Apologetics Index

Chapter 11: Abusive Churches Will Always Exist

apologeticsindex.org — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 23:21:33 +0000

The key to understanding the phenomenon of abusive churches is within the human psyche -- the desire to control others and to exercise power over people. That has always been a part of the human experience and it will continue to be.

All of us have been exposed to the temptation of power, whether as parent, spouse, teacher, or worker. It has been said that human nature is always ready to abuse its power the moment it can do so with impunity. It should not be surprising, then, that the will to power sometimes invades the religious realm, and specifically the church.

One of the pressing needs of the Christian church is to assist in the development of discernment skills among believers so that the likelihood of following an aberrant teacher or a false doctrine is diminished.

In Memory of Walter Martin (1928-1989)

apologeticsindex.org — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 19:23:25 +0000

Many people involved in apologetics and countercult ministry have fond memories of Walter Martin -- founder of the Christian Research Institute, and considered the original 'Bible Answer Man'.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Martin's death, prompting former colleague Kenneth Samples to share what he learned from his former boss and apologetics mentor.

Former fundamentalist Bart Ehrman 'debunks' Bible

apologeticsindex.org — Sat, 16 May 2009 14:35:31 +0000

Former fundamentalist Bart Ehrman says that doctrines such as the divinity of Jesus and heaven and hell are not based on anything Jesus or his earlier followers said. He also claims at least 19 of the 27 books in the New Testament are forgeries.

Critics say they've heard it all before. Others welcome the opportunity to re-examine the issues Ehrman brings up.

Five Christian apologists evaluate the teachings of Witness Lee and The Local Church

apologeticsindex.org — Fri, 08 May 2009 16:00:21 +0000

Five Christian apologists evaluate the teachings of Witness Lee and The Local Church

What WORLD Magazine learned about Todd Bentley's Lakeland Outpouring healings

apologeticsindex.org — Fri, 08 May 2009 09:40:42 +0000

While the Bible shows that God can heal people supernaturally, claims of particular faith-healers should be examined. Here’s what WORLD learned about the “Lakeland Outpouring” healings of television preacher Todd Bentley.

Apologia Report now free

apologeticsindex.org — Thu, 07 May 2009 04:42:26 +0000

Subscriptions to the research journal Apologia Report -- which summarizes and reviews numerous magazines, journals, books and news publication to identify the most valuable resources to aid Christians in their study of other worldviews -- are now available free of charge.

Systematic Theology — Research Resources

apologeticsindex.org — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 17:11:38 +0000

The word 'theology' comes from two Greek words meaning 'God' and 'study.' Hence theology is the 'study of God.' 'Systematic theology' is the orderly, rational, and coherent presentation of this study. We suggest some research resources on the subject.

Kenneth Copeland / Kenneth Copeland Ministries — Research Resources

apologeticsindex.org — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 11:30:00 +0000

Research resources on the teachings of Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, and Kenneth Copeland Ministries

Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University / Organization — Research Resources

apologeticsindex.org — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 15:34:35 +0000

Research resources on the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University

Embassy of the Blessed Kingdom of God for All Nations — Research Resources

apologeticsindex.org — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 17:01:06 +0000

Research resources on the teachings and practices of the Embassy of the Blessed Kingdom of God for All Nations -- also called Embassy of God -- headed by Sunday Adelaja.

Chapter 10: Abusive Churches Present A Warning

apologeticsindex.org — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 05:02:44 +0000

The stories in this book point to the need on the part of Christians for discernment. At what point does biblical authority turn into spiritual violence? When does a church cross the line between conventional-church status and abusive-church status? What are some signals or indicators that a given group is headed for the margins?

Foundation for Christian Studies - StudyChristianity.org

apologeticsindex.org — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 01:21:55 +0000

A new website offers a comprehensive doctrinal study program, downloadable theological essays, interactive discussion forums, and online stores for Christian books, music, and art. It's domain name suggests the site is a place where one can study Christianity.

However, instead of teaching Christianity, the website teaches and promotes the doctrines of the Mormon Church.

Christian Research Institute — Research Resources

apologeticsindex.org — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 09:02:26 +0000

Research resources regarding the Christian Research Institute (CRI)

Living Stream Ministry / Local Church / Local Churches / Lord's Recovery

apologeticsindex.org — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 23:44:46 +0000

Research resources on the Local Chuch, Local Churches, Lord's Recovery and Living Stream Ministry - theologically a cult of Christianity.

The Local Church — cult of Christianity supported by two 'cult watchers'

apologeticsindex.org — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 23:00:35 +0000

"Cult watchers" Hank Hanegraaff -- the controversial president of the Christian Research Institute -- and Gretchen Passantino -- wife of the late Bob Passantino, with whom she founded an apologetics ministry -- have reiterated their support for the Local Church, a movement widely considered to be -- theologically -- a cult of Christianity.