Category Archives: Cults and Heresies

The Unitarian Universalist Church

The roots of the Unitarian Universalist Association are somewhat varied. Early in the history of the Reformation there arose a move toward heretical teachings about the nature of Jesus Christ, especially regarding his deity. Faustus Socinus (1539-1604) was an Italian who moved to Poland and there became the spokesman for a Unitarian view of God. That is to say, he rejected the idea of the Trinity and the deity of Christ. Socinus and his “Polish Brethren” considered themselves the defenders of the true Christian faith. Continue reading

The Way International

What is now The Way International began with the radio ministry of Victor Paul Wierwille in 1942. Wierwille was a minister in a very traditional denominational church, the Evangelical and Reformed Church, a group which now is part of the United Church of Christ. The Way formally began in 1955. The church is called “The Way” since this was an early name for the first century followers of Christ. The Way became very popular in 1970’s, especially among college students. Many have become followers of The Way through its introductory Bible study, once called The Power for Abundant Living, and now known as The Way of Abundance and Power. Continue reading

25 Errors of the Prosperity Gospel

One of the most popular and widespread heresies of the modern world is the Prosperity Gospel. Variously called Prosperity Theology, the Faith Movement, the Word of Faith, and derisively “Name and Claim It,” this teaching stresses a few basic ideas: Continue reading

Snapshot: Oneness Pentecostalism

Beginning in the latter part of the 19th century and the early 20th century a new movement began in the church which would literally impact the world. This was the Pentecostal movement. What first began in scattered and sporadic instances came to national and international attention with the Azusa Street Revival of 1906-1909. Soon the Pentecostal message was being carried around the globe. Continue reading

Watchtower: False Prophet

Question: “I have heard that the Jehovah’s Witnesses have made many false prophecies about the return of Jesus. Is this true?” (G. in Pennsylvania)

My Answer: Yes. Indeed, making false predictions about the Second Coming and Armageddon has become part of the culture of the Watchtower. This is not an insignificant issue. Remember what the Bible says in Deut. 18:22, “If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the LORD does not take place or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him.” If someone makes a false prophecy, and they have claimed to be a prophet of God, then they are false prophets and are not to be listened to. Do the Witnesses claim to be the prophet of God? Yes, they do. Continue reading