Wow! That is a very perceptive question Karen. There are really two basic criteria that I use, actually three, they are to First. Compare what someone claims over and against what the bible says. Most false teachers will twist the bible to say what it clearly does not, and then try to discourage you from checking them out in this way. Usually even a cursory view of the passages that they quote will reveal that they are taking the passage out of context, in order to build a pretext for their own teachings, which oddly enough usually involve money, miracles, or authority.
Second, Any form of psychological, or sociological manipulation. These can vary widely but are usually founded on basis of The first point. In their milder form they will show up in the form of extreme Legalism and accountability to the group in the area of personal every day matters such as dress, hair, makeup, finances and personal relationships with others. It's all about control. More extreme, are such things as mind control, which is accomplished by isolation, and depravation of food and sleep, coupled with intensive indoctrination. These techniques were made famous by such groups as the Moonies, but can be practiced by anyone. Jim Jones was supposed to be a Christian minister, he used all these and more to lead all those people to their deaths in the Jungles of South America. If you had sat and listened to him with an open bible you could have spotted him as a fraud in no time at all.
A third and very common trait found in false teachers is Sexual immorality. Joseph Smith, David Koresh, Jim Jones, Jim Baker, Jim Swaggert, the list goes on and on. (It might be wise to avoid teachers named Jim)
Basically it boils down to this. Does the message they preach, the methods they employ, and the life they lead, fall into line with what the bible describes as a life of integrity. I hope this helps a little bit at least.
Have a good day
Greg
P.S. Anybody who makes it onto Oprah is also highly suspect. :) |
