The general characteristics of the cults may be set in summary form as follows:-

1.  Exaggerating one part of Christian faith at the expense of other parts. Eg Christian Science and its emphasis on healing.
2.  Over-emphasising the Old Testament at the expense of the New Testament. Eg Jehovah’s Witnesses, Christadelphians, Mormons and Seventh Day Adventists.
3.  Seeking for greater assurance in the religious life than Christ actually offers.  Eg Spiritism, with its attempt to get proof of life after death.
4.  Spiritual pride which declares that all who do not belong to the sect are ‘beyond the pale’.
5.  Tendency to use God as a means to an end.  Eg Christian Science and healing.
6.  Concentration on ‘glory for me’ and an opting out of family and social responsibilities.
7.  Distortion of the Biblical doctrine of Christ.

(Stephen Travis, The Jesus Hope; Horton Davies, Christian Deviations)