Category Archives: Cults and Heresies

Snapshot: Spiritualism/Spiritism

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It all officially began in 1848 in a small town called Hydesville, New York. It was there that three sisters of the Fox family began to experience unusual things. They heard strange rappings, which the Fox sisters believed were the manifestations of a departed spirit. They called this spirit “Mr. Splitfoot,” and believed that it was the ghost of a man who had been murdered in the house. Soon neighbors heard about the ghostly encounters and came to see what was going on. Within a short time an entire movement was born. It was called Spiritualism and its main focus was on communication with the dead. Continue reading →

The Unitarian Universalist Church

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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

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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

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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

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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 →