Sects (General) | Christian Library

Theology Has Consequences

The author of this article claims that our theological beliefs have consequences for our future. The author notes that Unitarianism, which is opposed to recognizing God as Trinity, has led to the decline in spirituality, especially in the United States.

The Sects The Deepest Reason for the Existence of Sects

This article looks at the essence of a sect. As soon as the "grace alone" of salvation is taken away, a sect appears.

Theological Reflections on the Charismatic Movement (1)

In order to give a theological reflection on Neo-Pentecostalism or the charismatic movement, this article gives five characteristics that characterizes the movement, twelve affirmations that the movement seeks to stand for, and ten defects within the movement. This article explains them all. This is part one of the reflection; please also read part two for a complete reflection.

Beware of False Prophets

In this article on false prophets, the focus is on the character of cults, and the relation of cults and Christianity, and cults and Scripture.

Neo-Pentecostalism

This article discusses Neo-Pentecostalism. It considers its history, traced all the way back to the second century and the appearance of Gnosticism and Montanism, yet becoming more official on account of John Wesley. The author explains its teachings and where they deviate from the full gospel revealed in Scripture.

Mormonism

This article considers the history and theology of Mormonism. It offers an account of the life of Joseph Smith, then an outline of the Book of Mormon, followed by some further history of the movement, the story of Brigham Young, and then a discussion of some of the important doctrines. It offers a separate section on the matter of polygamy in Mormonism, and concludes with a suggestion on how to approach Mormons.

Introduction on Sects

What is a sect? This article offers a definition, and explains that the word also appears in Scripture with reference to all religious groups that follow a master other than Christ. It suggests that the main traits of a sect are religious individualism, anti-church religiosity, religious subjectivism, and fellowship for reaching a higher level.

Horizontalism

What is meant by the term "Horizontalism"? This article explains that it is a worldview that desires to be Christian but does not recognize the transcendence of God, that he is exalted above his creation. Several characteristics are listed, including the denial of the supernatural, the stress on the fact that man has come of age, and the notion that salvation means to love each other. Finally, it evaluates Horizontalism, concluding that it is false prophecy.

Why I'm Not a Mormon

This article gives three reasons not to be a Mormon. Mormonism deviates from the sufficiency of Scripture, from the biblical teaching of Christ's deity, and from the true gospel of Christ.

Perversions of the Gospel

From the beginning the gospel faced the threat of being perverted. This article looks at the Nazarenes, Ebionites, Elkesaites, and Gnosticism as those sects that perverted the gospel.

Theological Reflections on the Charismatic Movement (2)

This article picks up where part one ended. Focus is on the claims of Neo-Pentecostalism or the charismatic movement on baptism of the Spirit, glossolalia or speaking in tongues, gifts of the spirit, and healing, with the leading texts being Acts 2 and 1 Corinthians 12-1 Corinthians 14.

Ten Things You Should Know about Eastern Orthodoxy

This article gives a brief history of the Eastern Orthodox, followed by ten things that they believe.

Buy Now, Pay Later

This article shows why the health and wealth, name it and claim it gospel is wrong.

The False Teachers: Ellen G. White

Seventh-Day Adventists claim that the proper day for worship is Saturday. Where did this false teaching start? This article introduces one of the founders of the Adventists, Ellen G. White.

Mormons: Our Christian Neighbors?

Are Mormons fellow Christian neighbours? To answer this question the article looks at the origin of Mormonism under the leadership of John Smith and Brigham Young. It explains its structures and doctrine. Where does it lead us in the evaluation of Mormonism?

Joseph Smith among the Egyptians

Could the Mormon prophet, Joseph Smith, really read and translate Egyptian? This is not just an interesting enquiry, but touches upon Smith's claim to have direct divine aid in his understanding and translation of texts. This has bearing on the character of Mormonism.