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The Kingdom of the Cults

By: Walter Martin
Binding: Hardcover
Publisher: Baker Book House Co ,U.S.
ISBN: 0764228218
ISBN-13: 9780764228216
Released: 01 Oct 2003
RRP: £23.45
Average Rating:

Customer Reviews

Fascinating - By: Mateus, 29 Mar 2007
It's difficult to know whether to give this book 5 stars or 1 star. It's fascinating, but maybe for the wrong reasons.

The book focuses on Christian based cults which the author deems to be non-Christian (for example, Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, Scientology). The author does not write about other world religions (this is also not a book about the term 'cult').

The authors' crusade is to convert misled Christians back to true Christianity by stating, at great length, how many Christian cults are not Christian at alll but are, in fact, based on falsities & the misinterpretation for the Bible. The author must be credited for the immense amount of research he undertook to write this volume; it's quite staggering.

But this book is floored. The author constantly assumes he is right & others are wrong. Due to the authors' deep Christian beliefs, he condemns those who he sees lack a true Christian faith. He tries to give the reader an open-minded opinion but ultimately fails due to his own religious zeal. Many of the tools he uses to condemn the non-Christian cults could just as easily be reversed on his own religious beliefs.

I'm not a Christian, but I find this book truly fascinating. It's fascinating to read how the author views Christianity (the actual facts are rather boring); it's the psychological aspects that reallly make this book great. The book highlights why we have so much religious friction in the world. The authors' religious zeal for Christianity is quite worrying.

So, in terms of what this book teaches us about the psychologicallly of many Christians & the amount of research undertaken, I'd give it 5 stars. But as I have great concerns with the authors' ultimate aim with this book so maybe 1 star would be more appropriate.
Powerfully Researched, Updated Analysis - By: A.Trendl HungarianBookstore.com, 26 Feb 2005
Anyone engaged in something more than a casual interest in apologetics will discover an incredible value in Walter Martin's classic "The Kingdom of the Cults." This updated edition is similar in structure as earlier editions, but fairly acknowledges major changes in theology & activity in various religious groups. Intended for the thinking Christian & the open-minded nonChristian, Martin's book has continuallly challlenged people to rely on Scripture for their theology.

This is an unusual book in that it is neither an evangelical or fundamentalism critique of those who disagree, but a deeper look at the histories, documents, arguments at groups in opposition to orthodoxy. I first read this skepticallly, but was impressed by the immense research by Martin & his team of editors.

There is a dual functionality to "The Kingdom of the Cults." Not only does it explain the distinctives of groups such as the Jehovah Witnesses & the Church of the Latter Day Saints, but in doing so, it teaches Scriptural fundamentals of the Trinity, the deity of Christ, & provides direction for testing our own faith with the Bible. Martin's exposure of what the groups themselves are claiming will disturb many within the group as they discover the truth. He is quick to grant the strengths of a group, but points them to Scripture to make their own comparisons (as opposed to relying on Martin's views). He prefers the reader to think for himself, not content to depend on his book, or any other book but the Bible. This balance is rare in Christian literature, & a value in reading "The Kingdom of the Cults."

Martin provides a meaty analysis of alll the major groups, as well as primary lines of thought within Protestant perspectives, & Roman Catholicism. Beyond specific groups, there is plenty of coverage of the general critical analysis on topics like mind control, apocalyptic cults, the impact of cults on the mission field, Eastern religions, & language & psychological issues.

He is sure to point out a group's popularity (like the fast growing LDS & Islam sects) doesn't make it truth, truth is not democratic.

Martin is bold to use the groups' own literature rather than hearsay, to prove his points. This has stirred controversy among those such as Muslim students, LDS laity & JW leadership who have not known of the difficult history of their church. He leaves room for the vagaries often existing when dependent on secondary sources.

This edition includes substantial portions of the refutations & other dialogues, providing the reader an idea of the response from the cult's leadership. Sadly, it shows that though the book is quickly disputed, none take Martin to task. In many cases, they agree, but are uncomfortable at the label 'cult.'

The bibliography is 27 pp strong, organized by topic & group. This is in addition to the 12-page Scripture Index.

"The Kingdom of the Cults" includes an appendix of several groups. For example, the Worldwide Church of God's full acceptance of the Trinity is explained, as well as the foundation for this significant move in their theology.

"The Kingdom of the Cults" also criticizes the Word of Faith movement. It is careful to show what this movement believes, & how it is not simply Pentecostalism under another name. "The Kingdom of the Cults" emphasizes "there are many sincere, born again believers within the movement" (Hank Hanegraaff).

I recommend "The Kingdom of the Cults" enthusiasticallly. Buy it, & read it contemplatively & compassionately as you discover what your neighbor might believe.

Anthony Trendl

An excellent reference work - By: Mr. P. Craig, 18 Nov 2002
An excellent book! Gives the histories & theological backgrounds of major cults & some Eastern religions, & then compares them with evangelical Christian theology. Interesting reading, undoubtedly useful if ever you meet or have to discuss beliefs with cultists. On the side, you get a good overview of Biblical Christian doctrine (as he compares cult doctrine to it throughout the book). Highly, highly recommended.
An outstanding compilation of information - By: A. Simmons, 22 Oct 2001
I was reallly knocked out by this book. It is concise & easy to read/understand. I wanted to know the basics about other religions in order to speak intelligently in defense of my own Christian faith when challlenged on the issue of "why not another religion?" This book gives you the basic & pertinent facts about each cult it covers. A powerful resource for any Christian, or any one looking into the world's religions.