Author: Theresa Harvard Johnson

Copyright 2018 Theresa Harvard Johnson
Read Part I: The Critical Importance of Your Tribe 
Read Part II: The Authority of Your Tribe

In the Christian faith, a cult is generally defined as a group whose members are a part of a manipulative and controlling leadership that demands total trust, exclusivity, secrecy and unquestioned loyalty. Generally, the type of commitment required places the leaders of these organizations and its members above all other relationships including family.

Cults can exist in any area of society – not just in religious contexts. However, the behavior of cults often mimic religious contexts through its devotion and practices; and as such becomes a religion. As such, some groups that start off right – if not careful – can enter cult-like behavior and practices. We must be mindful of this, especially within our Christ-centered faith. Cultish assimilation “of any kind” completely contradicts the message of the Gospel, the intent of fellowship, the call for brotherhood and the lifestyle of Christ we are urged to imitate.

What separates Christ-centered tribes from ANY type of cultic groups is the central focus on Christ after the pattern of New Covenant fellowship. Tribes, from biblical patterns, focus on strong, spiritual family units, the building of spiritual maturity, encouragement in the heart of God and the building of the collective Kingdom. They are never self-serving, personality-driven or selfishly focused. Please understand: ANY TYPE OF GROUP CAN BECOME A CULT WITHOUT PROPER EQUIPPING!

Cults are detrimental! But the idea of “finding your tribe” or “connecting with your tribe” from a Christ perspective is LIFE GIVING AND COMPLETELY BIBLICAL!

Article History

Copyright 2018 Theresa Harvard Johnson
Read Part I: The Critical Importance of Your Tribe
Read Part III: When tribes become cults

Deuteronomy 1:15 says, “So I took the heads of your tribes, wise and experienced men, and appointed them heads over you, leaders of thousands and of hundreds, of fifties and of tens, and officers for your tribes.”

Don’t panic.

I am using this passage of scripture as an illustration concerning “how” the Lord sets people apart in groups, not to talk about hierarchical groupings or the specific situation taking place in this passage. There is a universal concept conveyed here that we see throughout every element of our society today: The separating of individual groups, clans or tribes for a specific work or a specific purpose.

Article History