Mormons

The Guru Maharaja Ji, who heads up the "Divine Light Mission" is regarded by his followers as "the one and only perfect Master for this age." Many of his followers regard him as "Christ come again".

I was in conversation with two of his devotees who assured me that the guru had indeed "come in the clouds with great glory" when his plane landed in Florida from India! In Matthew, chapter 24, Jesus issued these warnings concerning the last days,

"For many will come in My name, saying, "I am the Christ, " and will mislead many." (Vs. 5). "Then if any one says to you, "Behold, here is the Christ," or "There He is" do not believe him. For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect. Behold, I have told you in advance." (Vs. 23-25).

The Guru Maharaja Ji says of himself,

"God is great, but Guru is greater than God, because if you go to Guru, Guru will show you God."

The Guru also takes such titles to himself as, "Lord of the Universe", "the one and only perfect master for this age", and "the Christ".

He regards himself as the biblical fulfillment of the second coming of Christ. He sits atop a 14-foot throne and offers his "lotus feet" to his followers to kiss. His followers live in communal life-style in various locations, working at outside jobs and turning their salaries (or welfare cheques) over to their organization. They practice their own peculiar brand of meditation.

While chanting their mantras in front of the Guru's picture, devotees report hearing music, seeing light, and tasting nectar. They even report the nectar running down their throats during meditation. An investigation into this showed that most followers had post-nasal drip due to their poor diet, ordered by the Guru, and this was the mysterious "nectar"!

The Guru Maharaja Ji regularly uses Bible terms such as "the word", "baptism in the Holy Spirit", "the light", "The Kingdom of Heaven", but he has given them Hindu meanings. For example, "The Word" of John 11 referring to Jesus Christ, is altered to mean "the vibrations felt while meditating, signifying the presence of God."

Therefore, the Guru tells his followers "The Word was God" statement of John 1:1 means that while they meditate, they have the presence of God. A similar distortion is used by the Guru concerning Acts 4:12 which reads,

"And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved."

Followers are told that this "name" is the "Unspoken Word" they meditate on. The Bible, on the other hand has just clearly identified the "name" in a previous verse (verse 10) as "the name of Jesus Christ".

The Guru's followers are likewise convinced that they receive "light" when they follow the Guru. Jesus issued a warning in Luke 11:35,

"Watch out that the light in you may not be darkness". A further biblical warning states, "for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light" (2 Corinthians 11:14).

WITNESSING TO DLM DEVOTEES

After praying and binding the influence of the Guru in their lives, and then loosing them to hear the gospel of Christ, (Matthew 18:18-20), gently bring out the claims of Jesus Christ in the Scriptures, and see if the Guru matches up. Give particular attention to those dealing with the second coming. Witness about the indwelling Christ, and the peace you feel in your life in all circumstances, not just while meditating. DLM devotees believe the Bible teaches the truth, so they are generally quite willing to listen to you.

Remember, they are in need of nourishing food and rest, so if you can convince them to leave the commune for a time, all the better. Do not be contentious, but show them the love of Christ.