Christianity and New Religious Movements: An Introduction to the World's Newest Faiths (Derek Cooper)

Description

Jainism ◆ Sikhism ◆ Baha’i ◆ Nation of Islam ◆ Mormonism ◆ Jehovah’s Witnesses ◆ Wicca ◆ Scientology ◆ Atheism ◆ Nones

Every major religion has produced hundreds of offshoots—new religious movements that are often culturally accepted and that claim to promote a healthy and happy lifestyle. Yet many Christians know very little about them. This makes it difficult for us to engage with their adherents wisely and well.

Derek Cooper delves into ten of the most historic, most prominent, and most recognizable new religious movements, focusing on ones with members whom readers have a significant chance of meeting. Writing from a confessional yet compassionate Christian perspective, he overviews core elements of these religions and describes effective points of contact for Christians.

Whether you’re seeking to engage with certain individuals or simply curious about your diverse spiritual landscape, this book can help.

Origins ◆ Religious Writings ◆ Beliefs ◆ Worship Practices ◆ Christian Reflections ◆ Discussion Questions ◆ Suggested Resources

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Endorsements

“A rigorous, critical, yet compassionate engagement with a variety of the world’s new religious movements on their terms. [Cooper’s] book . . . is the product of true love and intellectual curiosity.”

—Jose Abraham, Associate Professor of Islamic Studies, Fuller Theological Seminary

“Derek Cooper has provided the body of Christ with a useful and creative work.”

—Ken Cuffey, President and Professor, Urbana Theological Seminary

“I know of no other all-in-one helpful guidebook like this, and Cooper makes for a readable and reliable interpreter. This book is highly useful not only for classrooms but also for personal study.”

—Allen Yeh, Professor of Intercultural Studies & Missiology, Biola University

“Dr. Cooper gives a sensitive explanation of these ‘new religions’ to help equip the faithful followers of Christ with the tools necessary to understand, engage, and evangelize as the Spirit leads.”

—Larry L. Anderson Jr., Coauthor, Ask Me Why I’m Not in Church

Table of Contents

Foreword by Michael S. Horton ix

A Word from William Edgar xiii

Acknowledgments xvii

Introduction xix

PART 1: Hindu New Religious Movements

1. Jainism: The Story of Nonviolence 3

2. Sikhism: The Story of Union 27

PART 2: Muslim New Religious Movements

3. Baha’i: The Story of Oneness 49

4. Nation of Islam: The Story of Reeducation 73

PART 3: Christian New Religious Movements

5. Mormonism: The Story of Restoration 95

6. Jehovah’s Witnesses: The Story of Biblicism 119

PART 4: Pagan New Religious Movements

7. Wicca: The Story of Witches 145

8. Scientology: The Story of Clarity 167

PART 5: Uncommitted New Religious Movements

9. Atheism: The Story of Unbelief 189

10. Nones: The Story of Unaffiliation 207

Conclusion 221

Glossary 225

Bibliography 231

Image Credits 245

Index of Subjects and Names 249

Product Details

Title: Christianity and New Religious Movements: An Introduction to the World's Newest Faiths 

Author: Derek Cooper

Publisher: P&R Publishing

Pages: 280

Binding: Paperback

Size: 25.4 x 17.8 x 2.0 cm

ISBN: 9781629955919