to American cults: where they came from, how they function, and what sets them apart from orthodox Christianity. We lay out our two-episode rhythm for each movement (history + doctrine) and explain why this isn’t just academic—these are the folks knocking on your door and sitting in your break room.
Highlights
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Walter Martin’s working definition of a cult
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The 1830–1890 surge in the Northeast and the “Burned-Over District”
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First vs. Second Great Awakening—and how Finney’s “new measures” influenced later errors
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Doctrinal markers: denial of the Trinity, diminished view of Christ, extra-biblical revelation
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Sociological markers: authoritarian leadership, information control, us-vs-them identity, behavioral rules, shunning, apocalyptic urgency
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Works/loyalty systems vs. the gospel of grace
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The real cost of leaving—and how Christians can care well
Connect
- Website & Blog: www.chorusinthechaos.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chorusinthec...
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chorus_in_the_chaos/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Chorusnthechaos
- Intro/Outro Music (by our good friend Nick Illes): https://open.spotify.com/artist/7tnsQ...
- Email: chorusinthechaos@email.com
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Published on 8 hours ago