DISTINGUISHING BIBLICAL CHRISTIAN DOCTRINES FROM FABRICATED INTERPRETATIONS: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF BIBLICAL UNDERSTANDING

Abstract

The aim of this study was to distinguish biblical doctrines from fabricated interpretations. A doctrine may be considered cultic if an institution, group or individual “…develops a theological or doctrinal interpretation that touches minimally on the proper biblical emphasis and lives for the most part outside of that circle” (Breese, 1986). The author offers this work not as an analysis of Christian cultic doctrines but as a pointer to how some Christian movements, groups or individuals develop cultic doctrines or heresies. It is the author’s abiding hope that readers will recognise falsehood and avoid being trapped. The spiritual danger arising from the teachings of false prophets calls for believers to strive for the right doctrines so that one can differentiate between truth and falsehood. The study concludes that some Christians unknowingly embrace Christian cult doctrines because the spiritual leaders who have been entrusted with the responsibility of teaching and preaching sound doctrines have failed to carefully and seriously provide supportive fellowship, true exposition of the word and raise awareness on cults and cultic teachings.