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

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: former cultist, former cult member, cult beliefs, Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith, Reverend Moon (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

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

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: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #575,007 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

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

By A Customer

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.

7 of 8 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

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.

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars sadly, January 11, 2009

By	Benjamin Nawrocki - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I got this book as a gift from someone. Sadly this book takes position of a pro-christian author, so it is written only for people who are in one sect of the christian cult who is unsatisfied with the dogma they preach, and wants to go to another sect they find more approval of. This isn't for people outside of the christian bubble, so I suppose this can be looked upon as a good book only by a select few. As an independent reviewer, I give this a poor rating. Let me know when your space god appears in the land of reality Janis, for billions of people are still waiting for that, in order to comfortably let go of their own humanistic philosophies and in return bow down and serve a greater (male) being.