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Showing posts with the label 9 Marks of a Calvinist Cult series

The 9 Marks of a Calvinist Cult (tiny version)

- February 13, 2024

Here is the teeniest-tiniest version of my "9 Marks of a Calvinist Cult" post, the bare bones. (For the shortened version, click here . And h ere are links to the individual long chapters: #1 deception ... #2 hidden agendas ... #3 multiple layers ... #4 strategic tactics ... #5 isolation/control ... #6 fear/coercion ... #7 mind-control/thought-reform ... #8 gaslighting ... #9 authoritarian narcissists ... conclusion and links ) A Psychology Today article - Understanding Cults: The Basics - shares some characteristics of cults and how they operate (I've condensed some of them here to three main points): 1. No one knowingly, voluntarily joins a cult, but they are "recruited" into it by cult leaders who take advantage of the vulnerabilities of the recruits, using deception and manipulation to suck them in. 2. ...

This is a blog mainly about faith, prayer, Biblical truth, and the spiritual journey. With a little fun, controversy, and sizzle thrown in now and then. (FYI: When I refer to the "concordance," it's Strong's concordance with Vine's Expository Dictionary.)

If you want short, simple, light-hearted pat-answers about faith, you've come to the wrong blog. I don't do short and simple. (But I enjoy blogs that do.) And I don't like pat answers and Christian platitudes. My posts are long. They get deep and messy and uncomfortable, right down to the nitty-gritty of faith. This is where I wrestle with God, with the hard things of faith.

"Lord, don't let me be a fakey, polished, 'just be good' Christian who stuffs the hard stuff and smiles through the pain and teaches others to do the same. Teach me to wrestle well. To learn from the struggle. To fiercely grab onto Your sustaining grace and to share it with others. Amen"

(If you want to get to know me better, click here for some completely random, pointless facts about me. And click here if you want to know what I look like.)

Some Important Posts:

"Help for Anxiety, Depression, and Suicidal Thoughts." There are far too many headlines lately about people who committed suicide. Please, if you are struggling, check out some of the resources in this post. There is hope and help out there! You are not alone. And you're going to be okay!

"Starting You Own Relationship With Jesus (And Why We Need Him!)" The most important truths you'll ever learn!

"Becoming a Christian" (with links to two "sinner's prayers" you can pray)

"War Rooms, Praying Scripture, and Spiritual Warfare" So important for Christians! We all need to take this seriously!

"My 'When Anxiety Strikes' Playlist" Because we all need some encouragement now and then!

"Links To Anti-Calvinism Posts" - Because I strongly believe Calvinism is an epidemic and that it's not Scriptural!

And here are some pastors I recommend (non-Calvinists): Tony Evans (my all-time favorite, from Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, click here for his YouTube channel), Greg Laurie, Ralph "Yankee" Arnold (I haven't watched him but my husband recommends his videos against Calvinism), Billy Graham, and Andy Woods (whom I've never watched but a friend highly recommends him because he preaches against Calvinism).