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
