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Kingdom of the Cults, The

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Anyone engaged in something more than a casual interest in apologetics will discover an incredible value in Walter Martin's classic "The Kingdom of the Cults." This updated edition is similar in structure as earlier editions, but fairly acknowledges major changes in theology and activity in various religious groups. Intended for the thinking Christian and the open-minded nonChristian, Martin's book has continually challenged people to rely on Scripture for their theology.

This is an unusual book in that it is neither an evangelical or fundamentalism critique of those who disagree, but a deeper look at the histories, documents, arguments at groups in opposition to orthodoxy. I first read this skeptically, but was impressed by the immense research by Martin and his team of editors.

There is a dual functionality to "The Kingdom of the Cults." Not only does it explain the distinctives of groups such as the Jehovah Witnesses and the Church of the Latter Day Saints, but in doing so, it teaches Scriptural fundamentals of the Trinity, the deity of Christ, and provides direction for testing our own faith with the Bible. Martin's exposure of what the groups themselves are claiming will disturb many within the group as they discover the truth. He is quick to grant the strengths of a group, but points them to Scripture to make their own comparisons (as opposed to relying on Martin's views). He prefers the reader to think for himself, not content to depend on his book, or any other book but the Bible. This balance is rare in Christian literature, and a value in reading "The Kingdom of the Cults."

Martin provides a meaty analysis of all the major groups, as well as primary lines of thought within Protestant perspectives, and Roman Catholicism. Beyond specific groups, there is plenty of coverage of the general critical analysis on topics like mind control, apocalyptic cults, the impact of cults on the mission field, Eastern religions, and language and psychological issues.

He is sure to point out a group's popularity (like the fast growing LDS and Islam sects) doesn't make it truth, truth is not democratic.

Martin is bold to use the groups' own literature rather than hearsay, to prove his points. This has stirred controversy among those such as Muslim students, LDS laity and JW leadership who have not known of the difficult history of their church. He leaves room for the vagaries often existing when dependent on secondary sources.

This edition includes substantial portions of the refutations and other dialogues, providing the reader an idea of the response from the cult's leadership. Sadly, it shows that though the book is quickly disputed, none take Martin to task. In many cases, they agree, but are uncomfortable at the label 'cult.'

The bibliography is 27 pp strong, organized by topic and group. This is in addition to the 12-page Scripture Index.

"The Kingdom of the Cults" includes an appendix of several groups. For example, the Worldwide Church of God's full acceptance of the Trinity is explained, as well as the foundation for this significant move in their theology.

"The Kingdom of the Cults" also criticizes the Word of Faith movement. It is careful to show what this movement believes, and how it is not simply Pentecostalism under another name. "The Kingdom of the Cults" emphasizes "there are many sincere, born again believers within the movement" (Hank Hanagraaff).

I recommend "The Kingdom of the Cults" enthusiastically. Buy it, and read it contemplatively and compassionately as you discover what your neighbor might believe.

Anthony Trendl
editor, HungarianBookstore.com

As one reviewer already mentioned, those who argue that Dr. Martin had anything derogatory in mind when he called his book Kingdom of the Cults, in reference to his study of various religions, have either purposely disregarded Dr. Martin's own direct statements in the book, or simply didn't read the book carefully. Despite false allegations about Dr. Martin's doctorate ("degree mill") education and other unsubstantiated assertions about people "lambasting" him for "inaccuracies," the Kingdom of the Cults remains a perennial classic in its field.

What Dr. Martin attempted to do, as he clearly stated, was to evaluate various belief systems as they compared with the doctrines of the historic Christian faith. All the cults, and many major religions like Islam, deny certain historic Christian doctrines: The trinity, the deity of Christ, etc. With scholarly information and exhaustive documentation using mainly primary source material, Dr. Martin evaluates, in about 20 chapters, religious traditions from The Jehovah's Witnesses, Christian Science, Mormonism, and Spiritism, to Islam, Seventh-day Adventism, and Unitarianism, to name a few. It should be noted that although Dr. Martin includes the Adventists in his book, he clearly says that he does not consider them to be a cult religious system outside of orthodoxy, but a Christian sect with some heterodox beliefs, such as soul sleep and soul annihilation.

Since the exhaustive nature of this book and limited review space does not permit a review that does justice to Dr. Martin's work, I will only give a few examples of how he evaluated some religious teachings in comparison to historic, orthodox doctrine, focusing on how Dr. Martin contrasted the Jesus of orthodoxy with the "Jesus" of the cults.

Explaining Jehovah's Witness doctrine using their own works in context, Dr. Martin wrote: "For Jehovah's Witnesses, their Jesus is an angel who became a man. He is a god, but he is not God the Son, second Person of the Holy Trinity" (p. 379). Earlier in the book, Dr. Martin demonstrated how the Watchtower Society purposely mistranslated John 1:1 so that Jesus becomes "a god" instead of God, which is pointed out as simply bad Greek grammar and exegesis (pp. 85, 86).

Quoting Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of Christian Science, from her "Science and Health" book, Dr. Martin demonstrates that her "Jesus" is also an unorthodox one: "The Christian who believes in the First Commandment is a monotheist. Thus he virtually unites with the Jew's belief in one God, and recognizes that Jesus Christ is no God as Jesus Christ Himself declared, but is the Son of God..." (p. 378).

Dr. Martin also demonstrated from primary sources that Mrs. Eddy plagiarised from many sources to produce her "Science and Health" book. The plagiarism is obvious when you see it as it reads in Dr. Martin's book in parallel columns, as it was reproduced prior to his book in the New York Times of July 10, 1904. This was not something Dr. Martin invented, but a fact publicized in a well-known newspaper prior to his work.

Furthermore, by taking Dr. Martin out of context, one reviewer gave the false impression that he falsely attributed to the Christian Scientists the idea that they do not accept the inspiration and authority of the Bible. However, what that reviewer did not quote, conveniently, was this, "Christian Science, as a theology, and all Christian Scientists, for that matter, both affirm that the Bible is God's Word and quote Mrs. Eddy to 'prove' that their whole religion is based upon the teachings of Scripture. Mrs. Eddy said: The Bible has been my only authority. I have had no other guide in 'the straight and narrow way' of Truth (Science and Health, p. 126)." (p. 143). Then Dr. Martin went on to say, with documentation, that, "To the average Christisn Scientist the Bible is a compilation of ancient writings 'full of hundreds of thousands of textual errors...its divinity is...uncertain, its inspiration...questionable...It is made up of metaphors, allegories, myths and fables...It cannot be read and interpreted literally...'" (p. 144).

And finally, Dr. Martin deals with the Mormon view of Jesus from their own literature, which he quotes as saying, "Each of these gods, including Jesus Christ and his Father, being in possession of not merely an organized spirit, but a glorious body of flesh and bones..." (p. 380).

Dr. Martin then goes on to further explain their position by stating, "...in fact, the Mormons have a full pantheon of gods. Jesus, who before His incarnation was the spirit-brother of Lucifer, was also a polygamist, the husband of the Marys and Martha, who was rewarded for his faithfulness by becoming the ruler of this earth" (p. 380).

The sad fact is, most who criticize Dr. Martin's work either have not really read the book, have not thoroughly researched behind his information, or simply are not really qualified to make sweeping charges of "pseudo-scholarship" and so forth that they make in classic ad hominem style. Apparently those who are within the cults Dr. Martin exposes are bothered by the facts. But it is one thing to disagree with someone by emotional attachment, which is understandable, but it is another thing to prove he is inaccurate or misleading, which no reviewer here, and no one else of credible scholarship to my knowledge, has been able to do. The only one that even pretended to come close to proving Dr. Martin wrong on a point actually misrepresented him so badly that it becomes all too obvious that ulterior motives, not a quest for truth and honesty, are at work.

If you want a comprehensive, scholarly guide to help you discern the difference between the historic Christian faith and other religious systems (especially those using the name "Christian"), then this is the definitive work you need in your reading and reference library, especially the updated version. Buy it, read it with an open mind, and know the truth.

(This review is of the Bethany House expanded and revised edition, 1985)

Let's keep one thing straight: 'Kingdom of the Cults' was written by a biblical scholar, from the point of view of a fundamentalist Christian. If you don't care for a world view centered on the core beliefs of Christianity, you will abhor (and probably refuse even to read) this book.

If, however, you are a Christian thoroughly versed in scripture, or especially a Christian only beginning to be familiar with the Bible (and wanting to clearly understand the differences between Christianity and the other major world religions and quasi-'Christian' sects), or simply curious about Christianity (without an axe to grind), you will find this book totally engrossing.

The book is organized on a chapter by chapter basis, with each chapter centered on a particular world religion or cult. Thus, the reader can choose a particular religion or cult (such as Hinduism or Christian Science, among many others), and delve immediately into this author's insights on the underlying doctrines of each. Somewhat suprisingly (because it is so "Non-PC"), the author considers the three other major world religions (Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam) to be "cults." Even more suprisingly, the author patiently and thoroughly explores the doctrines undergirding these other epistemologies and compares them with Christian doctrine in a measured, methodical, and non-hysterical manner. The author thoroughly explains why these doctrines have failed in the past - and are currently failing - both in theory and practice. There is no "moral relativism" or "tolerance" in this approach.

From the perspective of Christian theology, the author illustrates why those who are earnest members of any one of the Kingdom of the Cults face certain eternal damnation. The book then, is a hard-nosed (and by virtue of this approach, fascinating) study of Biblical doctrine seen through comparison with the other major religious doctrines of the world. Those who are tired of fence-sitting, limp-wristed, warm and fuzzy expositions of "feel good" Christian doctrine will find this work arresting and engrossing. Others, who are simply trying to understand why Christians believe what they believe, get a no-holds-barred explanation. Kingdom of the Cults could have been leavened with a dash more charity but the author's emphasis is on scholarship, not proselytizing. And, as noted above, the author directs this work to a Christian audience.

This book is by far the best compilation of information on the Cults of today. Very exhaustive and researched and fair to the religions it is refuting. Very well footnoted and very well written.

If you have any interest in other beliefs outside of Christianity this is a must buy before all other works.

To the people who give bad reviews because this book "bashes or attacks" and say that isn't God's side...Jesus plainly states in Matthew 10:34-37...
Think not that I came to send peace on the earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.For I came to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law: and a man's foes (shall be) they of his own household.He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

Please stop with your inexcussable and unfounded comments about what and who God is or isn't.

And for those who say their friends and family aren't in a cult because they are "good people" Good to us is different than good to God, Romans 8:8...those in the flesh CANNOT please God
and Romans 14:23..and whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

Don't think that because we perceive people to be good or doing good that God sees that in the same light, for like Isaiah 64:6 says...For we are all become as one that is unclean, and all our righteousnesses are as a polluted garment: and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.

and then again in Romans 3:12 says that "There is none who does good, there is not even one."

If you want a serious look at cults this is great book, if you believe that there are many ways to heaven and your "good works" will get you to heaven this book will only frustrate you and cause you to throw it away.

John 14:6...Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.

Linda Drake's review of August 2nd, is more biased than the book she claims to have read and is commenting on. Kingdom of the Cults is well researched and easy to use. Ravi Zacharias is the perfect choice to re-edit the material in this volume. The late Dr. Walter Martin took great care in researching and documenting the material he originally prepared for the first edition of this classic work. On his website you can read about people who were saved form the cults he writes about.
This book is very valuable and worth the price.

This is a great book for those christians that base their personal relationship with the Lord on a biblical basis. The author comes from this viewpoint, and dissects each religion with this in mind. Members of religions whose beliefs, or part of their beliefs differ from what the Bible states as fundamental, such as those who have "prophets" who have founded the church, or have many man-derived doctrines, might find it hard to swallow. This is evident from previous reviewers, such as LDS, who do hold a prophet equal to, or in some cases, above the bible. If you believe in the Scriptures being inspired and that is you guide, you may find some interesting info on what your friends or coworkers may believe with their religion.

I originally grabbed this book because I was looking into Christian apologetics. While some religions are not explained as indepth as others, this is an excellent source if one wants a brief overview of many religions and cults of the world. With any book, keep an open mind and continue to do your own searching and research.

Obviously, if you belong to a non-Christian group, you probably will not find the perspective of the author to your liking. This does not, however, make it untrue. Most of the revues in for this book are either five stars or one. That should tell you something about it.

A cult (as used in this book) is a non-Christian group that uses the Bible, a set of Christian terms and teachings but distorts or misdirects the original belief behind them. So, for example, when Jehovah's Witnesses teach Jesus is not God but an angel, this qualifies them as a cult. Martin does not mean every doctrinal group is a cult as in Jim Jones. He accurately critiques a wide variety of groups from an evangelical (not fundamentalist, which is something quite different) Christian perspective. He is a highly studied scholar who also has practical experience in teaching on theology and cults. His review of other world religions is provided to show how they differ from Christianity. He is accurate in his representation of the groups' beliefs and provides much help to those seeking to examine and validate what they believe.

To dismiss this book because it is written by some biased, ignorant "fundamentalist" is unfair, untrue and careless. This book is one of the best on cults and should be in the library of any serious student on the subject. Martin's real-world experience is unique to the subject, and he shows why he pioneered Christian outreach to those of certain other faiths. His first-hand research is strong and well documented. The book is broken in to topical sections on each faith, making it easy to use and read.

Martin became known as "The Bible Answer Man" because of his extensive knowledge regarding apologetics and outreach. Anyone who knows anything about him knows he had a great love for people of all faiths and is not evil, ignorant or close minded. Read these reviews with an understanding that some people understandably are angry at his conclusions. This dismissal, however, is not due to a poorly written book (most probably have not read it at all), but their own misunderstanding of Martin, the book and the topic.

The Kingdom of the Cults has been widely considered the most authoritative study of Cults among Christians, and it has just gotten even better with Ravi Zacharias' editorial work and additions. There is no other book out there that is as well researched as this book on each of the major cults. This book provides a brief history of each cult, lists and explains their key beliefs, and then compares what they teach to what the Bible teaches and what reason tells us. They really take these groups to task, pointing out inconsistency after inconsistency, revealing corruption among their founders, and lies by their leaders.

Martin does not simply bash the heck of out these people,
however. He is genuinely concerned about their salvation, and often provides tips on how to witness to these people about the true Gospel. There is no better source for learning about and confronting cults than this book, and I highly recommend it.

Overall grade: A+

Kingdom of the cults is a must for all discerning Christians. Of course, knowledge of the Bible is primary. But it does help to know the arguments of the cults, how to defend your own faith against them, and see the destruction that falls on those who have twisted the scriptures.

I've got a buddy of mine I loaned it to who helps out in his church with the youth; he used the excerpt about the Waco incident and the teachings of David Koresh to show how that when the scripture is twisted, tragedy will happen.

One huge problem with the new edition of this book with Ravi Zacharias as the general editor...

Where's the appendixes on the Word-Faith's cultic teachings, and the other organizations which Hank Hanegraaff wrote about in the previous printing of this work? In his later years, Martin did state that the Faith-Prosperity movement had entered into the Kingdom of the Cults. I hope that those in charge aren't bowing down to the popularity of Hagin, Copeland, and Hinn. And I hope that those in charge aren't seeking to open up their financial opportunities to the Faith-Prosperity churches by not pointing out their false teachers within the text of Kingdom of the Cults.

As for those who defend the stance of the faith teachers, let me assure you that all the info in Kingdom of the Cults is accurate. To correct Olivia D. Sanders (the Word-Faith reviewer), people from many organizations, including CRI, have confronted these "faith-teachers" on their theology, from Benny Hinn, Ken Copeland and Paul Crouch claiming that they are little gods (p. 504) to many adopting the stance that Jesus burned in hell and that "When His blood poured out it did not atone." (p.502)

The faith teachers did have a response.... "Sometimes I wish God would give me a holy-ghost machine gun, I blow your head off" said Benny Hinn. Paul Crouch said that all his critics were damned and going to hell and that there was no help for them.

For further video and audio, I highly recommend the video "The Many Faces of Benny Hinn" by Ole Anthony's Trinity Foundation, or the audio version of Hank Hanegraaff's "Christianity in Crisis" where you can here all of these quotes (at the very beginning of the audio "Christianity in Crisis" you will hear all of the hateful responses to the inquiries of the CRI) and more relating to the very real heresies of the Word of Faith movement. I once attended a Word-Faith church in Ocala, Florida, and trust me when I tell you that the pastor there was VERY aware of these statements of Copeland, Hagin, Hinn, and others... and yet still held all these men up as prophets in his sermons. Though the pastor I felt was a good man, he was very negligent when it came to biblical doctrine and teaching the one true way to God's kingdom: that the blood atonement of Jesus Christ, a very humble and serving messiah, is able to save once and for all time (Heb. 10:8-10). I attended that church for years, and how many sermons were there on the Cross? None that I can remember. The Holy Spirit began to strongly convict me when new believers would come into church and then make the altar call and recieve pamphlets on Copeland and Hagin, who I had known were preaching heresy, but until the point where the Pastor hadn't mentioned them didn't realize that all the Word-Faith churches are very strongly affiliated with the world's biggest heretics. The last time I went there, an older lady was in tears sitting next to me saying that her husband had passed away, and that she was going to give the last of her money to the church, because as the Pastor had just taught, God has to give you at least a ten-fold return on your giving.

As far as analysis of Word-Faithers that critics of the movement that "The spirit of religion is behind these attacks", you apparently haven't used the same criteria to analyze your church. To say that the Holy Spirit is going to show up on every Sunday night and cause people to roll around laughing at 7:45, or to relegate salvation in accordance with whether one speaks in tongues or not, or even with whether someone is rich or not,-- YOU CAN'T POSSIBLY GET ANY MORE RELIGIOUS THAN THAT. For the record, many Penacostals are highly critical of the Word-Faith movement and their teachings, including the Church of God. Paw Creek ministries, with Pastor Joseph Chambers who once worked with Benny Hinn and friends, has extensive video footage of the Faith antics, such as Benny Hinn telling on TBN how he converses with the dead routinely, or Ken Copeland saying that if he had the revelation knowledge that Christ had, then Copeland himself could have died on the Cross for our sins.

The cultists mentioned in this book -- including the Word-Faith movement -- can hide their heads in the sand if they want to. The fact is that they are participating in organizations which neither Jesus Christ or any inspired writer in the bible would tolerate. To be sure, few if any people have been helped in the movement, and more have suffered from it than many people want to admit.

Amen brother Hanegraaff.