EM022-812 - Alternate Religious Movements
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2,976 Standard Tuition Fee
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12Credit Points
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0.125 EFT
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8AQF level
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Category developing unitB
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evangelism missiolUnit Discipline
Exclusions
Prior to 2020, this unit content was delivered under the unit code EM622.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students willA. Know and understand
Demonstrate Advanced knowledge and understanding of, and the research underlying, a selection of alternative religious movements.
B. Be able to
1. Examine the characteristics of a selection of alternative religious movements
2. Interpret the growth of a selection of alternative religious movements in the Western World
3. Design Christian responses to a selection of alternative religious movements
4. Present Research-Aware 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
- The contemporary growth and significance of alternative religious movements.
- Definition of terms: cult; sect; church; denomination; religion; movement.
- Categories and classifications of movements: eastern mysticism; Christian aberration; psychospiritual self-improvement; eclectic religion; the psychic; the occult; astrology.
- Factors involved in the contemporary growth of alternative movements.
- Common characteristics of alternative religious movements.
- 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).
Clifford, R. and P. Johnson, Jesus and the Gods of the New Age: Communicating Christ in Today’s Spiritual Supermarket (Wheaton, IL: Victor 2003).
Clifford R., Religious and Non-Religious Spirituality in the Post Modern World, Lausanne Occasional Paper 45 (Lausanne as a separate paper & in Claydon, David (ed.), A New Vision, A New Heart, A Renewed Call, (Pasadena: William Carey, 2005).
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).
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).
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).
Wilson, B. R. and J. Cresswell, New Religious Movements: Challenge and Response (London; New York: Routledge, 1999).
Zaretsky, Y., Jewish Evangelism, Lausanne Occasional Paper 60 (and in A New Vision, A New Heart, A Renewed Call)
Zacharias, R., Jesus Among Other Gods, (Nashville: Word, 2000).
Recommended:
Karkkainen, V., An Introduction to the Theology of Religions (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2003).
Lehmann, A. C., et al, Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion: An Anthropological Study of the Supernatural (6th ed.; New York: McGraw-Hill, 2004).
Ludwig, T. M., The Sacred Paths (3rd ed.; Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2001).