SECULAR DEFINITION
CULT – From the Latin “cultis” which denotes all that is involved in worship, ritual, emotion, liturgy and attitude. This definition actually denotes what we call denominations and sects and would make all religious movements a cult.
CHRISTIAN DEFINITION
CULT – Any group which deviates from Biblical, orthodox, historical Christianity. e.i. They deny the Deity of Christ; His physical resurrection; His personal and physical return to earth and salvation by FAITH alone.
This definition only covers those groups which are cults within the Christian religion. It does not cover cults within other world religions such as Islam and Hinduism. Nor does it cover Psychological, Commercial or Educational cults which do not recognize the Bible as a source of reality.
UNIVERSAL DEFINITION (This is the one pertinent to SCEI-1BLOOD)
CULT - Any group which has a pyramid type authoritarian leadership structure with all teaching and guidance coming from the person/persons at the top.(Kenneth Sr., Kenneth Jr., Joanne Jackson, Keoka, etc)
The group will claim to be the only way to God; Nirvana; Paradise; Ultimate Reality; Full Potential, Way to Happiness etc, and will use thought reform or mind control techniques to gain control and keep their members. Kenneth D. Jackson Sr. claims to be the only living Apostle of GOD and the head of HIS international congregation. He also claims to be the ONLY one who receives the mysteries of the Kingdom of GOD and believes that he is charged with writing the final chapters of the Book of Acts
This definition covers cults within all major world religions, along with those cults which have no OBVIOUS religious base such as commercial, educational and psychological cults. Others may define these a little differently, but this is the simplest to work from. THE ‘ORTHODOX BIBLE-BASED CULT’
A group is called a cult because of their behavior – not their doctrines. Doctrine is an issue in the area of Apologetics and Heresy. Most religious cults do teach what the Christian church would declare to be heresy but some do not. Some cults teach the basics of the Christian faith but have behavioral patterns that are abusive, controlling and cultic.
This occurs in both Non-Charismatic and Charismatic churches. These groups teach the central doctrines of the Christian faith and then add the extra authority of leadership or someone’s particular writings. They centre around the interpretations of the leadership and submissive and unquestioning acceptance of these is essential to be a member of good standing. This acceptance includes what we consider non-essential doctrines e.i. not salvation issues (such as the Person and Work of Christ.) The key is that they will be using mind control or undue influence on their members.
An excellent book on this subject is “Churches that Abuse” by Dr Ronald Enroth.
Using these guidelines of definition, Bible-based, Psychological, Educational and Commercial aberrations can easily be identified.
OTHER IDENTIFICATION MARKS
(a) The group will have an ELITIST view of itself in relation to others, and a UNIQUE CAUSE. e.i. THEY ARE THE ONLY ONES RIGHT - everyone else is wrong. THEY ARE THE ONLY ONES DOING GOD’S WILL - everyone else is in apostasy. Kenneth D. Jackson Sr.. claims that HIS Church, Sovereign Church of ’ELOHIYM International is the end time Church of Laodecia, and the only group currently in the world that is receiving up to date prophetic visions and divine interpretations of the Scriptures as written and defined by Kenneth D. Jackson Sr. himself.
(b) They will promote their cause actively, and in doing so, abuse God-given personal rights and freedoms. This abuse can be THEOLOGICAL, SPIRITUAL, SOCIAL & PSYCHOLOGICAL. 1BLOOD International was founded for the purpose of acting as the Work of the Church and the outreach ministry of Sovereign Church of ‘ELOHIYM. This organization poses as an NGO and uses wealthy members finances to secure lands and compounds, control food production, buy out local industries for 1BLOOD International profit, and takes credit for the labor and work of 3rd world natives in order to promote its world view. It uses the control of food to force service of natives and even Western congregations, compelling them to become baptized at which point they must undergo radical changes in order to submit to the administration of the church and its leaders, to fanatically protect the administration as well as using “counseling” sessions within family members to create discord and conflicts between families, social groups and cliques. Members are required to cut ties with families and friends outside of the church, ostracize neighbors and work associates and devote themselves to servitude to the ministry.
HOW THEY DO THIS
Their leader/s may claim a special, exclusive ministry, revelation or position of authority given by God. Kenneth D. Jackson Sr. claims to be the head of the One True Church of GOD, and the single Apostle of Christ with divine access to GOD and HIS divine interpretations of scriptures and doctrines.
They believe they are the only true church and take a critical stance regarding the Christian church while at the same time praising and exalting their own group, leader/s and work. Again, Sovereign Church of ‘ELOHIYM International claims to be the One True Church of GOD and the spiritual headquarters of GODs True and Faithful Elect. Kenneth D. Jackson Sr. praises his group and encourages them to adopt the viewpoint of being special. He teaches that the Christian Churches are either the Babylonian Mystery Religion or the scattered daughters of Christs True Church, but void of divine guidance and up to date understanding of the scriptures.
They use intimidation or psychological manipulation to keep members loyal to their ranks. This could be in the form of threats of dire calamity sent by God if they leave; certain death at Armageddon; being shunned by their family and friends etc. This is a vital part of the mind control process.This is central to SCEI-1BLOOD International mind control. Kenneth D. Jackson Sr. and Smoke Jackson use Sabbath services and counseling sessions to repeatedly warn members that any questioning of Kenneth D. Jackson Sr.’s doctrines are Satanically inspired and that any slip ups, including mental questioning of doctrines result in the “shield of protection” being lifted from the members leaving them open to physical attacks by Satan and eventually death. They also use threat of divine consequences to enforce group adherence to herbal and homeopathic medicines and experimental drugs, as well as to threaten them against revealing any of the teachings of the church to outsiders. Threats include physical illness, exposure to criminal acts, indwelling and torment by Satan and his demons, loss of financial stability and death. Offenses are punished through group shunning, suspensions and expulsions during which the victim is treated to shame and humiliation by the group.
Members will be expected to give substantial financial support to the group. This could be compulsory tithing (which is checked); signing over all their property on entering the group; coercive methods of instilling guilt on those who have not contributed; selling magazines, flowers or other goods for the group as part of their “ministry”. The Sovereign Church of ‘ELOHIYM International demands that three tithes be given in addition to offerings. A first tithe of ten percent, a second tithe of ten percent and a third tithe of ten percent. In addition to this 30 percent, its loyal members are also encouraged and expected to tithe of there time through free labor and service to the church, offerings during Holy Days and special events and other freewill offerings.
At the same time bible-based cults may ridicule churches that take up free-will offerings by passing collection plates and/or sell literature and tapes. They usually brag that they don’t do this. This gives outsiders the intimation that they are not interested in money. This is a perfect definition of Sovereign Church of ‘ELOHIYM International. During each offering day, one of the cult speakers read a speech that says “You will notice that we do not pass around offering plates for the purpose of collecting tithes” and then goes on to explain why you should still give money since its a high holy day. You are then required to make your offering only if it is in an envelope with your name and the date printed on it so that the administration can monitor who is and isn’t giving (and for the purpose of providing tax-writeoffs)
There will be great emphasis on loyalty to the group and its teachings. The lives of members will be totally absorbed into the group’s activities. They will have little or no time to think for themselves because of physical and emotional exhaustion. This is also a vital part of the mind control process.Each group gathering is an endless repetition of the importance of adherence to SCEI-1BLOOD International doctrines and policies, Sabbath observances and spiritual enlightenment programs. They continuously place out calls to the group for physical labor and service to the administration and its compound, while promoting guilt trips to those who do not give or serve enough by saying cryptic things like “you know who you are” and “to whom much is given much shall be required.” Loyal members eventually give up their jobs and financial security to live and work on the compound full time.
There will be total control over almost all aspects of the private lives of members. This control can be direct through communal living, or constant and repetitious teaching on “how to be a true Christian” or “being obedient to leadership”. Members will look to their leaders for guidance in everything they do. Members are instilled with paralyzing fear of mistepping or disrespecting administration. They are counseled on every aspect of there lives from diet and exercise which family members should be associated with, which social groups members can associate with, what jobs they should have, what car is best to drive, which color clothing is best to wear, and even words that can and cant be used. As a result members regularly wait weeks for counseling on even mundane daily decisions that should require no great though or concern.
Bible-based cults may proclaim they have no clergy/laity distinction and no paid ministry class – that they are all equal. This is not true of SCEI-1BLOOD International. Kenneth D. Jackson Sr. makes a constant distinction between himself and his inferiors, and encourages the group to look towards church administration as the literal mouthpieces of GOD Himself. Although he does claim to be a “reluctant hero” “sacrificing his time and efforts in dirtholes around the world for the benefit of his ’children’” all while treating himself to limo rides, first class plane tickets, private security teams, hotel suites, shopping binges and first class catering including everything from foot rubs and back massages from members wives to having his toenails cleaned.
Any dissent or questioning of the group’s teachings is discouraged. Criticism in any form is seen as rebellion. There will be an emphasis on authority, unquestioning obedience and submission. This is vigilantly maintained. SCEI-1BLOOD International is fanatical about its teachings and requires absolute submission and obedience to Church Doctrines. members are expected to view Kenneth D. Jackson Sr. as GODs own mouthpiece on earth and to submit to his teachings and instructions without question or contradiction. To question a teaching or doctrine requires immediate correction from the administration through rebuke or shunning including suspension or expulsion. Kenneth D. Jackson Sr.and Smoke Jackson Jr. are both experts of humiliation and causing members to feel overwhelming guilt and shame for their mistakes.
Members are required to demonstrate their loyalty to the group in some way. This could be in the form of “dobbing” on fellow members (including family) under the guise of looking out for “spiritual welfare”. SCEI-1BLOOD International Members are told that iron sharpens iron and also that they are their brothers keepers. Members are encouraged to bring concerns regarding other members and their actions to administration in confidentiality, as well as to partake in certain rituals, meetings and extracurricular activities. members are also required to demonstrate obedience through following any and all directives given by administration.
They may be required to deliberately lie (heavenly deception/theocratic strategy) or give up their lives by refusing some form of medical treatment. Members are regularly told that deception is not inherently evil if it is for the greater good, pointing to things like the parables of Christ which they use as a foundation for deliberately saying one thing while meaning another. Medical establishments such as hospitals are regularly called “places of death” and the “snake on a stick” by administration, which tells its members that modern medicine and FDA approved drugs are a government conspiracy to depopulate the world through disease management instead of elimination and that it is the mandate of the US medical system at large to ultimately kill patients through drugs and surgery. Members are told that GOD heals and that adherence to Sovereign Church of ‘ELOHIYM International Principles result in divine healing and the maintenance of health and that Kenneth D. Jackson Sr.’s natural medicines and healing methods are superior to Western medicine. However, the churches most dedicated members regularly fall ill and the amount of sickness within the upper echelons of the church are disproportionate to the world at large. Smoke Jackson is constantly sick with severe life threatening conditions, and is currently suffering from a bleeding liver as a result of alcoholism and poor diet, Kenneth D. Jackson Sr. is suffering from obesity and heart conditions and his daughter Keoka Jackson has been suffering for years from major internal injuries, blood clots and currently problems with her eyes. One of their most loyal servants recently had a stroke, another found she had bone cancer in her leg after being told by Pastor Smoke Jackson for over a year that it was merely a problem with her posture would be corrected by changing the way she stood, I personally became incredibly obese and began suffering from aural migraines, and the list goes on. Once I left the church, my health became balanced, I returned to a normal size and I am no longer unable to fit in my bathtub.
Attempts to leave or reveal embarrassing facts about the group may be met with threats. Some may have taken oaths of loyalty that involve their lives or have signed a “covenant” and feel threatened by this. Sovereign Church of ‘ELOHIYM International members are told that to leave the church will result in the departure of Holy Spirit, death and eventually damnation in the lake of fire. Some previous members still are traumatized by this, although the majority quickly learned that no shields of protection were lifted, that Holy Spirit was still there and had been prior to baptism in the church and that health actually improves drastically once the church health program has been abandoned for more sensible dietary practices such as balanced meals, avoidance of trash foods and intake of healthy vitamins and minerals. Refugees of the group are usually faced with confrontations by other members with coercion to get them to return to the group.This does not occur with SCEI-1BLOOD International to my knowledge. My meetings with previous members have revealed no further enticement by the group. It is our general opinion that admin feels a little bit stupid and shamed to make eye contact with those who have identified them for who they really are. They are content to focus on maintaining the group focus and indoctrinating new members.
SOME ABUSES OF RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS:
1. ABUSE OF INDIVIDUALITY They adopt a “groupness” mentality. They are not permitted to think for themselves apart from the group and only accept what they are told. True of SCEI-1BLOOD International
2. ABUSE OF INTIMACY Relationships with friends, relatives, spouses, children, parents etc are broken or seriously hampered. True of SCEI-1BLOOD International. This is central to SCEI-1BLOOD’s strategy of control. They counsel couples with contradicting stories to create suspicion in otherwise normal healthy relationships. For example, one survival couple realized that they were both being told that they should divorce there spouses for other reasons, and that due to the church policy of “protected communication” (never revealing what is revealed in counseling) and it was not until they opened communication between each other and revealed what they were being told that they discovered that they were both being lied to for the purpose of causing divorce. This serves multiple purposes. For one, Kenneth D. Jackson Sr. and Pastor Smoke Jackson covet absolute loyalty and submission, which is usurped in a marriage relationship, there are only a few exceptions where marriage is promoted when both members have proven absolute loyalty to the church regardless of the marriage. Additionally, Smoke Jackson has been caught by former members in sexual relations with female members. AP recently announced the addition of his new “daughter” in Africa even though his wife lives in Macon and hasn’t been in Africa. Around 90% of the group is composed of divorced members who were married at the time they came to the church.
3. ABUSE OF FINANCES Pressure to give all you can to the group. In non-communal groups, members usually live at the lower socio-economic strata, not because of a lower income level, but because they are always giving money to the group for some reason. True to SCEI-1BLOOD International. With at least 30% of income going to the church and 30% going to taxes only the wealthiest members can afford to live in relative affluence. Virtually all of the members live in trailer homes.
4. “US VERSUS THEM” MENTALITY Isolation from the community in general. Anyone and everything outside the group is seen as “of the devil” or “unenlightened” etc. Their enemies now include former friends; the Christian church; governments; education systems; the media – the world in general. Those who are involved with these in any way see such involvement as a “means to an end”. True of SCEI-1BLOOD
5. ABUSE OF TIME AND ENERGY The group controls and uses almost all the members time and energy in group activities. They are usually in a constant state of mental and physical exhaustion.True of SCEI-1BLOOD International whenever they can get members to commit time. This is a constant struggle as many members still desire to have some level of freedom outside of the church which keeps administration constantly devising new strategies to guilt trip them or make them serve.
6. ABUSE OF FREE WILL They must unquestioning submit to the groups teachings and directions and their own free will is broken. Their “will” actually becomes the groups “will” without their realizing it. This is done either by coercive methods including low protein diets and lack of sleep, or over a period of time through intimidation. Both methods make heavy use of “guilt”. True of SCEI-1BLOOD International
RESULTS OF THIS ABUSE
The following are ALL true of virtually all members. I will not expound on them as they are all perfectly stated and apply to SCEI-1BLOOD International members without further explanation.
PERSONALITY CHANGES
Relatives will say they no longer recognize the person. From a warm, loving personality will come heaped abuse, rejection and feelings of hate. The cult member sees himself as “righteous” in comparison and this comes across in their attitude toward all outsiders.
LOSS OF IDENTITY
They cannot see themselves as individuals apart from the group. Some even change their name as a rejection of their former life.
PARANOID – WE ARE BEING PERSECUTED
Any time you say anything negative about the group, whether justified or no, it is regarded as “persecution”. Any criticism of the individual is also seen as persecution only because they are the “true Christian” or “enlightened” one – not because they, as an individual, have done the wrong thing. However, at the same time they will feel free to criticise whatever you believe, say and do because they are “the only ones who are right”.
SOCIAL DISORIENTATION
They lose their ability to socialize outside the group. This can go so far as to not being able to structure their time or make simple decisions for themselves when they leave. Their world-view alters and they perceive the world through their leaders eyes. They become very naive about life in general.
SEVERE GUILT COMPLEXES
They are made to feel guilty of everything they did before entering the group and are to strive to be “good” and “worthy” for “eternal life”. Misdemeanors are made into “mountains” so that members are in a constant state of guilt for infringing even the most minor rules. Guilt comes because they aren’t doing enough; entertaining doubts or questions; even thinking rationally for oneself. This guilt is piled upon pile with new rules constantly being laid down about what is sinful and what is not. Illness may be seen as lack of faith – more guilt. Emotional illness may be seen as proof of sin in your life – more guilt.
SUMMARY
Not all these points will be found in every cult, but all cults will have some if not most of them, although these may vary to some degree.
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