Out of the Cults and Into the Church: Understanding and Encouraging Ex-Cultists [Paperback]

Janis Hutchinson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 6, 1994

A one-of-a-kind counseling tool that discusses the special challenges and emotions faced by former cultists.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Janis Hutchinson completed B.Th. and M.A. degrees in theology following her withdrawl from the Mormon Church. Her knowledge of Mormon missionary work comes from having been an active Mormon for thirty-four years during which time she served two local missions, married a former Mormon missionary, and sent a daughter on a full-time mission. A frequent guest speaker in the Bible college classroom, at conferences, and on radio programs, Janis has also counseled many former cult members. Active in her local church, she has been twice widowed and is the mother of three, all of whom have come to personal faith in Christ. She is also the author of Out of the Cults and Into the Church.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Kregel Academic & Professional (June 6, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0825428858
• ISBN-13: 978-0825428852
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #620,857 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Janis Hutchinson is an award-winning author of both fiction and nonfiction, graduated Summa Cum Laude with B.th and M.A. degrees in Theology, and was awarded "Writer of the Year" (2008) by the American Christian Writers Association. She is in demand as a speaker on Christian radio and TV, and lives near Seattle, Washington. Her website is www.janishutchinson.com, her blog at wwwjanishutchinson.blogspot.com, and she loves to hear from her readers at [e-mail].

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Informative and Accurate, January 3, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Out of the Cults and Into the Church: Understanding and Encouraging Ex-Cultists (Paperback)

This book addresses the common problems encountered by individuals who are coming out of cults, or controlling or abusive groups, looking for a more healthy belief system, and how the church can reach out and minister to them. Those exiting such groups go through predictable stages of grieving as they assess their losses--their friends and sometimes their family, their identity, their sense of purpose, their understanding of everything that is right and true, and in fact their entire belief system, all of which can leave deep psychological wounds. Janis Hutchison addresses these losses and their effects in chapters on understanding the trauma and understanding cult losses. The author also describes the process of coming to grips with and moving beyond the deception which the former member has experienced, a process which she calls divorcing deadly doctrines. Hutchison further addresses the steps necessary to make the transition from false teaching to the truth of the gospel of grace. Highly recommended.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gain sympathy for the adjustments an ex-cultist must make, February 17, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Out of the Cults and Into the Church: Understanding and Encouraging Ex-Cultists (Paperback)

Janis Hutchinson has done Christians and ex-cultists all a favor in describing the lengthy adjustments to life and Christianity after leaving a cult--invaluable information for pastors and evangelists.

Written with empathy (Hutchinson is a former Mormon), she helps Christians understand why it takes so long to leave a cult behind and fully embrace Christianity. She also gives suggestions at the end of every chapter in supporting and mentoring former cult members on their way out. (Hutchinson highly recommends support groups.)

Yes, the word "cult" may be provocative, but that is the only detraction I might find in this much-needed volume.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Healing, January 25, 2012

By 

Renae - See all my reviews

This review is from: Out of the Cults and Into the Church: Understanding and Encouraging Ex-Cultists (Paperback)

A friend recommended Out of the Cults and Into The Church, when I left Mormonism. Overall, it was a great book! But there was one chapter in particular, about Loss of Roots, Story and Identity. (Not sure I have that exactly right, but it was something close to that), and that chapter was a turning point in my recovery. It was extremely powerful...beyond painful...and so very healing. This chapter showed me what I had lost, (my identity), and helped me to recognize and accept that loss, to grieve the loss, and then to begin re-defining myself. Thank you Janis!