Encyclopedia of Cults and New Religions: Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormonism, Mind Sciences, Baha'i, Zen, Unitarianism

by John Ankerberg and John Weldon

Book Overview

Backed by careful research and adherence to biblical principles, The Encyclopedia of Cults and New Religions gives readers a comprehensive overview of 60 religious movements, both eastern and western,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0736900748
• ISBN13: 9780736900744
• Release Date: January 1999
• Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
• Length: 731 Pages
• Weight: 0.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.6" x 6.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Fabulous!

This is an excellent book for anyone who wishes to know the truth about cults and false religion. Well-researched and well-written, the authors let the founders of the various cults speak for themselves, carefully documenting each quote in copious end notes. Each group's view of the basic doctrines of Christianity are outlined, showing their astonishing similarity in rejecting the deity of Christ and pushing salvation by works. Best of all, the Doctrinal Appendix gives the biblical references for each Christian doctrine. Especially helpful is the table of proofs that Jesus is God with dozens of Old and New Testament references. Other reviews of this book should be read with care. When the light of Truth shines forth, darkness is made uncomfortable.

Good Reference on Different Types of Religious Groups

In my humble opinion, Ankerberg and Weldon have written a good reference on many religious groups, from Armstrongism to Zen and several groups in between. Indeed, many groups I have never heard of are included. For some groups, nothing more than a couple of sections entitled "Info At a Glance" (name, purpose, attitude toward Christianity, quotes from leaders) and Doctrinal Summary (view of God and Jesus, salvation, death, the Bible, Heaven and Hell). Other groups such as the Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, Baha'i, Masonic Lodge, Unitarianism, Unification Church, The Way International, and Zen, have more detailed information.As an evangelical Christian, I do not have a problem with the book's approach (contrary to several previous reviewers) - after all, since Jesus made claims and performed feats that no other leader could make or back up, does it not make sense to measure what other religious groups believe compared to Biblical Christianity? Unfortunately, too many earlier reviewers trash the book without being honest about how their beliefs line up with Christianity.I do wish the book had more information on various groups such as Christian Science, Silva Mind Control, UFO Cults, and Yoga as these groups have recently been making the news and have infiltrated some corporate training methods.Complaint aside, I recommend the title as a good source for finding out what other religious groups really believe and how they compare to Biblical Christianity!

Encylopedia of cults and new religions: Jehovah's Witnesses.

Good read;Religion falls into one of three categories : (1) your mainstream,mostly benevolent churches (2) the 'sects' usually perceived as sorta on the 'fringes' Then we have the, high demand destructive cults.The Jehovah's Witnesses fall into the latter slot.I know, i've been there............. Danny Haszard Bangor Maine USA http://www.DannyHaszard.com

A book for scholars

This book is not intended for the casual reader. This is a scholarly work which requires concentration on the part of the reader. It should be described as a reference work. I would definitely recommend it for pastors, seminary students, or Bible college students. The book is well documented.

Excellent research resource

Dr. John Weldon, author of 75+ books and 150+ articles, is known for his well-researched and carefully documented material. His Encyclopedia of Cults and New Religions is no exception. It is a good resources for those who need a brief introduction to the doctrines of and claims of various cults and religious movements. It also provides countless references for further study - both offline and online.As much as possible, Weldon and co-author John Ankerberg have cited the first editions of the standard works that a group considers authorative.The book focuses on movements popular - or emerging - in America, but is useful to Christians all over the world. However, this approach - dictated by editorial limits - has some drawbacks. For example, some controversial movements (e.g. International Churches of Christ) are not mentioned, and some entries (e.g. Transcendental Meditation) are very brief. On the other hand, there are lengthy treatments of Buddhism, the Unification Church, Mormonism, Jehovah's Witnesss, Unitarian Universalism, the Way International, etcera. The entry on Scientology is an edited, much shorter version of the (excellent) Scientology entry in the Encyclopedia of New Age Beliefs - part 1 in this series of books. Since many entries are cross-referenced, it is helpful to have both volumes.Weldon's introductory article discusses issues related to cults and religious freedom. An extensive appendix on Christian doctrine provides Christians and non-Christians alike with a sound understanding of major biblical themes, allowing for comparison with the teachings of other religious movements.Missing from this volume is the Select Index that makes Part 1 more accessible.Anton Hein, Apologetics Index