The Great American Cult Factory (Lesson #11 – Kabbala) introduction

The Great American Cult Factory

(Lesson #11 – Kabbala)
INTRODUCTION: Kabbala (in various forms) has been around for at least 2000 years. It is broadly categorized as Jewish Theosophy or Merkava Mysticism and originated in Palestine in the first century AD. Kabbala has cultic elements taken from both Eastern and Western thought. It believes that all religions contain at least some truth and that none contain the complete revelation of God. Until the 12^th Century, Kabbala was passed on individually and orally … that’s when several different kabbalistic schools decided to codify their particular views in order to reach a larger audience. Kabbala, long in decline, has recently revived due to cash infusions from and the involvement of celebrities like Madonna, Demi Mooore and Ashton Kutcher; but long before that, Lurianic Kabbala formed the theological basis of Free Masonry. New Age adherents have also taken great interest in Kabbala, because it encourages spiritual experimentation and emphasizes individual spiritual growth. It is also viewed as counter cultural and therefore fashionable.
Key Scriptural References: Exodus 20:4-6, 22:18; Leviticus 19:4, 26, 31; 26:1; Deuteronomy 4:15-19; 1 Samuel 28:1-9; Matthew 12:30, 18:1-6; John 8:12, 12:46, 14:13-14, 15:16, 16:23-24; Acts 19:19, 2 Corinthians 6:14-18; Colossians 1:12-14; Ephesians 5:8 ; Titus 3:5
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25
1. What does the term “Kabbala” actually mean?

2. What does the study of Kabbala entail?

3. According to Kabbalists, “What are the dangers of indiscriminately using kabbalistic tools?”

4. Describe the nature of God and the nature of man according to Kabbala?

5. According to these same experts, “How did God create the universe?”

6. What sacred texts besides the Torah do Kabbalists rely on?

7. Who are Lillith and Samael, and why are they important to Kabbalists?

8. Who is Jesus according to these same teachers? (Matthew 12:30; John 14:13-14; 15:16; 16:23-24)

9. How do Kabbalists believe we get to heaven? (Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5)

10. Why does Kabbala appeal to those involved in the occult?

11. Is it possible to be a Christian and a Kabbalist?

12. How does a Christian recognize and evangelize someone caught up in this very secretive cult?

13. Have you ever led a Kabbalist to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ? If so, please relate your experience to the class: