The Four Major Cults: Christian Science, Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormonism, Seventh-day Adventism [Paperback]

Mr. Anthony A. Hoekema (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 9, 1989

Relying exclusively on primary source materials, Hoekema systematically presents the doctrinal teachings of Mormonism, Seventh-day Adventism, Christian Science, and Jehovah's Witnesses. He also briefly outlines the history and source of authority of each cult. Extensive bibliography, appendixes, and index.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Anthony A. Hoekema (1913–1988) was professor of systematic theology at Calvin Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan. His other widely read works include The Christian Looks at Himself and The Four Major Cults.

Product Details

• Paperback: 464 pages
• Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company (January 9, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802804454
• ISBN-13: 978-0802804457
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,009,225 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

43 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A major work worth your careful consideration!, March 27, 2004

By 

Michael S. Fenton (CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Four Major Cults: Christian Science, Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormonism, Seventh-day Adventism (Paperback)

Anthony Hoekema was a brilliant theologian. I would caution other readers not to readily dismiss this book or any other simply because one reads things dissimilar to one's prior understanding. Hoekema points out that cults so often have leaders (groups or individuals) who are elevated to a level of unquestioned authority based on supposed private or exclusive revelation from God concerning salvation and other critically important concerns. Members aren't encouraged to , and are often disuaded from thinking for themselves...after all they don't operate on the same spiritual plane as their more enlightened leaders, or so they're told. God's grace becomes all but non-existent, Christ's righteousness imputed to believers is either forgotten, denied or downplayed, and legalistic obedience to LAW (commandment keeping to ensure salvation, etc.) fills the void.
God used this book to bring me out of my association with the unbiblical cult of
the Jehovah's Witnesses over twenty-five years ago. Read this book. Check out Hoekema's references and determine what is true by comparing the teachings of these groups with that of inspired Scripture. Think for yourself!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Older woman with wisdom that comes with age, December 18, 2011

By 

San Diego - "Miller" street (and ye... - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Four Major Cults: Christian Science, Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormonism, Seventh-day Adventism (Paperback)

I am now in my late 80's. This book first came out in 1963. For roughly forty years (mid 1960's to around 2005) I was part of a woman's bible study group of around 200 members. Our backgrounds were composed of the following religious pipelines. Around 50 were former Roman Catholic, about 30 who were former C. Science, around 15 who were former Muslim, roughly 40 who were former J.W.'s, 25 who were former Seventh Day Adventist and around 40 who were formerly Mormon's (and as such naturally none of us were Christians during those early portions of our lives). We all now range in age from early 60's to late 80's. We were previously just religious unbelievers. In a number of the individuals mentioned above (particularly the ones formerly in the four major cults) this book was instrumental in exposing the fallacy of those organizations and subsequently becoming Christians. If you want some advice from the older generation, this publication is one for your personal library.

5.0 out of 5 stars good resource for those willing to sincerely seek the truth, January 13, 2012

By 

Tim Johnson (Moses Lake, WA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Four Major Cults: Christian Science, Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormonism, Seventh-day Adventism (Paperback)

Most of the negative feedback on this book comes from people who are offended at the proposition that they have been deceived. Very few people have the courage to stand back and compare the clear teachings of the Bible with the teachings of their particular "denomination".