EM003-512 - Cults and Sects: An Introduction

  • 2,784 Standard Tuition Fee
  • 12
    Credit Points
  • 0.125 EFT 
  • 5
    AQF level
  • Category foundational unit
    A
  • evangelism missiolUnit Discipline

Exclusions

Prior to 2020, this unit content was delivered under the unit code EM219.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will

A. Know and understand

Demonstrate Foundational knowledge and understanding of cults and sects in the contemporary world and their relation to Christian faith, including the methods and standards of professional, safe and ethical practice.

B. Be able to

1. Describe a selection of cults and sects in the contemporary world

2. Develop Christian responses to cults and sects in the contemporary world

3. Present Organised evidence-based perspectives on Christian responses to cults and sects

C. Be in a position to

1. Relating perspectives and skills from ‘Cults and Sects: An Introduction’ to contemporary Christian life and ministry contexts

Content

A study of contemporary cults and sects and their relation to Christian faith.

Section A:  Definitions, Terms, Characteristics (40%)

  • Definition of terms: cult; sect; church; denomination; religion; movement.
  • Categories and classifications of movements: eastern mysticism; Christian aberrations; psycho-spiritual self-improvement; eclectic religion; the psychic; the occult; astrology.
  • Factors involved in the contemporary growth of cults, sects and other alternative religious movements, and their common characteristics.
  • Christian responses to cults and sects and their followers.

 

Section B:  Particular Movements (60%)

The history, beliefs, structures/organisation, and means of propagation of three cults or sects, such as: Transcendental Meditation; Children of God; Church of Scientology; the Unification Church; New Age movements; Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons); Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Set Readings

This unit's indicative bibliography is currently being revised. Students should contact their home college for further details at the time of taking this unit.


Prescribed:

Ankerberg, J. and J. Weldon, The Facts on Jehovah's Witnesses (Eugene, OR: Harvest House, 2003).

Ankerberg, J. and J. Weldon, What do Mormons Really Believe? (Eugene, OR: Harvest House, 2002).

Chryssides, G. D., Historical Dictionary of New Religious Movements (Lanham, MD: Scarecrow, 2001).

Clifford, R. and P. Johnson, Jesus and the Gods of the New Age: Communicating Christ in Today’s Spiritual Supermarket (Oxford: Lion, 2001).

Enroth, R., A Guide to New Religious Movements (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2005).

Geisler, N. L. and R. Rhodes, Correcting the Cults: Expert Responses to their Scripture Twisting (Grand Rapids: Baker, 2005).

Herrick, J. A., The Making of the New Spirituality: The Eclipse of the Western Religious Tradition (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2003).

Martin, W. and R. Zacharias, The Kingdom of the Cults (Minneapolis: Bethany House, 2003).

Rhodes, R., The Challenge of the Cults and New Religions: The Essential Guide to Their History, Their Doctrine, and Our Response (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2001).

Sire, J. W., The Universe Next Door (4th ed.; Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2004).

 

Recommended:

Dawson, L. (ed.), Cults and New Religious Movements (Malden, MA: Blackwell, 2003).

Wilson, B. R. and J. Cresswell, New Religious Movements: Challenge and Response (London; New York: Routledge, 1999).