Unmasking the Cults [Paperback]

Alan W. Gomes (Series Editor)

Book Description

Release date: April 29, 1995 | Series: Zondervan Guide to Cults and Religious Movements

In this introduction to the Zondervan Guide to Cults and Religious Movements, Dr. Gomes defines the characteristics of a 'cult of Christianity' and why such a group subverts the search for spiritual truth. He explains the emotional and spiritual appeal of cults, who is susceptible, and the techniques cult leaders use to attract members. This book, in dealing with a wide range of issues relating to cults and religious movements in general, complements the other books in the series, all of which focus on specific religious groups. -- Why this series? This is an age when countless groups and movements, old and new, mark the religious landscape in our culture, leaving many people confused or uncertain in their search for spiritual truth and meaning. Because few people have the time or opportunity to research these movements fully, these books provide essential information and insights for their spiritual journeys. Except for this book, each book in the series has five sections: - A concise introduction to the group - An overview of the group's theology -- in its own words - Tips for witnessing effectively to members of the group - A bibliography with sources for further study - A comparison chart that shows the essential differences between biblical Christianity and the group -- The writers of these volumes are well qualified to present clear and reliable information and help us discern religious truth from falsehood.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

In this introduction to the Zondervan Guide to Cults and Religious Movements, Dr. Gomes defines the characteristics of a "cult of Christianity" and why such a group subverts the search for spiritual truth. He explains the emotional and spiritual appeal of cults, who is susceptible, and the techniques cult leaders use to attract members. This book, in dealing with a wide range of issues relating to cults and religious movements in general, complements the other books in the series, all of which focus on specific religious groups. -- Why this series? This is an age when countless groups and movements, old and new, mark the religious landscape in our culture, leaving many people confused or uncertain in their search for spiritual truth and meaning. Because few people have the time or opportunity to research these movements fully, these books provide essential information and insights for their spiritual journeys. Except for this book, each book in the series has five sections: - A concise introduction to the group - An overview of the group's theology -- in its own words - Tips for witnessing effectively to members of the group - A bibliography with sources for further study - A comparison chart that shows the essential differences between biblical Christianity and the group -- The writers of these volumes are well qualified to present clear and reliable information and help us discern religious truth from falsehood.

About the Author

Alan W. Gomes (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is associate professor of historical theology and chairman of the department of theology at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (April 29, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310704413
• ISBN-13: 978-0310704416
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,019,177 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Alan W. Gomes (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is associate professor of historical theology and chairman of the department of theology at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Good overview of what makes up a "cult" June 18, 2005

By E. Johnson

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This introduction to the OM Guide to Cults and Religious Movements gives plenty of information about what a cult is. It is written in outline form, which makes it a little hard to follow. Also, the examples are haphazard, which means there is a lot of bouncing around and not a whole lot of depth about any particular group. (I guess the more you already know about a group, the better you will understand, but I guess that's what the rest of the series is about.) Overall, though, if you want to skim through this in an hour, you would have good information from which to work.

8 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb April 29, 1997

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

This book is written in outline form, providing an excellent overview of the beliefs and doctrines of the major cults. It offers a brief but useful overview of cult evangelism, why people join cults, the deceptive tactics of cults and the method of keeping people out of the cults--critical thinking and being theologically informed. This book should be required reading for anyone that wants a good introduction to the study of the cults

1 of 4 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Introduction to Cults December 4, 2004

By Michael Taylor TOP 1000 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

Gomes has written an excellent introduction to Cults and Religious Movements. Instead of focusing on specific groups, the author describes the characteristics of cults in general.

The booklet's contents are as follows:

1. What is a cult.

2. Statistics on cults (membership, growth rate).

3. Theological characteristics of cults (denial of the Trinity, End Times, Salvation by Works, denial of the Resurrection, etc.).

4. Sociological and psychological perspective on cults.

5. Why people join cults (love, family, acceptance, fulfillment, idealism).

6. Keeping people out of cults (teach classes on cults, reaching out to people's social/emotional/spiritual needs, keeping the lines of communication open).

Recommended!