Bible 9
Cult Project
Mr. Macky
RESEARCH
(Due Fri, May 11)
Resources: 1) So What’s the Difference, 2) Cult website, 3) other (not Wikipedia)
Part I: Founding Circumstances
A.
Summarize the historical circumstances that surrounded the founding of the cult
1. When, Where, and How was it founded (what actually happened to start the
cult)
2. Who founded it – why this person (motivation, upbringing, etc.)
3. Why did people join the movement in the beginning; what attracted people
and why was it attractive
B.
Group critique of the founding – what do you think about how and why the cult
was founded? How does it make you feel? Why?
C.
Christian Perspective: How is the founding of Christianity different than the
founding of this cult? What is different about Jesus and their founder? How does
the founding of Christianity boost your faith? Why is this important for our faith?
Part II: Core Beliefs and Teachings
A.
Summarize what the cult believes and why – What teachings lay the foundation
for the identity of the cult? Consider beliefs such as:
1. What is believed about the founder regarding spiritual authority? About the
“God-ordained” authority current leadership?
2. What do they believe about revelation from God—that is, how God speaks to
them and through them—in the leadership of the cult?
3. What do they believe about other religions and people who disagree with
them?
4. What is salvation (that is, what is the ultimate goal of their spiritual lives) and
how do people achieve that goal? What about death and the afterlife?
5. What are the main sacred text(s), who wrote them, how were they written, and
why do they believe these are sacred?
6. What do they believe about Jesus?
B.
Group Critique: What is it about the teachings that made/make it attractive to
people? In other words, why do you think people believe these things? What
does this tell us about how we can reach people with the Gospel of Grace?
C.
Christian Perspective: How do these main teachings contrast with Christianity,
especially regarding Jesus, salvation/eternal life, and the Bible?
Part III: Key Practices
A.
Summarize the main practices that members are expected to live by
1. How do you join or become a member? How do you leave?
2. What do members do on a weekly basis to show their commitment (e.g.
church for Christians)? Describe this practice.
Bible 9
Cult Project
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mr. Macky
What is expected of members regarding service, missions, and evangelism?
What does the cult expect regarding members’ money?
What does the cult expect regarding marriage and family?
What is expected of members regarding morality, holiness?
B.
Group Critique: What do you think of these practices? Why do you think people
follow these practices? Are they healthy? Why or why not?
C.
Christian Perspective: How is Christian practice different or similar to these?
What’s the difference between why cult members practice their religion and why
Christians practice their religion? Can we learn anything about the spirituality of
people or the Gospel of Grace from these practices?
PRESENTATION GUIDELINES
1. Research (Part A): Due on Friday, May 11th – each group will turn in complete research for
40% of the grade – including at least three sources and completed questions from all three
sections listed above.
2. Presentation:
a. Present the three parts of research
1. Founding – summary, group critique, Christian perspective
2. Beliefs – summary, group critique, Christian perspective
3. Practices – summary, group critique, Christian perspective

Audio/Visual – PowerPoint, pictures, video (from website), posters, drawings,
and/or show-and-tell items must be included in the presentation for full credit
b. Questions from the class
3. The students will be graded on:
a. Research: Thoroughness (at least 3 sources, all questions answered)  40%
b. Presentation: Clarity, Quality, Thoroughness (20 mins & A/V), and Questions
answered  40%
c. Contribution: Students will determine the level of contribution of each member of the
group in the research, preparation, and presentation phases  20%
CALENDAR of CULT Presentations
Fri, May 11  Turn in research (Part A) and discuss in groups (Parts B & C)
Mon, May 14  In-class final preparation in groups
Tues, May 15  Scientology & Christian Science
Wed, May 16  Jehovah’s Witnesses & The International Churches of Christ
Thu, May 17  Unification Church (Moonies)
Bible 9
Cult Project
Mr. Macky
Groups:
1. Scientology  Tues, May 15
Caleb
Aaron
Emily
Hanna
Luke
Riley
2. Christian Science  Tues, May 15
Sedar
Abby
Charles
Eli
Justin
Emily
3. Jehovah’s Witnesses  Wed, May 16
Nic
Georgina
Patrick
Jun
Emma
Hannah
4. The International Churches of Christ (Formerly, Boston Church of Christ)  Wed, May 16
Nate
Rosa
Michaela
Christian
5. Unification Church (Moonies)  Thu, May 17
John
Michael
Alexa
Bethany
Daniel (Wednesday)
Felix (Wednesday)