"Kingdom of the Cults" (Walter Martin)

TITLE: The Kingdom of the Cults: The Definitive Work on the Subject
AUTHOR: Walter Martin
PUBLISHER: Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House Publishers, 2019, (800 pages).

We are living in an increasingly pluralistic, multi-cultural, multi-religious, and dizzying array of beliefs, sub-beliefs, and many alternative philosophies. Author Martin calls this the "kingdom of the cults." Since 1965, while the original version is somewhat outdated, the challenge remains the same: Learning how to answer the many cults on the outside or the fringes of mainstream Christianity. It is important to note that the author uses the word "cult" not as a derogatory way but to spell out their differences from traditional Christianity. This is particularly so when many of them insist that they are the one true religion. In the Early Church, there were already heresies that attempt to call themselves Christian. The Church fought many theological battles, leading to the gathering of the bishops' council to meet at places in Chalcedon, Nicaea, Constantinople, Ephesus, and others. Backed by able theologians such as Athanasius, Augustine, Gregory of Nyssa, Gregory of Nazianzus, the Church Fathers, the Cappadocian Fathers, and many more, the Church held fast. This book may not be in the same position as the creeds of old but it showcases the differences of the various cults from Christianity. Martin gives us many historical analyses for us to understand the background; theological evaluation and comparison; and the way we could respond through "apologetic contrast." The concern is that the Church at large is increasingly less able to discern the cults. Not only that, there are some who are openly embracing them, at the risk of compromising our beliefs. This is a concern.


This handbook serves also as a reference book for the language and vocabulary we need to understand. Even basic terms such as "sin," "guilt," "justification," needs to be redefined. With proper understanding of the terminology, we would then be able to ask questions about what people mean when they use certain semantics. It is not surprising that even Christians themselves might struggle to give a definition themselves. That is why this book is not just about understanding the cults, it is also about understanding what we believe. We learn about the "psychological structure of cultism." A fine point is to learn not to use the terms we know to start an argument. Instead, the way to interact is to learn how to communicate love and sincerity in a climate of "theologically conditioned reflex." Some crucial notes to remember are:

• Cults tend to be characterized by "closed-mindedness" so we should taper our expectations;
• They tend to practice "genuine antagonism" toward mainstream Christian beliefs to the point of rejecting even the believer;
• Way forward would be to differentiate the theology from the person; (aka don't take it personally);
• Cult members see it as their calling to "save" us;
• There is a sense of isolationism among various cults;
• ...

One valuable part of the book lies not in the details but in the subtle psychological inclinations among the cults. Some of the observations are quite concerning, such as the Jehovah Witnesses' see the Christian clergy with "pure hatred" and their preoccupation with "Armageddon." Former Mormons are blatantly discriminated against. Christian Science is the modern Gnostic belief of separating the reality from the spiritual, so any talk on sin would be limited. The book covers Spiritism, Theosophy, Bahai, Unity, Armstrongism, Unification Church, Scientology, Unitarianism, Rosicrucianism, Swedenborgianism, etc. Other religions include Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Eastern religions. Even the Jesus according to the cults are used and understood differently. Each chapter deals with a particular cult or religion with some quick facts, history, distinguishing features, comparative religious survey, some key differences, followed by a conclusion. Each is a fascinating read.

My Thoughts
First, there are both old and new material in this book. This classic handbook on understanding cults is now in its sixth edition. First published back in 1965, it has been a helpful tool to enable Christians to know more about the different variants of cults and religious beliefs. As many of us know, things change from time to time. After 55 years, there is a need to update this book while preserving the format and intent of the original version. Using (~) to denote new material, readers familiar with the older edition would be able to compare and contrast the past and the present easily. Jesus has already forewarned us that false prophets and erroneous beliefs will come sooner rather than later. I appreciate the updates which help us keep in step with the changes. This is important because it puts our credibility at stake.

Second, recognize that cults and new age beliefs are nothing new. That is why we need to be on a vigilant watch. With each changing generation, beliefs and emphasis also change. Lest we go on a senseless witch-hunt, it is pertinent to remember the words of Dr Jan Van Baalen, that "the cults are the unpaid bills of the church." It is because the Church has in some way failed to address the concerns appropriately, that has led to the proliferation of cultic beliefs. We have much to learn. Before we can argue against anything, we would need to know what we believe. We need to understand the concerns of those opposing our beliefs. We need to let the Scriptures speak. Unfortunately, many are still complacent about the Christian faith.

Third, the best defence is always the Word of God. Understood properly, we would have an answer against any kind of theological attacks. I must commend the author for the amount of homework and resources he has collected to show us that the things in the book are not just what he said but what he had meticulously collected from official sources. Just take a look at the bibliography of each cult or religious belief concerned and you would be amazed. Anyone wanting to do research on the cults will see this book as a useful primer.

Walter Martin is author of a dozen books and articles, especially in the area of comparative religion. He was also founder and director of Christian Research Institute, an organization charged with equipping believers to address the challenge of cults through apologetics and education. He has four earned degrees. Martin passed away on June 26th, 1989.

Rating: 4.25 stars of 5.

conrade

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This book has been provided courtesy of Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.