A well-written testimony from Mormonism to Christ

Out of Mormonism : A Woman’s True Story - Judy Robertson

This was a very moving account of how a husband and wife get drawn into the Mormon Church. They find work with a nice couple and were attracted to their friend’s strong family values and the orderly manner of their lives appealed to them. They are introduced by their friends to the LDS Church. Once in the church, they were kept busy serving. Judy starts to reflect on contradictions she sees and starts to notice what she was experiencing in Mormonism was not about devotion to Jesus Christ, but was instead about devotion to the LDS church and it’s rituals, lessons and doctrines, etc. they began to see cracks in the foundations of Mormonism. They started to see LDS teaching a religion that requires works for salvation.

Each red flag in their mind they suppressed, while they saw what looked to be perfect people living perfect lives. But as their involvement progressed, they learn of the hidden stresses with those leaders who taught them and how they were trying to cope and living up to the impossible standards setup by the Mormon Church. The exclusive doctrines of LDS were starting to trouble Judy and her husband, as she and her husband were not finding what they were being taught in the bible. Once they seen God’s grace written about in the scriptures, that Salvation is not earned it is the gift of God Eph 2:8,9, what had been blinding them, now the Word of God reveal in the Bible brought them freedom and forgiveness for sin.

Judy recounts key insights of how she was introduced into the LDS church that gives the reader an illuminating look into Mormonism. The book is so well-written that it was hard to put down.

Copyright © 1997, 2001 by Judy Robertson

Published by: Bethany House

ISBN - 0-7642-2604-5

Reading / Review Date:  August 2008

The Drift into Deception

Avoiding a Drift into Deception

This is a must read book that warns believers that aberrant teachings can have a cult-like effect on a church and their members. The Author gives details of their personal encounter and heartbreaking experience when their Church drifted into aberrant teachings.

The Authors define an aberrant Christian group: “We may define an aberrant group as one which emerged from orthodox, mainstream Christianity, but differs from it in belief and practices in one or more essential ways. The word aberrant means “straying from the right or normal way; deviating from the usual or natural type.” An aberrant Christian group, then, is neither a cult nor an evangelical organization.” (from pg. 50)

They further go on to show some examples of groups that started out well in traditional evangelical Christianity and then somewhere along the way the leaders drifted into aberrant beliefs, and then progressed into heretical beliefs and practices, as well as the flock that follows them.

There are 2 excellent lists given in the book, one that describes the teachings, and another on the ‘common characteristics’, that gives these 8 warning signs of an aberrant group:

Charisma and pride

Anger and intimidation

Greed and fraud

Immorality

Enslaving authoritarian structure

Exclusivity Demands loyalty and honor

New extra-biblical revelations

There is also a section that shows some may use prophecy as a substitute for sound biblical teachings.

At the end of each chapter are questions for study and discussion of what was covered in the chapters. There are times when a person may need to consider leaving a church, and this book gives examples of that excellently, and gives practical instruction on how to find a good church. Also appreciated was the warnings given on (pg. 173) on finding a church: “Sometimes we don’t see the real fruit of an individual until we’re involved, and that takes time, observation, and evaluation.”

Discernment for every believer is not an option but is a command from Scripture (1 Thess 5:21). It is important to stand firm in our faith and not get discouraged, and to continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:17,18), regardless of the circumstances we may go through. If you should find yourself in this situation, this book is very helpful.

Copyright © 1995

Authors: Agnes C. Lawless and John W. Lawless  

Publisher: Kregel Publications

ISBN-10: 0825431638

Reading / Review Date: May 1997 / Dec. 2007

Encyclopedia of New Age Beliefs

A helpful resources on New Age Beliefs

Amazon.com

 This is one of the most helpful and resourceful discernment books on New Age beliefs . The book gives comprehensive research on the New Age movement and it’s teachers and practices, and yet provides charts with brief descriptions and quick facts. Topics are easy to find at a glance. The content of the book is impressive and is well-researched.

There are charts at the end of most chapters that compare New Age beliefs and practices with Christianity which helps the reader to distinguish the differences. The book has been an extremely helpful resource for the times in which we live since new age practices have made there way into the Christian Church.

Thank you to the Authors John Ankerberg & John Weldon, who have produced this laborious work to help assist Christians. Visit the Ankerberg Theological Research Institute  

　
John Ankerberg is host of the nationally televised program “The John Ankerberg Show”. He holds advanced degrees in theology and philosophy including two master degrees and a doctorate.

John Weldon has authored and coauthored numerous books dealing with contemporary issues. He has three master’s degrees and two doctorates, one each in comparative religion and contemporary religious movements.

Copyright © 1996 by  Harvest House Publishers
Authors: John Ankerberg and John Weldon by
ISBN: 1-56507-160-3 

Reading / Review Date:  December 2007

The Marks of a Cult

The Marks of a Cult - David Breese

It seems that in our day, many forget what the Bible says about false prophets and false teachers in 2 Peter 2: 1-3   This book was released in 1998, and still serves very well as a excellent book for anyone who may be searching for answers as to what a cult is, and what the danger signs may be. The author’s writing is excellent in it’s description of a cult.

As an example, here is a quote from the book in chapter 1 entitled: Why cults prosper: “A Cult is a religious perversion. It is a belief and practice centered in false doctrine in the world of religion that calls for devotion to a religious ‘view’ or ‘leader’. It is an organized heresy. A cult may take many forms, but it is basically a religious movement that distorts or warps orthodox faith to the point where truth becomes perverted into a lie.”

David Breese writes it is impossible to define a cult except in contrast to the absolute standard of the teachings of Holy Scripture.” Each chapter gives a biblical sound definition of what a cult is. This book is an essential that Christians should know to inoculate themselves from false teaching. “But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall way from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons.” (1 Tim. 4:1)

© 1998

Published by Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, OR

ISBN - 1-56507-818-7

Review Date: August 2006

Coping With The Cults

Coping with the Cults - Lorri MacGregor



MM Outreach order page



This book will help prepare you to identify a cult from a Christian perspective. You will also learn how scriptures are twisted, and misrepresented and will be able to give a biblical answer. There is an excellent appendix at the end of the book on various groups and what they think of Christ and a chapter on how to witness effectively to cults. We have found this book to be a valuable resource.

Lorri and Keith MacGregor have been in full-time ministry since 1979 and their experience is reflected in her writing as she gives answers to some of the most misunderstood aspects of the cults. If you are looking for an easy to read quick reference guide on cults, this small book will equip you to defend the gospel and expose false teaching. We highly recommend this book for bible study groups as well as for personal study. Please vist the website for information about the ministry and To order visit MM Outreach order page

Copyright © 1997

Published by MacGregor Ministries

Coping with the Cults - Practical Insight for Concerned Christians

Lorri MacGregor

Website: MM Outreach Inc.  http://mmoutreach.org/

ISBN - 1-895605-24-5

Review Date: July 2006

Scripture Twisting

Scripture Twisting -20 Ways the Cults Misread the Bible by James W. Sire



How often have you encountered some bizarre doctrine only to be stunned to hear a Bible verse used to support it? How are they able to twist Scripture to mean something orthodox Christians never believed it to mean?   This book is a must read for every Christian. James W. Sire has given the Christian a most useful tool as to the “20 ways Cults misread the Bible“. You will see how cults twist and Misread the Scriptures. You will learn how to detect a counterfeit gospel, as well as how to read the Bible for yourself. This is a 177 page book that packs a lot of information into it’s pages.  

The book also covers several worldviews. James W. Sire has isolated twenty separate kinds of reading errors which are characteristically made by cultists as they interpret the Bible. He covers simple misquotation to complex argumentation and more. This book will help safeguard you and your family from deception. It was exceptionally helpful to me after discovering a loved one was drawn into an unbiblical belief system. This book should be in every Christian’s library, and should be given to every new Christian believer.  

James W. Sire holds a Ph.D in English from the University of Missouri, Columbia and is editor of InterVarsity Press.

Published by InterVarsity Press  http://www.ivpress.com/

Copyright © 1980

Scripture Twisting -20 Ways the Cults Misread the Bible - James W. Sire

ISBN - 0-87784-611-1 holds a Ph.D in English from the University of Missouri, Columbia and is editor of InterVarsity Press.

Christianbook.com: Scripture Twisting

Review Date: June 2006