Updated April 20, 2004 (first published February 28, 1996) (David Cloud, Fundamental Baptist Information Service, P.O. Box 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061, 866-295-4143, fbns@wayoflife.org; for instructions about subscribing and unsubscribing or changing addresses, see the information paragraph at the end of the article) -

Many evangelical leaders deny that the Roman Catholic Church is a cult. A case in point: In two CRI Perspective sheets, Christian Research Institute President Hank Hanegraaff makes it clear that he does not believe Romanism is a cult.

What about this?

The term "cult" is a man-made one; it is thus impossible to reach an absolute definition of the same. The Christian Research Institute can argue that Roman Catholicism does not fit its definition of a cult; I can argue that it does fit mine. As the editor of a Bible encyclopedia, I suppose my definition should mean something, yet the problem is that by using a man-made term like "cult" we have settled nothing.

It is wiser to approach the subject from another direction--from the Bible. The Scriptures use terms such as "apostasy," "false teacher," "false prophet," "error," "seducer," "heretic," and "doctrines of devils" to describe impure doctrine.

The Roman Catholic Church meets every Bible criteria for heresy and apostasy, which is a turning away from and rejection of the truth. Its gospel is a false combination of grace and works and sacraments, and it is thus cursed of God (Gal. 1:8). It has exalted its own man-made traditions to the level of Holy Scripture, and thus worships God in vain (Matt. 15:1-9). Its leaders are false prophets; its dogmas are doctrines of devils; its Papacy is antichrist.

What does God say regarding such an apostate entity? Does He say we should find positive ways to see that entity, that we should look for the good? Does God say we should try to find a common ground on which we can share and discuss the gospel in love and understanding?

No, God says, "Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues"! (Rev. 18:4).

God says, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel” (2 Cor. 6:14-15).

God says, “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds” (2 John 9-11).

New-evangelical leaders will answer to God for their refusal to preach and practice Bible separation and for the multitudes who were thereby encouraged to continue in fellowship with error.