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Gary discusses the newest media darling, Steven Hasan, and his BITE model of determining “cult” behavior.
Authority is never neutral! Claims to authority rest upon religious presuppositions (presupposed ideas about the fundamental nature of reality). When a clash among competing authorities develops, the battle follows religious lines, because competing authorities “say” contradictory things about the fundamental nature of reality. Those who seek to overthrow existing authority structures do so in the name of morality, goodness, and right. These purveyors of the new order fight their battle with religious zeal and contrast the evil old order with the righteous new. The old order is assumed to be despotic, tyrannical, and repressive, while the new order will bring about liberty, freedom, fairness, and equality. Those rulers who “take counsel together against the Lord and against His anointed” (Psalm 2:2b) want to rid themselves of the old way. They see God’s manner of living as being shackled by “fetters” and “cords” (v. 3).
The religious and political rulers of Jesus’ day understood the religious character of authority. When Jesus in effect put religious leaders on notice that their authority was suspect, they knew the battle lines were being drawn: “By what authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this authority?” (Matthew 21:23).
Pontius Pilate, a staunch political leader, also understood the religious character of authority. Rome had established itself as the voice of the gods. Pilate, therefore, spoke on behalf of the gods, or so he thought: “Do you not know that I have authority to release You, and I have authority to crucify You?” (John 19:10) Jesus made it clear that Pilate’s appeal to authority was groundless as long as it resided in man: “You would have no authority over Me, unless it had been given you from above” (John 19:11). Pilate’s appeal to authority was hostile to the rightful authority that Jesus possessed and that God delegates to earthly institutions and rulers. The early church also understood the religious character of authority and put it into practice when Christians obeyed God rather than men (Acts 4:19; 5:29). Neutrality is not an option in the ongoing battles among authorities claiming ultimacy.
God and Government
With a fresh new look, more images, an extensive subject and scripture index, and an updated bibliography, God and Government is ready to prepare a whole new generation to take on the political and religious battles confronting Christians today. May it be used in a new awakening of Christians in America—not just to inform minds, but to stimulate action and secure a better tomorrow for our posterity.
Buy NowGary discusses the newest media darling, Steven Hasan, and his BITE model of determining “cult” behavior. Far from being useful, Hasan’s model could be used to define nearly any group as a “cult.” Businesses, clubs, schools, churches, and even families could be defined as “cults” according to Hasan’s methodology, and now even the FBI has jumped on board.