EM022-712 - Alternative Religious Movements

  • 2,784 Standard Tuition Fee
  • 12
    Credit Points
  • 0.125 EFT 
  • 7
    AQF level
  • Category developing unit
    B
  • evangelism missiolUnit Discipline

Corequisites

96cps of study, including 36 cps at AQF level 6

Exclusions

Prior to 2020, this unit content was delivered under the unit code EM422.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will

A. Know and understand

Demonstrate Functional knowledge and understanding of a selection of alternative religious movements.

B. Be able to

1. Discuss the characteristics of a selection of alternative religious movements

2. Explain the growth of a selection of alternative religious movements in the Western World

3. Evaluate Christian responses to a selection of alternative religious movements

4. Present Critical evidence-based perspectives on a selection of alternative religious movements

C. Be in a position to

1. Applying perspectives and skills from ‘Alternative Religious Movements’ to contemporary Christian life and ministry practice as a reflective practitioner

Content

Section A: Definitions, Terms, Characteristics

  1. The contemporary growth and significance of alternative religious movements.
  2. Definition of terms: cult; sect; church; denomination; religion; movement.
  3. Categories and classifications of movements: eastern mysticism; Christian aberration; psychospiritual self-improvement; eclectic religion; the psychic; the occult; astrology.
  4. Factors involved in the contemporary growth of alternative movements.
  5. Common characteristics of alternative religious movements.
  6. Christian responses to alternative religious movements and their followers.

Section B: Particular Movements

The history, beliefs, structures/organisation and means of propagation of four alternative religious movements, such as: Transcendental Meditation; Children of God; Church of Scientology; the Unification Church; New Age movements; Church of Jesus 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).

Claydon, D. (ed.), A New Vision, A New Heart, A Renewed Call (Pasadena: William Carey, 2005).

Clifford, R. and P. Johnson, Jesus and the Gods of the New Age: Communicating Christ in Today’s Spiritual Supermarket (Wheaton, IL: Victor 2003).

Drane, J. W., P. Johnson and R. Clifford, Beyond Prediction: the Tarot and your Spirituality (Oxford: Lion, 2001).

Drury, N., Magic and Witchcraft: From Shamanism to the Technopagans (London: Thames & Hudson, 2003).

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).

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).

 

Recommended:

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

Hexham, I., S. Rost and J. W. Morehead II (eds), Encountering New Religious Movements: A Holistic Evangelical Approach (Grand Rapids: Kregel Academic & Professional, 2004).