KNOW THE MARKS OF CULTS the 12 Basic errors of False Religion

by David Breese

12 basic errors false religion

Genres: Christian, Christian Living

Paperback

First published May 25, 1975

Reviews

[Ryan Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

First written in 1980. I honestly would recommend this book to Christians and non Christians alike. While this book is heavy on Christianity (much of the referenced bible is from the King James Version), there are some deceptive principles that I think need to analyzed by both. This being said, nearly 40 years later, these “marks of a cult” can be visibly seen in “churches” claiming to be “Christian”. If you do read this (as a christ follower like I am), be painstakingly critical of the church or place of worship that you attend. See where these marks have made their way in. If you are Christian, you should not be surprised of the how much the world hates Christians - not for the reason of Christianity but for the reasons of acting cultish. If you are of another religion or way thinking, I encourage you to look at this book as a warning. So many innocent minds looking to “belong” find themselves engrossed and entangled with cults. Don’t be deceived.

[Darren Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Breese's Know the Marks of Cults: The 12 Basic Errors of False Religion offers a thorough and biblically grounded exploration of cult dynamics, presenting clear markers to help readers identify and guard against such groups. Published in the 1970s, the book continues to hold relevance today, especially in a world where cult-like behaviors and teachings persist across religious and secular spheres. Breese’s work is an accessible primer for those seeking to discern theological error and protect their spiritual well-being.

Having previously experienced life in a high-control religious group—the Independent Fundamentalist Baptist Church (IFB)—I approached this book with both personal interest and a critical eye. My own journey out of a legalistic and hyper-controlling environment has shaped my understanding of what constitutes a cult, as well as the traits that set them apart from healthy faith communities. These experiences, coupled with prior readings such as I Fired God: My Life Inside—and Escape from—the Secret World of the Independent Fundamental Baptist Cult by Jocelyn R. Zichterman, provide a lens through which I engaged with Breese's text.

One of the book’s standout qualities is Breese’s adept use of scripture to substantiate his claims. His reliance on biblical evidence lends his arguments authority and reinforces his central premise that the marks of cults are deviations from core Christian truths. The accessible writing style further enhances the book’s appeal. Breese’s straightforward approach ensures that his insights are digestible for readers from a variety of backgrounds, making it an excellent resource for both laypersons and leaders in the church who wish to explore the topic.

The practical nature of the book is another strong point. Breese provides concrete examples of cult characteristics, equipping readers with tools to identify red flags. These include authoritarian leadership, the denial of key Christian doctrines, and an emphasis on exclusivity. His clear categorization of these traits is invaluable for those navigating complex spiritual landscapes. Despite being written decades ago, the warnings Breese issues remain pertinent, highlighting the enduring challenge of spiritual deception.

However, the book is not without its limitations. Breese’s examples of cults often focus on groups that are broadly recognized as outside traditional Christianity, such as Mormonism and Seventh-day Adventism. While these examples are useful, they leave unaddressed the troubling dynamics that can exist within denominations often considered mainstream, such as Baptist or Catholic traditions. For readers like myself, who have witnessed cult-like tendencies within ostensibly orthodox settings, this omission is significant. It would have been beneficial for Breese to acknowledge that cultic behavior is not confined to groups on the fringes but can also manifest within established denominations. Further, while Breese highlights several key markers of cults, some of his selected traits appear less significant compared to others he could have addressed. For example, greater emphasis might have been placed on systemic control over personal lives, financial exploitation, and psychological manipulation—issues that, in my experience, represent some of the most damaging aspects of cult involvement and warrant deeper analysis.

David Breese’s clear articulation of biblical truths and his accessible writing style make the book a worthwhile read. While it could benefit from a broader scope of examples and a more nuanced exploration of certain markers, its central message continues to resonate. For those seeking to discern truth from error in a world rife with spiritual deception, this book offers much needed guidance.

[Mike French · Rating 5 out of 5]

With so many cults in the world it’s impossible to study all of them to avoid being involved in a cult. Dr. David Breese does a great job pointing out where groups go wrong (off the rails) when they violate basic biblical truths and becoming cults. By understand the violations (marks) of cults, you can understand and avoid them. I think everyone should read this book and it should be required reading.

[Kenzie Celestina · Rating 1 out of 5]

If I had known the genre, I would not have read this book. I thought it was going to talk about general characteristics of cults, like increasing group codependency as a means to strengthen the group, etcetera. This book is about Evangelical Christianity and uses Bible quotes to substantiate its claims. Like most institutionalized religions, it fails to acknowledge its own similarities to that of a cult.

[Lanzo Naga]

It will be good I Know and I want to know