TTH 612-THEOLOGY OF AMERICAN CULTS
Cincinnati Christian University
Spring 2012
James A. Snyder
Study #8
Phone 244-8153
RATIONALE AND COURSE DESCRIPTION
This survey style course is designed to familiarize the student with some of the cults that
are currently prominent in the United States. The rationale behind this in a word is,
relevance. Those involved in ministry today, in whatever capacity, need to be familiar
with what various cults are teaching. Such knowledge is indispensable in our attempt to
further the Kingdom as we present sound Biblical teaching.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
The student who successfully completes this course should be able to:
*have a clearer understanding of the theological development and distinctives of the
major cults currently in the United States.
*evaluate and critique the particular theological viewpoints of the various cults examined
in the light of sound Biblical doctrine.
*identify and discuss the doctrines and beliefs of the cults examined with a view to
entering into dialogue with those outside the Restoration Movement.
MAIN FOCUS AND CULTS TO BE EXAMINED
The content of the course is as follows:
*Cults to be examined
a) Mormons
b) Seventh-Day Adventists
c) Jehovah’s Witnesses
d) Christian Science and other Metaphysical Cults
e) Scientology
f) The Way International
g) Unification Church
*Data given the most attention
a) The historical background of each cult studied
b) The authoritative writings of each cult studied
c) The beliefs and practices of each cult studied
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Textbooks
Martin, Walter. The Kingdom of the Cults. Minneapolis: Bethany House, rev. ed. , 1985
Beckwith, Stephen J. and Stephen E. Parrish. See the gods Fall: Four Rivals to
Christianity. Joplin, MO: College Press, 1997.
Assignments
*Type a 20-25 page research paper on the Christology of either the Mormons or the
Jehovah’s Witnesses. The paper is to be written as follows:
The first half of the paper will present the Christology of the cult and the second part of
the paper will refute the view presented in the first half of the paper. (All papers should
conform to the traditional style for writing term papers). This assignment is due on
March 12, 2012.
*Read See the gods Fall and type a 6-8 page critical review. Do not just summarize the
book. Interact with it. Tell me what you think and why. This assignment is due on April
2, 2012.
*Read Martin and answer the study questions. These questions will be handed out on the
first day of class. The questions are to be typed in bold and then type the answer. The
answers to the questions do not need to be lengthy, but they do need to be answered
adequately. This assignment is due on April 16, 2012.
NOTE: Assignments that are handed in partially done will receive the grade of 0%.
EXAMINATIONS
There will be two tests in this class. The first test will cover the first three cults studied
and the second will cover the remainder of the cults studied.
LATE POLICY
No late work will be accepted.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
You can miss two class sessions. Anything over this will result in an FA (failure due to
absence).
GRADING
Christology paper
Book review
Martin Q&A
Test #1
Test #2
25%
20%
15%
20%
20%
NOTE: The professor reserves the right to amend or change any part of this course plan
as deemed necessary.