General Courses » Cults and Biblical Christianity

Course Description:

This course offers a theologically Reformed critique and analysis of modern religious movements that deviate from orthodox Christianity. Special attention is given to the doctrines and practices of the Watch Tower Society (Jehovah's Witnesses), the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), Roman Catholicism, Scientology, and Charismatic Christianity. Students will learn to engage with these groups biblically, theologically, and pastorally.

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Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Articulate the historical origins and core doctrines of each movement.

2. Identify the key theological errors in light of Reformed orthodoxy.

3. Apply biblical discernment when engaging with members of these groups.

4. Formulate a clear Reformed response to doctrinal deviations.

5. Understand the pastoral implications of dealing with cultic or heterodox influences in the church.

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Optional Additional Texts:

1. Walter Martin, The Kingdom of the Cults (Updated Edition)

2. R.C. Sproul, Essential Truths of the Christian Faith

3. James R. White, The Forgotten Trinity

4. Gregg Allison, Roman Catholic Theology and Practice: An Evangelical Assessment

5. John MacArthur, Charismatic Chaos

6. Selected primary sources from each movement (e.g., Watchtower, Book of Mormon, Catechism of the Catholic Church, etc.)

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Course Outline:

Week 1:

• Introduction to Cults and Heresies

• Reformed Foundations: Sola Scriptura, Sola Fide, Solus Christus

Week 2-3:

• Jehovah's Witnesses (Watch Tower Society)

  • Origins and history (Charles Taze Russell)

  • Denial of the Trinity, Deity of Christ

  • Reformed response: Christology and biblical authority

Week 4-5:

• Mormonism (LDS Church)

  • History and theology (Joseph Smith, modern prophets)

  • Scripture and revelation: Book of Mormon vs. Bible

  • Reformed response: Revelation and Justification

Week 6-8:

• Roman Catholicism

  • Historical development of Roman Catholic dogma

  • Salvation, sacraments, authority of the Pope

  • Council of Trent vs. Reformation theology

  • Reformed response: Justification by Faith, Sola Scriptura

Week 9:

• Midterm Exam and Review

Week 10-11:

• Scientology

  • Origins and beliefs (L. Ron Hubbard)

  • Scientology's view of man, salvation, and cosmology

  • Reformed critique: Authority of Scripture, total depravity

Week 12-13:

• Charismatic Christianity

  • Pentecostal/Charismatic movement history

  • Theology of the Holy Spirit, tongues, healing, prophecy

  • Word of Faith movement and the "New Apostolic Reformation"

  • Reformed response: cessationism, Scripture's sufficiency

Week 14:

• Contemporary Developments and Syncretism

• How cults evolve and adapt

Week 15:

• Apologetics and Evangelism to Cult Members

• How to engage winsomely and biblically

 

God be with you, Pastor Dwayne