World Religions: Part 9, Non-Orthodox Christian Movements
Sermon Notes
World Religions
Part 9: Non-Orthodox Christian Movements
Cults
a. Some examples
The Love Family
The People’s Temple
The Branch Davidians
Heaven’s Gate
b. Characteristics
Strong authoritarian leadership
Exclusive claims to truth
Control of members and limitation of personal freedom
Isolation of members from previous support systems
Use of familial language
Excommunication of dissenters
Mormonism, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
a. Founder: Joseph Smith
b. Main Beliefs
Scripture
God
Jesus Christ
Salvation
3. Jehovah’s Witnesses
a. Founder: Charles Taze Russell
b. Main Beliefs
Scripture
God
Jesus Christ
Salvation
Eschatology
Are Mormons and/or Jehovah Witnesses Saved
Salvation comes by Faith in Jesus Christ and his death on the cross, not by any works that we do.
Is belief in the Trinity and the true nature of God necessary for salvation?
Is belief in Christ’s full deity and humanity necessary for salvation?
Our responsibility: Love people; pray for them; work with them when we have shared values and beliefs whenever possible.
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15)
Study/Discussion Questions:
What are some common characteristics of what we call “cults”?
Who founded Mormonism? What did he claim?
How do Mormons view the Book of Mormon? The Bible?
How do Mormons view God? In what ways does this differ from traditional Christianity?
Who founded the Jehovah’s Witnesses?
What do Jehovah’s Witnesses believe about the Trinity? About God (Jehovah)? About Jesus Christ?
What do Jehovah’s Witnesses believe about Christ’s Second Coming?