Calling all Mormons!
I have made it known that I love everyone. It is my desire that everyone I come in contact with comes to have a personal relationship with Jesus. Atheists, Agnostics and other religions are open and honest that they are not Christians or as I like to call it followers of Jesus. But the Mormons are not that way. They try to deceive people into believing that they are Christians. They claim they believe the Bible. They have the name of Jesus Christ in their official name. They strive to live “good,” “moral” lives and that is great. But the problem is they are deceiving themselves and those they try to convert that being “GOOD” will get you into heaven. That is a lie from Satan.
No one (especially me) is good enough to go to heaven. The Bible makes it clear that we have all sinned and we have fallen short of God. (Romans 3:23) The Bible also says the wages of our sin is death. (Romans 6:23a) So there is no way that anyone can be good enough to enter heaven. The Mormons will argue that we must work in order to get to heaven or get to our own planet. Their whole religion is based on a book written by a charlatan, Joseph Smith. His claims are unfounded and he plagiarized the Book of Mormon from the KJV of the Bible.
I’m asking for the Mormons, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to send their elders to my home. I will have decaffeinated drinks available for you. We can talk theology. But mainly I want to keep you at my house long enough that you will stay away from our neighbors. Every minute the elders are at my house it keeps them from converting people to their heresy.
So I’m inviting the entire Mormon Church to send your heavyweights to my home.
Kevin,
Go ahead. Benchmark this blog! You should go ahead now and add it to your Top Posts.
Let the posts begin!
Good luck! And good for you! I appreciate the stand you’ve taken!
M. Steve Heartsill’s last blog post..Is There Life on Other Planets?
Kevin,
PLAN to be home when they ALL arrive. Otherwise, I will have to call you home.:)
Steve,
We shall see.
Cass,
Kevin Bussey’s last blog post..Calling all Mormons!
Kevin,
While you are at it can I send any JW’s I get to your house as well?
Thanks
scott’s last blog post..The Greatest Songs Of All Time: I Hope That I Don’t Fall In Love With You
Sure Scott,
I’ll take the Oklahoma LDS’ers too!
Kevin Bussey’s last blog post..Calling all Mormons!
I hear the buses cranking up to head to your house!
Quinn Hooks’s last blog post..Have you seen our commercial?
My first thought: Did you run this by Cass first?
Texas in Africa’s last blog post..this & that
Hey Kevin,
I can find some other heretical cults to send your way as well..
Now what was that address again? LOL
Phil Hoover’s last blog post..“The Dream”…the snake….
Kevin,
I did note that you, in giving your invitation, didn’t print your address.
Smart man!
M. Steve Heartsill’s last blog post..Is There Life on Other Planets?
The Cult Leader In A Baptist Church- A Dividing Rift
by Tony Robinson
Cults vs. Churches
The Greek work ekklesia has been translated as church in modern English New Testaments, and it literally means a called out assembly. The apostles understood the term historically referred to a Greek town meeting which was sovereign and had a purpose, a meeting place, a membership, and guidelines governing the meetings and membership. However, in Mark 15:15, Jesus differentiated between the Greek churches and His Church. His church was founded upon Him, bought by Him, espoused to Him, and given a special purpose from Him. A unique approach for the functioning of Jesus’ Church is signified by its special title: the Bride of Christ.
The church of Jesus is not merely an organization, but an organism. The members are to be in one mind and in one accord. Though there is already unity in Christ via regeneration, each member is to function in a complimentary fashion to others so that the whole body (corpus) functions as one in Christ (christi): without schism or fear from members.
From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. (Eph 4:16)
There is no fear in love. (I John 4:18a)
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear: but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (II Timothy 1:7)
“The cult leader in a Baptist church is not interested in molding a person’s will so that they will want to yield it to Christ. The cult leader wants to break the will of his listener. This act comes straight from bewitching sorcery in which a person is made more accessible not only to the leader but also to demonic oppression. At the very least, one’s sense of judgment goes awry after being broken under cult leadership, tending to make one more malleable, gullible, and leadable. ”
…The church should center itself on Jesus and lift up His Word as its only absolute standard. No one will be “Reverend” except God and none will be master or Rabbi except the Lord (Psalms 111:9, Mt 23:7). The atmosphere of the church is to be governed by scripture and thus the atmosphere is not restrictive toward the members to the point that they are not allowed to exercise their God-sanctioned abilities within the church. Each person should be allowed to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ and to witness on a consistent basis. Yet, many independent Baptist preachers have ingrained in their congregations a practice foreign to the early Church of God: the Popish Roman philosophy of “clergy”’ and “laity.” The consensus of the clergy is that the laity are far too ignorant to be able to choose correctly for themselves; therefore, the laity must follow the clergy on all aspects. The laity becomes the pawns played by the chess master. The pawns do door knocking, tithe giving, pew filling and other checkmates giving the preacher the recognition of being a first class chess player among his peers. Such concepts of slave membership are mere perversions of the New Testament pattern.
…Masons hold eight specific elements that permeate Masonic Lodges.
(1) There are mysteries involved;
(2) These are passed on to only a select few;
(3) To receive these mysteries one must be personally worthy;
(4) A process of initiation is required;
(5) The initiation involves secret rituals;
(6) This takes place under controlled conditions, usually a temple;
(7) In the process, the initiates are sworn to secrecy;
(8) The penalty for revealing this secret knowledge to the non-initiated is death.
Cult leaders in Baptist churches use most if not all the above Masonic principles during either staff meeting or in college classrooms. For example,
1) The insinuation of a clergy and a laity class; the clergy are the illumined ones who must make the decisions for the uniformed laity.
2) Only those members who show themselves to be loyal beyond reason (blind obedience) are allowed to advance in “My church.” Pastoral candidates are told that they will be accountable only to God in their future churches.
3) The average member never sees the by-laws of the church or some of the deep subjects of a church.
4) Starvation for Bible college students and their families while giving tithes and paying tuition or excessive compulsive attention to the church are looked upon as the initiation dues that one must endure before advancing.
5) Secrecy of scandals: what was said in the classroom, sermon tape cutting, reports being altered or glossed over before making them available to the church in that money expenditures are grouped under various names so that tracing them to find out the exact purpose and deposition is impossible.
6) Of course, ostracizing and character assassination usually results when you reveal a lack of dedication in blind loyalty.
Yes, there are those who control the sheep through fear/intimidation/threats/dire warnings; for example, that if you leave the group you are “out of God’s will for your life,” you will experience tragedy, or your children will go to Hell. Here is a list of some things that some cultish pastors do:
1. Individuals are berated by name from the pulpit.
2. Pastor wants veto power over important decisions in your life.
a. The home to buy
b. The car to buy
c. Who you should marry
d. Whether or not you should take another job
3. You are intimidated into participating in special offerings. In some churches the pastor TELLS each staff member how much they will give in special offerings!
4. Pastor controls the checkbook. Perhaps even writes and signs all the checks.
5. The Pastor and his family live under a different set of rules than everyone else.
6. Pastor wants to be involved in all of your decisions concerning raising your children.
7. Pastor constantly talks to you about the way you spend your money
8. Pastor tells you not to be hanging around certain families. Tells your children to stay away from other kids. A pastor ask for your help to remove unwanted members.
9. Pastor goes so far as to tell you to separate from your own family because of their disloyalty to the church or the pastor. He even tells you to not to let your parents see their grand children.
10. You never see any church financial statements.
Obviously many sheep can write their own letter about their experience with an abusive pastor or cult leader. But God’s word is unchanging:
Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. “Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. “For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
“But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. “They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, “greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.’ “But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. “Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. “And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. “But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. “And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. Matthew 23:1-12
Bill,
Are their snakes in the church? Yes! I want to hear from your heart not cut and paste from LDS propaganda. Please answer my question. Is the Bible the final authority of your life?
Kevin Bussey’s last blog post..Calling all Mormons!
Kevin,
That last article was from a Baptist group…not from LDS propoganda.
To answer your question…ABSOLUTELY NOT!
Do I believe that Jesus Christ’s blood was shed for me, and his blood and amazing grace IS the only way I can return to our Father in Heaven? ABSOLUTELY YES!
Bill
Kevin,
Put on extra food for tonight. All these people are coming to dinner with you.
By the way. somehow you did not make the list ha/ha
Watchman Fellowship’s 2001 Index of Cults and Religions
By the Staff of Watchman Fellowship, Inc.
Introduction
Please read “A Word from the President” to learn more about the educational rationale we followed in creating this index.
Annually Watchman Fellowship publishes an index issue of the Watchman Expositor. The 1998-99 Index contains brief definitions, descriptions or cross references on over 1,200 religious organizations and beliefs. This year’s index is expanded to include world religions (including Christianity) and related doctrines. Watchman Fellowship is a Christian apologetics and discernment ministry (please see Publication Information). Thus, many references (“Jesus,” “Gospel,” “Christianity,” etc.) contain definitions that reflect the beliefs of Watchman’s staff. While Watchman Fellowship does not hold to the beliefs of non-Christian religions and doctrines, we also attempt to describe these beliefs factually, fairly and accurately. Readers are asked to assist in this effort by suggesting corrections or improvements (please read A Word from the President).
This is by no means a complete list of cults and religions. Watchman Fellowship maintains over 10,000 files and a research library of over 25,000 books and periodicals on religions, cults, new religious movements and related teachings. The absence of a religious movement from this index does not mean that Watchman Fellowship endorses the organization.
How To Use This Index
Begin your search by clicking on the highlighted letter below that is the first letter of the term for which you are searching (or, if your browser will do so, perform a word search for the term). If the term is listed, it will be followed by a brief definition. Most of these definitions contain highlighted words that are linked to the definitions for those words; clicking on the highlighted word will take you directly to that definition.
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A B C DEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
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Some Definitions
By using the terms “cult,” “occult,” and “New Age,” Watchman Fellowship is in no way implying that the followers or leaders are necessarily evil or immoral people. It simply means that such groups seem to promote doctrine or practices which may be considered outside the realm of historic Christianity.
Cult
By its primary dictionary definition, the term cult just means a system of religious beliefs or rituals. It is based on a farming term in Latin meaning cultivation. Sociologists and anthropologists sometimes use the term cult to describe religious structure or belief patterns with meanings (usually non-pejorative) unique to their disciplines. In modern usage, the term cult is often used by the general public to describe any religious group they view as strange or dangerous. Thus, cult can describe religious leaders or organizations that employ abusive, manipulative, or illegal control over their followers’ lives. In addition to these usages, Christians generally have a doctrinal component to their use of the word. Cult in this sense, is a counterfeit or serious deviation from the doctrines of classical Christianity. Watchman Fellowship usually uses the term cult with a Christian or doctrinal definition in mind. In most cases the group claims to be Christian, but because of their aberrant beliefs on central doctrines of the faith (God, Jesus, and salvation), the organization is not considered by Watchman Fellowship to be part of orthodox, biblical Christianity. Research material and Profile are available.
Occult
The term, “occult” comes from the Latin occultus or “hidden.” Generally the word is used of secret or mysterious supernatural powers or magical, religious rituals. The word “occult” in this publication is used to describe any attempt to gain supernatural power or knowledge apart from the God of the Bible. Generally it refers to witchcraft, satanism, neo-paganism, or various forms of Psychic discernment (astrology, seances, palm reading, etc.). Research material available.
New Age
New Age is a recent and developing belief system in North America encompassing thousands of autonomous (and sometime contradictory) beliefs, organizations, and events. Generally the New Age borrows its theology from pantheistic Eastern religions and its practices from 19th century Western occultism. The term “New Age” is used herein as an umbrella term to describe organizations which seem to exhibit one or more of the following beliefs: (1) All is one, all reality is part of the whole; (2) Everything is God and God is everything; (3) Man is God or a part of God; (4) Man never dies, but continues to live through reincarnation; (5) Man can create his own reality and/or values through transformed consciousness or altered states of consciousness. Research material and Profile are available.
CULT INDEX
A
3H0: See Healthy, Happy, and Holy.
7 Habits of Highly Effective People: A book by Stephen Covey.
Aaronic Order, Maurice Glendenning, Murry, UT: Splinter group from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS), founded in 1942 by Glendenning after he was excommunicated by the LDS Church for receiving and publishing revelations later known as the Levitical Writings.
Abaddon: (Hebrew for “The Destroyer”; in Greek, Apollyon) A demon described in the Bible as “the angel of the bottomless pit” (Revelation 9:11).
Abbey of Thelema, Old Greenwich, CT: Esoteric magic, teachings of Aleister Crowley.
Abode of the Message, Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan, New Lebanon, NY: Sufism, alchemy, dowsing, meditation to lead to “inner attunement,” Native American spirituality, sweat lodge.
Academy for Guided Imagery, Martin L. Rossman & David E. Bresler, Mill Valley, CA: Healing by altered states of consciousness, imagery training (i.e., visualization), hypnosis and magic.
Academy of Religion and Psychical Research, Evanston, IL: Organization founded in 1956 to explore psychic occurrences and metaphysical experiences while evaluating the growing interest in occult phenomena in Christian churches. See Spiritual Frontiers Fellowship, Spiritualism, Divination.
Actualism: New Age teaching based on panentheism, according to which all human beings possess the divine Christ-consciousness and are united with the Mother-Father-Creator God.
Acupressure: See Acupuncture.
Acupuncture: Chinese system of healing using needles or hand pressure (acupressure) applied to certain points on the body, traditionally believed to balance the yin and yang energies in the body by opening blocked meridians (apexes in the pathways). Once the chakras (key points or intersections) are open, the chi, or energy, supposedly can then flow through the body bringing all things into harmony. While some limited physical effects (mostly anesthetic) can be attributed to this practice, these effects have scientific, physiological explanations totally unrelated to the mystical explanation, which derives from Taoism. See Holistic Health. Profile available.
Adams, Dennis, Mt. Shasta, CA: New Age, man is God.
Adelphi Organization, Dallas, TX: New Age teachings on Atlantis, karma, seven planes of existence. See Stelle Group.
Adeptco, Chuck McDonald, Omaha, NE: Yoga, crystals, reincarnation, karma and Kabbalah teachings.
Advanced Organization of Los Angeles (AOLA): Promotes Scientology philosophy.
Advanced Systems, Inc.: See Zen Master Rama.
Adventism: Widespread trans-denominational movement inspired by William Miller’s prediction that Jesus’ “advent” (return) would take place in 1844. Even after the Great Disappointment (the date’s failure), many people in the movement continued to believe. Some suggested revised chronologies and new dates, eventually forming groups such as the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. Others, notably Hiram Edson and Ellen G. White, suggested that the 1844 date was accurate but that a heavenly (thus invisible) event had taken place. Their teachings became the basis of Seventh-day Adventism, which eventually spawned its own offshoots, including Armstrongism and the Branch Davidians.
Aesthetic Realism Foundation, Eli Seigel, New York: Happiness can be achieved through the harmony of opposites, e.g., realizing and accepting that the world is both beautiful and horrific (see Taoism). Educators have criticized the Foundation after public school teachers in New York introduced the philosophy into high school English, biology, and art courses.
Aetherius Society, Sir George King: Clairvoyance, karma, reincarnation, psychometry, Great White Brotherhood, UFOs, alchemy, occult secrets of Jesus, mantras.
Affective Education: Also called value-free, or non-directive, education. Influenced by the philosophy of Carl Rogers, affective education programs attempt to facilitate the emotional development of children in order to enhance the learning process, particularly focusing on self-esteem. This contrasts with traditional educational paradigms that focus on cognitive, or intellectual, practices such as reading, writing, and arithmetic. Affective education has become particularly influential in drug awareness programs for youth.
Agasha Temple of Wisdom, William Eisen, Los Angeles, CA: Universal consciousness of god, reincarnation, occult pyramidology, Ascended Masters.
Agnosticism: The claim (denied by Romans 1:18–20) that one has no knowledge of God or the origin of the universe. Some agnostics make the claim on a personal level, while allowing that such knowledge may exist but has never been known by themselves. Others assert that such knowledge cannot be had by anyone. Agnostics avoid the charge of dogmatic atheism by acknowledging the theoretical possibility of God’s existence. Yet virtually all live as if the non-existence of God was an established fact, and are thus practical atheists.
Agon Buddhism: Sect of Buddhism. Uses the Agon Sutras as scriptures.
Agyeman, Jaramogi Abebe: See Pan African Orthodox Christian Church.
Ahabah Asah Prophetic Ministries: See Gatekeepers.
Ahmadiyya Movement: Sect of Islam following the teachings of Ahmad (1835-1908), an Indian Muslim; most followers in the US are black, Indian, or Pakistani.
AION: Magic, runes, goddess worship.
Akashic Records: Term used in theosophy designating an alleged library that exists on the astral plane containing all the thoughts, actions, and events of mankind. Mystics, through altered states of consciousness, tune into this library for information.
Alamo Christian Foundation: Tony Alamo, leader of this group, has been imprisoned by authorities for alleged illegal activities. Teaches traditional Christianity is dead. Former followers have reported deplorable living conditions, mind control, and slave labor. Operates Music Square Church in TN, Holiness Tabernacle in Dyer, AR, and End Times Book is the publishing arm.
Alan Shawn Feinstein Association, Cranston, RI: UFOs, contactee.
Alchemy: In its original, literal meaning, theories and experiments involving the transmutation (dissolving and combining) of base metals to form gold though chemical and/or supernatural processes. Today, it caries the meaning of a mystical transformation in New Age consciousness through various mystical techniques.
Aleph: New name adopted by Japanese doomsday-cult Aum Shinri Kyo January 18, 2000.
Aleph: Alliance for Jewish Renewal, Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, Philadelphia, PA: Combines Chassidic Judaism, Native American spirituality, Eastern mysticism, A Course in Miracles, and New Age practices. Emphasizes combining syncretistic spirituality and psychology.
Aletheia Psycho-Physical Foundation, Jack Schwarz, Ashland, OR: New Age seminars on the inner-self, paraconsciousness, meditation and visualization.
All-One-God-Faith, Emanuel H. Bronner, Escondido, CA: Sells Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap, which claims to clean both body and soul. The soap is widely available in health-food stores. Teaches (like Process Theology) that God is continually recreating Himself. God desires all nations and religions to unite in an “All-One-God-Faith” on Spaceship Earth. This unification will come about through following 13 precepts and 20 directives revealed to Bronner by God.
All Souls Unitarian Church, John Wolf, Tulsa, OK: See Unitarian-Universalist Association for similar theological perspective.
All Ways Free, Madison, WI: New Age periodical.
Allah: Arabic, Muslim name for God; see Islam.
Allegro, John: Wrote The Sacred Mushroom and the Cross.
Alphabiotic New Life Center, Dallas, TX: New Age seminars on one’s divine being, Ramtha, yoga and channeling.
Alphasonic International, Los Angeles, CA: Company specializing in tapes with subliminal messages.
Altered States of Consciousness: Trances entered through hypnosis, meditation, drugs (including hallucinogenics), visualization, etc. State of being in which one allows the subconscious to take control and guide. May heighten one’s vulnerability to suggestion or susceptibility to deception.
Alternative Medicine: See Holistic Health.
Amalgamated Flying Saucer Clubs of America: See Mon-Ka Retreat…
Ambassador University, Big Sandy, TX: Now defunct Liberal arts and religious institution founded by Herbert Armstrong. See Armstrongism.
Ambassadors For Christ, Tustin, CA: See Watchtower Bible and Tract Society for similar theological perspective.
Ameba, San Francisco, CA: Paganism, promotes the teachings of Aleister Crowley, Celtic rituals.
American Academy of Dissident Sciences, Culver City, CA: Studying a wide array of conspiracy theories, the Academy focuses on UFOs and the Illuminati.
American Association of Ayurvedic Medicine, Fairfield, IA: Holistic health association founded by Deepak Chopra while he followed the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (see Ayurvedic medicine; Transcendental Meditation).
American Atheists, Inc., Madalyn Murray-O’Hair, Austin, TX: Advocates strict separation of church and state, and actively opposes Christian influence on society. O’Hair and two children disappeared in 1994 with a sizeable portion of the organization’s assets. It is now believed they were murdered. Publishes American Atheist magazine.
American Babaji Yoga Sangam, New York, NY: Hinduism-based philosophy, yoga.
American Constitution Committee: Political organization of the Unification Church.
American Fellowship Services: Splinter group of The Way International.
American Foundation for the Science of Creative Intelligence: A branch of Transcendental Meditation.
American Gnostic Church, Daeva Ares Animo: Paganism, Kabbalah rituals, Egyptian magic, Satanism rituals of Anton LaVey, Gnostic Mass.
American Holistic Nurses Association, Amherst, MA: Trains medical nurses to use therapeutic touch and meditation with patients.
American Imagery Institute, Milwaukee, WI: New Age teachings on visualization, astral projection.
American Leadership College, Inc. Osceola, IA: New Age/occult teachings on trance healings, mediumship, self-realization dreams.
American Pie and the Armageddon Bible Prophecy Home Page: The pop song American Pie, which prophesies the destruction of America, was foretold in the Song of Moses in Deuteronomy 32. See Apocalypse.
American Society for Psychical Research, Simon Newcomb, New York, NY: ESP, out-of-body experiences, mediums, parapsychology, psychokinesis.
American Study Group, UT: Defunct splinter group from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) that used the Book of Mormon and the teachings of LDS leaders to speculate on end-time events.
American Temple, Michael Whitney, Portland, OR: A “fourth wave” esoteric and mystical order led by “Patriarch” Michael Whitney reviving the doctrines of the now defunct Holy Order of MANS.
American West Publishers, Tehachapi, CA: UFOs, cosmic laws of balance. Publishes the Phoenix Journal.
American Zen Center: Zen Buddhism, shamanism, Sufism.
AMOM: See Ancient Mystic Order of Malchizedek.
AMOOKOS: Occult, magic, some Hinduism, man is already a master.
AMORC: See Rosicrucian Order.
Ananda Marga, Denver, CO: Philosophy and deities of Hinduism, teaches meditation and yoga.
Anchor of Golden Light, Dorothy and Henry Leon, Grants Pass, OR: UFOs, Ascended Masters, Kabbalah mysticism, alchemy, numerology. Publishes the Anchor of Golden Light newsletter.
Ancient Mystic Order of Malchizedek, Malachi Z. York, Eatonton, GA: Also known as AMOM, Nuwaubians, the Nubian Nation of Moors, Right Knowledge. A UFO group whose leader, (a.k.a. Dwight York) claims to be form the 19th galaxy, called Illyuwn. A 1993 FBI report calls the group a “front for a wide range of criminal activity, including arson, welfare fraud and extortion.” York’s group has also operated under other names and organizations including the Nubian Islaamic [sic] Hebrew Mission, the Ansaaru Allah Community, (an Islamic sect with doctrines similar to Nation of Islam), and the Original Tents of Kedar.
Ancient Wisdom Connection, N. Myrtle Beach, SC: New Age channeling, numerology and belief in “Lord Sananda,” who is an incarnation of Jesus.
Angels: Supernatural, non-human beings created by God. Angels worship God and serve as His messengers. The angels who followed Satan and rebelled against God are called demons.
Anglo-Israelism: See British Israelism.
Animal Magnetism: See Mesmerism.
Animism: The idea that all things in the universe are inherently invested with a life force, soul, or mind. This belief is an important component of many primitive religions, the occult, and spiritism.
Annihilationism: Taught by most Adventist groups, including the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, this doctrine denies the conscious, eternal punishment of the lost. Instead, humans who do not receive eternal life will be destroyed and cease to exist.
Anointed Class: See Little Flock.
Answers Research and Education, Bud Cocherell, San Jose, CA: Man’s destiny is to become a God, keep Old Testament festivals.
Anthropomancy: A form of divination based on psychic readings of the entrails of a human who has been ritualistically sacrificed.
Anthroposophic Society, Rudolf Steiner, Hudson, NY: Similar to the Chicago organization (below), possibly affiliated.
Anthroposophical Society, Rudolf Steiner, Chicago, IL: Occult, related to Theosophy; teachings on karma, meditation, Atlantis and reincarnation.
Apocalypse: Also called Armageddon. From the Greek word apokalypsis, meaning “revelation, disclosure, or unveiling,” the term apocalypse refers in the Bible to the summation of human history through God’s direct judgment upon the world. Central in biblical apocalyptic literature is the Revelation to John (sometimes called The Apocalypse). A common feature of many pseudo-Christian groups is their attempts to predict the date of the apocalypse. For examples of groups that have falsely predicted the apocalypse, see Church of the Living Stone Mission for the Coming Days, Adventism, Watchtower Bible and Tract Society.
Apostasy: From the Greek word apostasis, meaning “rebellion,” and the Latin word apostasia, meaning “abandonment,” the term apostasy refers to a renunciation of the Christian faith. The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society applies the label apostate to former Jehovah’s Witnesses, who are then shunned by all Witnesses in good standing.
Apostle: From the Greek word apostolos, meaning “messenger,” the term apostle refers to those leaders of the early Christian church who were chosen by Jesus. The criteria for being an apostle was 1) the individual was personally chosen by Christ; and 2) the individual must have personally seen Christ. Members of the top two quorums of leadership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints claim the title today.
Apostolic Churches: A branch of Pentecostalism including several denominations as well as independent churches with the name “Apostolic”; many (but not all) Apostolic churches adhere to Oneness Pentecostalism.
Apostolic Overcoming Holiness of God, Inc., Birmingham, AL: Pentecostal church, stresses the oneness of God while accepting the Triune Being of the Godhead. Salvation depends upon baptism, tarrying to receive the Holy Spirit, and holiness. Publishes The People’s Mouthpiece magazine.
Apostolic United Brethren: See Corporation of the Presiding Elder of the Apostolic United Brethren.
Applewhite, Marshall: See Heaven’s Gate.
Applied Kinesiology: New Age diagnostic technique sometimes called “muscle testing.” Often patients hold health care products (vitamins, herbs, etc) in their hand while the practitioner pulls or “tests” the reciprocal strength in the finger, arm, etc. to determine the effectiveness or dosage of the remedy. See Holistic Health.
Aquarian Academy, Robert E. Birdsong, Eureka, CA: Jesus only an avatar of the Cosmic Christ, of the Great White Brotherhood of Light. Man’s purpose is to reach the transcendental plane, release from the wheel of fate, astral projection, meditation, cosmic truths.
Aquarian Age Teaching, Ruby Focus, Sedona, AZ: Discover the God within, the Father-Mother god, Atlantis, Christ-consciousness.
Aquarian Church of Universal Service, Paul Shockley, Portland, OR: Teaches cosmic awareness but with no specific doctrine. Similar to Unitarian-Universalist.
The Aquarian Conspiracy, Marilyn Ferguson: A book documenting and advocating the widespread growth of the New Age movement.
Aquarian Educational Group, Torkom Saraydarian, Sedona, AZ: Astrology, moon festivals, use the Bhagavad-Gita, Jesus only an avatar. Publishes the Fiery Synthesis magazine.
Aquarian Foundation, Keith Milton Rhinehart, Seattle, WA: Universalism, yoga, spiritism, Theosophy-based philosophy.
Aquarian Gospel of Jesus Christ: Book written by Levi H. Dowling, a New Age, apocryphal story supposedly based on the Akashic Records.
Aquarian Minyan, Berkeley, CA: Jewish group, yoga, mysticism.
Aquarian Perspectives Inter Planetary Mission, Montgomery, AL: UFO group, receives messages from Futron and the Rainbow Star Legionnaires.
Aquarian Tabernacle Church, Index, WA: Paganism, worship of Mother Earth, goddess worship, sun and moon festival, magic. Publishes the Panegyria newsletter.
Arcana Workshop, Manhattan Beach, CA: Meditation, Great Invocation, moon festivals. Based on the teachings of Alice Bailey (see Arcane School). Publishes the Thoughtline newsletter.
Arcane School, Alice Bailey: Occult, esoteric teachings, connected with Lucis Trust, formerly Lucifer Trust. Similar to Theosophy.
Arefu: Company created and owned by Japanese doomsday-cult Aum Shinri Kyo for real estate brokering, financing and seminars. On January 18, 2000, the cult announced it was also changing its own name to Arefu (Aleph, in English).
Arete Truth Center, Paul Lachlan Peck, Las Vegas, NV: New Age, metaphysics, teaches balancing the body, mind and spirit.
Arguelles, Jose: New Ager who staged the Harmonic Convergence.
Arizona Light, Phoenix, AZ: New Age periodical.
Arizona Metaphysical Society, Frank Alper, Phoenix, AZ: New Age seminars on rebirthing, astral projection, channeling, karma, reincarnation, and crystals.
Arizona Network News, Scottsdale, AZ: New Age periodical.
Arm of the Lord, Warren, OH: Teaches that it is a satanic idea to invite Jesus into “one’s life.”
Armageddon Time Ark Base Operation, O.T. Nodrog, Weslaco, TX: UFO group, channels messages from outer dimensional forces.
Armstrong, Garner Ted: Son of Herbert W. Armstrong who formed his own rival Armstrongism splinter group, the Garner Ted Armstrong Evangelistic Association. See Church of God, International.
Armstrong, Herbert W.: See Armstrongism, Worldwide Church of God.
Armstrongism: The doctrines and religious movement originating with Herbert W. Armstrong (1892-1986), who founded the Worldwide Church of God (WCG). Armstrong rejected such essential doctrines of evangelical Christianity as the Trinity, the full deity of Jesus Christ, and the personality of the Holy Spirit. Armstrong taught British Israelism and believed that worthy humans could eventually “become God as God is God.” Teaches salvation by works predicated on Sabbatarianism, tithing (20-30%), and keeping the Old Testament feast days and dietary laws. Under the leadership of Armstrong’s successors, Joseph W. Tkach and his son Joe Tkach, the WCG has undergone a radical doctrinal transformation. Scores of splinter groups, such as the Global Church of God and the United Church of God, continue to teach various forms of Armstrongism.
Arn Draiocht Fein, P.E.I. Bonewits, Nyack, NY: Paganism, Druids, polytheism, nature worship. Publishes News from the Mother Grove newsletter.
Aromatherapy: Holistic health practice of seeking to heal certain diseases or illnesses by inhaling scented steam or fragrances.
Aromatherapy Seminars, Los Angeles, CA: Holistic Healing therapy, oils healing the psyche. See Aromatherapy.
Arunachala Ashram, Bhagavan Sri Ramana: Hinduism-based philosophy, also called Maharshi Center, Inc.
Aryan Nations Church, Hayden Lake, ID: A neo-Nazi paramilitary organization in the Christian Identity movement that preaches against all non-Caucasian groups. The Order, an Aryan Nations break-off group, killed Alan Berg, a Jewish radio personality in Denver, in 1984. The Aryan Nations received national notice in 1992 when the wife of member Randy Weaver was killed in a shootout with the FBI in Ruby Ridge, ID.
As It Is: See Process Church of the Final Judgement.
Asatru Free Assembly, Denair, CA: Paganism, worships Odin as Father-god, Frigga as Mother-god and Nerthus as Mother-Earth. Publishes The Runestone newsletter.
Ascended Master Teaching Foundation, Mt. Shasta, CA: Occult, part of the I AM movement, Great White Brotherhood, similar to Theosophy.
Ascended Masters: Sometimes called the Great White Brotherhood. Occult, New Age belief in alleged teachers or masters who live on an astral plane as non-physical entities beyond time and space. They can supposedly communicate spiritual truths to humans through channeling or other occult techniques. Membership includes Jesus, Buddha, St. Germain (see I AM movement), Ramtha (see Knight, J. Z.), Mafu (see Torres, Penny), Seth (see Roberts, Jane), and others.
Ascended Masters School of Light, Toni Moltzan, Carrollton, TX: New Age, channeling, Ascended Masters including Jesus, universal consciousness.
Ascension Week Enterprises, Santa Fe, NM: New Age, Channeling, reaching out to children with New Age programs.
ASCENT Foundation, Larry Jensen, Sedona, AZ: New Age enlightenment, similar to Silva Mind Control, est, and Lifespring.
Asheville Meditation Center, Asheville, NC: New Age, achieving man’s divine nature, transcendence.
Assemblies of the Called Out Ones of “Yah,” Sam Surratt, Milan, TX: Sacred Name movement.
Assemblies of Yahweh, Jacob Meyer, Bethel, PA: Publishes The Sacred Name Broadcaster magazine. See Sacred Name movement.
Assemblies of Yahweh (7th day), Cisco, TX: See Sacred Name movement.
Assembly of Scientific Astrologers, George Cardinal, LeGrosoplin, MO: Esoteric astrology, karma and reincarnation.
Assembly of Yahweh, Holt, MI: Founded in 1930, perhaps the oldest of the Sacred Name groups in America. Sabbatarianism. Publishes The Faith.
Assembly of YHW Yoshua, Pueblo, CO: Sacred Name movement.
Associated Readers of Tarot International, Carbondale, IL: Tarot form of divination, Celtic rituals.
Associates for Scriptural Knowledge, Ernest L. Martin, Portland, OR: Anti-denominational group whose Associates study doctrine through a Home Study Course. Teaches universalism, i.e., that all people will be saved (although not all will experience the first resurrection and live in Christ’s millennial kingdom), and the Sacred Name doctrine (Martin claims that the name Yahweh was removed from the Bible by Jerome). Martin was fired by the Foundation for Biblical Research (an Armstrongism splinter group in Alhambra, CA) in 1984 for espousing these doctrines. Publishes a “restored” Bible called The Manuscript Version of the Bible, and The ASK Communicator.
Association for Christian Development, Kenneth Westby Auburn, WA: Armstrongism splinter group.
Association for Past-Life Research and Therapies, Inc. Riverside, CA: New Age, reincarnation and astrology.
Association for Research and Enlightenment (A.R.E.), Edgar Cayce, Virginia Beach, VA: Pantheism, trance medium (or channeling), life readings, reincarnation.
Association for the Understanding of Man, Austin, TX: New Age, channeling, psychic reading, altered states of consciousness.
Association of Unity Churches: The denominational structure affiliated with the Unity School of Christianity.
Association Sananda & Sanat Kumara, Mt. Shasta, CA: New Age, channeling Christ-consciousness teachings.
Astara, Robert & Evelyn Chaney: New Age, spiritism, yoga. Publishes Voice of Astara.
Astral Projection: New Age/occult doctrine teaching methods to induce an out of body experience (OBE), in which one’s soul (i.e., astral body) departs the physical body, travels to various parts of the universe, then re-enters the body. Usually a “cord” is said to connect the soul and body at all times. Also called astral travel.
Astro Computing Services, San Diego, CA: Astrology.
Astrology: An ancient fatalistic system of divination using the position of the planets, moon and sun in the twelve Zodiac positions at the moment of one’s birth to gain occult or hidden knowledge of the future. Profile available.
Astrology and Psychic News, N. Hollywood, CA: New Age periodical.
Atheism: The assertion, to be taken on faith, that there is no God. Some atheists, such as Madalyn Murray-O’Hair, have fought to prevent any recognition of God in public life. See American Atheists, Inc.
Atlantic Pagan Council: Association of East Coast pagan covens, magic, moon festivals, paganism. Publishes the Atlantic Pagan Council Amateur Publishers’ Association newsletter.
Atlantis: A mythical island/continent said to have sunk beneath the ocean. Purported to have been a highly advanced civilization. New Agers often claim to have recovered lost mystical wisdom and knowledge from Atlantis, sometimes through channeling.
Atman: A term used in Hinduism referring to the eternal or real self and sometimes refering to the principle of life in all things.
At-one-ment: Term used by several Mind Science or New Thought religions (such as Christian Science) referring to the supposed metaphysical unity or “oneness” of human beings and God as demonstrated by Christ. Contrast the Christian term “atonement,” which refers to Christ’s death on the cross as the means by which he reconciled sinful human beings to God.
Aum Shinri Kyo, Shoko Asahara, Tokyo, Japan: Aum (a mantra) Shinri Kyo (Supreme Truth) is the apocalyptic Buddhist sect suspected in the 1995 subway nerve gas murders in Japan. Police raiding cult compounds discovered stockpiles of nerve gas and the basic ingredients of biological warfare. Sect leaders have been charged with abduction and “murder preparation.” Aum leader, Chizuo Matsumoto (now called Shoko Asahara), predicted the end of the world between 1997 and 2000. The Dalai Lama, the leader of Tibetan Buddhism, has denied Aum claims that Asahara was ever his disciple. The sect has about $29 million in assets and 10,000 disciples in Japan and 30,000 in Russia. The sect has followers in other countries including the U.S. and Australia. On January 18, 2000, the cult announced it was changing its name to Arefu (Aleph, in English). Profile available.
Aum Supreme Truth: See Aum Shinri Kyo.
Aura: A subtle light or energy field said to surround people or objects. Mystics explain that from the color of the aura, a person’s emotional and intellectual moods can be determined.
Author Services, Inc.: Promotes Scientology philosophy.
Automatic Writing: Inspired from the spirit world, the writer has no conscious muscular control of his hands or arms. Found in many occult and New Age groups.
Avanta Network, Palo Alto, CA: New Age, works by Virginia Satir promoted, positive and negative energies.
Avatar: Hindu concept of an earthly manifestation of one of the gods in human or animal form, e.g., Krishna is an avatar of Vishnu.
Avatar, Flagstaff, AZ: New Age seminars similar to est and Lifespring, enables participant to have conscious shift of beliefs.
Awake!: Magazine published by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society.
Awareness Research Foundation, Inc., North Miami, FL: Astrology, Atlantis, UFOs, ESP and Lord Sananda.
Ayurvedic Lifestyle Center, Pearl Miller, Reno, NV: Eastern mysticism, meditation, homeopathy.
Ayurvedic Medicine: Promoted by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and Deepak Chopra. Teaches the balancing of vibrational centers for health through diet, exercise, herbs, and purification procedures.
B
Baba, Sai: Indian guru, Hinduism, meditation, Kundalini yoga.
Bahá’í Faith,The, Bahá‘u’lláh: A sect of Islam evolving into a major independent religion with approximately five million believers worldwide. Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad, Bahá‘u’lláh and others are viewed as a succession of divine messengers. A 19th century Persian teacher, the Báb, (or “Gate”) predicted Bahá’u'lláh’s coming. Bahá’í advocates a new global order of sexual equality, a one-world economic system to eliminate poverty, and a one-world religion. Profile available.
Bailey, Alice: Founder of the Arcane School. Profile available.
Baphomet: The Goat God, also called the Sabbath Goat, the Great God Pan, Abraxas, Thanateros, or the Horned God. Often used as a symbol of Satan, especially in Satanism, and depicted as a Goat’s Head symbol, an upside down five-pointed star (cf. pentagram), or a man with horns and goat-legs.
Baptism for the Dead: Practice of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) whereby living members are baptized by proxy for people who have died without knowing the LDS Gospel. If these dead persons then accept the LDS gospel while in Spirit Prison, they can potentially attain full salvation or godhood (exaltation). This ceremony is performed only in an LDS Temple. See Baptismal Regeneration.
Baptismal Regeneration: The belief that regeneration (i.e., the new birth), and therefore salvation or eternal life, is conditioned upon water baptism. Most groups teaching this doctrine also add that proper mode (immersion or sprinkling) and/or proper minister (one authorized by the organization) is necessary. All Christians should be baptized (Matthew 28:19). The teaching that baptism is a prerequisite for salvation, however, is considered by many evangelicals to be a heretical compromise of the biblical gospel of salvation by grace alone (Ephesians 2:8-10). The extreme version of baptismal regeneration, which denies the salvation even of baptized Christians outside some particular church group, is clearly heretical. See Salvation by Works, Salvation by Grace, Gospel.
Bear Tribe Medicine Society, Spokane, WA: Native American spirituality, Mother Earth, medicine wheel, moon ceremonies.
The Beatles: A highly influential rock-and-roll group from the 1960s. In 1966 they became involved in Transcendental Meditation; later both John Lennon and George Harrison repudiated TM. Harrison then became a devotee of ISKCON and recorded his hit single “My Sweet Lord” as a devotion to Lord Krishna. The Beatles are widely credited with increasing the popularity of Eastern religions in the United States.
Believers International, Tucson, AZ: Compiling a compendium of all of William Branham’s teachings. Publishes Believer’s News.
Bell, Art: Popular late-night radio talk show host. While his Coast to Coast weeknight broadcast and Dreamland weekend broadcast focus on a wide array of New Age and occult issues, as well as many conspiracy theories, one of the most common subjects discussed by guests on the program is UFOs.
Beltane: Occult, Celtic holiday, also called Walpurgisnacht, celebrated on the night of April 30. Celts are alleged to have conducted fertility rituals and human sacrifice.
Bermuda Triangle: Geographically, the Triangle composes the southwestern quadrant of the North Atlantic, with apexes in Bermuda, Puerto Rico, and in the Gulf of Mexico west of Florida. Some people involved in the occult and UFO studies believe the Triangle is a supernaturally dangerous area, with many ships and airplanes disappearing in the Triangle in the 20th century.
Bernard, David: A well-known Oneness Pentecostal writer and speaker.
Besant, Annie: Successor to Madame Blavatsky (founder of Theosophy) who proclaimed Krishnamurti as the Messiah. (Krishnamurti later renounced that role).
Bet Hashem – The House of YHWH, New Haven, IN: Sacred Name, man is the offspring of light, conversion is the union with the light.
Beth El Shaddai, Dick Amos, Plano, TX: Dual Covenant doctrine, denies Jesus is God.
Beth HaShem, Jacob Hawkins, Odessa, TX: Sacred name, Sabbatarianism, keeps Old Testament feasts and laws for salvation. Publishes The Prophetic Watchman newsletter.
Bhagavad-Gita: Meaning “Song of the Lord,” this scripture is used in Hinduism and ISKCON.
Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh: Though this Indian guru is deceased, many followers still practice his unique form of Hindu philosophy and sexual yoga system to gain enlightenment.
Bhakti Yoga: Type of yoga or spiritual exercise involving devotion to a guru.
Bible: Considered scripture by Christianity. Consists of the Jewish scriptures (Old Testament) and the Christian scriptures (New Testament).
Bible Believers, Inc.: See Branham, William.
Bible Code, Michael Drosnin: Bestselling 1997 book teaches that prophecies are hidden in a complex network of letters and words within the Old Testament. Drosnin claims that he attempted to warn Israeli leader Yitzak Rabin of his impending assassination based on a prediction in the biblical code. The theory is a form of numerology and has some associations with the Jewish occultism of the Kabbalah.
Bible Speaks, The: Former name of Greater Grace World Outreach.
Bible Students: Various semiautonomous groups that broke away from the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society after Joseph Rutherford took control of the organization. Reprints the early writings of Watchtower founder Charles Taze Russell including Divine Plan of the Ages. Groups across the country go under various names (e.g., Fort Worth Bible Students, Chicago Bible Students, etc.).
Bible Talks: Home and campus group studies sponsored by the International Churches of Christ.
Bible Way Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ: Oneness Pentecostalism denomination.
Bible Way Publications, Ft. Lauderdale, FL: Bible Students group.
Biblical Church of God, Santa Cruz, CA: Armstrongism splinter group.
Biblical Research Centers: Regional centers for The Way International.
Bind: See Spell.
Bioenergy: New Age practice of healing. Balances the life-energy by opening blocked meridians (see acupuncture).
BioEnergetic Synchronization Techniques: New Age method using the body’s life force to heal itself.
Biofeedback: The use of EEG (electroencephalographic) feeback instruments to monitor brain waves and skin resistance with the goal of modification of brain waves. Participants can learn to control heart rates or generate brain wave activity (alpha, beta, and delta) at will to induce altered states of consciousness. Enhances the capacity for relaxation and/or inducing meditative states and physiological control similar to that in yoga and Zen.
Biointegration, Ross Algelo, Dallas, TX: New Age, body alignment, yoga, reflexology, rebirthing.
Bio-Magnetics: New Age, the realigning of magnetic fields allegedly surrounding the body.
BioPsciences Institute, Minneapolis, MN: Astrology.
Black Mass: A ritual in Satanism that attempts to negate or profane the Catholic Mass. Black candles are used and Catholic prayers recited backwards. Allegedly, the communion is occasionally performed using human blood and flesh.
Black Muslim: Generic term referring to Nation of Islam and related groups.
Black Christian Nationalist Movement: See Pan African Orthodox Christian Church.
Blavatsky, Madame Helena Petrovna: Founder of Theosophy.
Blessed Be: A common greeting used among Wiccans to invoke or wish happiness and well-being.
Blood Atonement Doctrine: The belief, taught by the second Mormon Prophet, Brigham Young, that for certain sins the blood of Christ will not atone and for which the sinner’s own blood must be shed to receive forgiveness (Journal of Discourses, Vol. 4, p. 53). No longer taught by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the belief is often preached and sometimes practiced by members of Mormon Fundamentalist splinter groups. To this day, Utah allows condemned murders to face execution by firing squad rather than methods that do not shed the criminal’s blood, such as lethal injection or the electric chair.
Blue Lotus, Wilmot, WI: New Age periodical.
Blue Mountain Center of Meditation, Eknath Easwaran, Petaluma, CA: Hindu philosophy, meditation, uses the Bhagavad-Gita.
Blue Rose Ministry, Robert Short, Joshua Tree, CA: UFOs, messages from the “space brothers,” channeling. Publishes the Solar Space-Letter.
Blue Star, Mary Thunder, West Point, TX: New Age, sweat lodge, channeling, Spiritual University.
B’nai Noah: Dual covenant doctrine, teaches Jesus is not the Savior of the Jews, Gentiles are to keep the Seven Laws of Noah and study the Torah (or Old Testament) with Jewish Rabbis.
Body, Mind and Soul: Houston, TX: New Age periodical.
Body, Mind and Spirit: Providence, RI: New Age magazine.
Book of Changes: See I Ching.
Book of Mormon: One of the scriptures or “Standard Works” accepted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other sects originating from Joseph Smith, including the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and various Mormon Fundamentalist groups.
Book of Shadows: A journal for recording occult activities.
Bookmark, Santa Clarita, CA: Christian Science splinter group.
Borderland Science Research Foundation Garberville, CA: Alchemy, dowsing, UFOs, astrology.
Born Again: Biblical term used to describe regeneration (John 3:3-7). Some New Age followers teach that the term was Christ’s reference to reincarnation or rebirthing. In context, Jesus was speaking of a spiritual event effected by God through the Holy Spirit (see verses 6-8) to restore a sinful, fallen human to right relationship with Him (see verses 16-21). See Gospel.
Boston Church of Christ: See International Churches of Christ.
Bradshaw, John: Prominent New Age teacher on PBS and author of Healing the Inner Child.
Brahma: The creator and first member of the triad of demigods in Hinduism, including Shiva and Vishnu.
Brainwashing: Forced indoctrination using various techniques to cause a subject to abandon basic political, social, or religious ideas or beliefs and replace those ideals with a contrasting belief system. A translation of a Chinese word xinao, “brainwashing” became a popular term to describe the phenomena of radical change in behavior and core beliefs that took place in some prisoners of war held in Chinese camps in the mid-twentieth century. In a more general sense, the word is sometimes used to describe any form of persuasion perceived to be unethical that results in a radical and negative change in personality. See Lifton, Robert, Mind Control.
Branch Davidians, Benjamin Roden: Splinter group of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. David Koresh (A.K.A. Vernon Howell) was leader from 1984 to 1993. He and many of his most devout followers were killed when their headquarters near Waco, TX, was destroyed by fire in 1993 during a government raid. Taught knowledge of the Seven Seals of the Book of Revelation brought salvation. Many followers still believe Koresh’s messianic claims and expect him to be resurrected soon.
Branham, William, (1909-1965): Oneness Pentecostal preacher who claimed he received healing and prophetic powers from an angel. Denied the Trinity, taught the serpent seed doctrine, and rejected other Pentecostal and traditional Christian churches. “Branhamism” is still taught at the Branham Tabernacle in Jeffersonville, IN, and in many other places around the world. Profile available.
Brethren, Jim Roberts: Also known as “the Garbage Eaters,” the group follows the teachings of “Brother Evangelist” Roberts. The group requires renouncing both family and worldly possessions in order to earn salvation (see Salvation by works). Members travel nomadically, earning their nickname because of their practice of eating discarded food. Family members note that Roberts hides relatives, moving the individuals to avoid familial contact. Note: This group is not affiliated with the Church of the Brethren, an Anabaptist denomination.
Brinkley, Dannion: As chronicled in his bestseller Saved by the Light, Brinkley allegedly underwent a near-death experience after being struck by lightning. He teaches people to perform “life reviews” to enhance their perception of life and death and to find their life missions. He operates a hospice organization called Compassion in Action / The Twilight Brigade.
British Israelism: (Anglo-Israelism/Israelitism) The doctrine that the true identity of modern Israel (or the “ten lost tribes”) is Britian and (sometimes) the British colonies (America). The monarchs of England sit on the throne of David. In more extreme forms, Israel is identified with a particular race—usually white Anglo-Saxon, Germanic, and Scandinavian people. Opposing versions of doctrine teach that Blacks are God’s Chosen People, Israel. See Christian Identity Movement, Serpent seed doctrine.
Brotherhood and Order of the Pleroma, Richard Duc de Palatine, Sherman Oaks, CA: New Age revival of Gnosticism, God and man are the same being.
Brotherhood of Eternal Truth, New Albany, IN: Spiritualism, astrology, Atlantis, channeling, magic, past life regression. Also known as Center of Light and Life.
Brotherhood of Seth, Ellsworth, ME: Paganism, homosexual or homophilic magic, teachings of Aleister Crowley.
Brotherhood of the Followers of the Present Jesus, Ann and Peter Meyer, San Diego, CA: Alchemy, Christ-consciousness in each person, channeling and clairvoyance.
Brotherhood of the White Temple, Inc., M. Doreal, Castle Rock, CO: New Age/occult metaphysical teachings, soul illumination, three planes of existence.
The Bruderhof Community: A communal society started in Germany in the 1920s and based on the sixteenth-century Moravian Anabaptist sect of Jacob Hutter, which was part of the Radical Reformation. The group is also called the Society of Brothers and the Hutterian Brethren. The basic theology of the group is Protestant but, according to former members and other critics, the group exercises inappropriate control over the members and practices shunning and other forms of spiritual abuse.
Buddha: Siddhartha Gautama Buddha (“enlightened one”) was born about 560 BC in northeastern India and, according to legend, received spiritual enlightenment through meditation. During his lifetime, his spiritual insights and teachings became a major alternative to Hinduism throughout India. Diverse versions of his teachings can be found worldwide today. See Buddhism.
Buddha’s Universal Church, San Francisco, CA: Similar to Buddhism in theology.
Buddhism: World religion based on the spiritual teachings of Siddhartha Gautama Buddha. There are a number of versions or sects of Buddhism generally teaching paths to Nirvana (enlightenment or bliss) though the four noble truths (recognizing existence and source of suffering) and the eightfold path (correct understanding, behavior and meditation). Some variations of Buddhism include traditional Theravada schools of India, Mahayana Buddhism, which became very popular in China and Japan, and Tibetan Buddhism (Lamaism) in Tibet. Two more recent forms that have had great influence in America are Zen and Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism.
Builders, Norman Paulsen, Oasis, NV: New Age, Christ-consciousness, meditation, Father-Mother God, enlightenment.
Builders of the Adytum, Paul Foster Case, Los Angeles, CA: Occult, Kabbalah, Tarot, spiritual alchemy, esoteric astrology.
Burning Man Festival, Black Rock Desert, NV: An annual festival celebrating neo-paganism and Satanism. The name comes from the culmination of the festival, in which a wooden man with outstretched arms (resembling a crucifix) is burned by the crowd.
Buzzworm: New Age/environmental periodical.
C
C.O.B.U.: See Church of Bible Understanding.
Cabalah: See Kabbalah.
Caelum Moor, Arlington, TX: Private park (now closed) containing menhirs (large upright stones) similar to those found at Stonehenge. Newspaper reports claim trespassers have used the site for pagan ceremonies. See Stonehenge.
Campbell, Joseph: Best known for his book and PBS series with Bill Moyers, The Power of Myth, which teaches all religions are based on common mythological themes, best interpreted through a New Age world view.
CAN: See Cult Awareness Network.
Canfield, Jack: New Age education author, editor of popular Chicken Soup books. Very influential in the public school arena.
Cantillation Research Foundation, John Diamond, Valley Cottage, NY: New Age, pantheism, All is God, All is Mother.
CARP: See Collegiate Association for the Research of Principles.
Castaneda, Carlos: New Age author of The Teachings of Don Juan series. He helped popularize Native American shamanism, the hallucinogenic peyote, and New Age occultism.
Castle Rising, Denver, CO: Paganism, magic, psychic impressions, moon festivals, crystals. Publishes the Castle Rising newsletter.
Catholicism: See Roman Catholicism.
CAUSA: Organization affiliated with the Unification Church.
Cayce, Edgar: See Association For Research and Enlightenment.
Celestine Prophecy, The: A best-selling New Age book by James Redfield that teaches enlightenment through the fictional “Nine Insights” contained in secret manuscripts written by Maya natives in the jungles of Peru.
Celticism, Celts: The Celts were a group of related tribes whose territory extended throughout Europe early in the first millennium AD, but who are most commonly associated with the British Isles. The Celts worshipped local deities (frequently associated with nature), often served by a priestly class of Druids. Human sacrifice was important to Druidic religion. Modern neo-pagans frequently claims to be Celtic, although the modern beliefs and practices bear little resemblance to ancient Celticism.
Celtic Christianity: Augustine of Canterbury evangelized England in the late 6th – early 7th centuries. His work was later taken by Patrick to Ireland, who is largely credited with establishing the Celtic church. Celtic Christianity was heavily influenced by the Roman Catholic Church, to which it was allied, although many individuals claim a greater reverence for nature in the Celtic tradition. Differences in practice within the Celtic church were gradually eradicated during the Middle Ages as the Roman papacy asserted its authority over Ireland. Modern groups that claim to revive Celtic Christianity are frequently a mixture of Protestantism and Roman Catholicism, with few legitimate ties to the early Celtic church. Nonetheless, these groups should not be confused with neo-pagan groups that also claim to be Celtic.
Center for Action and Contemplation, Albuquerque, NM: Yoga, Enneagram workshops.
Center for Advanced Communication and Training, Carrollton, TX: New Age, hypnosis, Neuro-Linguistic Programming.
Center for Alternate Realities, Durango, CO: Metaphysics, crystals, shamanism, runes, Tarot Cards, guided meditation, palm reading.
Center for Personal and Planetary Empowerment, Austin, TX: New Age, meditation, alchemy.
Center For Spiritual Awareness, Roy Eugene Davis, Lakemont, GA: New Age, enlightenment, man’s higher self, cosmic-consciousness.
Center for Studies on New Religions, Massimo Introvigne, Torino, Italy: Introvigne studies new and alternative religious groups. He and his work, which is frequently supportive of new religions, are often used by alternative religious groups to support their activities when pursuing governmental recognition.
Center for Wisdom Spirituality, Paradise, PA: Universalism. Publishes the Interconnections newsletter.
Center for World Networking, Soguel, CA: UFO, psychic, yoga, Universal Energy.
Center of the Light, Great Barrington, MA: New Age, Native American religions, reflexology. Publishes The Light Journal.
The Centers Network: See est.
Centre de Recherche sur l’Energie Humaine Universelle (CREHU): See Spiritual Human Yoga.
Centric, Houston, TX: New Age periodical.
Cesar, San Antonio, TX: Assistant to Papa Jim. Occult spells, hexes, curses, voodoo, witchcraft (see Wicca).
Chakras: New Age, said to be centers for cosmic energy in the human body that are aligned to allow the Kundalini energy to proceed from the base of the spine to the top of the forehead.
Champaign-Urbana Church of Christ: Member, International Churches of Christ.
Channeling: New Age term for the occult practice of Spiritualism (also called trance channeling). Spirit beings, Ascended Masters, deceased humans, familiar spirits, or animal spirits allegedly communicate important messages by temporarily entering the body and controlling the voice of a host (channel or medium). Most channelers give the same basic message, that man is a God. Profile available.
Chapel of Prayer, Eleanor Button, Houston, TX: Psychic readings, channeling, crystals, astrology, self-healing meditation.
Cheetham, John: See Great Lakes Society for Biblical Research.
Chen Tao, Hon-ming Chen (The Right Way, God’s Salvation Church, God Saves the Earth Flying Saucer Foundation): Apocalyptic Taiwanese UFO group that drew international media attention when they predicted that God would descend to their Garland, TX, headquarters in a flying saucer on March 31, 1998. Publishes Practical Evidence and Study of the World of God and Buddha, God’s Descending in Clouds (Flying Saucers) on Earth to Save People. Additional articles and press releases available. Profile available.
Chi: Invisible energy or force alleged to make up the universe and flow through all living things via meridians or chakras. See Taoism, Yin and Yang, Acupuncture.
Chicago Bible Students, Chicago, IL: Largest and best known of the independent “Bible student” groups. Reprints the early writings of Watchtower Bible and Tract Society founder Charles Taze Russell, including Divine Plan of the Ages.
Children of God: See The Family (Children of God).
Chinmaya International Foundation, Swami Chinmayananda, Piercy, CA: Eastern mysticism, yoga, meditation. Publishes the MU News.
Chinmoy, Sri: Hindu philosophy, meditation.
Chinook Learning Center, Fritz and Vivienne Hull, Clinton, WA: Native American Earth-Spirit philosophy, shamanism, meditation, called one of the most important New Age centers.
Chiromancy: See Palm Reading.
Chiropractic Medicine: A holistic health practice whereby practitioners use a form of manipulative therapy to treat musculoskeletal problems. While many chiropractors are not engaging in alternative religious activities via their practice, critics claim that some chiropractors engage in chiropractic medicine in accordance with the Taoist principle of facilitating the flow of chi.
Choice Experience, A, Jerry Stocking, Chetek, WI: New Age, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, “other-than-consciousness” techniques.
Choosing Light, Mill Valley, CA: New Age, meditation, telepathic communication from Higher Dimension Guides and teachers.
Chopra, Deepak: Noted New Age and health author and lecturer. See Ayurvedic Medicine. Profile available.
Christ: Based on the Greek christos meaning “anointed one,” equivalent to the Hebrew “messiah.” Generally used in the Old Testament of one who has been anointed with oil and/or set apart for a specific mission, as was David, the king of Israel (see 1 Sam. 16:13). Specifically used to speak of the promised messiah/savior of Israel and the world. Christians believe this to be Jesus of Nazareth, who died to atone for human sin. Other religions believe in a succession of Christ figures through history, sometimes including Jesus, who were great teachers. New Age groups sometimes understand the term “Christ” as a reference to the deity found in all humanity (the Cosmic Christ). Thus, Jesus was conscious of his deity or “the Christ within” and others can have this same “Christ-consciousness” by realizing that they, too, are divine. Other religious leaders have historically claimed to hold the office or ministry of Christ including Unification Church founder Rev. Sun Myung Moon. Biblical warnings are given for “false Christs” (Mark 13:22). Scripture also speaks of an antichrist and of antichrists who stand against and/or instead of the true Christ (1 John 2:18).
Christ Cathedral for Divine Abundance, Alexius Bassey, London: Universalism, Divine Consciousness.
Christ-consciousness: New Age term expressing the belief that Christ is a divine potential in all human beings of which only some people are aware or conscious, rather than a unique title for Jesus.
Christ Family, Charles McHugh: McHugh, a.k.a. Lightening Amen, claims to be the incarnation of Jesus. Followers dress in robes, no shoes, practice vegetarianism.
Christ Light Community: See New Age Church of Truth.
Christ the Savior Brotherhood: See Holy Order of MANS.
Christadelphianism, John Thomas: Teaches that Jesus is a created being, Holy Spirit is Power of God, and salvation by works. Also rejects the ideas of heaven and hell. It has several splinter groups.
Christian Community: Based on teachings of Rudolf Steiner, founder of the Anthroposophical Society.
Christian Fellowship, The: See Potter’s House.
Christian Foundation, Canyon County, CA: See Alamo Christian Foundation.
Christian Identity movement: The belief that the true identity of the ten lost tribes of Israel is the white, Anglo-Saxon race. The belief is similar to but distinct from the doctrine of British Israelism. A number of independent churches and organizations (including some militant racist groups) make up the general movement. Most deny the Trinity. Some teach a form of the Serpent Seed doctrine, believing that Jews are descendants of Eve’s alleged sexual relations with the serpent (Genesis 3) and are thus not fully human. Many also hold that non-Whites are descended from the union of Cain and a woman from a supposed pre-Adamite race. Profile available.
Christian Millennial Fellowship, Hartford, CT: Watchtower Bible and Tract Society splinter group (see Bible Students). Publishes The New Creation periodical.
Christian Prayer Center, Mother Martin, Washington, D.C.: Native American spirituality and rituals, voodoo.
Christian Renewal Ministry, Saratoga, CA: Watchtower Bible and Tract Society splinter group (see Bible Students).
Christian Rose Cross Church, Olympia, WA: Based on the teachings of Max Heindel (see Rosicrucian Fellowhip)