The Cult Church

Special Son Mentality

All the leaders of the cults, from Joseph Smith of the Mormons to Sun Myung Moon of the Moonies, feel that they were chosen by God to do some special task or to know some hidden meaning of Scripture, or to become some cherished savior of mankind.

In the beginning they are innocent.  They open the Bible one day and it "speaks out" to them in a way that hasn't been heard before (but cannot be confirmed by other Scriptures).  Or, on the subjective side, "God" speaks to them, telling them something remarkable.

Now, every preacher has Scripture revealed to them in order to prepare sermons and many people hear from God in one way or another.  But that is where the false prophets start straying.  They do not stay accountable to Scripture nor to other preachers in their discoveries.

Eventually, these leaders believe not only that they have a corner on truth, but believe they have special privileges that are above everyone else.  They can have more than one wife, various sexual encounters, complete control over finances, or can live in luxury while their followers struggle and sacrifice.