Customer Reviews

Larson's New Book of Cults

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(8)
1 star:		(13)

 

 

I begin my review from the premise that the absolute best answer for any question is thorough research.

That said, I am unaware of how much research Larson has engaged in while preparing this book. Across the board, he obviously has more understanding of a greater number of cults and religious beliefs than I, simply by virtue of the fact that he names and discusses religious groups which I have never heard of.

I am a devout Christian, and teach in my church. I picked this book up (or, more accurately, permanently borrowed from a friend--Hi Johann!) as a tool for reference while I was doing a short study on our church's doctrine compared to religious cults. The book proved to be useful for a quick reference, and for creating a short framework upon which to launch further study. However, the book is little more.

Since the book boasts of "Over 100 Cults Examined," and is only 499 pages long (including preface, TOC, and index), it is obvious that the average length for any given cult is less than 5 pages. If one is interested in knowing more about a particular cult, or a group of particular ones, this will not be the most thorough source you can find.

Lastly, while I am a Christian, I must admit that Larson ascribes "cult" status to many groups that are not so readily observed as such. For example, he includes Nostradamus, Yoga, Martial Arts, and even UFO's. While I do not ascribe to the teachings of any of the above, classification of them as "cults" may be problematic for various reasons. I'll leave that comment at that.

In order to find over 100 cults, Larson includes some groups whose classification of "cult" may be dubious, even if the teachings are ones we might consider cultic in nature. Example: I am entirely unconvinced that there is a general cult of believers in UFO's, even though I do not believe in UFO's and in fact consider the belief in UFO's to be (at least potentially) somewhat atheistic.

Here's the skinny: if you want a book that will give you some quick reference to a bunch of scattered and various books, then this is a good one to have on your shelf. For a couple of bucks you can't really lose, right? On the other hand, if you're looking for any depth in your research into any one or more cults, you should probably look elsewhere.

As I began with, the best tool for understanding is real research--something a bit more than a 2-7 page rundown.

Bob Larson has used many pages to provide his version of Hinduism. Unluckily, many are just half truths. Bob sees Hinduism as a threat to Christian faith. That is not true at all. To begin with HINDUISM IS THE CULTURE OF INDIA and not an organized religion like Christianity or Islam. It does not believe in conversions and it does not go around converting people of other religions to Hinduism. Bob states Hinduism should be viewed as religious anarchy in action. That is not true. Since it has no governing body Hinduism is an explosion of thoughts and ideas. In it you can see FREEDOM OF THOUGHTS AND ACTIONS. Not even one Hindu is ever banished from it since it was born at least 6000 years before the birth of Christ. No Hindu author was ever burnt or crucified for writing a book, whereas in the the Christian faith, countless thinkers had been banished for their frank statement. Even the author of the first English version of The Holy Bible, William Tyndale [1525] was accused of blasphemy and later burnt on stake. Hinduism never ever had a house cleaning, where as Christianity had several house cleanings from the first Council at Nicaea in 325 AD. During that council, bishop Arius was banished from the church for stating that Christ is a created being and not a procreator. After all the word TRINITY was never mentioned in the 66 books of the Holy Bible. Bob, believes that it is a crime in Hinduism to extrend kindness to those who are less fortunate. But Bob has not written one Hindu scriptural statement to prove his point. Bob also believes that doctrines of karma and reincarnation leave men in somewhat hopeless state. That is not true at all. Karma and reincarnation theory makes man responsible every second of his life rather than waiting for final judgement. After all REINCARNATION AND RESURRECTION are just theories. Nobody can prove them or disapprove them logically or scientifically. Those are beliefs of different cultures of the world. In Hindu scriptures one can read history and culture of Aryans and Dravidians. In Holy Bible one read about the history and culture of Jews. It does not talk about Chinese or Aryans in India. Bob believes that Hindus are worshiiping many gods. That is not true. Actually Hindus are only worshiping ONE AND ONLY GOD Brahman which expresses itself in millions of forms. That is why Hindus have no problem even worshiping Jesus Christ since he is an in carnation of God. Hope every one will read books like AM I A HINDU? before making up their mind about the most tolerent religion on earth, which gave a state funeral to Mother Theresa, the Holy Mother of India, a Christian nun. I think we have to read books which will bring us together. We have to read books which are BASED ON HISTORICAL FACTS AND FIGURES. I salute Bob for all the good things he has done through his book, exposing cults that prey upon the innocent and helpless.

I have decided to take time to write this review in order to protect those seeking understanding. I have studied the world religions and the occult for over 15 years. I am a protestant exorcist, so these studies are relevant to my field. I do not disagree with Mr. Larson's christianity, however I do disagree with misrepresenting the doctrines of other religions. As a christian myself, my integrity will not allow me to give a false testimony against another. Some of the information that this book lists as the belief and practice of these religions is highly inaccurate (I hope not purposely misleading). I have unfortunately found this to be true of some of his other work as well. I do not recommend this book. I recommend a strong knowledge of the Bible combined with historical studies of the faiths in question, if you wish to gain an accurate knowledge of the comparative differences between christianity and the world religions.

It's obvious that Larson has never met or corresponded with many adherents of the religions he trashes. His take on Hinduism, Buddhism, and other religions is just plain dishonest, filled with misstatements, innuendo, and blather.

As for Buddhism, if a Christian really wants to know what that's about compared to Christianity, "Living Buddha, Living Christ" by Thich Nhat Hanh would be recommended.

If you want the truth, don't waste your money on Larson

One of the least objective books on new and minority religion that is available today. If you have some knowledge of the wonderful diversity of religious beliefs in North America, then the book's inaccuracies will be quite humorous in spots. Hopelessly biased. One of the world's best examples of hate literature. I only gave it 1 star because 0 stars is not an available option.

This is allegedly a treatise on "cults" and a delineation of their "errors."

Don't be fooled: When Larson says "cult," he means "every religion that isn't his particular brand of evangelical Protestantism." (In fact, some of his "cults" are not even religions!)

When he says "errors," he means "beliefs with which he disagrees, or practices of which he disapproves."

And as if that weren't bad enough, he makes comments about some of these groups which are at least pointlessly insulting if not downright libelous (comparing Unitarian Universalism to schizophrenia, trotting out the tired old defamation of Pagans as devil-worshipers, et cetera).

In short: If you're in absolute agreement with Bob Larson, you'll probably feel vindicated. If not...read M.T. Singer's "Cults In Our Midst" instead.

I read this book some time ago. I found some of the information within it to be quite good, but on whole was not impressed by the highly biased and negative way the author chose to represent those faiths he didn't personally believe in. The book is more of an editorial on non-Christian religion than a research source.

Bob Larson is a moronic idiot and scam artist. According to Bob just about anything that isn't like his extreme fundamentalist version of Christianity is a cult. According to this clown, yoga is a cult! Say what? I guess I'd better not do yoga exercises or, God forbid, meditate or I will become demon possessed! I am surprised that he didn't say Catholicism is a cult and the pope is the Antichrist(he probably thinks that but is afraid come right out and say it). His websites are hilarious. He claims to be an expert on just about everything (he isn't),advertises himself as "The Real Exorcist," has a "Demon Test" you can take for $9.95 and more. I can't believe people waste money on his books, seminars, ministry, etc. when he is so obviously full of it, an idiot, and such a phony. He is an embarrassment to the name of Christianity. So you are doing what Jesus did Bob? I don't think so.

I gave one star but this author deserves NO stars..
We visited a Baptist church in Denver over 30 years ago - this guy was their guest speaker, demanding everyone bring in their Rock albums so they could burn them- Now he thinks he's an exorcist ? How can the devil cast out devils??? This guy is one very wicked, weird sick-o ! But, he makes a LOT of money for his Dog and Pony shows. Do not waste your money to read about his antics in his books. Research his lifestyle on the net. May God have mercy on his soul. Buyer beware !

This resource was loaned to me by our pastor and I had to get my own copy to have on hand for future reference. I have found this book to be quite valuable in the easy to read format which defines the differences between religions as based upon Christian standards. There is no finger pointing and no religion is said to be bad, or one less than another.

I was seeking a resource that would allow me a fairly unbiased way of presenting information to me so I could be better armed when I am confronted by religions of which I have little or no knowledge. I cannot fight an unarmed battle with some one that is deeply ingrained in their religion of choice and cannot ignorantly point fingers at others, but I can challenge other faiths with information.

Some of the religions in this book are no longer an issue, but for education purposes and historical value I am not opposed to learning about them either. There are religions from history that are not in here that I would prefer to have available. It is not a completely concise book, but is quite broad in it's offerings and very easy to understand.