Download Sects - Cults - Silent Word Ministries

Study Help Series
a Compiled study of
Sects - Cults
World Religions
Jehovah’s Witnesses - Mormonism
Christian Science - Armstrongism
Roman Catholicism - Moonies
7th Day Adventism - Islam
Scientology - New Age - Eastern
Evolution - Many World Religions
World Statistics
World Populations
What is a Sect
Cult - Heresy
False Religions?
Teach Truth to Know Error
Search the Scriptures
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SHO3 - RELIGIONS
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Dr. Ted Camp, Founder - Jon Barr, President - Jim Bracelin, Vice President
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A Compiled Study...
Sects - Cults - World Religions
Compiled and Written
By Dr. Ted Camp, SWM
SilentWordMinistries.org
Introduction - I have noticed in the past few years that many fundamental deaf ministries are losing
members to different religions and some cults. They have learned Sign Language and are seeking
deaf to join their religion. They offer friendship, attention, with programs that seem good. These
people do not give up with one visit but keep visiting and offering their literature and teachings. This
is not an issue about friendly people, or good people, but what is right and wrong. What is true
and false? Many cannot compete with these professional trained religious people who knock on
their doors to present their programs. It is important to know what is true or false - right and wrong.
The only way to prove a religion is true is with the Bible not opinions. We hope this series which
has been compiled from several sources will be helpful to you. Christians need to be taught
what is right and wrong - true and false.
"Know the truth, and the truth, shall make you free."
– John 8:32
What does the Bible teach about false cults visiting in your home? "For many deceivers are
entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a
deceiver and an antichrist ...If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine (true
Word of God), receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed (God go with you):
For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds" (II John 7-11). The Bible is
clear about false religious groups who visit your home, do not let them to come into your home. Do
not buy or accept their literature. Your money will be used to print more false literature and you
become a supporter of their religion. Do not be friendly and ask them to come at another time. Do
not even tell them "good bye" or say "God be with you." If you do, you encourage them to visit
again. Warning - Do not receive cults into your home.
How to know dangerous religious leaders? "Beware of false prophets, who come in sheep's
clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits" (Matthew
7:15-20). They look and act like good Christians but are deceivers. Do not trust your eyes or your
ears, or feelings to know a false religion. Trust the Bible as it is the authority.
(A helpful booklet SWM MB52 “World Religions and Religious Groups in America).
Cult Example: The followers of Jim Jones saw their revered prophet throw a Bible on the floor
during a sermon and declare, "Too many people are looking at this instead of me!" He actually
said he wanted to be called Father, and he wanted his members to pray to him. (Cults in America,
Appel, p.44). False religions will counterfeit the Word of God and use mind control teachings to
slowly enlist new members. Once a person joins a sect or cult group it becomes very hard to break
away from them. Cults and sects demand total commitment and loyalty to their religion.
Jeannie Mills, a former member of the Jim Jones Cult and a survivor of the Jonestown massacre,
wrote: "When you meet the friendliest people you have ever known, who introduce you to the
most loving group of people you've encountered, and you find the leader to be the most
inspired, caring, compassionate, and understanding person you have ever met, and then
you learn that the cause of the group is something you never dared hope could be
accomplished, and all of this sounds too good to be true---it probably is too good to be true!
Don't give up your education, your hopes, and ambitions to follow a rainbow."
– Radio Bible Class
"There is a way that seeth right unto a man,
but the end thereof are the ways of death."
-- Proverbs 16:25
Index
Titles
Pages
Let’s Study Some - Cults - Sects - Religions
Religion Terms
Sects & Cults More Defined
Foundations & Founders
Time Lines - Different Religions in America
Major Religions
False Religions - True Religion
Preach The Gospel Into All World
World Religions
Study The Scriptures
Bible From God to Man
Bible Doctrine - Interpreting Scripture
1
2
3-7
8-11
12-14
15-17
18-20
21
22
23-24
25-28
Highlights of Different Religions
Jehovah’s Witnesses
Mormonism
Christian Science
Armstrongism
Roman Catholicism
Unification Church
Seventh Day Adventism
Church of Scientology
New Age Movement
Easter Religions
Islam
Evolution
Pagan gods of Egypt
No other Gods - Pictures
World Statistics For 2000
World Statistics: Country - Population - Religion
29
30-31
32-34
35-36
37
38
39
40
41
42-43
44-45
46-49
50-51
52
53
54
1-7
Disclaimer
Because this literature is made available in our ministry
it does not mean that Silent Word Ministries endorses its contents in reference to morals,
philosophy, scientific content, theology, or Biblical separation.
The Silent Word Ministries position in these areas is fundamental and well-known.
Articles of faith may be obtained upon request. Very few books can be endorsed in their entirety.
SWM does not recommend or indorse deep studies into false religions or cults,
but to study the truth of the Bible.
The truth of the Word of God will help you to know
what is right and wrong - truth and error.
Copyright - Since this material is complied from other sources
please free free to make copies for special distribution or teaching.
Do not change or alter the text - Please keep the credits with your copies - SWM
Credits - References - Contributing Authors
All Religions Articles Written By Pastor Jim Lusher Unless Otherwise Credited
Pastor Jim Lusher - Faith Baptist Church of Gallipolis, Ohio: "A Study of Different Religions."
Credits/References:
Radio Bible Class - G.R. Michigan -- "Truth & Error" by Moody Press – J. Vernon McGee
World Religions Made Easy - Mark Water & John Hunt - Hendrickson Publishers
Internet: wikipedia dictionary - Answers.com - Barnes Charts - Bibletimelines.org - Teachinghearts.org
Let’s Study Some Religion Terms
By Ted Camp, SWM
Reference: Dictionary.com
What is Religion? “Religion is worshipping a higher being than man. Worshipping a God or gods as
supernatural beings. So each religion is determined by the supernatural being worshipped. Webster defines
religion as “A well organized system of beliefs, rites, celebrations, centered upon a supernatural being power. A
relationship of devotion or fear of God or gods. The term "religious - superstitious" can indicate positive
reverence for the gods or else negative fear of the gods (Acts 17:22; 25:19). Religion can be many good things,
but religion cannot be a substitute for Jesus Christ. Religion is something to believe and do, but Christ is Someone
to know and trust. Religions can change the outside; but only Christ can change the heart. It seems that history
repeats itself time after time when people give themselves to religion rather than to Christ.” -- Radio Bible Class.
There are now over 38,000 different religions with each worshipping their god -- Newsweek.
What is a Sect? - A Sect is a body of persons adhering to a particular religious faith. A group regarded as heretical
or as deviating from a generally accepted religious tradition. A Christian denomination characterized by insistence
on strict qualifications for membership, as distinguished from the more inclusive church groups. Any group, party,
or faction united by a specific doctrine or under a doctrinal leader. A subdivision of a larger religious church
group to practice deviating beliefs, practices, etc. Often a schismatic religious body characterized by an attitude
of exclusivity in contrast to the more inclusive religious church groups. A religious group regarded as extreme or
heretical who have a common interest and doctrine. Keep it Simple: A sect is a “section” of people who “splinter”
or “subdivide” from general accepted religious tradition. Sects use Bible Scriptures in their false teachings -- TC.
What is a Cult? - A Cult is a religion or sect considered to be false, unorthodox, or extremist, with members often
living outside of conventional society under the direction of a charismatic leader. A particular system of religious
worship, esp. with reference to its rites and ceremonies. A group or sect bound together by veneration of the same
thing, person, ideal, etc. A group having a sacred ideology and a set of rites centering around their sacred symbols
and teachings. Keep it Simple: False Cults are a cultural religious group who usually follow a charismatic leader
who interlaces certain Bible Scriptures to prove his false teachings. A cult leader usually states that all other beliefs
are wrong and that he has the one truth given to him personally from God or an angel -- TC.
What is Heresy? Heresy is an opinion or doctrine at variance with the orthodox or accepted doctrine, esp. of a
church or religious system. The maintaining of such an opinion or doctrine. Any belief or theory that is strongly at
variance with established beliefs, customs, etc. [Example: The Roman Catholic Church states that heresy is the
willful and persistent rejection of any article of faith by a baptized member of the Catholic church]. “Bible doctrines
and principles should be supported with at least five other Scripture verses to confirm it.” -- (J. Vernon McGhee).
Keep it Simple: Heresy could be described as a person saying, “Here I say.” Heresy is diluting and twisting Bible
Scriptures to present your personal opinions and thoughts. Usually those who teach heresies have a closed mind
to the truth. Scriptures are not for private (individual) interpretation (II Peter 1:2). -- TC.
What is the Difference of a Religious Person and a Hypocrite - Keep it Simple: A religious person (Pharisee)
is a person who thinks he is right but he is wrong according to the Bible . “There is a way which seemeth right
unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12). A hypocrite is a person who knows he
is wrong, but pretends he is right. Another word for hypocrite is actor or a two-faced person.-- TC.
What are World Religions? - The major difference in cults, sects, Christianity and world religions is that world
religions as Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Confucianism and many others, do not use Bible Scriptures within their
teachings. Some have developed their own bibles, books, Koran, and teachings that do not mention Jesus Christ
or Bible Scriptures. Unlike America, many or most foreign countries practice only one or two major religions and
reject all other religions. America is the one country with an open door for all religions to freely worship. -- TC.
What is Christianity? America usually recognizes three major religious groups: Protestant, Catholic and Jew. In
this age the Bible only recognizes two groups: “in Christ” or “those “not in Christ.” Christian means “Christ-like”
or “follower of Christ.” The word Christian is found three times in the Bible and each time it refers to a group of
people following the teachings of Christ (Acts 11:26; 26:28;1 Peter 4:16). Christianity is Christ. Without Christ
there would be no Christianity. Christians are followers Christ. Christian’s belief: “I believe in one God Who is
the Creator of all things. I believe in one eternal Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God who made a way
for man to return to God (John 3:16). Jesus Christ became incarnate of the virgin, Mary, and was conceived of the
Holy Spirit. He is God in the flesh, and was born The Lamb of God to take away the sins of the world. He was
sinless and became man’s substitute for salvation. He was crucified, died and rose according to the Scriptures. The
Lord Jesus Christ ascended to Heaven and sits at the right hand of God as the mediator, Saviour, and intercessor
between man and God.” -- TC.
1
Sects More Defined
A sect is a group with distinctive religious, political or philosophical beliefs. Although in past it was mostly used
to refer to religious groups, it has since expanded and in modern culture can refer to any organization that
breaks away from a larger one to follow a different set of rules and principles. The term is occasionally used
in a malicious way to suggest the splintered broken-off group follows a more negative path than the original.
The historical usage of the term sect in Christendom has had pejorative connotations, referring to a group
or movement with heretical beliefs or practices that deviate from those of groups considered orthodox.
The historical usage of the term sect in Christendom has had pejorative connotations, referring to a group
or movement with heretical beliefs or practices that deviate from those of groups considered orthodox.
Note: Early church age the Jews considered Christianity as a sect. Also Catholics consider the Baptists,
Lutherans, and Protestant Denominations as religious sects. – Wikipedia, free encyclopedia
Cults More Defined
This following article gives a general cultural account of "cult." For its usage in the original sense of
"veneration" or "religious practice." For its use in a scientific, sociological context see New Religious
Movement. The word cult usually refers to a false religious group whose beliefs or practices are considered
strange. The word originally denoted a system of ritual practices. The derogatory sense of the word is a
product of the 20th century.
1940s - Cults were in opposition by some established Christian denominations to non-Christian religions
and supposedly heretical Christian sects crystallized into a more organized "Christian countercult
movement" in the United States. For those belonging to the movement, all new religious groups deemed
outside of Christian orthodoxy were considered "cults." As more foreign religious traditions found their way
into the United States, the religious movements they brought with them or gave birth to attracted even fiercer
resistance. This was especially true for movements incorporating mystical or exotic new beliefs and those with
charismatic, authoritarian leaders.
1970s – A secular opposition movement to "cult" groups had taken shape. The organizations that formed the
secular "Anti-cult movement" (ACM) often acted on behalf of relatives of "cult" converts who did not believe
their loved ones could have altered their lives so drastically by their own free will. A few psychologists and
sociologists working in this field lent credibility to their disbelief by suggesting that "brainwashing techniques"
were used to maintain the loyalty of "cult" members. The belief that cults "brainwashed" their members
became a unifying theme among cult critics and in the more extreme corners of the Anti-cult movement
techniques like the sometimes forceful "deprogramming" of "cult members" becoming standard practice. In
the meantime, a handful of high profile crimes were committed by groups identified as cults, or by the groups'
leaders. The mass suicides committed by members of the People's Temple in Jonestown, Guyana, and the
Manson Family murders are perhaps the most prominent examples in American popular culture. The
publicity of these crimes, as amplified by the Anti-cult movement, influenced the popular perception of new
religious movements. In the mass media, and among average citizens, "cult" gained an increasingly negative
connotation, becoming associated with things like kidnapping, brainwashing, psychological abuse, sexual
abuse and other criminal activity, and mass suicide. While most of these negative qualities usually have real
documented precedents in the activities of a very small minority of new religious groups, mass culture often
extends them to any religious group viewed as culturally deviant, however peaceful or law abiding it may be.
1980s - Cults implied a group which is a minority in society. Cults evolved toward a label of the "new
religious movement," while academic sociology has partly adopted the popular meaning of the word.
Psychologists and sociologists started to abandon theories like brainwashing and mind-control. While scholars may believe that various less dramatic coercive psychological mechanisms could influence group
members, they came to see conversion to new religious movements principally as an act of a rational choice.
Most sociologists and scholars of religion also began to reject the word "cult" altogether because of its
negative connotations in mass culture. Some began to advocate the use of new terms like "new religious
movement," "alternative religion" or "novel religion" to describe most of the groups that had come to be
referred to as "cults," yet none of these terms have had much success in popular culture or in the media.
Other scholars have pushed to redeem the word as one fit for neutral academic discourse, while researchers
aligned with the Anti-cult movement have attempted to reduce the negative connotations being associated
with all such groups by classifying only some as "destructive cults." – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Note: In today’s society no cult refers to themselves as a cult
2
How Strong is The Foundation?
A chain is only as strong as its weakest link
Truth can be challenged from all areas and it still remains truth.
Truth never conflicts with truth.
Partial truth is not truth.
When you destroy the foundation the building will fall.
A weak foundation will not stand the storms of life.
All foundations outside Jesus Christ are poor foundations.
Compare Foundations of Religions to Foundation of Scriptures
All new foundations laid are false foundations
Two Foundations in Scriptures
“He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep,
and laid the foundation on a rock:
and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house,
and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.
But he that heareth, and doeth not,
is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth;
against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell;
and the ruin of that house was great.”
– Luke 6:48-49
Some Cults - Sects - Religions Fall Unfinished
“Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation,
and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,
Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.”
– Luke 14:29-30
The One True Foundation
“According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder,
I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon.
But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
– I Corinthians 3:10-11
True Foundation Built Upon Apostles, Prophets and Jesus Christ
“And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets,
(not leaders of cults and sects in present and past generations)
Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.”
– Ephesians 2:20-21
“Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure.”
– II Timothy 2:19
Is the foundation built upon a rock or is it built upon sand?
3
A Study of Founders And Foundations
Sects - Cults - Religions
“Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure.”
– II Timothy 2:19
Cult = Changing the - Unchangeable - Lord’s - Truth
By the term ‘cult’ I mean nothing derogatory to any group so classified. A cult, as I define it, is any religious
group which differs significantly in one or more respects as to belief or practice, from those religious
groups which are regarded as the normative expressions of religion in our total culture. I may add that a cult
might also be defined as a group of people gathered about a specific person or person’s interpretation of the
Bible. For example, Jehovah’s Witnesses are followers of the interpretations of Charles T. Russell and J.F.
Rutherford. The Christian Scientist of today is a disciple of Mary Baker Eddy and her interpretations of
Scripture. The Mormons follow the interpretations found in the writings of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young”
-- Walter Martin, Christian Research Institute.
Religious Movements From East and America - By the early 1970s each of these groups had attracted a
small following in the United States. Not all the new religious movements came from the East, however.
Groups that emerged in the United States also experienced rapid growth in the 1960s and 1970s. The
Church of Scientology, founded in 1954 by American writer and philosopher L. Ron Hubbard, drew many
adherents including movie stars. Others that thrived included The Way International, founded in the 1940s
by radio minister Victor Paul Wierwille; the Church Universal and Triumphant, founded in the 1960s by
mystics Mark Prophet and Elizabeth Clare Prophet; and the Children of God, founded in 1968 by
evangelist David Berg. Other movements emerged that emphasized witchcraft, paganism, Satanism, or
occultism. Cults and alternative religions tend to prosper in times of social instability. They offer
members clear solutions to complex problems, a promise of salvation, and a sense of security in
belonging to a group. The social upheaval of the 1960s and the experimentation with alternative lifestyles
probably contributed to the surge in cult membership. The communal lifestyle, practiced by many of the
alternative religions, appealed to many young people who sought to remake society” -- Encarta Encyclopedia
What is the Absolute Authority? The Bible is the absolute authority from God. “The Bible, consisting of
sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments, is a divine revelation of which the original manuscripts were
verbally inspired by the Holy Spirit. The Bible is absolute in its authority, complete in its revelation, final in its
content, and without any errors in its statements. The Bible contains all that is necessary for the service of
God and for our salvation. It is therefore the supreme and final authority in all matters of faith and conduct,
and is the only rule and norm by which all teaching is to be judged” -- Irvine Robertson, Moody Press. Always
compare teachings to the Bible as the final authority.
Truth will only confirm truth, but truth will never conflict with truth.
Shun & Avoid False Teaching - Beware of enticing words and teachings and people who deceive. Any
ministry, church, or religion that conflicts with the Word of God should be avoided. “But foolish and unlearned
questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes” (II Timothy 2:23). “Study to shew thyself approved unto
God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain
babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness” (II Timothy 2:16). -- (TC).
““But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you
than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.”
-- Galatians 1:6-9
4
Let’s Study Cults & Religions in America
By Ted Camp
Review: What is a: Sect - Cult - Heresy - Hypocrite - Difference World Religions & Sects - Cults?
Why Are Many Different Sects and Cults in America? The cults and sects developed because of fads, lifestyles,
politics, and cultures of certain past generations. The United States because of its constitutional guarantee of
religious liberty has been the birthplace and melting pot of many new religions. Notice the similar founding dates
and teachings of founders. It seems most sects & cults began in a 50 year time span. Mormons LDS (1830) Spiritualism (about 1848) - Jehovah’s Witnesses (1872) - Theosophical Society (1875) - Christian Science
(1879) - Seventh Day Adventists (1849) - Armstrongism (1892) - At first all these sects and cults were greeted
with suspicion, ridicule, and hostility. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) was physically
attacked and driven from their communities. During the 60s and 70s the number of cults in America surged.
Scholars attribute this increase, in part, to a climate of social and political change in which young people began
to explore alternative lifestyles (hippies, yuppies and new age). No other country offers or has ever offered religious
freedom for these many different religions. Jim Jones, David Koresh, Charles Manson, Father Divine, Heaven’s
Gate, Y2K, and the Davinci Code all had cultic followers. Note: Just because a person has “rights” it does not
mean he is right. “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death”
(Proverbs 14:12). There are many religions but only one Gospel.
Remember sects & cults use scriptures within their teachings.
World Eastern Religions Come to America - Perhaps even more important, in 1965 President Lyndon B.
Johnson repealed laws that had severely restricted immigration from Asia to the United States. As a result,
large numbers of people from India, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia began to arrive in the United States. Among
them were gurus, swamis, and preachers who sought to establish American branches of their religious
movements. These movements included the Hare Krishna from India. The Divine Light Mission from India. The
Unification Church led by Sun Myung Moon from Korea. Hollywood also endorsed different Gurus and teachings.
This generation is now faced with the world’s fastest growing religion of Islam. America is the only country with an
open-door freedom to worship policy for all religions. It is just the opposite in most foreign countries that have only
one or possibly two major religions. We do not want others to think for us! Remember world religions do not
use Bible scriptures but have their own different gods and books (Koran).
Different Groups Bring Different Religions - As different cultural groups migrate to certain localities in America
they bring their religious practices and teachings. They build their churches, mosques, chapels, and temples for
worship. Examples: Mennonites from Germany migrated to Canada, Pennsylvania and Belize. Voo Doo worship
in Louisiana. Catholicism in New York. Hispanics in North Carolina. Some religious “minorities” are permitted to
express religious views in public schools, colleges or government institutions while Christian “majorities” do not
have equal rights. in the 60s the Supreme Court interpreted the Constitution to read *establishment as
“separation of state and church” so prayer and Christianity were removed from public schools. It is a fact that
America was and is a Christian nation and should remain a Christian nation “under” God. – TC
No other nation changes it language and culture for the migrating people.
The Ground Zero Mosque has caused a great stir. “A growing number of Americans - now 71% according to the
latest CBS News poll - simply don't believe the Ground Zero site is an appropriate site for the mosque. That comes
as a growing number of Muslims leaders agree - they don't believe this site is the proper place to build a mosque
either. More people understand that building a mosque at this location is insensitive - especially to the families and
friends of 9-11 victims - including our client Tim Brown, a firefighter and first responder who survived the Twin
Towers' collapse, but lost nearly 100 colleagues that day. For them, the pain never ends. They consider this site
hallowed, sacred ground. It should be a memorial not a mosque.” -- ACLJ.org.
The Constitution & Bill of Rights - "Congress shall make no law respecting an *establishment (church) of religion,
or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press;
or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."
Is the First Amendment Being Interpreted? It guarantees freedoms of religion, speech, writing and publishing,
peaceful assembly, and the freedom to raise grievances with the Government. (An added insert added by unknown
sources - TC) (In addition, it requires that a wall of separation be maintained between church and state). The
Constitution & Bill of Rights mentions nothing about “separation of church and state.” It does state, “Religions
have the right to raise grievances with the Government” but it does not state that “government has the right
to raise grievances with religions.” When government prohibits Christianity in pubic schools or public assemblies
it is a violation of their religious rights. When government is in control it is tyranny but when the people are in
control it is democracy. It seems that the present government seeks control with funds and laws.
The Purpose of The Constitution: To set limits on what the government can and cannot do in regard to personal liberties.
Christians do not need the world to “think” for them.
5
Founders and Foundations of Some Religions
Sects and Cults are false religions that use Bible Scriptures within their teachings.
World religions do not use Bible Scriptures, but have their own Books and teachings.
Let’s briefly look and compare the founders
Christianity
Without Jesus Christ there would be no Christianity. He arose and is alive today!
“I (Jesus Christ) am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore...”
– Revelation 1:18
American Sects - Cults
Use Bible Scriptures in Teachings
Christian Science
Without Mary Ann Morse Baker (1821-1910) there would be no Christian Science
Mormons
Without Joseph Smith, Jr. (1805-1844) there would be no Mormonism.
Without Brigham Young (1801-1877) Mormonism would have ceased.
Jehovah’s Witnesses
Without Charles Taze Russell (1852-1916) there would be no Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Judge Joseph F. Rutherford (1869 -1942) became the new leader.
Seventh Day Adventists
Without William Miller (1782-1849) there would be no Seventh Day Adventists.
Without Ellen G. White (1827-1915) Seventh Day Adventists would have ceased.
Scientology Church
Without L. Ron Hubbard (1911-1986) there would be no Scientology.
Armstrongism
Without Herbert W. Armstrong (1892-1986) there would be no Armstrongism.
Unification Church
Without Sun Myung Moon (1920 - ? ) there would be no Unification church.
2008 New Leader - His Son - Hyung Jin Moon
Large World Cults
Non Scriptures - Own Book and Teachings
Islam
Without Mohammed (570-632 AD) there would be no Islamism.
Confucius
Without Confucius (551-479 BC) there would be no Confucianism.
Buddhamism
Without Siddharta Gautama (Buddha) (563-483 BC) there would be no Buddhism.
—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2008 - “God's Final Witness” By Ronald Weinland, Pastor of Church of God
A Modern Day Prophesy - The year 2008 marked the last of God’s warnings to mankind and the beginning in a countdown
of the final three and one-half years of man’s self-rule that will end by May 27, 2012. On December 14, 2008, the First Trumpet
of the Seventh Seal of the Book of Revelation sounded, which announced the beginning collapse of the economy of the United
States and great destruction that will follow. The next three trumpets will result in the total collapse of the United States, and
once the Fifth Trumpet sounds the world will be thrust into WW III. The prophecies revealed in this book explain the demise of
the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain, and much of western Europe, which will be followed by man's
final world war. This last war will be the result of clashing religions and the governments they sway. Billions will die! The
destruction of this time will far exceed the very worst times of all human history. Factual: The 2012 phenomenon comprises a
range of eschatological beliefs that cataclysmic or transformative events will occur on December 21, 2012, which is said to be
the end-date of a 5,125-year-long cycle in the Mayan Long Count calendar. Scholars from various disciplines have
dismissed the idea of catastrophe in 2012. Mainstream Mayanist scholars state that the Long Count calendar "ends" in
2012 misrepresents Maya history. NASA has compared fears about 2012 to those about the Y2K bug in the late 1990s,
suggesting that an adequate analysis should preclude fears of disaster. – Wikipedia
6
Let’s Compare Founders and Foundations Similarities
“Founders of cults usually claim revelation from above which either reinterprets the Bible
or reestablishes teaching lost since the days of “the early church. Other movements are many,
and cater to the desire for the mysterious and the mystical, usually rooted in eastern mysticism.”
– Irvine Robertson, Moody Press
Notice that most of the religions started about the same time periods within a 50-75 year span. Some of these religions still
exist and continue to grow and flourish worldwide with many faithful followers. It seems the foundation (teachings and writings)
have become more powerful than the founders. Also note that very few new religions are born in this generation. -- (TC)
Let’s Compare Founder
[A] Mary Ann Morse Baker (1821-1910)
[B] Mohammed (570-632 AD)
[C] Charles Taze Russel (1852-1916)
[D] Joseph Smith, Jr. (1805-1844)
[E] William Miller (1782-1849 )
[F] Herbert W. Armstrong (1892-1986)
[G] Sun Myung Moon (1920 - ? )
[H] L. Ron Hubbard (1911-1986)
[I ] Siddharta Gautama (563-483 BC)
A. Can You Identify the Different Religions with Founders?
After you have read their beginnings just insert the leter (above) in the [ ] box - Answers listed below
1. [ ] Seventh Day Adventist
4. [ ] The World Tomorrow
7. [
] Scientology
2. [ ] Mormonism
5. [ ] Buddhism
8. [
] Islam
3. [ ] Christian Science
6. [ ] Unification Church
9. [
] Jehovah’s Witnesses
B. Can You Identify The Different Founders with Religions Let’s Compare Founder Similarities
[Condensed from pages 29-40] Answers listed below
1. At the age of 40 he received a revelation from the angel Gabriel and was commanded to “recite” the following verses to
mankind. He is the last Prophet the final Messenger of God to mankind. His message was to Christians, Jews and all
mankind. He was sent to those religious people to inform them about the true mission of Jesus, Moses, Jacob, Isaac, and
Abraham. He is considered to be the culmination of all the prophets and messengers that came before him. Answer: [ ].
2. At the age of 15 years old he received a vision from Heaven informing him that the churches were all wrong. Three years
later he claimed to have a second vision where a divine messenger (angel) named Moroni informed him that God had a work
for him to do. He was told of a book written on golden plates recording the history of the former inhabitants of the continent and
containing the fullness of the everlasting Gospel. Answer: [ ].
3. She claimed God revealed special messages to her and she was the originator. She taught to the public in sessions and
book rooms. She claims she received revelations directly from God and wrote her books. She had several husbands. She taught
that death was only an "illusion" but she died at the age of 89. Answer: [ ].
4. He was a Baptist preacher. He predicted the return of Christ between March 21, 1843, and March 21, 1844. Thousands
were convinced and many even refused to sow their fields, but the date passed without incident. He confessed he made a
mistake and set a new date for October 22, 1844. Before his death he confessed the movement was erroneous. Answer: [ ]
5. As a teenager he denounced all organized religion and increasinglyclaimed his interpretations were infallible. He had no
theological training and only a seventh grade education. In 1879 he published literature to promote his prophetic views. He
was repeatedly summoned to court for shady deals, and divorced his wife for adultery. Answrer [ ].
6. He claims that when he was 16 years of age, on an Easter morning while praying Jesus Christ appeared to him and
repeatedly asked him to assume His unfinished work. He finally agreed to accept the mission and spent 9 years in prayer and
study. During this time he communicated with Jesus, John the Baptist, Moses, Buddha, and God. Answer [ ].
7. He was an American writer of pulp fiction, especially science fiction, first published his ideas on the human mind in the
Explorers Club Journal and the issue of Astounding Science Fiction magazine. It has often been described as a cult that
financially defrauds and abuses its members, charging exorbitant fees for its spiritual services. Answer [ ].
8. He was a spiritual teacher. He is regarded as the "awakened one" or "the enlightened one." His accounts of his life,
discourses, and monastic rules are believed and memorized by his followers. These accounts have been recorded and passed
from generation to generation. He is also described as a god or Prophet. Answer [ ].
9. At the age of 34 he had an argument with his wife, over worshipping on the Sabbath (Saturday) rather than Sunday. As he
studied the Scriptures he became convinced that all existing churches were wrong. As his convictions grew, he started a
radio broadcast. He began to preach that he was called of God to proclaim the truth - The Plain Truth. Answer [ ]
Let’s Compare Similarities (TC) - Some were similar .....
In their rejection of all past and existing religions - In the fact they are now revered but were not in the past
In their need to establish a new accepted religion from God - In teachings interlaced with Bible Scriptures.
in the fact that they were rejected and scoffed by many - In being isolated and outcasts from their society.
In their backgrounds and lifestyles - In religious printings and publications - In extreme Bible private interpretations.
In being weird or unstable - In lifestyles - In visions as teenagers - Broken marriages - No sexual limits.
In date settings and prophecies - In having dedicated loyal followers with closed minds.
[Answers: A. Religions: 1-E 2-D 3-A 4-F 5-I 6-G 7-H 8-B 9-C — Answers B. Founders: 1-B 2-D 3-A 4-E 5-C 6-G 7-H 8-I 9-F]
7
Some Religion Time Lines
Bibletimeline.org - Teachinghearts.org
610 - Religion Islam started by Mohammed. The archangel Gabriel teaches the Quran to Mohammad.
622 - Mohammad flees 200 miles from Mecca to Medina. Calendar begins
630 - The religion of Islam was started by Mahomet who returned to Mecca as a conqueror and prophet.
688 - 691 - Dome of the Rock (Mosque of Omar) built on the top of ruins of Jewish Temple.
1050 - Catholic church “Mass” instituted.
1090 - Catholic church “Rosary” instituted.
1215 - Confession to Catholic priests. Doctrine of “substantiation” now official (831).
1229 - Catholic church forbids Laity (church members) to interpret bible.
1324 - John Wyclif translated bible into English. He was dug up burned as heretic (1425).
1450-1455 Gutenberg Bible - First Bible printed in Germany - 300 copies 1282 pages.
1517 - Protestant reformation begins. Martin Luther nails theses on the church door
1535 - Death by fire for Anabaptists. Netherlands 100,000 Protestants massacred.
1536 - October 6. William Tyndale burned at the stake for heresy - translated the NT (1534).
1560- John Knox (1515-1572) Scotland. Established the Reformed church. Geneva Bible - First translation
1611 - King James Version - It is a retranslation of the Bishop's Bible.
1620 - The Pilgrims (102) came to the United States on Mayflower to avoid persecution land Plymouth Rock.
1636 - Roger Williams (Baptist) driven out of Massachusetts and founded Rhode Island.
1736 - Major Amish emigration to America.
1776 - July 4 is Declaration of Independence day.
1791 - United States Bill of Rights adopted in 1791.
1820 - Joseph Smith had a vision - He was told not to go to any other churches.
1823 - Joseph Smith was visited by the angel Moroni and told the location of golden plates.
1830 - The "tongues"movement started with Mary Campbell. Joseph Smith publishes the Book of Mormon.
1831 - Advent Movement started - William Miller started preaching after twelve years of studying
1844 - October 22. 2300 day prophecy ends as Millerites wait for the Second Coming
December - Ellen Harmon (White) receives her first vision.
1846 - Rachel Oakes Preston, a Seventh Day Baptist, taught Adventists about Sabbath.
1858 - February. The two hour "Great Controversy" vision was repeated to Ellen White.
1859 - Evolution. Charles Darwin publishes the "Origin of the Species."
1823 - Joseph Smith, Jr. Founder of Mormonism claimed to have his first vision.
1844 - Brigham Young succeeded Joseph Smith, Jr. as leader of Mormonism
1849 - Ellen G. White succeeds William Miller as leader of Seventh-Day Adventism
1860 - The name "Seventh Day Adventist" was chosen. The publishing work began
1866 - Mary Ann Morse Baker claims to have her first vision directly from God writes “Science and Health.”
1870 - Catholic church claims infallibility of the pope
1870 - Charles Taze Russel originated a Bible study became which known as Jehovah’s Witnesses.
1879 - Charles Taze Russel published the first Zion ‘s Watchtower to promote his view.
1916 - Judge Joseph F. Rutherford succeeded Russel as leader of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
1931 - Catholic church claims Mary is the mother of god
1934 - Herbert W. Armstrong preaches first radio message on The World Tomorrow.
1954 - Unification Church started by Sun Myung Moon
1955 - Church of Scientology started by L. Ron Hubbard
1960 - Charismatic movement started April 3
1963 - June 17, 1963 - Supreme Court removes prayer and bible reading out of public school.
Suit brought in 1959 by Madalyn Murray (O'Hair) against Baltimore public schools
8
A Study of Different Religions in America
Because of religious freedom offered in America many different religions have come to America to
establish branches of their religious movement. In comparison Saudi Arabia is 99% Muslim, Iraq 97%
Muslim, Kuwait 99% Muslim, Denmark 91% Lutheran, Japan 76% Buddhism, Poland 95% Catholic, and
America is not listed with any certain religions as it consists of many different religions. Some countries
may list their religion as Protestant, but not one foreign country is listed as Baptist religion.
“It has been said that America is “the great melting pot” for all the people of the world. The contents of
that pot would not be complete unless it included the religions of those masses that now make up the
populace of America” – Dr. Walter Martin.
New Religions in America - Most new religions began in America by certain founders, during
uncertain times, who claimed to have seen an angel or vision from God to reveal a new religion
because all other religions were declared to be false. Many wrote that their teachings were direct from
God with heavenly visits. The followers of the new religions relied totally upon the credibility of the
founder, as the vision and angel were only seen and heard by the founders. There were or are no
existing or attested heavenly tablets or documents to confirm their visions. Each new religion required
complete trust from their followers. It is amazing to see that most of the new religions were founded in
the middle 19th century. You cannot but wonder how each new group would look upon the other new
group. Both claiming to be the only true religion at that time. You should study the founders and the
foundations of different religious groups. A religion can only be as strong as its founder and foundation.
If the religion has a weak founder and a weak foundation then it should be shunned and avoided. This
study is to give you insights into the foundations and founders of different religions and to reveal
hidden facts that are not presented by their followers. Jesus Christ is the only true foundation.
“Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure” (II Timothy 2:19). “I have laid the foundation, and
another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation
can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:10-11) -- (TC).
Just plain common sense should reveal to any person that any religion that has a foundation built
upon a man or a woman in later years after the completion of the Bible must be false. No one can
discredit all those who have died in the faith before the 17th or 18th century. It just does not make sense
that all past Christianity since 30-90 AD should be disregarded as though it never existed. It seems that
each new religion tries to build a new tower of Babel to heaven, but it will never happen. God does not
vary from Scriptures for any different generations. The Word of God is complete and no man or religion
should add to or take away from it. Beware of those who present teachings that are contrary to the
Word of God. False teachers visiting your home may seem friendly and helpful but the end of their religion
and teachings are destruction (Proverbs 14:12). Remember the tragedies of Jim Jones and David
Koresh and Charles Manson! -- (TC).
What About Founding a New Religion Today? What would happen if, in this present generation,
another angel came down to another teenager and presented to him a new religion that rejects all
existing and past religions including your religion? Would you turn away from your religion to follow the
new religion? You may say that it would never happen! Well, it did! Why not again? It could easily
happen again when people do not follow the truth of God’s Word. God’s Word has never changed
through these generations. Jesus Christ is still the only way to Heaven (John 14:6) -- (TC).
Conclusion - The answer is simply do not follow men, an angel, religions or leaders who pervert the
Word of God, but follow those who teach the truth. The Bible is the authority, not man. It seems that
the followers of false religions do not consider the writings of Paul (a true apostle of God) -- (TC).
“But though we, or an angel from heaven,
preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you,
let him be accursed.”
– Galatians 1:8
9
Religion In America
USA-TODAY - February 26, 2008
Today’s report (online at Pew
forum.org) sorts people into major
groupings: Christian (78.4%); other
religions (4.7%) including Jewish
(1.7%) and Muslim (0.7%); and
unaffiliated
(16.1%),
agnostic
(2.4%); and “nothing in particular.”
Protestants also are subdivided
into three groups: evangelical
(26.3%) with shared strict ideas on
salvation and common historic
origins; mainline (18.1%), which
shard “a less exclusionary view of
salvation and a strong emphasis on
social reform”; and historically black
of Greek Orthodox.
Nearly three in four US Buddhists
are converts; Buddhists (0.7%) are
split evenly among Zen, Theravadan
and Tibetan schools.
Nearly 20% of all men and 13%
of all women are unaffiliated. So are
25% of adults under age 30. The
major Christian denominations are
losing numbers fast. Only nondenominational churches showed
growth outpacing losses.
“Two in three people who say they
grew up as Jehovah’s Witnesses have
left the faith. Any one of 10 people
you meet is a former Catholic,” Lugo
says.
The two groups that identified
with “nothing in particular” now
match or outstrip the the two largest
mainline Protestant groups.
The percentage of “secular
unaffiliated” (6.3%) who say religion
is unimportant to them is statistically
the same as Methodists (5.8%) who
say they believe religion is at least
somewhat important now out number
Lutherans (4.6%).
The authors struggled with the
categories to include in this article.
10
11
This Generation Recognizes Four Major Religions
A few years ago the military and government usually classified religions into three major groups: (1) Protestants
(2) Catholics (3) Jews. A military chaplain was assigned to minister to each recognized group. In this generation
religions are divided into four religious groups for political correctness. (1) Christianity (2) Judaism (3) Islamic.
It seems all (4) Protestant religions including Catholicism have been classified as “Christianity.” I am not aware of
how the present government or military now classifies their religious groups. -- (TC)
(1) Protestants
The word Protestant comes from the word protest. Protestants split from Roman Catholicism during the
Reformation. Two leading features:
1. The emphasis on authority of the Bible over authority of church traditions.
2. Its rejection of any suggestion of a priestly hierarchy.
The Protestant Reformation can be summarized as follows: By Faith alone. By Scripture alone. By Grace
alone. By Christ alone. For God’s Glory alone. Protestants have been split into numerous different
denominations as Baptist, Brethren, Lutherans, Methodist, Congregationalists, Episcopalians, Presbyterian,
Church of God, and Reformed churches.
There are over 543 million Protestants which represents 10.3% of the world’s population - World Religions Made Easy
Baptist - “We believe that the Baptists are the original Christians. We did not commence our existence at
the Reformation...we never came from the church of Rome, for we were never in it, but we have an
unbroken line up to the Apostles themselves. Baptist have always existed from the very days of Christ”
-- Charles Hadden Spurgeon.
(2) Roman Catholicism
The Catholic church uses Bible Scriptures within their teachings, but have added doctrines that differ from
traditional Christianity. Their foundation is the firm conviction that Jesus Christ Himself established their
catholic church and their authority. Therefore, they alone represent the true church on earth. The basis of their
position is Christ's statement to Peter, "Thou art Peter and upon this rock I will build my church” (Matthew
16:18-19). Peter (the first Pope?) was married which contradicts the teachings of Catholicism. “And when
Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever” (Matthew 8:14). The
Immaculate Conception of Mary - The papacy also teaches that in addition to the Lord Jesus Christ, Mary
is the only other human being to have been born without sin. Through a miracle of Immaculate Conception
she is said to have been free from original sin in order to be a vessel as the mother of Christ. There are over
792 million Catholics representing 16.8% of world population – World Religions Made Easy.
(3) Judaism
Jewish Religion is known as the oldest religion in the world. Judaism started with their father Abraham
and his descendants became Israel, who were God’s special people. The small nation of Israel was
repeatedly defeated and finally dispersed throughout the world. Jews are unique in that they have maintained
their identity in the midst of a large number of diverse cultures. Jews hold a large number of writings besides
the Old Testament as authoritative. Although there is no Christian teaching of saving grace in Judaism, they
believe that one's eternal existence in the hereafter is determined by moral behavior and attitudes. Jews still
hope for the coming of the Messiah, who will hand out eternal judgment and reward to all. Ritual and ceremony
are still important within Judaism. There are now over 13 million followers which represent 0.25% of the
world’s population -- World Religions Made Easy
(4) Islam
The word “Islam” means “Submission to God.” In the 7th century, Mohammed, thought to be the last prophet
in a line that includes Abraham, Moses, the biblical prophets, and Jesus, founded a strict, monotheistic (one god)
religion in reaction to the polytheism and lawlessness of the existing Arab culture. Today Islam is almost the sole
religion of all Arab countries and has major communities in Africa as well. The Koran, (Recite) for the most part
a series of short teachings. It is intensely revered by Muslims as the final word of God. The word Islam refers to
the peace that comes from surrender to God. Allah means the God, indicating the monotheism of Islam. The Koran
rejects the notion of redemption; salvation depends on a man's actions and attitudes. On the final day every man
will account for what he has done, and his eternal existence will be determined on that basis. It originated with the
prophet Mohammed who lived in the 7th century. Muslims do not regard Mohammed as their first prophet but do
regard him as their final and last prophet. 2000 - There are now over 1,340,000,000 Muslims which represents
19.6% of the world population. 2000 - There are now over six million Muslims living in USA. 2006 - Islam is now
the world’s fastest growing religion -- World Religions Made Easy.
12
Undercurrent of the New Spirituality
By Dr. David Jeremiah
First - If you had a high fever, just taking aspirin wouldn’t unearth the source of the infection. The New Spirituality
contains certain basic beliefs that are contagious. When we apply a stethoscope to the New Spirituality we can hear
the New Age heartbeat. It’s the same disorder, but now instead of simply being visible it has spread through the
entire American body. The first fundamental precept is belief in the universality of God. There is no end goal of life
in pantheism. A person must simply move through countless illusory incarnations until he or she is absorbed into
the great “One” like a drop of water falling into the ocean. Instead of an omnipotent God, there is the cosmic force
of the universe. This world-view says that God is in everything, so whatever exists, whether it is a person, a pig, or
a pickle, is part of God. The problem with this belief is that God’s Word teaches that all is not God. God stands
outside of the creation; Ecclesiastes 5:2 says God is in His heaven and you are on the earth. The Bible presents
God as an independent person who communicates, plans, demonstrates emotion, and has the ability to choose. As
the creator, God is distinct from His creation. It is a terrible travesty of truth to say all is God and God is all.
Second - Is that there is no difference between good and bad. If everything is God, then what is bad is God and
what is good is God, and there really isn’t any distinction. The universe, according to this view, is amoral. If you talk
with a person who has accepted these views, he or she might say, “You’re a Christian? That’s great. Hey, whatever.
Just do your thing; we’re all a part of the universe. I’m just my own person, but you do whatever you want. Whatever
works for you is fine.” The Bible teaches there is right and wrong and that God has set standards for us to follow.
The New Spirituality teaches that there can be no sin against God if everyone is a part of God, but the Bible clearly
says that man’s problem is disobedience against his personal God. Until we understand that problem, we can never
find what we are looking for in our own lives.
Third - In this disease is belief in the unity of the cosmos, which teaches that all reality, including God, humankind,
the created universe, earth, time, space, and energy, are all connected in divine consciousness. As one circles the
eternal wheel of existence, one regains the divine conscious and the realization that he or she—and all of
existence—is God. The Bible teaches that we are individuals. We are distinct, unique beings who one day will stand
before God and give an account of what we have done and how we have lived. We won’t be able to hide behind
any tree cosmic thing.
Fourth - Those who accept this Alternative Spirituality also believe in the finality of experience: You validate what
you believe according to your experience—“I know this is real because it happened to me.” “How do you know God?”
is a question people have asked from the beginning of human history. The Old Testament describes how Job,
almost four thousand years ago, struggled with his own understanding of God. Today that same struggle continues.
Many people believe that God reveals Himself through some mystical experience. I heard of one person who said,
“I saw a vision of God in the clouds. It was the image of a man reaching out to me with such a look of love that I
couldn’t resist stretching out my hands to touch him. Everyone comes to God in a different way. The Bible says
there is only one way a person can be saved, and that is through Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12). When there is no body
of truth, no absolutes, when everything is right and everything is wrong at the same time, anyone can say anything
and his or her own subjective experiences become the needed validation. “I spoke with my dead husband.” “I went
to heaven and met Jesus but returned to earth.” It is difficult to talk to people who have had a “spiritual” experience
until you can show them that unless that experience is based upon biblical truth it is unreliable. There is no right or
wrong; it’s everyone’s personal experience that is the final judge. Your experience isn’t going to help a religious man
because someone else can come in and say, “Let me tell you about my experience.” Then it’s that person’s
experience versus my experience, and there is nothing to establish who is right.
Fifth, New Spirituality is the belief in the necessity of higher consciousness. According to this view, when you are
walking around in a sound body and sound mind you can’t be religious; you must get out of your body, out of your
mind, so that you can ascend to the next level, to your higher consciousness. With trances, mediums, and spirit
guides, you can attain your higher consciousness and be absorbed into the universe. This is the meaning in life.
Sixth, New Spirituality calls for the intercession of higher spirits. Psychics and mediums have been since King Saul
disguised himself and slipped into Endor to ask a woman who was a medium to conduct a seance for him. A
psychic claims to have special knowledge of events and people. He or she gets the knowledge through the “divine
vibrations” of an article of clothing, by means of “angelic” visitations, through analysis of astrological charts, or a
variety of other means. The Bible says, “The Spirit clearly says that in the latter times some will abandon the faith
and will follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons” (I Timothy 4:1). When you open your mind to the
influence of demons, you have allowed Satan to get a foot in the door of your life. Some will be drawn into the
demon world because they succumbed to an ad on television. Scripture is full of warnings.it is with the passion of
the apostle Paul when he said, “I did not cease to warn everyone night and day... with tears.”
13
Major Religious World Systems
By Dr. David Jeremiah
To place the New Spirituality in perspective, we should categorize the four major religious world systems. They
basically consist of words that have the word theism in them (from theos, which means god). The dictionary
definition of religion is “an organized system of beliefs and rituals centering on a supernatural being or beings,”
or “a belief upheld or pursued with zeal and devotion.” One religious system is monotheism, which is made up
of two words: mono, or one, and theism, meaning god. A monotheist is somebody who believes there is one
God in the universe and that He exists outside of the universe He created.
There are three major world-view religions whose basic tenet is monotheistic
First World-view is Christianity
Christianity is unique among major world faiths for teaching that one eternal, personal, loving, and infinite God
exists in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Judaism is also monotheistic: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord
our God, the Lord is one!” (Deut. 6:4). This statement, known as the Shema, epitomizes the faith of the Jews.
Contemporary Judaism rejects the Trinity and the deity of Jesus Christ. It may come as a surprise that Islam
is also monotheistic; followers believe in one god, although it is not the true God. If you have ever heard a
Muslim prayer, it is addressed to one god because one of the five pillars of Islam is “There is no God but the
one God, and Mohammed is His prophet.” Islam rejects the doctrine of the Trinity and considers Jesus to be
one of the great prophets. Allah differs from the Jewish and Christian concept of God because he is morally
capricious; he declares what is good or evil, and his declaration makes it true. The Muslim has no assurance
of what it takes to please Allah and be welcomed into eternal paradise.
Second World-view is Atheism
When you put the letter a in front of the word, it takes away the content of the word it prefixes. Atheism means
“no god.” Atheists have no belief in God, and most of them believe that the material universe began with the
Big Bang; they refuse to speculate on whether anything existed before that time, or they say, “it just happened.”
Secular humanists are atheistic; they believe that the very idea of God is irrelevant and irrational. Agnostics
do not fall in the same category as atheists because they don’t know whether any deity exists. Witches, for
instance, would be considered agnostic because they practice rituals and use terminology of polytheism and
pantheism, but they admit that they do not know if any “divine essence” exists.
Third World-view is Polytheism
The prefix poly means many or more than one, so polytheists are those who believe there are many gods.
They believe that the gods don’t necessarily have eternal existence but that people who were not gods
become gods. According to a polytheist, there are many gods that are in operation. Greek and Roman
mythology have many kinds of gods: Zeus, Venus, Apollos, etc. People in South America and Africa who
practice voodoo are polytheists. Mormonism is polytheistic because Mormons believe that God was once a
man and that man can become God. If you read the Mormon literature, you will find that to be very carefully
stated in what they write about themselves.
The Fourth Major Religious Belief
is more challenging to understand. Within its scope of beliefs is the term pantheism. Pan means all, so a
pantheist believes that everything is god. I am god. You are god. Your pet dog is god. Everything is god.
Actually a pantheist is a god with amnesia. He needs to recover his godhead, and if he could just remember
that he is god, he’ll be okay. His salvation comes from realizing his own divinity, sometimes called selfrealization or Christ-consciousness. Buddhism and New Ageism are pantheistic, as is Hinduism and its sects,
such as Hare Krishnas, even though they embrace polytheism as well. They consider all of underlying reality
to be divine, with particular divine manifestations as gods and goddesses. The New Age movement is both
pantheistic and polytheistic. However, it is now being repackaged to present a more attractive product. This
is not a result of organized research and development. No group of men or women cloistered in a closed room
decided to start a counterculture spiritual revolution. I do not believe in a conspiracy theory, for that implies a
tightly organized movement that can be easily identified and exposed. Movements based upon loose affiliation
are harder to classify and more elusive to describe. The New Spirituality has replaced New Age in the
supermarket of beliefs, and millions are buying its poisonous products.
14
How To Know A False Religion
By Ted Camp, SWM
"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try (prove) the spirits whether they are of God:
because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God:
Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God:
and this is that spirit of antichrist....he that is not of God heareth not us.
Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error."
– 1 John 4:1-6
When you study the Scriptures, remember that when you see a small "s" in spirit it means an evil, bad
spirit, human spirit or many different spirits. When the "S" is capitalized, it usually means the Holy Spirit
of God. There are different spirits and they should be proven Godly or ungodly, true or false, right or
wrong. How do you prove the spirits? Christians can prove what is right or wrong by studying and
comparing teachings to the Word of God. The end result of a false ministry is to build their works but the
end result of a true ministry is to build Christians into maturity and a proper relationship with Christ.
Five Ways To Know False Religions
1. The Message Test Listen carefully to the teachings of their messages. "Hereby know ye the Spirit
of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every
spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit
of Antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world"
(1 John 4:2-3). What do they teach about Jesus Christ, doctrines, and Bible truths? Compare their
teachings to the Word of God.
2. The Manner Test
Do they seek to be popular with men? Do they draw people to them rather than
Jesus Christ? Do they keep laws, rituals, and traditions contrary to the Scriptures? Do they build a
practice from only one verse of Scripture? Remember and beware, do not follow men and personalities
as they can be wolves in sheep's clothing to devour the flock. "They are of the world: therefore speak
they of the world, and the world heareth them" (1 John 4:5). Is their motive to build their cult or Christ?
Watch those in leadership and their lifestyle. Are their mannerisms comparable to the world or God?
Beware of people who flatter you.
3. The Money Test - Watch how money is used. Is there accountability? Do they ask you to trust them
100% in all they do? Is money used for personal gain? "And through covetousness shall they with
feigned words make merchandise of you...and their damnation slumbereth not" (2 Peter 2:3). Be
careful of gimmicks, quick rich promises and ministries that continually seek seed gifts from you. Beware
of groups who emphasize money instead of Scriptures and spiritual necessities.
4. The Morality Test
What is the life style of the leaders? Do they practice personal purity? Are they
separated from the world? How do their followers live? Do they love home, family, God and Country? "If
a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet
for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work" (2 Timothy 2:21). Everyone should study
the Scriptures and know truth from error. The truth shall set you free. The Word of God is the authority.
When a man stops following the Word of God, you need to stop following him. Beware of immoral people.
5. The Method Test - It is easy to know a Ford from a Chevrolet, an apple from an orange. It is also
easy to know what is right and wrong in religions. Compare their teachings and methods to Scriptures.
Beware of people who use questionable methods to entice or persuade you into their teachings.
A Check List For Religions: 1. Do they give the appearance of the world? 2. Are emotions and feelings
the priority? 3. Do they teach one word text and avoid whole counsel of God? 4. Are they trying to build
their organization, church instead of people? 5. Do they emphasize works, rules and regulations? 6. Do
they have dictators for leaders who demand complete trust and never be challenged? 7. Do they
continually teach to the head and not the heart. 8. Do they criticize other religions who differ with them?
9. Do they emphasize that they are right and others are wrong? 10. Do they demand complete allegiance
to their cause regardless of family or friends?
15
SEEKING SATISFACTION IN RELIGION
By Ted Camp, SWM
Religion has caused more people to go to hell than any other thing. This is because people put trust in
religion instead of Jesus Christ. Look what the pagan religions did for people in the past. Look at India,
China, Islamism, and the Moslem world. Look at the Roman Catholic world. It seems this is a very, very
religious world that is drifting farther and farther from the true God. Look at liberal Protestantism.
Multitudes have joined churches since World War II to get away from God and from a personal
relationship to Christ. The only problem is that religion without Christ never satisfies the emptiness
and longing God put within man. A religion without Christ can only help the outward results of man.
Religion works from the outside in, but Christ works from the inside out. Christianity is the results of
Christ not works. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift
of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Man can produce religion, but
only Christ can produce salvation and fellowship with God. “Therefore being justified by faith, we have
peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).
Seeking Satisfaction in Religions - This world is almost the same as the days of Paul when he visited
Athens, Greece, where they worshipped many gods and idols. They were dedicated to teach new and
different things. Paul then stood in the midst of the people and cried, "Ye men of Athens, I perceive that
in all things ye are too superstitious (religious). For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I
found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly
worship, him declare I unto you" (Acts 17:22-23). These people were too religious with many gods.
They even worshipped an unknown god. “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called
you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that
trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven,
preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be
accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you
than that ye have received, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:6-9).
The world today is also very religious. There are many churches in every city and country. In Asia, China,
Egypt, Japan, Rome, and other countries, there are many different gods. It may be Buddha or
Mohammed, or even the sun. Some people make a religion of studying the stars. A psychic can be called
on a telephone for spiritual counsel. Some people worship and bow down to animals. They will starve
before they will eat them because they believe that someone may be reincarnated as an animal.. Others
believe in water baptism, works, and doing good or praying to statues. It is sad because a false religion
will not satisfy that longing in their soul that only God can satisfy. "For he satisfieth the longing soul,
and filleth the hungry soul with goodness" (Psalms 107:9). There are many religions that are doing
good and have worthy causes but they are without Christ. There are many religions good to live by but
there is only one good to die by. Eternity is a long time to be wrong - make sure you are saved.
FINDING SATISFACTION IN CHRIST - What is the right religion? What is the right way to Heaven?
Only the Bible will give the true answer. Can a person know he is saved and going to Heaven? If a
person dies, will he live again? The disciples were confused so they asked the Lord, "How can we know
the way?" Jesus Christ answered, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the
Father (in Heaven, but by me." (John 14:6). Jesus Christ did not say "a" way but "The" way to Heaven.
There is only one way. How? Through Jesus Christ as your Savior. No man can go to Heaven without
Jesus Christ. "Therefore being justified (made right) by faith, we have peace with God through our
Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1). There is only one way for man to be made right with God, "through
our Lord Jesus Christ." Religion will never satisfy your soul. Jesus Christ is the way to Heaven and
there is no other way. "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under
heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). Not in the name of Buddha or
in any other name, only the name of Jesus Christ. True satisfaction is not in religion but in Jesus Christ.
One hundred years from now, your salvation will be all that matters. Be sure you are saved!
Only Jesus can satisfy your soul!
(Psalm 107:9)
16
FACT - FAITH - FEELING
By Ted Camp
God has given man a mind to think, a heart to know and a will to decide. A person slowly
becomes what he thinks and learns. No one is born with knowledge. A person only knows what
they learn by seeing, hearing and experiencing. Many times I have asked a person the question,
"Who told you that or where did you read that?" A person is like a new computer, he is born with
no knowledge but will only knows data or knowledge that is put into it. A saying computer
operators, "Garbage In - Garbage Out." There is a battle for control of the mind not only from
the world but also in religion. Even Christians can be deceived into a life based upon knowledge
received. Some Christians seek only to worship God with feelings and emotions. The Bible
states that God must be worshipped in spirit and truth (John 4:24). The spirit, small (s) means
the attitude of your worship and truth means your worship is in agreement and according to
the Word of God. The two must be together to have true worship. When you separate one from
the other there is no true worship.
Base your Life upon Bible Principles and Facts
What is the difference in Fact - Faith - Feeling. A good definition is to compare your life to an
automobile. The car represents you (fact), but you need a good motor to give power (faith) and
you can enjoy the ride (feeling). It is important that we run our lives in proper order with a well
balanced view of life. It has been said, “God said it, I believe, and it is true.” This should say,
“God said it and it is true.” It is true whether you believe it or not. Feelings cannot change the
truth of God’s Word. Ten thousand people can vote to change the Scriptures, but it will not
change the true Word of God. God’s Word is an absolute fact, whether you have faith or feelings
it does not change the facts. You cannot trust your faith or your feelings but you can trust the
fact of God’s Word.
1. FACT - A fact is an absolute - Something that has happened. There is no absolute or fact apart from
God. All truth originates from God and God cannot lie. The Word of God is absolute and is a fact. You
can depend and trust God and His Word as a fact. Science is not an absolute fact but an assumed theory.
Evolution is not a science but a religion. Evolutionists state, "I believe that man began about 25 millions
years ago." Study the Word of God for knowledge to learn what is factual and true. Knowledge can be
obtained from books but wisdom comes from God. Our minds will reason and react according to facts or
lack of facts of knowledge.
2. FAITH - Faith means to trust, rely or depend upon something or someone. All people will put their
faith into something. But to have true power and right in life faith must be in facts. Faith will affect our
actions, decisions, directions and lifestyle. Our will responds to the reasoning of the mind when decisions
are made. Some people have faith in government, religion, finances, power, self but true faith should be
in fact. Christians should put their faith in God. Faith in a weak board will get you wet. Faith should be
placed upon fact.
3. FEELING - Feeling is an emotion to touch, to be aware, to express or experience, a sensation, a
response, an expression of emotions. It is important that our life not be based upon feelings which can
change or alter quickly. Do not let feelings be a way to determine what is right or wrong. Feelings should
be an expression of thinking on facts and deciding to live with those facts. Keep emotions where they
belong. Notice that the children of Israel worshipped a golden calf with feelings of emotions only. Their
worship was not based upon fact but only feelings. Many religions today have gone the method of
feelings above fact. They do not care what the Bible says as long as they feel good. When emotions are
put before fact or faith then the results will be a false worship. Christians should have good feelings of
hope, joy and comfort knowing their feelings are based upon faith in the fact. Feelings are not to
number one but only the results of right faith in fact. Many Christians have gone astray seeking feelings
instead of fact.
17
Go Into All The World
Preach The Gospel
No One is Saved
Without the Gospel
No One!
Romans 1:16
No One is Saved
Without Christ - No One!
John 14:6
No One Can Spiritually
Grow Without The
Word of God.
No One!
I Peter 2:2
18
“Go Into All the World and Preach the Gospel.”
– Mark 16:15
(Compiled by Ted Camp for SWM Mission Retreat)
When Jesus gave the Great Commission there were only about 135 million people on the earth.
In 1830 over 1 Billion People
In 1930 over 2 Billion People
In 1975 over 4 Billion People
In 2005 over 6 Billion People
In 2010 over 7 Billion People
Year 2000 - There was over six billion people in the world with 6,703 known languages and multiple
thousands and thousands of different dialects. Only about 2,000 languages of these languages have
Scriptures or a Bible. Most of the world has no Bible or Scriptures. The word world and nation means
all cultures, groups, and languages. The Great Commission, Go into all the world and preach the
Gospel remains, but it seems churches have forgotten and neglected their purpose for existence.
America is known as a Christian nation, but it is losing its effectiveness in reaching the world for Christ.
The outreach has been declining instead of increasing with the world population. America at one time was
number one in sending missionaries to foreign countries and now it has dropped to number sixteen. For
first time more missionaries returning from than going to foreign countries. America now has more
beer taverns than churches. For the first time the divorce rate in Christianity is the same as the secular
world. 90% of all the preachers are in America with only ten percent of all preachers to reach the rest
of the world. America’s population of 200 million only represents 4% of the world population. This means
that only 10% of all the preachers are trying reach 96% world. General Mac Arthur stated after the war,
“Send me 1,000 missionaries and we change Japan for God.” There was no response and today only
1% of Japan is Christian. Christians should respond when God opens doors of opportunity.– TC
Religions and Cults Require Dedication and Commitment - It has been said that Mormons don’t
smoke, Moslems don’t drink alcohol, Jehovah’s Witness don’t curse, Christian Scientists don’t do drugs,
and Moonies don’t listen to music. These profess a better outwardly testimony than many Christians.
Cults are willing to die for a cause, and Christians should be willing to live for Christ. – TC
Different Religions Known Populations (2000)
Buddhism - Over 613 million followers, which represent 11.6% of the world’s population
Chrisitian Science - Over one million followers, which represent 0.02% of the world’s population.
Confucianism - Over 144 million followers, which represents 2.7% of the world’s population.
Hinduism - Over 800 million Hindus in the world, which represents 13.5% of the world’s population
Jehovah’s Witnesses - Over 5 million followers, which represents 0.1% of the world’s population.
Mormonism - Over 9 million followers, which represents 0.2% of world population.
Roman Catholicism - Over 792 million Catholics , which represents 16.8% of world population
Judaism - Over 13 million followers, which represent 0.25% of the world’s population.
Islam - Over 1,340,000,000 Muslims, which represents 19.6% of the world population.
Over six million Muslims now in USA. Islam is now world’s fastest growing religion.
[Reference: World Religions Made Easy]
Ten Largest Cities In World - June 2000
1. Tokyo, Japan 28 Million
3. Mexico City, Mexico 18.1 Million
5. Sao Paulo, Brazil 17.7 million
7. Shanghai, China 14.2 million
9. Kolkata, India (Calcutta) 12.9 million
2. New York, USA 20.1 Million
4. Mumbai, India (Bombay) 18 million
6. Los Angeles, USA 5.8 million
8. Lagos, Nigeria 13.5 million
10. Buenos Aires, Argentina 12.5 million
Go Into All The World - Gospel
Asia: Population 3,682,550,000 - Confucianism - Buddhist
Africa: Population 784,445,000 - Muslim - Catholic
Europe: Population 728,887,000 - Orthodox - Catholic - Lutheran
Latin America: Population 519,143,000 - Catholic - Baptist - Christian
Australia/New Zealand: Population 22,748,000 - Almost 100% Catholic & Anglican
Each person is an eternal soul facing an inescapable Lord!
19
“Go ye into all the world,
and preach the gospel to every creature.”
– Mark 16:15
World Population - January 1, 2007 - 6,577,959,027
Christian World - 2,235,000,000
Missionaries: 413,100 - One missionary per 796 people
Buddhist World - 367,200,000
Missionaries: 2,000 - One missionary per 176,150 people
Chinese World - 386,800,000
Missionaries: 2,700 - One missionary per 133,259 people
Muslim World - 1,285,000,000
Missionaries: 4,200 - One missionary per 296,786
Hindu World - 2,021,000,000
Missionaries: 5,400 - One missionary per 177,074
Tribal World - 223,300,000
(Separate language & culture from main groups)
Missionaries: 11,900 - One missionary per 16,597 people
Total World Groups 27,000
Unreached nations or groups - 13,000
Non-Christians - 4,398,061,809 - 67% World
Christians - 2,179,897,218 - 33% World
(Includes all professing Christian groups)
Catholics: 47% 1.2 billion - Orthodox 10% 220 Million - Protestant: 43% 940 Million
56% Professing Christians Are (For first time) Non-white
Unevangelized Non-Christian World - 0.33% Full-time Christian Workers
Evangelized Non-Christian World - 23% Full-time Christian Workers
Christian World - 76% Full-time Christian Workers - 24% Rest of World
Spanish Now the Leading Language of the Christian World
6,528 Known World Languages - Only 2,000 Have Scriptures
America is only 6% of world population.
-- Mission Maker Magazine -- January 2007
No Other Gospel
There are many religions but only one Gospel
“But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you
than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.”
-- Galatians 1:6-9
“ For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ:
for it (gospel) is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth;
to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
– Romans 1:16
“And there they preached the gospel.”
– Acts 14:7
20
World Religions
Religion Population & Percentages as of 1999
(Reference: World Religions Made Easy by Mark Water - Hendrickson Publishers - Edited and condensed for the Deaf)
Islam Religion - Over 1,340,000,000 Muslims which represents 19.6% of the world population. Islam
originated with the prophet Mohammed who lived in the seventh century. Muslims regard Mohammed
as their final and last prophet. . Over six million Muslims live in America. The word “Islam” means
“Submission to God.” The word “Koran” means Recite (Mohammed was to “recite” what he
received in his visions). Islam is the world’s fastest growing religion today.
Hindu Religion - Over 800 million Hindus in the world which represents 13.5% of the world population.
This religion began in India about 4,000 years ago. Hinduism worships many different gods. A shrine is
placed in many places to ward off evil spirits.
Buddha Religion - Over 613,000,000 million followers which represent 11.6% of the world population.
A man by the name of Siddhartha Gautama founded this eastern religion. Buddhism began about
663-483 BC . Siddhartha Gautama later became the Buddha or Enlightened One.
Confucius Religion - Over 144 million which represent 2.7% of the world population.A man named
Confucius was known as one of the world’s most influential thinkers in 551-479 BC, in Northern China.
He believed it proper to worship ancient ancestors. Worship was later extended to include the worship
of Confucius himself. It is the worship of past leaders and ancestors.
Shinto Religion - Shinto means the ways of the gods. This is the ancient religion of Japan. It is
influenced by both Buddhism and Confucianism. Shinto has no founder, scriptures or Bible. It is mingled
with Buddhism and Confucianismhas having shrines. This is the ancient religion of Japan. Shinto has no
founder, scriptures or Bible.
Judaism - Over 13 million followers which represent 0.25% of the world population. Jewish Religion is
the oldest religion. Judaism started with Abrahamand his descendants to be God’s special people.
Christian Scientist - Over one million followers which represent about 0.02 of the world population.
Mormon Religion - Over 9 million followers which represent 0.2% of the world population.
Jehovah’s Witnesses - Over 5 million followers which represent 0.1% of the world population.
Protestants - Over 543 million followers which represents 10.3% of the world population.
Protestants include religions other than Jews, Catholic and the above listed religions.
Roman Catholicism - Over 792 million followers which represent 16.8 of the world population.
Orthodox - Over 215 million followers which represent 4.1 of the world population.
Just Because A Person Has Rights - It does Not Mean He Is Right
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sects - (Christian Cults) Sects (a section or splintered group) and so -called Christian cults are groups
of people who have broken away from general accepted orthodox Christianity. Sects use Bible
Scriptures within their teachings. A Sect is not recognized as a Christian denomination. – TC
Cults - (Non-Christian Cults) A false cult (culture group of people) is a religious group which is usually
considered to be extreme and heretical by members of mainstream Christianity. Cults use Bible
Scriptures within their teachings. – TC
World Religions do not use Bible Scriptures in their teachings. Most world religions have their own
book of teachings – TC
21
Study The Scriptures
By Ted Camp
Christianity and Other Religions - What is the difference in Christianity and other religions in
the world? Christianity recognizes the written Word of God as the only absolute and authority
of God. This is what separates Christianity from all other religions. There are many different
religions, denominations, churches, but there is only one Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God,
a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
– II Timothy 2:15
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God,
and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”
– II Timothy 3:16-17
THE WORD OF GOD IS FOR:
Doctrine - - - Teaching-----What is Right
Reproof - - - Teaching-----What is not right
Correction - Teaching-----How to get right
Instruction - Teaching---- How to stay right
How to Study The Bible - As you study, always remember the Scriptures are the true Word
of God (II Timothy 2:15). Let the Word of God prove what is right. Do not listen to opinions of
man (II Corinthians 13:1; Isaiah 28:9,10). Search the Scriptures to prove all things (Acts 17:11;
John 5:39). Let the Holy Spirit give you correct understanding. "But the Comforter, which is
the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and
bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you" (John 14:26). Put
your trust in the everlasting Word of God (Matthew 24:35).
There are 5 ways to learn the Word of God.
[You can compare them to your fingers]
1. Hear the Word of God - Listen.
2. Read the Bible (II Timothy 2:15).
3. Study the Bible (Proverbs 1:2).
4. Memorize the Scriptures (Psalms 119:11).
5. Meditate about the Bible (I Timothy 4:15).
Do It! Obey and practice what you learn (Philippians 4:9).
Then tell others what you have learned - Witness to others [Mark 16:15].
Only the Word of God will Change Lives Forever.
No One Can Grow Spiritually Without the Word of God –No One!
“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word,
that ye may grow thereby.”
– I Peter 2:2
22
the Bible from god to man
How To Correctly Receive the Word of God
[1 ] O R I G I N A T I O N
B e g ins in the M in d o f G o d
Is a ia h 5 5 : 8 -1 1
[2] REVELATION
God’s Tho ug hts in the M ind of M an
[3] INSPIRATION
God’s Tho ug hts in a Holy Book to M an
II Timothy 3:16
[4] WRITTEN WORD OF GOD
Inspired by God to 40 different men
From God to Man for Man to Understand God
[5] TRANSLATION
God’s Thoughts Written in Man’s Language
Misrepresentation - wrong
Man’s Thoughts Written in Error
I John 4:1-3
[6] INTERPRETATION - Right
God’s Thoughts
Correctly Understood
Dissimulation - wrong
Man using God’s Word to Deceive
Galati ans 2:13 - Ephesians 5:6
II Timothy 3:16
[7] ILLUMINATION
God’s Word Correctly Received
I Peter 1:23
[8] APPLICATION
God’s Word Changing Man to God’s Way
I Peter 2:2 - James 1:22
[9] COMMUNICATION
Man sharing God’s Word to Others
Mark 16:15
[10] PRESERVATION
God’s Word Will Never Change - Continue Forever
Matthew 24:35
Silent Word Ministries - P.O. Box 889 - Trenton, Georgia 30752
23
(I John 4:1-3)
24
WHAT IS BIBLE DOCTRINE?
By Dr. Ted Camp, SWM
Doctrine simply means that which is taught. Doctrine is teachings. It is the teaching from a teacher.
It is a belief that is taught concerning a religion. Even false cults have their doctrines or teachings. Bible
doctrine means simply the true teachings and beliefs of the Bible. Doctrine is the basic body of
Christian teaching or understanding (II Timothy 3:16). Christian doctrine is composed of teachings which
are to be handed on through instruction and guidance. The teacher attempts to offer a clear and
connected interpretation, for doctrine must be a understood before the Christian believes. It is important
for Christians to be taught the truth of God’s Word. The Word of God is the authority, not the teacher.
Only the doctrines or teachings of God’s Word will prove what is true or false, right or wrong. Doctrine
is the Word of God to teach mankind the mind of God. Christians must believe and accept that God is,
and that the Bible is His Word. That is why we have teachers, pastors, missionaries and evangelists to
teach and preach the doctrines of the Bible. People only know what they read or hear, so it is important
that they be taught truth. It is easier to teach truth to young Christians than to try to reteach or unteach
false doctrines. There are four essentials to properly receive Bible doctrine or teachings: Scripture (the
Word of God), experience (to read or hear the Word), intellect (accept it as the Word of God) and practice
(apply the Word of God to your life).
1. Scripture - The Bible witnesses to the fact and activity of God. The Bible never tries to prove God,
but simply states the fact of God. The Bible is God’s plan for mankind. Without the Bible there would be
no absolute knowledge of God. Some churches and Christians become bound to traditions instead of
Scriptures. The church may become a servant to and rely only on inherited interpretations of Scripture.
Some churches and Christians become deaf to the Word of God and to fail to understand it’s true
doctrines. That is why it is important to study to rightly divide the Word of God (II Timothy 2:15).
2. Experience - A person has doctrine before being able to read and interpret Scripture. People only
know what they have learned by experiences and knowledge. Past teachings shape the way we think,
the values we hold and the choices we make. Past experiences from our culture can affect our doctrine.
Bad doctrine can blind us to the truth of the Bible. Christians need to put aside past experiences and rely
totally upon all Scriptures as the inspired Word of God (II Timothy 3:16). Experience and knowledge
without basic Bible is only man’s opinions and philosophy.
3. Intellect - Christians have a mind to think, a heart to know, and a will to decide. The Holy Spirit will
lead a Christian to right thinking as he studies the Bible. “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost,
whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your
remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14:26). A person can think he is right, but be
wrong. Doctrine is not based upon what you think, but what the Bible teaches. Use common sense with
simple faith in the Word of God as the authority and absolute for your doctrine and principles of life.
4. Practice - The Bible teaches that it is wasted time to hear and know the Word of God and not put it
into practice. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any
be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For
he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But
whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but
a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed” (James 1:22-25).
Note: As you study the Bible doctrines let them slowly change your life towards God. No one can
become a mature Christian without the Word of God. “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of
the word, that ye may grow thereby” (I Peter 2:2). All life must eat to grow. This is true of the great
elephant and even the small ant. It is also true of Christians. Christians must eat, feed on and study the
Word of God so that the inner spiritual man may grow into maturity.
There is no work of God...
Without the Word of God.
25
Interpreting Scripture
By Bill Gothard – Credit: Billgothard.com
Hermeneutics is defined in one dictionary as “the art of finding the meaning of an author’s words and phrases,
and of explaining it to others.” When applied to Scripture, accurate hermeneutics would require the scholar to:
Study the context of the passage and the theme of the book.
Look up the actual meaning of each word in the original languages.
Note the verb tenses, the cases, and other grammatical determinants.
Learn the cultural setting of the passage.
Determine what the original readers understood it to mean.
Check out cross-references to see how the words are used in other contexts.
See how the first mention of the word or topic is presented in the Bible.
Confirm an interpretation with two or three similar passages.
Introduction - These are all proven study methods. However, it has always puzzled me how Bible scholars who
claim to follow all of them arrive at totally opposite interpretations of the same passage. For example, in a seminary
in the Northwest, two professors wrote on the topic of divorce and remarriage. Each one assured his readers that he
was following sound rules of Biblical interpretation. Yet, each one arrived at a view that was opposite of the other.
One day, I called up my former Greek professor at Wheaton Graduate School. He had written on the subject of
hermeneutics, and I asked him if he could summarize the rules of hermeneutics in a concise list. His answer startled
me. He said, “Bill, there is no such list.” I asked how we would know if we are breaking hermeneutical rules if there
are no rules. He explained that there are certainly guidelines of interpretation. However, they cannot be confined to
one set of rules. What is correct Biblical hermeneutics?
1. Spiritual Perception Over Intellectual Understanding - The first factor of interpreting Scripture is to approach
it as an exercise in spiritual discernment rather than just an intellectual pursuit. Paul emphasized this in his letter to
the Corinthian believers. “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness
unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (I Corinthians 2:14). Jesus Himself
confirmed that Biblical understanding does not come from human reasoning but from spiritual enlightenment. He
said, “I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent,
and hast revealed them unto babes” (Matthew 11:25). The Holy Spirit is the One Who inspired the writing of
Scripture, and He is the most qualified One to interpret its meaning to each reader. Jesus assured us that the Holy
Spirit would indeed guide us into all truth. “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all
truth” (John 16:13). This being the case, it is also reasonable to conclude that if a person who wants to interpret
Scripture has sinful habits or practices in his life that grieve the Holy Spirit and quench His power, the Holy Spirit
will not reveal the truth of Scripture to such a person. In fact, God warns that such individuals will take Scripture
out of context to their own destruction. (See II Peter 3:16.) This result supports the axiom that a man’s morality will
dictate his theology and his philosophy.
2. God’s Revelation Over Human Reasoning - In the final analysis, accurate Biblical interpretation is based on
the revelation of Jesus Christ throughout the Scriptures. Nowhere is this more clearly demonstrated than on that
walk on the road to Emmaus. The disciples had been personally taught by Jesus for three years. However, they still
did not understand the Scriptures from which He taught. They were distracted by the conflicting interpretations of
contemporary scholars. It was not until Jesus began with Moses and all the prophets and explained how they
revealed Him that they understood the true meaning of Scripture. “And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he
expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself” (Luke 24:27). They later recalled, “Did
not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the Scriptures?” (Luke
24:32). The scholars of Jesus’ day carried out heated debates over the correct interpretation of Scripture, but Jesus
counseled them to search the Scriptures on the basis that they testified of Him. “Search the scriptures; for in them
ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39).
3. Genuine Love Rather Than Justification of Selfishness - Since the Scriptures reveal the person and work of
the Lord Jesus Christ, it also follows that the primary theme of the Bible is the love of God and how we are to live
out His love in our daily words and actions. When a clever lawyer tried to involve Jesus in a wordy battle, He began
his forensic sparring with the question “Which is the greatest commandment?” The reply that Jesus gave is a
profound principle for Biblical interpretation. All the Law and prophets are based on the command to love God with
all of our hearts, souls, minds, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Therefore, we must interpret
Scripture on the basis of how it teaches us to love God and to love others.
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Love is the theme of the Bible. All good character qualities are simply practical expressions of genuine love.
When the Pharisees used the Law of Moses to justify their harsh and unloving treatment of wives, Jesus reproved
them for hardness of heart and took them back to the Creation design of one man and one woman becoming one
flesh for the rest of their lives. The lawyer who tried to engage Jesus in debate then tried to justify himself by asking,
“Who is my neighbor?” to which Jesus responded with the parable of the Good Samaritan.
4. Christ’s Commands Over Man’s Theology - Every interpretation of Scripture is based on some foundational
structure of reasoning. Jesus provides the structure of truth in the commands that He gave to His disciples during
His earthly ministry, and they are the guiding lights for correct Biblical interpretation. They clarify what was written
in the Old Testament and are further explained in New Testament teaching. Jesus promises that if we keep His
commands before our eyes, He will reveal more of Himself to us. This was the great goal of Paul: “That I may know
him, and the power of his resurrection” (Philippians 3:10). Jesus further promises, “If ye continue in my word, then
are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31–32). It is
customary for a Bible scholar to base his interpretation of a passage on the theological position that he has
accepted. The problem with this approach is that no theological system is totally without some human error,
because it is not inspired. It is man’s explanation of Biblical truth. This is not to say that theology is unimportant.
Wrong doctrine leads to wrong behavior. No one was more concerned about false doctrine than the Apostle Paul.
He maintained a continual battle against false teaching. However, he did not base sound doctrine on the theological
views of his day but on the words of Jesus Christ and that which leads to Christlike living. He explains this in his
epistle to Timothy. “If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord
Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about
questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, perverse disputings of men of
corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself” (I Tim. 6:3–5).
5. One Interpretation and Many Applications - The Bible makes it clear that there is only one interpretation of
Scripture. However, there can be many applications. It is the Holy Spirit Who guides us not only to the right
interpretation of a passage but also to the precise application of Scripture to our daily lives. If our lives are in
harmony with the Lord, we can expect the Holy Spirit to illuminate certain passages of Scripture for our personal
application. When this happens, it is God giving us a “rhema” of Scripture. In the New Testament, the Word of God
is generally referred to by the Greek word logos. Jesus is identified as the Living Word (logos). However, there are
many references that use the Greek word rhema to define the Word of God. A rhema is a precise direction of
Scripture for a particular person or circumstance. When Jesus told Peter to cast his net on the other side of the boat,
Peter replied, “Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word [rhema] I will
let down the net” (Luke 5:5). Jesus did not tell every one to cast their nets on the other side of the boat—only Peter.
It is on the point of the Holy Spirit applying a passage of Scripture to a decision that critics often rise up and claim
that this is not acceptable hermeneutics. Their quarrel is not with believers who know in their spirits that God is
directing them by the witness of two or three rhemas, but with the Holy Spirit Who confirms the application of rhemas.
Jesus used rhemas in overcoming Satan’s temptations, and one of the passages He used affirms rhemas. “But he
answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word [rhema] that proceedeth out
of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).
6. Correct Divisions of Truth Versus Truth Out of Balance - Paul gave Timothy wise instruction in hermeneutics
when he wrote, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly
dividing the word of truth” (II Timothy 2:15). Scripture is a living, powerful instrument in the hand of God. It functions
on what appears to us to be paradoxes. In a similar fashion, the muscles in our bodies are only able to function by
opposing tensions. On the one hand, Scripture presents the Law of God, but then it contrasts this with the grace of
God. Scripture teaches the need for justice, but then it counters this with mercy. We are told to cease from our own
labor and enter the rest that is in Christ. At the same time, we are commanded to work for the night is coming when
no man can work and to labor for the Lord. We have freedom in Christ. However, we are to make ourselves servants
to all people. If we emphasize only one side of God’s Biblical equation, we can certainly support it with verses of
Scripture, but we will come out with the wrong answer. Truth out of balance leads to heresy. For example, if we
emphasize the “rest” that a believer has and fail to give equal and primary emphasis to the “labor” of a believer, we
will view any emphasis on working for the Lord as legalism. Paul put labor and rest together when he wrote, “There
remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his
own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same
example of unbelief” (Hebrews 4:9–11). Similarly, there is certainly freedom in Christ. However, if we focus on
freedom, we will react to God-ordained authority as being oppressive and cultish.
Proper hermeneutics require diligent use of all the above factors
under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
By Bill Gothard – Credit: Billgothard.com
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HOW DO YOU KNOW
THE BIBLE IS FROM GOD?
[J. Vernon McGee - Re-edited for these lessons]
This is a good question, and it should be asked and answered.
1. Preservation - One of the greatest proofs that the Bible is the Word of God has been the marvelous
preservation of the Bible. There was a king in the book of Jeremiah who, when the Word was sent to
him, took it and cut it to pieces. But it was rewritten, and we have that Word today. Down through the
centuries there have been a great many Bible burnings. The way they try to get rid of the Bible today is
to outlaw it in our schools and in many other places. In spite of all the attacks that have been made upon
the Bible, it still exists today, and it's one of the best sellers. The amazing preservation of the Word of
God is proof that the Bible is from God.
2. Archeology - Another way in which we can know the Bible is the Word of God is through archeology.
The spade of the archaeologist has turned up many things that have proven that it is the Word of God.
For instance, there were those who for many years denied the Mosaic authorship of the Pentateuch on
the basis that writing was not in existence in Moses' day. You haven't heard anybody advance that theory
recently, have you? Well, of course not. For years the spade of the archaeologist has found proof of the
Bible. Many of the manuscripts that have been found do that also. It's quite interesting that when the
Isaiah scrolls, the Dead Sea scrolls, were found, the liberal leaped at that because he thought he had
found an argument that would discredit the Bible. Archeology has found proofs that the Bible is from God.
3. Fulfilled Prophecy - If I were asked today, “What would you suggest would be a conclusive proof that
the Bible is the Word of God?” I would suggest fulfilled prophecy. Fulfilled prophecy is the one proof that
you can't escape, you can't get around. And the Bible is filled with fulfilled prophecy. One-fourth of the
Scripture, when it was written, was prophetic; that is, it announced things that were to take place in the
future. A great deal of that in fact, a great deal more than people imagine has already been fulfilled. We
could turn to many places where prophecy has been fulfilled exactly. We find that there were many local
situations that were fulfilled even in the day of the prophet. For example, Micaiah was the prophet who
told Ahab that if he went out to battle he would lose the battle and would be killed. However, Ahab's false
prophets had told him he'd have a victory and would return as a victorious king. Ahab didn't like what
Micaiah said and commanded him locked up and fed bread and water, and said he would kill him when
he returned. But Micaiah prophesied again, "If you come back at all, the Lord hasn't spoken by me"
(I Kings 22). Micaiah’s prophecy came true as God promised.
4. Changed Lives - One of the greatest proofs that the Bible is from God is the changed lives of
Christians today. The Bible has changed many lives of men and women. Young and old have found
purpose and fulfillment in life, marriages have been saved, families reunited, individuals have been freed
from alcoholism, drug addiction and sin habits. God changes drunkards into deacons and gamblers into
Godly folks. People have had their lives changed by coming to Christ. Only the Bible can turn a sinner
into a saint. Only the Bible can change a person’s life. Changed lives prove that the Bible is from God.
5. Spirit of God Made it Real - Another reason I know the Bible is from God is that the Word of God has
developed my life into Christian maturity. I have reached the place today where I not only believe that the
Bible is the Word of God, I know it's the Word of God. And I know it's the Word of God because the
Spirit of God has made it real to my own heart and my own life. That is the thing that Paul talked to the
Colossians about. He prayed that they "might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and
spiritual understanding." The Spirit of God can confirm these things to your heart and that you don't need
anything else to prove that the Bible is God's Word. "I already knew it was the Word of God long
before the shovel of the archaeologist turned that up. The Spirit of God has been making it real to
my own heart. I know that it is the Word of God. The Holy Spirit of God proves the Bible is from God.
[Published with permission from J. Vernon McGee ministry]
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Let’s Study Many Leading
Cults - World Religions
Leaders - Teachings
Scripturally Compare
The Differences in
World Religions - Cults
and
The Word of God
Note: This study is written to inform and give better knowledge
to Christians and ministries to better understand certain
religions. This is not an exhaustive study but only highlights
some of the major religions in the world. It is good for
Christians to be enlightened to prevent and protect cults from
proselytizing young and immature Christians.
Teach truth so they will know error.
Teach what is right so they will know what is wrong!
– Ted Camp, SWM
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Jehovah's Witnesses
History of leadership
Charles Taze Russell (February 16, 1852 – October 31, 1916), or Pastor Russell, was a
prominent early 20th century Christian Restorationist minister from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,
USA and founder of what is now known as the Bible Student movement, from which Jehovah's
Witnesses and numerous independent Bible Student groups emerged after his death. Russell
was a charismatic figure, but claimed no special revelation or vision for his teachings and no
special authority on his own behalf. He stated that he did not seek to found a new
denomination, but instead intended merely to gather together those who were seeking the
truth of God's Word "during this harvest time. After Russell's death, a leadership crisis arose
surrounding the new president of the Society, Joseph Rutherford, resulting in a movementwide schism. As many as three-quarters of the approximately 50,000 Bible Students who had been
associating in 1917 had left by 1931, resulting in the formation of several groups that retained variations on
the name Bible Students. Those who maintained fellowship with the Watch Tower Society adopted the name
Jehovah's witnesses in 1931, while those who severed ties with the Society formed their own groups
including the Pastoral Bible Institute in 1918, the Layman's Home Missionary Movement in 1919, and the
Dawn Bible Students Association in 1929. -- Wikipedia
Founder - Charles Taze Russel as a teenager denounced all organized religion and increasingly claimed his
interpretations were infallible. He had no theological training and only a seventh grade education. He
.Originated a Bible study group in Pittsburgh in 1870. In 1879 he published Zion's Watchtower to promote
his prophetic views. He was repeatedly summoned to court for shady deals, and divorced his wife for adultery.
This is the founder of the Jehovah's Witnesses.
Other Leaders - Judge Joseph F. Rutherford succeeded Russel in 1916. He was the Watchtower Society's
legal counselor and in 1931, at a convention in Columbus, Ohio, he changed the name of the organization to
Jehovah's Witnesses based upon, “Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have
chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed,
neither shall there be after me.” (Isaiah 43:10). This was in part to establish a new direction and consolidate
his power after Russel's death. Nathan Knorr became president in 1942 after Rutherford's death. Under his
leadership the society grew from 115,000 to over 2,000,000. At this time they produced their own translation
of the Bible, The New World Translation of Holy Scriptures. Frederick W. Franz became president in 1977
after Knorr died. As of 1995 he remains the leader of the organization. During Russel's presidency the first
magazine numbered 6,000 a month, today their presses print 100,000 books and 800,000 magazines a day!
Distinctives Of The Organization - Some of the unique features of this group:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Refusal to receive blood transfusions (Leviticus 17:10-15).
Rejection of organ donations or transplants - In 1952 accepted vaccinations.
Refusal to vote, salute the flag, sing the anthem or serve in Armed Forces.
Any disobedience by a member in these areas results in disfellowship from all Kingdom Halls
and family members. The "erring" one is considered dead.
5. Membership has grown to over four million worldwide annually averaging about 200,000 new members.
They are taught that all other beliefs are satanic.
6. The organization is best known for its door-to-door evangelism and literature sales.
Watchtower records show that an average of 740 calls will make one convert.
Some Doctrines of the Organization
1. The Person Of God - They view the Trinity of God as a demonic doctrine. Jehovah alone is the only God.
2. Jesus Christ was first created by Jehovah and then everything else was created through him (John 14:28; Colossians
1:15-17). They believe Jesus was originally Michael the archangel. They predicted Christ's second coming to be in 1914, 1918,
1920, 1925, 1941 and 1975. Likewise, the 144,000 Russel promised would be sealed and not die, is now less than 10,000.
3. The Holy Spirit is regarded as "the invisible active force of Almighty God which moves His servants to do His will . It is not
a blind, uncontrolled force, such as the forces of nature, but is at all times under control like a radar beam."
4. The Scriptures - Jehovan’s Witnesses claim to accept the Bible as the Word of God, however, the writings of the leadership
are considered infallible and of more value than the Bible. Truth - “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable
for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (II Timothy 3:16).
5. Sin - Sin is falling short of God's mark of perfection, transgression of His righteous law. No descendant of Adam is ever free
from sin. All inherit it from first man. Truth - "and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin” (I John 1:7).
30
6. Salvation - Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that all, who by reason of faith in Jehovah God and in Christ
Jesus dedicate themselves to do God's will and then faithfully carry out their dedication, will be rewarded
with everlasting life (LG p.298). Salvation is given as a reward for faithfulness unto death. People of
good works, who avail themselves of God's provision and prove themselves as true Jehovah's Witnesses
even during the one thousand year Kingdom, will be rewarded with immortality. All others will be
annihilated. They teach that 144,000 will share in heavenly glory, while others will enjoy the blessings
of everlasting life on earth. If they remain faithful and abide in him.
Truth - "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God,
even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the
flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God" (John 1:12).
7. Resurrection - The physical resurrection of Christ is denied. His body is said to have either been
transformed to gases, or is preserved somewhere, for He is now a glorious "spirit creature."
Truth - "And when he had spoken these things, ...he was taken up; and a cloud received
him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up,
behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why
stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven,
shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven" (Acts 1:9-11).
8. Soul Sleep - They teach that when a believer dies he remains in an unconscious existence in the
grave until resurrection, at which time he will be given probation during the one-thousand years leading
to annihilation or eternal life. The soul is not eternal.
Truth - "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any
man pluck them out of my hand" (John 10:28).
9. Eternal Punishment - They believe there will be either annihilation or eternal life. Annihilation is
considered as eternal. Because an immortal soul is denied, the death of unbelievers or apostates are
like tan animal, they just cease to exist. A dead person is unconscious, inactive. The soul itself is dead.
Truth - Christians: "We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the
body, and to be present with the Lord" (2 Corinthians 5:8). Unsaved: "And in hell he lift
up his eyes, being in torments" (Luke 16:23). Man is an eternal soul with a body.
10. Hell - They do not believe in a burning hell where the wicked are tormented eternally.
Truth - The Bible has more to say about Hell than Heaven. "And in hell he lift up his
eyes, being in torments" (Luke 16:23). (Psalms 9:17; Isaiah 14:9; Matthew 29:30).
11. The Millennial Judgment Day - This judgment will take place after Armageddon (LG p. 284-286).
Those supporting Satan will be cast into the "lake of fire." They are drowned in everlasting destruction
or annihilation. All who reject the Kingdom message will be destroyed. Armageddon survivors will live
on earth amid paradise conditions
Truth - "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of
fire." (Revelation 20:15).
Warning - Be careful of any religion that started because a person had a vision or visit from God. If a religion
was started just a few hundred years ago, then another new religion can also be born today that would replace
it. The Word of God is the authority and it is complete. God has no other writings given unto man – TC.
“But though we, or an angel from heaven,
preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you,
let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again,
If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received,
let him be accursed.”
– Galatians 1:8-9
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Mormonism
“The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints”
History Of Leadership
Joseph Smith, Jr.
(1805-1844)
Joseph Smith, Jr. founder was born December 23, 1805, in Sharon, Vermont. He was
the fourth of ten children. In 1817 the family moved to Palmyra, New York. The family
joined the Presbyterian Church. Young Joseph claimed to be confused about the strife
between various denominations. He began to inquire of the Lord which group was right.
At the age of fifteen years old he received a vision from Heaven informing him that the
churches were all wrong. Three years later in September 1823, he claimed to have a
second vision where a divine messenger (angel) named Moroni informed him that God
had a work for him to do. He was told of a book written on golden plates recording the
history of the former inhabitants of the continent and containing the "fullness of the everlasting Gospel."
Moroni told him of the "two stones in silver bows (the Urim and Thummin)” deposited with the plates
which would enable him to translate the book. Joseph went to secret place and found the golden plates,
stones and breast plate in a stone box. He was forbidden to take them from the place but returned every
year to the spot. Finally, on September 22, 1827, he was told to keep them until the angel Moroni asked
for them. During a three month period he deciphered the plates from reformed Egyptian language by
means of the "magic glasses." In 1830 he finished the work and the Book of Mormon was published.
Also the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was organized with six members.
Joseph Smith, Jr. relocated to Kirtland, Ohio (outside Cleveland) and began his publishing ministry. He
received much opposition and ordered his followers to destroy a local newspaper office which was
printing anti-Mormon material. In 1844 a mob stormed the jail and killed Joseph Smith, Jr. and his
brother Hyrum. He is considered a martyr.
Brigham Young
(1801-1877)
After Joseph Smith, Jr. was killed, Brigham Young convinced a majority of Mormons that
he was the rightful successor. Although he only had eleven days of formal education, he
led thousands of followers westward to the territory of Salt Lake Valley in Utah. The state
of Utah became the headquarters of the Mormon Church.
The church became divided into three structures.
1. Re-Organized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
2. Church of Christ, Temple Lot. - Independence, Missouri.
3. The Mormon Church in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Organizational Structure
A papal system is used with the "First President" firmly in control along with two counselors. Below them
is the Council of Twelve Apostles whose unanimous decision is equally binding in power and authority
with the First President. These twelve nominate a new president upon the death or disability of the
president. Any Mormon who opposes their decisions is considered as "cultivating the spirit of apostasy."
The organization has written and published - "The Pearl of Great Price," "The Doctrine and Covenants of the
Mormons," and "The Book of Mormon." There are also writings to ongoing revelations of their church leaders.
Note: The foundation of Mormonism rests solely on the testimony
of a fifteen year old boy's unsubstantiated vision. – TC
Mormons in 1999 were over nine million members with an annual budget of $1.3 billion.
“But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you
than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.”
-- Galatians 1:6-9
32
Some Doctrines of the Mormons
[Reference: "Truth & Error" Moody Press]
1. Sin - Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy (II Nephi 2:25). We
ought to consider the fall of our first parents as one of the great steps to external happiness
(Mormon Catechism). We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for
Adam's transgression (AF, 2). Adam cried, "Because of my transgression my eyes are opened,
and in this life I shall have joy" (Pearl of Great Price, Moses 5:10-11).
Truth - "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death
passed all men, for that all have sinned" (Romans 5:12).
2. Salvation - Mormons believe that through the atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved,
by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel (AF, 3). Faith on the Lord Jesus Christ;
repentance; baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; and laying on of hands for the gift
of the Holy Ghost (Af, 4). Even the unbeliever, the heathen, and the child who dies before
reaching the years of discretion, all are redeemed by the Savior's self-sacrifice from the
individual consequences of the fall (Talmage, P.58). Baptism is the very gateway into the
kingdom of heaven, an indispensable step in salvation (Bennett, Why I am a Mormon, P.124).
Baptism by proxy for the dead is a major activity. Saints are redeeming their dead (unbaptized)
from the grasp of Satan (Morgan, SalvationP.8).
Truth - "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the
Father, but by me" (John 14:6).
3. Retribution - Punishment - Most of the adult people who have lived since Adam will go to
the "Telestial Kingdom" (MD, p. 778). "Endless punishment " is "God's punishment" and may
endure for "one hour, one week, or one year, or an age." (Morgan, Salvation).
Truth - "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast in the lake of fire"
(Revelation 20:15). "And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous
into life eternal" (Matthew 25:46).
4. God - Mormons believe that there are three Gods...separate in personality, united in purpose,
in plan, and in all attributes of perfection (MD, p.670). The Father has a body of flesh and bones
as tangible as man's body (D&C, 130:ZZ). God is not omnipresent cannot be in more than one
place at a time (Talmage, DC p.48). Every man who reigns in celestial glory is a god to his
dominions. Each god, through his wife or wives, raises up a numerous family of sons and
daughters (Seer, 1,no. 3, p. 37).
Truth - "In the beginning God created the heaven and earth" (Genesis 1:1).
"God is a spirit." (John 4:24) (Genesis 16:13; Isaiah 45:22; Hosea 11:9).
5. Jesus Christ - Among the spirit of children of Elohim (God), the firstborn was Jesus Christ,
to whom all others are juniors (Smith, GD, p. 70). He is greater than all others because of birth
of a mortal mother and an immortal Father (Talmage, DD, p. 466).
Truth - "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth
in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). Not "A" Son but Jesus Christ is
"The only begotten Son."
6. Holy Spirit - The Holy Ghost is a Spirit. He does not have a body of flesh and bones like the
Father and the Son. He can only be in one place at a time (MD, pp. 359, 753).
Truth - "The Spirit searched all things" (1 Corinthians 2:10). "God giveth us the Spirit by measure"
(John 3:34). The Spirit is omnipresent everywhere at all times.
There are none so blind as those who refuse to see!
33
What The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Believe
By Jeff Bryant - Local Leader of Church of Latter Day Saints
(Article Dade County Sentinel - April 17, 2002)
[No comments are necessary from SWM - These are the beliefs of Mormons from one of their leaders].
The Founder - In the spring of 1820, a 14-year-old boy named Joseph Smith went into a grove of trees
near his home in Palmyra, New York, and prayed to learn which church he should join. In answer to this
prayer, God the Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to him, just as heavenly beings had
appeared to prophets like Moses and Paul in Biblical times. Joseph learned that the church originally
organized by Jesus Chris was no longer on earth. Joseph Smith was chosen by God to restore the
church of Jesus Christ to the earth. During the next ten years, Joseph was visited by other heavenly
messengers, translated the Book of Mormon, and received authority to organize the church.
The Church - The church was organized in Fayette, New York, on April 6, 1830 under the leadership of
Joseph Smith. It has grown to an organization with members and congregations throughout the world.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a worldwide religion with over eleven million
members, more than half of whom live outside the United States. The church has over 60,000
missionaries into 162 countries, has published more than 100 million copies of the “Book of Mormon:
Another Testament of Jesus Christ” in over 93 languages. There are now more than 100 temples
worldwide. Here are a few questions that are asked of us by other denominations that might clear up
some confusion about our beliefs.
Question: Are you Christian?”
Answer: “We are Christians in a very real sense and that is coming to be more and more widely recognized.
Once, people everywhere said we are not Christians. They have come to recognize that we are, and that we
have a very vital and dynamic religion based on the teachings of Jesus Christ. We, of course, accept Jesus
Christ as our leader, king and savior. He is the dominant figure in the history of the world, the only perfect man
who ever walked the earth. The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ and witnesses of his
divinity, life and atonement (Gordon B. Hinckley, president - LDS).
Question: Does your church believe that Jesus Christ is our personal savior?
Answer: “To obtain life eternal one must so humble and purify himself that he in fact receives through the
power of the Holy Ghost a personal witness that God is his eternal Father and that Jesus Christ is God’s Son
and our personal savior as well as the redeemer of the world” (Marion G. Romney - LDS).
Question: How is the Book of Mormon different from the Bible?
Answer: The Book of Mormon is another witness that Jesus Christ really lived, that he was and is God’s son.
It contains the writings of ancient prophets. One of these, Lehi, lived in Jerusalem around 600 B.C. God
commanded Lehi to lead a small group of people to the American continent. There they became a great
civilization. God continued to call prophets among these people. The book of Mormon is a collection of the
writings of their prophets and record keepers. It is name Mormon, one of the last of these ancient prophets.
They recorded that Christ appeared after his resurrection, to the people in America, taught them his gospel,
and formed his church among them. The Book of Mormon concludes with a great promise that those who read
it and sincerely pray can know by the Holy Ghost that it is true (Moroni 10:4).
(Moroni is the name of the angel who gave the special visions - SWM)
Bible Truth
“I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ
unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you,
and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven,
preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you,
let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again,
If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men,
I should not be the servant of Christ. But I certify you, brethren,
that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man,
neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
– Galatians 1:6-12
34
CHRISTIAN SCIENCE
History Of Leadership
Founder of Christian Science - Mary Ann Morse Baker was the founder of this religion. She
was born July 16, 1821 in Bow, Hampshire near Concord. She had physical and emotional
problems from her youth. She had 3 brothers and 2 sisters. In later years, her father, 2 sisters
and 2 brothers all died with cancer. This probably brought her much concern about health. She
was unwilling to accept the sovereignty of God as taught in her family's Congregational Church.
She began to rethink most historic Christian teaching. In 1843 she married George Glover who
died of yellow fever just seven months later. A son was born from this marriage. The baby was
later given to friends to raise. In 1853 she married Dr. Daniel Patterson, an itinerant dentist.
They separated and then divorced in 1860. During this marriage she became tormented by the
slightest noise. People had to tiptoe in her home. Her husband tried to kill all the frogs within hearing range. She
became influenced by a Dr. P.P. Quimby who had no formal training. He taught and claimed to heal without
medicines. He called his work "mental science" or "The Science of Health and Happiness" or "The Science of
Christ." She found great relief and was fascinated by this new mind over matter teaching. Quimby died in 1866.
Founder - Mary Ann Morse Baker began to teach "Christ Science" and claimed that it was revealed from God
and she was the originator. She opened an office and began to teach to the public in sessions. In 1866 she claims
to have received revelations directly from God and wrote her book "Science and Health." The book was
published in 1875 and later expanded to "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." She married again in
1877 to one of her disciples, Asa Gilbert Eddy. She organized a college in Boston in 1879 with 15 students. She
then started the Church of Christ, Scientist, later called the "First Church of Christ, Scientist. She taught that death
was only an "illusion" but she died in 1910 at the age of 89. Many have referred to her as Mary Ann Morse Baker
Glover Patterson Eddy because of her marriages.
Christian Science is a religion founded by Mary Baker Eddy in 1866 and practiced by members of The First Church of
Christ, Scientist as well as some others who are non-members. Its central texts are The Bible and the Christian Science
textbook, Science & Health With Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. In the textbook, Mary Baker Eddy describes
her religion as a complete and coherent Science which is both demonstrable and provable. Mary Baker Eddy spent the
two years prior to the publication of Science & Health documenting evidence for the healing of various diseases and other
physical ailments. (Many of these are recorded in the Chapter entitled 'Fruitage'). Christian Science asserts that man and
the universe as a whole are spiritual rather than material in nature and that truth and good are real, whereas evil and error
are illusive products of a fictitious material existence. Christian Scientists believe that through prayer, knowing and
understanding, all things are possible for good through God. Mary Baker Eddy wrote that she learned the Christian
Science method of healing as she recovered from an injury in 1866 after reading a Bible passage describing one of
Jesus's cures. She believed that Jesus Christ's way of healing is available to all people, now as much as in Biblical times.
After this, she studied the Bible for many years and documented her understandings in the Christian Science textbook
entitled Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, copyrighted in 1875 and still in print today. The Bible and "Science
and Health" are the foundation for Christian Science beliefs. – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Distinctives Of The Organization - Christian Science teaches the healing of the mind and body by science and
the Scriptures. In reality they are neither Science or Christian. Science is a systematic study of a set of observable
facts that can be tested by experimentation and found to be true. Christian Science claims many documented cases
of healing. Again Mrs. Eddy always taught that "death is an illusion," but there is no account of any member every
overcoming death.
They use the name "Christian Science" but deny the fundamentals of the Christian faith. They claim that sin or
evil is only mental and that all sin is insanity in different degrees. Sickness and pain are not real but only imagined.
Mrs. Eddy claimed the Bible to be her only authority but accused it of lies when it did not harmonize with her
teachings. Her book "Science and Health with Key to Scriptures" is viewed as being divinely inspired.
Doctrines Of Christian Science
(Reference: "Truth & Error" Moody Press)
GOD - God is all-in-all. God, Spirit, being all, nothing is matter. God is incorporeal, divine, supreme, infinite Mind,
Spirit, Soul, Principle, Life, Truth, Love. Life, Truth and Love constitute the triune Person: (1) God--God, (2) the
Father-Mother; (3) Christ the spiritual idea of sonship; Divine Science or the Holy Comforter... (SH, 331:26-31).
"God is the ever-present I am, filling all space, including in itself all Mind, the one Father-Mother God."
(Divine Science, p. 34).
“But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you
than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.”
-- Galatians 1:6-9
35
JESUS CHRIST - They teach that Jesus is the human man and Christ is the divine idea (SH, 473:15-16).
Mrs. Eddy said, "If there never existed such a person as the Galilean Prophet, it would make no
difference to me" (First Church of Christ Scientist, pp. 318-19). The virgin mother conceived this idea of
God and gave to her ideal the name of Jesus. Jesus was the offspring of Mary's self-conscious
communion with God (SH, 29:17-18). Resurrection is spiritualization of thought (SH, 593:9).
TRUTH - "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever
believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).
HOLY SPIRIT - Holy Ghost is Divine Science; the development of eternal Life, Truth, and Love (SH,
588:78). In the words of St John: "He shall give you another Comforter..." This Comforter I understand
to be Divine Science (SH, 55:27-29). The Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters, Divine
Science, the Word of God, saith to the darkness, "God is All in all."
TRUTH - What does the Bible say? "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the
Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things" (John 14:26). "Hereby know ye the
Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And
every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is
that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come and even now already is it in
the world" (1 John 4:2-3).
SIN - Here also is found the cardinal point in Christian Science, that matter and evil (including sin,
disease and death) are UNREAL (Misc. Writings, p.27). Man is incapable of sin, sickness, and death
(SH, 475:28). Sin, sickness, and death are to be classified as effects of error. Christ came to destroy the
belief of sin (SH, 473:4-6). The only reality of sin, sickness, or death is the awful fact that unreality seem
real to human, erring belief, until God strips off their disguise (SH).
TRUTH - "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death
passed upon all men, for that all have sinned" (Romans 5:12). "For all have sinned, and come
short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).
REDEMPTION - One sacrifice, however great, is insufficient to pay the debt of sin (SH, 23:3-4). The
way to escape the misery of sin is to cease sinning. There is no other way (SH).
TRUTH - "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven
given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).
SALVATION - The material blood of Jesus was no more efficacious to cleanse from sin when it was
shed upon the accursed tree than when flowing in his veins as he went daily (SH, 25:6-9). Salvation is
Life, Truth, and Love understood and demonstrated as supreme over all; sin, sickness, and death (SH,
593:20-22). To get rid of sin through Science, is to divert sin of any supposed mind or reality, and never
to admit that sin can have intelligence or power, pain or pleasure. You conquer error by denying its verity
.
TRUTH - "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the
Father, but by me" (John 14:6). "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be
saved" (Romans10:12).
RETRIBUTION - No final judgment awaits mortals, for the judgment day of wisdom comes hourly and
continually. Sin makes its own hell and death is an illusion (SH, 584:9-10).
TRUTH - "And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments..." (Luke 16:23).
TRUTH IS STILL TRUTH WHETHER YOU BELIEVE IT OR NOT – IT IS STILL TRUE
“But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you
than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.”
-- Galatians 1:6-9
36
Armstrongism
History of Leadership
Herbert W. Armstrong (31 July 1892 - 16 January 1986) founded the Radio Church of
God in the late 1930s, as well as Ambassador College (later Ambassador University)
in 1946, and was an early pioneer of radio and tele-evangelism, originally taking to the
airwaves in the 1930s from Eugene, Oregon. Opponents assert that Armstrong was a
controversial figure who promoted an eclectic set of unique theological doctrines and
teachings which are sometimes referred to by critics as Armstrongism. Armstrong
himself, however, claimed that these teachings came directly from the Bible. His
teachings included the interpretation of biblical prophecy in light of British Israelism,
and required observance of parts of the covenant Law including seventh-day Sabbath, dietary
prohibitions, and the covenant law "Holy Days". Armstrong proclaimed that world events during his
lifespan loomed various Biblical prophecies, and that he was called by God as an 'Apostle' and
end-time 'Elijah' to proclaim the Gospel of God's Kingdom to the World before the return of Jesus Christ.
He also founded the Ambassador International Cultural Foundation, which promoted the arts,
humanities, and humanitarian projects. Through his role with the foundation, Armstrong and his advisers
met with heads of governments in various nations, for which he described himself as an "ambassador”
without portfolio for world peace.– Wikipedia
Herbert W. Armstrong testified that it all started at the age of 34 in an argument with his wife, Loma,
over worshipping on the Sabbath (Saturday) rather than Sunday. His wife had been influenced by
Seventh Day Advents. As he studied he became convinced that all existing churches were wrong.
He began to preach that he was called of God to proclaim the truth - The Plain Truth. He stated "It is I
know, a shocking, staggering fact to realize that this work...is the only work on earth proclaiming the very
gospel of Jesus Christ..." (The Plain Truth July/August 1973). His work became known as The
Worldwide Church of God, and also Ambassador College in Pasadena, California, St. Albans,
England and Big Sandy, Texas (now closed). The Plain Truth at one time reached 3 million in circulation.
The church claimes over 68,000 members reaching 150 million people weekly by radio and television.
Garner Ted Armstrong - Herbert W. Armstrong's fourth child, Garner Ted, was for four years the radio
and television voice for The World Tomorrow broadcasts. In 1972 he was relieved of his duties because
of immoral conduct. The church's position was that adultery involved loss of salvation with no restoration
possible, but after 4 months of economic decline, the policy was changed and Garner Ted was restored.
Again in 1978, he was removed due to immorality. He began his own work in Tyler, Texas known as the
Church of God International. The future of the Worldwide Church Of God faces a fading world
tomorrow. The organization is now under control by the church leadership. From time to time Garner
Ted Armstrong resurfaces on television and continues to promote his teachings.
Doctrines of Armstrongism.
(Reference: “Truth & Error" Moody Press)
GOD - God is a Family, a Kingdom, not a limited trinity. God is reproducing Himself and man was created to literally
become God. You can become God (The Plain Truth).
JESUS CHRIST - Before Jesus Christ was conceived by Mary, He was not the Son of God. Jesus Christ was born
a Son of God by a resurrection from the dead....and as a born son of God, Christ is God! Jesus and God are two
separate individual persons.
HOLY SPIRIT - Theologians have blindly accepted the false doctrine that the Holy Spirit is a third person -– the
heresy of the trinity. This limits God to Three persons! (Just What Do You Mean - Born Again? pp. 17, 19).
SALVATION - Jesus alone, of all humans, has so far been saved. The blood of Jesus Christ does not finally save
anyone. It saves merely from the death penalty of sin. Baptism is essential for salvation. When a human being dies,
he is DEAD. He simply stops being. (Do You Have an Immortal Soul? p.41). The place of "hell" is of the folklore
and mythology of the whole world.
[No Comment Is Necessary as the "Plain Truth" speaks for itself - SWM]
37
Roman Catholicism
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's largest
Christian church, claiming more than a billion members. Its leader is the Pope, who is the
bishop of Rome and head of the College of Bishops. A communion of the Western and
Eastern Catholic churches, it defines its mission as spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ,
administering the sacraments, and exercising charity. The Catholic Church is one of the
oldest continuous Christian institutions in the world and has played a prominent role in the
history of Western civilization. It believes that it was founded by Jesus Christ, that its bishops
are successors of his apostles, that the Pope as the successor of St. Peter possesses a
universal primacy and that its doctrines, developed through papal encyclicals and ecumenical councils, have
been defined infallibly by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Church's worship is centered on the Eucharist,
in which Catholics believe bread and wine are supernaturally transubstantiated into the body and blood of
Christ. Other Catholic beliefs include purgatory, Papal infallibility and the immaculate conception and bodily
assumption into heaven of the Virgin Mary. – Wikipedia
History of the Catholic Church - The foundation to all that Rome teaches is the firm conviction that Jesus
Christ Himself established their church and their authority. Therefore, they alone represent the true church
on earth. The basis is upon Christ's statement to Peter, "Thou art Peter and upon this rock I will build my
church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the
Kingdom of Heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven; and
whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in Heaven." (Matthew 16:18-19). These verses
along with Matthew 18:18 and John 20:23 have been used for centuries to support the foundation that Peter
was the first Pope and the authorized earthly representative of Christ on earth. All Popes inherit the
authority given to Peter to represent Christ, speak for Christ and have power to forgive sins on earth. The
Pope represents Christ so his words are God's words and he cannot be wrong, lest God be wrong.
THE FIRST POPE - A building is only as strong as its foundation. The foundation of the Roman Catholic
Church is that Peter was the first Pope. The Pope represents God so his words are God's words and cannot
be wrong but Peter, the first Pope, was wrong about the death of Jesus, "But he (Jesus) turned , and said
unto Peter, Get thee behind , Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things
that be of God, but those that be of men" (Matthew 16:22-23). He was also wrong on other occasions
(Matthew 17:4-5; 26:57-58). Even after the church was established he was wrong. "But when Peter was
come to Antioch, I with stood him to the face, because he was to be blamed" (Galatians 2:11-14).
THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF MARY - The papacy also teaches that in addition to the
Lord Jesus Christ, Mary is the only other human being to have been born without sin. Through a
miracle of Immaculate Conception she is said to have been free from original sin in order to be a
vessel as the mother of Christ. She became a co-redemptress and mediator with Jesus Christ in
Heaven. The Bible teaches that Mary was a virtuous woman but she was just a woman who also
gave birth to other children after Jesus. (Mark 6:3; Mark 3:31; Luke 8:19). Mary is to be highly
honored but she is not holy. "Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy
womb" (Luke 1:42). She is blessed among women but not above women. Even Mary said, "My soul doth
magnify the Lord" (Luke 1:46).
TRUTH - What does the Bible teach? Opinions and traditions mean nothing but the authority is the Word of
God. "This Rock" refers to the testimony given by Peter . The "Rock" is not Peter but his testimony. The
testimony that Jesus Christ is the Son of The Living God. The church of Christ is built upon the foundation
truth that Jesus Christ is the Son of God not Peter. "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is
none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). The name
of Jesus Christ not Peter or any other name under heaven. Popes are never to marry but Peter was married.
Pope Peter had a mother-in-law.One must be married to have a mother-in-law. "And when Jesus was come
into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever. And he touched her hand and
the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them" (Matthew 8:14-15).
There is only ONE mediator between man and God and it is Jesus Christ, not the Pope or Mary.
"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men,
the man Christ Jesus."
– 1 Timothy 2:5
38
UNIFICATION CHURCH
The Moonies of Sun Myung Moon
Born: February 25, 1920 - Died: September 3, 2012
Sun Myung Moon of North Korea organized the Unification Church in 1954. It now has
headquarters in over 40 countries and claims to have churches in over 120 cities in America.
He claims that when he was 16 years of age, on an Easter morning while praying on a
mountainside, Jesus Christ appeared to him and repeatedly asked him to assume Christ's
unfinished work. Moon finally accepted the mission and spent the next 9 years in prayer and
study. During this time he talked with Jesus, John the Baptist, Moses, Buddha, and God.
Founder - Sun Myung Moon (born February 25, 1920) is the Korean founder and leader of the
worldwide Unification Church. He is also the founder of many other organizations and projects. One of
the best-known of these is News World Communications, an international media conglomerate which
publishes The Washington Times and other newspapers.[1] He is famous for holding blessing
ceremonies, often referred to as "mass weddings". Moon has said, and it is generally believed by
Unification Church members, that he is the Messiah and the Second Coming of Christ and is fulfilling
Jesus' unfinished mission. He has been among the most controversial modern religious leaders, both for
his religious beliefs and for his social and political activism. In 1982, Moon was convicted by the U.S.
government for filing false federal income tax returns and conspiracy. His conviction was upheld on
appeal in a split decision. He was given a prison sentence and spent 18 months in the Federal
Correctional Institution in Danbury, Between 2002 and 2006, Moon and his wife were banned from entry
into Germany and the other 14 Schengen treaty countries. The Netherlands and a few other Schengen
states let Moon and his wife enter their countries in 2005. The ban has since been lifted in Germany and
other countries as of 2007. In 2010 Moon and Han were spending most of their time in South Korea and
had given much of the responsibility for the Unification Church's religious and business activities to their
children, who were then in their 30s and 40s. - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
[Other names used by this organization are International One-World Crusade, The International Relief Friendship
Foundation, Professors World Peace Academy, International Religions Foundation, New Ecumenical Research
Association, Youth Seminar on World Religions, World Youth for God, Unification Thought Institute, National
Council for the Church and Social Action, The Minority Alliance International, The Sun Myung Moon Institute.]
The Unification Theological Seminary in Barrytown, New York is the main education institution.
The Organization - Moon claims that following his marriage to his fourth wife, the blood cleansing
process began with the birth of their sinless child. Female members could be purified by having relations
with Rev. Moon and their bloodlines would be purified. All previous marriages are denounced and mates
are selected by the church. Mass weddings are scheduled, the largest one was in Seoul, South Korea,
with 5,800 couples united at one time. Single members are to serve the church for seven years.
Followers are required to labor long hours and donate all proceeds to Moon. They sell candles, peanuts
and flowers. Quotas are set (usually $100 per day) and those who fail to meet the quotas are rebuked
for slothfulness and failure to help the Kingdom of God on earth. It is estimated that one million dollars
is collected every 5 days. If a member forsakes the church it will result in satanic possession.
DOCTRINES OF THE UNIFICATION CHURCH
The center of theology is to alleviate God's sorrow, restore His sovereignty, and fill His heart with happiness. God
sent a third Adam who was Sun Myung Moon born in Korea. Moon's book, "Divine Principles," is the completed
Testament of the Old and New Testament. The church states, "We now have the means to heal all modern-day
human problems, exalt every human soul, and bring the Kingdom of God within the reach of every man (Christianity
in Crisis (Moon), p.ix).
God - God is just like you and me. "He (God) told me that the most basic and central truth of this universe is that
God is the Father and we are His children" (CIC, p.9).
Jesus Christ - As a man, He was no different from us except for the fact that he was without original sin. (p. 212).
Salvation - Marriage is the most important means of establishing God's kingdom on earth.
39
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISM
History Of Leadership
William Miller (February 15, 1782 – December 20, 1849) was an American Baptist preacher, whose
followers have been termed Millerites. He is credited with the beginning of the Adventism movement
of the 1830s and 1840s in North America. Among his direct spiritual heirs are several major religious
denominations, including Seventh-day Adventists and Advent Christians. Later movements found
inspiration in Miller's emphasis on Bible prophecy. In the early 1840's, William Miller, who was a
minister in Massachusetts and the founder of the movement predicted the return of Christ
sometime between March 21, 1843, and March 21, 1844. Thousands of followers were convinced
and many even refused to sow their fields, but the date passed without incident. He confessed he
made a mistake and claimed a new date for October 22, 1844. Miller himself confessed the entire movement as
erroneous before his death in 1849. – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ellen G. White - Ellen Gould White (born Harmon) (November 26, 1827 – July 16, 1915) was a prolific
Christian author and one of the American Christian pioneers whose ministry was instrumental in
founding the seventh-day Sabbatarian Adventist movement that led to the rise of the Seventh-day
Adventist Church. Her supporters believe she had the spiritual gift of prophecy as outlined in
Revelation 19:10. Her restorationist writings endeavor to showcase the hand of God in Christian
history. This cosmic conflict, referred to as the "Great Controversy theme", is foundational to the
development of Seventh-day Adventist theology. Her involvement with other Sabbatarian Adventist
leaders, such as Joseph Bates and her husband James White, would form what is now known as the Seventh-day
Adventist Church. White was considered a sowewhat controversial figure, though she was greatly respected
especially among Seventh-day Adventists . She received a vision soon after the Millerite Great Disappointment.
In the context of many other visionaries, she was known for her conviction and fervent faith. A follower of William
Miller, Ellen G. White became the prophetess of the Seventh-Day Adventist movement. Her writings are
considered to be "inspired counsel" on the Scriptures and are followed rigidly. Her book, "The Great Controversy
between Christ and Satan," remains as a standard book of the movement. – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
[The movement uses nationwide television Faith for Today, and a radio program, The Voice of Prophecy, with H.M.S.
Richards, Jr. They maintain three publishing houses, Pacific Press Publications, Review and Herald Publishing
Association, and Southern Publishing Association].
The Seventh-day Adventist Church commonly abbreviated SDA officially abbreviated Adventist is a Christian
denomination which is distinguished by its observance of Saturday, the original seventh day of the Judeo-Christian
week, as the Sabbath, and by its emphasis on the imminent second coming of Jesus Christ. As of May 2007, it
was the twelfth-largest religious body in the world, and the sixth-largest highly international religious body.
The denomination grew out of the Millerite movement in the United States during the middle part of the 19th
century and was formally established in 1863. Among its founders was Ellen G. White, whose extensive writings
are still held in high regard by the church today. – Wikipedia.
Some Doctrines Of Seventh-Day Adventism
The Sabbath (Saturday) - Elder James White (Husband of Ellen White) wrote "The keeping of the fourth
commandment is all important present truth; but this alone will not save any one. We must keep all ten of the
commandments, and strictly follow all the directions of the New Testament, and have living active faith in Jesus."
Ellen White concluded that Sunday worship was the mark of the beast and that anyone who worshipped on
Sunday would be eternally lost.
Soul Sleep and Hell - When a person dies he is like an animal without consciousness or knowledge. At the time
of resurrection, those seen as worthy of eternal life are granted immortality and those who are viewed as wicked
are burned up or annihilated. Salvation and Satan - Mrs. White taught that just as the High Priest on the day of
atonement symbolically took the sins of the people and confessed them on the head of the scape goat who would
them bear them away (Leviticus 16), Jesus, at Calvary, symbolically took sins away from the people and that they
will one day be confessed over Satan who will be forced to carry them away and suffer for them eternally. She also
taught in 1844 that Jesus entered the Holy of Holies of the Heavenly Sanctuary where He is attempting to complete
the work of atonement with "investigative judgments." He examines all His people and determines which ones are
accounted worthy of eternal life . – The Great Controversy p.477. Judgment - "As the books of record are opened
in judgment, the lives of all who have believed will come before God. When they have sins remaining upon the
books of record, unrepented and unforgiven, their names will be blotted out of the book of life."
Religion can change the head - Salvation will change the heart
40
The Religion or Church of Scientology
wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientology
Lafayette Ronald "L. Ron" Hubbard (March 13, 1911 – January 24, 1986) was an American
science fiction author who developed a self-help system called Dianetics which was first published
in 1950. Over the following three decades Hubbard developed his self-help ideas into a wideranging set of doctrines and rituals as part of a new religion he called Scientology. Hubbard's
writings became the guiding texts for the Church of Scientology and a number of affiliated
organizations that address such diverse topics as business administration, literacy and drug
rehabilitation. Hubbard was a controversial public figure, and many details of his life are still disputed.
Official Scientology biographies present him as a "larger-than-life" figure whose career is studded
with admirable accomplishments in an astonishing array of fields. Many of these claims are disputed
by former Scientologists and researchers not connected with Scientology. -- Wikipedia.
Scientology is a body of beliefs and related practices created by L. Ron Hubbard starting in 1952, as a successor
to his earlier self-help system, Dianetics. Hubbard characterized Scientology as a religion, and in 1953 incorporated the Church of Scientology in Camden, New Jersey. Scientology teaches that people are immortal spiritual
beings who have forgotten their true nature. Its method of spiritual rehabilitation is a type of counseling known as
auditing, in which practitioners aim to consciously re-experience painful or traumatic events in their past in order to
free themselves of their limiting effects. Study materials and auditing courses are made available to members in
return for specified donations. Scientology is legally recognized as a tax-exempt religion in the United States and
some other countries, and the Church of Scientology emphasizes this as proof that it is a bona fide religion. In other
countries such as France, Germany and the United Kingdom, Scientology does not have comparable religious
status. A large number of organizations overseeing the application of Scientology have been established, the most
notable of these being the Church of Scientology. Scientology sponsors a variety of social service programs.
These include a set of moral guidelines expressed in a brochure called The Way to Happiness, the Narconon
anti-drug program, the Criminon prison rehabilitation program, the Study Tech education methodology, a volunteer organization. Further controversy has focused on Scientology's belief that souls ("thetans") reincarnate and
have lived on other planets before living on Earth. Former members say that some of Hubbard's writings on this
remote extraterrestrial past, included in confidential Upper Levels, are not revealed to practitioners until they have
paid thousands of dollars to the Church of Scientology. Another controversial belief held by Scientologists is that
the practice of psychiatry is destructive and must be abolished. Some practitioners of Dianetics reported experiences which they believed had occurred in past lives, or previous incarnations. In early 1951, reincarnation became a
subject of intense debate within Dianetics. Campbell and Winter, who was still hopeful of winning support for
Dianetics from the medical community, championed a resolution to ban the topic. But Hubbard decided to take the
reports of past life events seriously and postulated the existence of the thetan, a concept similar to the soul. This
was an important factor in the transition from secular Dianetics to the religion of Scientology. Also in 1951,
Hubbard introduced the electropsychometer (E-meter for short) as an auditing aid. Based on a design by Hubbard,
the device is held by Scientologists to be a useful tool in detecting changes in a person's state of mind. May 1950
saw the publication of Hubbard's Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health. His book entered the New
York Times best-seller list. Dianetics appealed to a broad range of people who used instructions from the book and
applied the method to each other, becoming practitioners themselves. Hubbard found himself the leader of a
growing Dianetics movement. He became a popular lecturer and established the Hubbard Dianetic Research
Foundation in Elizabeth, New Jersey, where he trained his first Dianetics counselors or auditors.
In the mid-sixties, the Church of Scientology was banned in several Australian states, starting with Victoria in
1965.[51] The ban was based on the Anderson Report, which found that the auditing process involved "command"
hypnosis, in which the hypnotist assumes "positive authoritative control" over the patient. On this point the report
stated, It is the firm conclusion of this Board that most scientology and dianetic techniques are those of authoritative
hypnosis and as such are dangerous ... the scientific evidence which the Board heard from several expert witnesses
of the highest repute ...leads to the inescapable conclusion that it is only in name that there is any difference
between authoritative hypnosis and most of the techniques of scientology. Many scientology techniques are in fact
hypnotic techniques, and Hubbard has not changed their nature by changing their names.
Conclusion - Morris Fishbein, of the Journal of the American Medical Association and well-known as a debunker
of quack medicine, dismissed Hubbard's book. An article in Newsweek stated "the Dianetics concept is
unscientific and unworthy of discussion or review". In January 1951, the New Jersey Board of Medical Examiners
instituted proceedings against the Hubbard Dianetic Research Foundation for teaching medicine without a
license, which led to that foundation's bankruptcy.
(Note: Some noted movie stars as Tom Cruise etc. have helped highlight Scientology - SWM)
41
NEW AGE MOVEMENT
42
New Age vs Christianity
RBC - Radio Bible Class
Grand Rapids, Michigan
43
EASTERN RELIGIONS
Many religions from the Eastern part of the world have a great influence in today's world. Some
of the religions date back thousands of years in their teachings and seem to revive with different
generations. Some leaders in the sports world will follow Eastern Religions. It may be a
basketball player, boxer, or any Olympic star. They will then profess their new found way of life
and many young people will seek that religion. Movie stars sought their personal Gurus and
then indorse them worldwide for others to follow. Many are being pulled into these mystic religions. Eastern
religins mix some truth with logic, peace of mind, mysticism, stars, reincarnation or some sort of mediation. It
may involve chants, chimes or certain clothes. It will appeal to the thinking mind and seeking souls.
Some present day Eastern Mysticism Religions are the New Age Movement, Scientology,
Unity School of Christianity, Theosophy, Hare Krishna, Association for Research and
Enlightenment, ESP, Martial Arts, Yoga, Bahaism-Persian, Islam, Divine Light Mission-Guru
Maharaj ji, Krishna Consciousness, Transcendental Mediation, Vedanta Society-Rama Krishna
Mission, Zen Buddism, Hinduism, Astrology, and Seers.
Be Advised - It is best to study the truth and it will set you free (John 8:32). Remember that religion will
change the outside of man but the Word of God begins on the INSIDE and works its way out. Only God can
give peace, "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ"
(Romans 5:1). Only God can satisfy the longing that is within man "For he satisfied the longing soul, and
filleth the hungry soul with goodness" (Psalms 107:9). It is not recommended that anyone do a deep
study of cults as it may soon confuse or sway a person from the truth. But it is good to have some knowledge
so you can resist and stand for the truth. "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try (test) the spirits
whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1). - TC
SOME DOCTRINES OF MOST
EASTERN RELIGIONS
(From varied sources)
GOD - Brahma, Buddha, the Absolute, other than which there is nothing else--God is all there is. All visible
objects are but modifications of self-existence, of an unconscious and impersonal essence which is
called God. God is in the heart of everyone. In his real nature man is divine. (TM, p. 59 & 61).
JESUS CHRIST - Christ is considered to be one of a long line of Master who had themselves realized divinity.
His picture is frequently seen beside that of Buddha, or of Shankaracharya, or Yogananda, or other
recognized Divine Leaders. The Masters are considered to be realized expressions of divinity and, of such,
are worshipped. Jesus Christ is only one among many Masters.
SIN - The subject of sin is given little attention, and forgiveness of sin is unrealistic. By the Law of Karma,
sowing and reaping, wrong actions inevitably produce punishment, good actions produce rewards.
Salvation consists of doing good in excess of evil in order to evolve to the highest state through excessive
incarnations. The highest state is "Enlightenment"; the realization of oneness with the World-Soul, reality.
Heaven and hell are not accepted concepts - after death there will be reincarnation. Note: The Bible states,
“And as it is appointed unto men once to die (not twice or several times), but after this the judgment”
(Hebrews 9:27).
SALVATION - "Be still and know that you are God, and when you know that you are God you will begin to
live Godhood..." (Ibid. p. 178). Go within and experience the Divine Nature - a mystical experience!
Eastern Religions cannot sing, “Yes Buddha loves me.”
Christians can sing, “Yes Jesus loves me...The Bible tells me so.”
Because something is old it does not mean it is right !
“But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you
than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.”
-- Galatians 1:6-9
44
Some World Religions
Buddhism
Siddhārtha Gautama was a spiritual teacher from ancient India who founded Buddhism. In most
Buddhist traditions, he is regarded as the Supreme Buddha of our age, "Buddha" meaning
"awakened one" or "the enlightened one." Historians dated his lifetime as 563 BC to 483 BC.
Gautama “Buddha” is the primary figure in Buddhism, and accounts of his life, discourses, and
monastic rules are believed by Buddhists to have been summarized after his death and memorized
by his followers. Various collections of teachings attributed to him were passed down by oral
tradition, and first committed to writing about 400 years later. Gautama Buddha is also described as
a god or Prophet in other Religions like Hinduism, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and the Bahá'í
faith. Buddhism arose out of Atheistic strands of Hinduism in India in the sixth century BC. Buddha
or the Enlightened One is said to have discovered that both the life of luxury and the life of extreme asceticism
were of no use in gaining spiritual freedom; thus he propounded the "Middle Way." His teaching, however, was to
undergo many transformations. There is no absolute God in Buddhism. The Buddha did not claim divinity but
only saw himself an example to fellow monks. Buddhism sees ignorance rather than sin as the roadblock to
salvation. They follow Five Precepts, which prohibit killing (including animals), stealing, illicit sexual relations, wrong
speech including gossiping, drugs and alcohol.
Hinduism
During the fourth century BC, the same people that developed Greek culture -- conquered much of present-day
India. Their pantheon of gods, similar to that of the Greeks, combined with indigenous Indian traditions of mediation
to form a loose combination of beliefs and practices that came to be known as Hinduism. Hinduism had never been
a missionary religion until the twentieth century and is largely limited to India. Many gods or incarnations of gods
are worshipped by Hindus. Chief among them are Shiva, Visnu and Krishna. They can be manifested in one
supreme being, Brahman. The final goal of salvation in Hinduism is escape from the endless round of birth, death,
and rebirth to an eternal resting place in the arms of a loving, personal God.
Four yogas (ways of reaching salvation) Most Hindus believe in incarnation before final salvation.
1. Jnana yoga - knowledge.
3. Karma yoga - way of actions and good works.
2. Bhakti yoga - devotion and love.
4. Raja yoga - highest way.
Judaism
The small nation of Israel was repeatedly defeated and finally dispersed throughout the world. But the Jews are
unique in that they maintained their identity in the midst of a large number of diverse cultures.
Judism is into four groups
1. Orthodox Jews maintain strict adherence to traditional customs.
2. Reform or Liberal Jews attempt to apply Judaic notions to contemporary culture in a humanistic manner.
3. Conservative Jews try to forge a middle way between the previous two, hoping to keep strong Jewish identity.
4. Hasidic Jews follow a mystical path, although many Hasidics are little other than the right wing of Orthodoxy.
Jews hold a large number of writings besides the Old Testament as authoritative. Although there is no Christian
teaching of saving grace in Judaism, they believe that one's eternal existence in the hereafter is determined by
moral behavior and attitudes. Jews still hope for the coming of the Messiah, who will hand out eternal judgment
and reward to all. In the end, the moral life of man here on earth is considered the most proper concern of man; final
judgments are best left to God. Ritual and ceremony are still important within Judaism.
Islam
In the seventh century (AD ) Mohammed, thought to be the last prophet in a line that includes Abraham, Moses,
the biblical prophets, and Jesus, founded a strict, monotheistic religion in reaction to the polytheism and
lawlessness of the existing Arab culture. Today Islam is almost the sole religion of all Arab countries and has major
communities in Africa as well. The Koran, for the most part a series of short teachings, is intensely revered by
Muslims as the final word of God. The word Islam refers to the peace that comes from surrender to God. Allah
means the God, indicating the monotheism of Islam. The Koran rejects the notion of redemption; salvation depends
on a man's actions and attitudes. On the final day every man will account for what he has done, and his eternal
existence will be determined on that basis. (See Islam in this manual).
“But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you
than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.”
-- Galatians 1:6-9
45
Muhammed The Founder of Islam
[570 - 632 AD]
[Compiled from Wikipedia and other sources by Ted Camp]
Muhammed - In just 22 years changed Arabian culture into a unified society with a clear sense of purpose and
destiny. He was born and raised in Mecca with a background of Judaism (one god) and Christianity. At midlife he
devoted his life to prayer and mediation. In 610 AD while praying he had his first heavenly vision. The first word
he heard was “Recite” in the Arabian language it was “Quran.” At first he was confused then encouraged to
believe that the vision was from God-given. He had repeated visitations and was prompted to write or “Recite”
words of Allah (God). He recycled the first recitations and replaced them with new ones. He was rejected of the
Jews and later massacred the Jewish community. In 630 he led an army of over 10,000 and conquered the city of
Mecca. After he unified the country he died suddenly at the age of 62 in 632 AD. He did no miracle, healed no one,
or raised anyone from the dead. His writings of his mystical and spiritual experiences were accepted as from Allah.
His writings or “Recitations” or “Quran” were compiled after his death. They became the words of God to His last
prophet. Muhammad is recognized as the last prophet from God. The religion was named Islam which means
“Submission.” A Muslim is one who submits to the writings of Quran....Muhammad the Prophet of God - The
"Signs of God" (Qur'an) which Muhammad reported receiving until his death form the verses of the Qur'an, which
is the “Word of God” to Muslims. Muhammad’s life and traditions are also upheld by Muslims. He is revered as a
true prophet and Manifestation of God in the Baha'i Faith. Wives and children - Muhammad's life is traditionally
defined into two periods: in Mecca (from 570 to 622), and Medina (from 622 until 632). Muhammad is said to have
had thirteen wives or concubines. -- Kenneth Boa & Robert Bowman, Jr.
Muhammad Abdullāh was the founder of the religion of Islam and is regarded by Muslims as a messenger and
prophet of God (Allāh), the greatest law­bearer in a series of Islamic prophets and by most Muslims the last
prophet Quran 33:40–40. Muslims consider him the restorer of an uncorrupted original monotheist faith (Islam) of
Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and other prophets. Michael H. Hart's ranks Muhammad as the most
influential person in history. Born in 570 in the Arabian city of Mecca, he was orphaned at an early age and brought
up under the care of his uncle Abu Talib. He later worked mostly as a merchant, as well as a shepherd, and was
first married by age 25. Discontented with life in Mecca, he retreated to a cave in the surrounding mountains for
meditation and reflection. According to Islamic beliefs it was here, at age 40, in the month of Ramadan, where he
received his first revelation from God. Three years after this event Muhammad started preaching these
revelations publicly, proclaiming that "God is One", that complete "surrender" to Him is the only way acceptable
to God, and that he himself was a prophet and messenger of God. Muhammad gained few followers early on,
and was met with hostility from some Meccan tribes; he and his followers were treated harshly. To escape
persecution, Muhammad sent some of his followers to Abyssinia. While he and his remaining followers in 622
Mecca migrated to Medina. This marked the beginning of the Islamic calendar known as the Hijri Calendar. In
Medina, Muhammad united the conflicting tribes and after eight years of fighting with Meccan tribes, his followers
had grown to 10,000. He conquered Mecca. In 632 after returning to Medina from his Farewell pilgrimage,
Muhammad fell ill and died. At this time most of the Arabian Peninsula had converted to Islam. He united the tribes
of Arabia into a single Muslim religious polity. – Wikipedia
The Quran - Muhammad received his first revelation in the mountaina Hira in a cave. At some point Muhammad
adopted the practice of meditating alone for several weeks every year in a cave on Mount Hira near Mecca. During
one of his visits to Mount Hira, the angel Gabriel appeared to him in the year 610 and commanded Muhammad to
recite the following verses: Proclaim! in the name of thy Lord and Cherisher, Who created- Created man, out of a
clot of congealed blood: Proclaim! And thy Lord is Most Bountiful,- He Who taught the pen,- Taught man that which
he knew not. (Qur'an 96:1-5). Upon receiving his first revelations Muhammad was deeply distressed. He was
consoled and reassured by his wife, Khadijah and her Christian cousin Shia Muhammad was neither surprised nor
frightened at the appearance of Gabriel but rather welcomed him as if he had been expecting him. After three
years the revelations resumed he was reassured and commanded to preach: Your lord has not forsaken you nor
does he hate [you] (Qur'an 93:1-11). The revelations were accompanied by mysterious seizures, but he was
confident that he could distinguish his own thoughts from these messages. Teachings of the Qur'an - According
to the Qur'an, one of the main roles of Muhammad is to warn the unbelievers of their eschatological punishment
(Qur'an 38:70, Qur'an 6:19). The Qur'an instructs him not to worship idols apart from God or associate other deities
with God. Key themes of the Qur'anic included the responsibility of man towards his creator; the resurrection of
dead, God's final judgment followed by vivid descriptions of the tortures in hell and pleasures in Paradise; and the
signs of God in all aspects of life. Religious duties required of the believers at this time were few: belief in God,
asking for forgiveness of sins, offering frequent prayers, assisting others particularly those in need, rejecting
cheating and the love of wealth, being chaste and not to kill newborn girls. – Wikipedia
46
All About Islam
by Muhammad Sabih Alam
Disclaimer: Because Silent Word Ministries makes these articles available, it does not mean that we endorse their contents in
reference to morals, philoslophy, scientific content, theology, or Biblical teachings. separation. Our Bible position is fundamental
and well-known. We recommend that you compare the teachings of Islam to the Scriptures to know what is true and false, right
and wrong. The Scriptures are always the authority. This article is printed as written and unedited.
This is the teachings and beliefs of Islam by Muhammad Sabih Alam - The name of this religion is Islam, the
root of which is Silm and Salam which means peace. Salam may also mean greeting one another with peace. One
of the beautiful names of God is that He is the Peace. It means more than that: submission to the One God, and to
live in peace with the Creator, within one's self, with other people and with the environment. Thus, Islam is a total
system of living. A Muslim is supposed to live in peace and harmony with all these segments; hence, a Muslim is
any person anywhere in the world whose obedience, allegiance, and loyalty are to Allah. Muslims and Arabs are
The followers of Islam are called Muslims. Muslims are not to be confused with Arabs. Muslims may be Arabs, Turks,
Persians, Indians, Pakistanis, Malaysians, Indonesians, Europeans, Africans, Americans, Chinese, or other
nationalities. An Arab could be a Muslim, a Christian, a Jew or an atheist. Any person who adopts the Arabic
language is called an Arab. However, the language of the Qur’an (the Holy Book of Islam) is Arabic. Muslims all
over the world try to learn Arabic so that they may be able to read the Qur'an and understand its meaning. They
pray in the language of the Qur'an, namely Arabic. Supplications to God could be in any language. While there are
one billion Muslims in the world there are about 200 million Arabs. Among them, approximately ten percent are not
Muslims. Thus Arab Muslims constitute only about twenty percent of the Muslim population of the world. Allah the
One and the Only God Allah is the name of the One and Only God. Allah has ninety-nine beautiful names, such as:
The Gracious, The Merciful, The Beneficent, The Creator, The All-Knowing, The All-Wise, The Lord of the Universe,
The First, The Last, and others. He is the Creator of all human beings. He is the God for the Christians, the Jews,
the Muslims, the Buddhists, the Hindus, the atheists, and others. Muslims worship God whose name is Allah. They
put their trust in Him and they seek His help and His guidance. [This article is printed as written - unedited].
Muhammad was chosen by God to deliver His Message of Peace, namely Islam. He was born in 570 A.D. in
Makkah, Arabia. He was entrusted with the Message of Islam when he was at the age of forty years. The revelation
that he received is called the Qur'an, while the message is called Islam. Muhammed is the very last Prophet of God
to mankind. He is the final Messenger of God. His message was and is still to the Christians, the Jews and the rest
of mankind. He was sent to those religious people to inform them about the true mission of Jesus, Moses, Jacob,
Isaac, and Abraham. Muhammed is considered to be the summation and the culmination of all the prophets and
messengers that came before him. He purified the previous messages from adulteration and completed the
Message of God for all humanity. He was entrusted with the power of explaining, interpreting and living the teaching
of the Qur'an (Koran).
Source of Islam - The legal sources of Islam are the Qur'an and the Hadith. The Qur'an is the exact word of God;
its authenticity, originality and totality are intact. The Hadith is the report of the sayings, deeds and approvals of the
Prophet Muhammad. The Prophet's sayings and deeds are called Sunnah. The Seerah is the writings of followers
of Muhammad about the life of the Prophet. Hence, it is the life history of the Prophet Muhammad which provides
examples of daily living for Muslims.
Some Islamic Principles
A. Oneness of God: He is One and the Only One. He is not two in one or three in one. This means that Islam rejects
the idea of trinity or such a unity of God which implies more than one God in one.
B. Oneness of mankind: People are created equal in front of the Law of God. There is no superiority for one race
over another. God made us of different colors, nationalities, languages and beliefs so as to test who is going to be
better than others. No one can claim that he is better than others. It is only God Who knows who is better. It depends
on piety and righteousness.
C. Oneness of Messengers and the Message: Muslims believe that God sent different messengers throughout
the history of mankind. All came with the same message and the same teachings. It was the people who
misunderstood and misinterpreted them. Muslims believe in Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Ismail, Jacob, Moses, David,
Jesus, and Muhammed. The Prophets of Christianity and Judaism are indeed the Prophets of Islam.
D. Angels and the Day of Judgment: Muslims believe that there are unseen creatures such as angels created by
God in the universe for special missions. Muslims believe that there is a Day of Judgment then all people of the
world throughout the history of mankind till the last day of life on earth, are to be brought for accounting, reward and
punishment.
47
E. Innocence of Man at Birth: Muslim believe that people are born free of sin. It is only after they reach the age of
puberty and it is only after they commit sins that they are to be charged for their mistakes. No one is responsible for
or can take the responsibility for the sins of others. However, the door of forgiveness with repentance is always open.
F. State and Religion: Muslims believe that Islam is a total and a complete way of life. It encompasses all aspects
of life. As such, the teachings of Islam do not separate religion from politics. As a matter of fact, state and religion
are under the obedience of Allah through the teachings of Islam. Hence, economic and social transactions, as well
as educational and political systems are also part of the teachings of Islam.
Practices of Islam
In Islam there are five pillars
A. Creed (Shahada): The verbal commitment and pledge that there is only One God and that Mohammed is the
Messenger of God, is considered to be the Creed of Islam.
B. Prayers (Salat): The performance of the five daily prayers is required of Muslims.
C. Fasting (Saum): Fasting is total abstinence from food, liquids and intimate intercourse (between married
couples) from dawn to sunset during the entire month of Ramadan.
D. Purifying Tax (Zakat): This is an annual payment of a certain percentage of a Muslim's property which is
distributed among the poor or other rightful beneficiaries.
E. Pilgrimage (Hajj): The performance of pilgrimage to Makkah is required once in a life time if means are
available. Hajj is in part in memory of the trials and tribulations of Prophet Abraham, his wife Hagar and his
eldest son Prophet Ishmael.
Muhammed, peace be upon him, was sent to invite people to God and to teach them how to perform the task for
which they were created, namely to worship him. Many of the people whom he addressed had a hazy idea of God.
Some did believe in Him, though they associated other lesser gods with Him, but a few of them were downright
atheists, or materialists whose creed was, “we live and we die and nothing causes our death except time. Allah’s
rights upon His creation are the rights that must be kept the most. Allah is the sole Creator and Sustainer of the
universe. He is the Almighty who created everything with absolute wisdom. Allah is the One who initiated every
being from nothing. He is the One who protects humans in their mother’s wombs as infants, as children and as
adults. He alone sustains all human and provides them with food and every aspect of life. Allah only wants one
thing from his slaves. He only wants mankind to worship Him alone. End of Article
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------What the Quran says about Jesus Christ by James W. Knox of Deland, Florida - “O people of the book! Commit
no excesses in your religion: nor say of God aught but the truth. Christ Jesus the son of Mary was an apostle of
God, and His Word, which He bestowed on Mary, and a Spirit proceeding from Him: so believe in God and His
apostles. Say not “Trinity”: desist: it will be better for you: For God is One God: Glory be to Him.” (4:23:171). “...no
son has He begotten, nor has He a partner in His dominion: It is He who created all things” (25:1:1-2). “When the
son of Mary is held up as an example, behold, thy people raise a clamour thereat! And they say, ‘Are our gods best,
or he?’ This they set forth to thee, only by way of disputation: yea, they are a contentious people. He was no more
than a servant” (43:6:57-59). “The Jews call ‘Uzair’ (Ezra) a son of God, and the Christians call Christ the Son of
God. That is a saying from their mouth; they but imitate what the unbelievers of old used to say. God’s curse be on
them: how they are deluded away from the Truth! They take Christ the son of Mary; yet they were commanded to
worship but one God” (9:5:30-31). Islam teaches that Jesus Christ is no more than an apostle. Islam teaches that
only God, Allah or Muhammed is to be worshipped as God.
Comparison of Jews and Islam by Ted Camp
Islam: Abraham - Hagar - Ishmael - Promise eldest son - Don’t recognize Isaac - Nation - Quran - Inherit land - Islam
Jews: Abraham - Sarah - Isaac - Promise younger son - Don’t recognize Ishmael - Nation - Moses - Inherit land - Jews
Islam claims rightful heir to the promise land through eldest son, Ishmael in accordance with Quran.
Jews claim rightful heir to the promise land through Sarah and Isaac in accordance with Scriptures.
Results are a continual conflict over who is the rightful heir.
Truth: “He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto
his own (Jews), and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to
become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (John 1:10-12). Jesus Christ came into this
world and was rejected by both Jews and Arabs. He was rejected by the followers of Isaac and Ishmael, but as
many (Jews, Arabs, Gentiles) as receive Him. He gives the power to become born into the family of God, where
Jews, Arabs and Gentiles all become Christians. They are born into God’s one family as brothers and sisters.
Jesus Christ is the way to Heaven (John 14:6). There is no other name under Heaven that will save, this includes
Moses, Mohammed, Buddah, or any other name.
This is the truth from the Scriptures.
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A comparison between the Islamic religion of Mohammed
and the Christian faith of Jesus Christ
Based on an article in the December, 2001 edition of Christian Crusade Newspaper, by Bill Wheaton
Islam: Mohammed was the prophet of war.
Christianity: Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6-7).
Islam: Mohammed's disciples killed for the faith.
Christianity: Jesus' disciples were killed for their faith (Acts 12:2).
Islam: Mohammed promoted persecution against the infidels.
Christianity: Jesus forgave the chief persecutor infidels (I Tim.1:13-15).
Islam: Mohammad was the taker of life.
Christianity: Jesus is the giver of life (John 10:27-28).
Islam: Mohammad and his fellow warriors murdered thousands.
Christianity: Jesus murdered none but saved many thousands (John 3:16).
Islam: Mohammad's method was compulsion.
Christianity: Jesus' objective was voluntary conversion (Acts 3:19).
Islam: Mohammad practiced force.
Christianity: Jesus preached faith (John 6:29-35).
Islam: Mohammad was a warrior.
Christianity: Jesus is a deliverer (Colossians 1:13).
Islam: Mohammad conquered his enemies with the sword.
Christianity: Jesus conquered enemies with "sword of Spirit" (Heb. 4:12).
Islam: Mohammad said "convert or die."
Christianity: Jesus said, "Believe and live!" (John 6:47; 11:25-26).
Islam: Mohammed was swift to shed blood.
Christianity: Jesus shed his blood for the salvation of many (Eph. 1:7)
Islam: Mohammad preached "death to the infidels!"
Christianity: Jesus prayed, "Father forgive them” (Luke 23:34).
Islam: Mohammed declared a holy war (Jihad) against infidels.
Christianity: Jesus achieved a holy victory on Calvary (CoI. 2:14-15).
Islam: Mohammad constrained people by conquest.
Christianity: Jesus constrained people by love (2 Corinthians 5:14).
Islam: Many Muslims are peaceful because unfaithful to true teachings.
Christianity: Christians are peaceful and follow Christ (Romans 12:17-21).
Islam: Mohammed hated music.
Christianity: Jesus and His disciples sang hymns.
Islam: Islam requires followers to observe Five Pillars,
Christianity: Christianity is to follow Christ in peace (Romans 12:17).
Islam: Muslims believe Paradise is where virgins used for eternal pleasure.
Christianity: In my Father's house there are many rooms (John 14:2).
Islam: Muslims are called upon by their faith to fight.
Christianity: Christians do not fight against flesh & blood (Ephesians 6:12).
Islam: Mohammed said the Koran is authoritative only in Arabic.
Christianity: Jesus said, “Go make disciples of all nations” (Mt. 28:19).
Islam: “Fight and slay the pagans wherever ye find them” (Qu’ran 8:12).
Christianity: The Bible is a manual to give Gospel to world (Rom.10:15).
Islam: Mohammed claimed there was but one god named Allah.
Christianity: Jesus claimed He was God (John 10:30).
Islam: Islam is centered in Mecca. Muslims pray facing Mecca.
Christianity: Jesus can be worshipped anyplace (Matthew 18:20).
Islam: Islam must be received, rejectors can be killed.
Christianity: Jesus offers a voluntary faith “Whosoever will” (John 3:16).
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The Religion of Evolution
By Dr. Ted Camp
The word evolution comes from the word “evolve.” The dictionary defines evolve: to develop gradually
(slowly); to unfold; by natural process; to open out. Evolution means gradual unfolding or developing;
growth; the scientific theory according to which the higher forms of life have gradually developed from
simple and rudimentary forms. Rudiment means beginning; germ; imperfectly developed; or formed
organs. An evolutionist is a person who accepts the evolutionary theory of evolution. The
evolutionary theory is a belief that man evolved from a simple and beginning form of lower life.
Evolution is a theory that man possibly could have evolved from a lower animal form (as an ape or
monkey). Evolution still remains an unproven theory. Time periods are never stated exactly but
evolutionists use words as: possibly, perhaps, about, it could have been, maybe, it is thought and
approximately. After hundreds of years, the basic source of evolution still remains only in the mind and
theories of man to explain the existence of life without a Creator. An evolutionist denies creation and
rejects the Creator. Evolution presents the first man as a cave man. Well, men have always lived in caves
even until this day. Evolution presents dinosaurs and large animals that no longer exist. The Bible states
the existence of several large animals which became extinct. “Dinosaur” is an 1840 modern-day name.
Dinosaur was not the Bible name given by Adam. By the way, Noah did not need to put full grown
animals on the ark. Evolutionists continue to look for the missing link, and till this day, it is still missing.
What is Creation?
Creation is from the word “create.” The dictionary defines create: to bring into existence out of nothing;
to originate; to make. The word “make” means to form things from things, but create means to make
things from nothing. Only God can create; man can only make things from existing things. Creation
was the act of bringing the world into existence. Creator means One (God) Who creates. To believe in
creation you must also believe in a Creator. Without God there would be no beginning. The Bible clearly
teaches creation. The Bible simply states it as a fact, “In the beginning God created.” The creationist
believes in a Creator who created life. A creationist denies evolution.
Evolution vs Creation
Since evolution is “a theory” that states what could have or might have happened, we do not have any proven
evidence to print concerning evolution, but we do have the Bible to prove creation and disprove evolution.
What Does the Bible Teach?
Did Heaven & Earth Evolve? Bible: “In the beginning God created (made from nothing) the heaven and the earth”
(Genesis 1:1).
Did Day and Night Evolve? Bible: “And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the
darkness. And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were
the first day” (Genesis 1:4-5).
Did Land and Waters Evolve? Bible: “And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters
called he Seas: and God saw that it was good” (Genesis 1:10).
Did Grass, Trees, and Plant Life Evolve? Bible: “And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass... and the fruit tree
yielding fruit...and God saw that it was good” (Genesis 1:10-11).
Did the Sun, Moon and Stars Evolve?” Bible: “And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day,
and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also....and God saw that it was good” (Genesis 1:16-18).
Did The Birds, Fish and Animals Evolve? Bible: “And God created great whales, and every living creature that
moveth... and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good...And God made the beast of the earth
... cattle...and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good” (Gen.1:19-25).
Did Man and Woman Evolve? Bible: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him;
male and female created he them” (Genesis 1:27).
Bible Fact: God Created All Life. “And God saw every thing that he had made... it was very good....the heavens
and the earth were finished...on the seventh day God ended his work. God rested on the seventh day from all his
work which he had made” (Genesis 1:31- 2:1-2). Without God there would be no life.
Which will you Choose?
[
]Evolution - No God! – [ ]Creation - God
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“But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you
than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.”
-- Galatians 1:6-9
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Gods vs God
“Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory...
Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God?
But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.
Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands.
They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not:
They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not:
They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not:
neither speak they through their throat.
They that make them are like unto them;
so is every one that trusteth in them.”
– Psalm 115:1-8
“Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee
any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above,
or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.
Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them”
– Exodus 20:3-5
Confucius Statue
Asian Temple Worship of Idols
Ted Camp & Team in China
Ted Camp signing “No No!”
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