AP 202 Modern Day Cults

Fall 2016 Syllabus

Tobias England

I.  Course Description

This course offers a study of modern day cults in light of biblical Christianity. The history and doctrines of the major cults will be studied. The purpose of this course is to provide the student with an irrefutable biblical response to all false teachings. Special emphasis will be given to methods of witnessing to members of the major cults.

II.  Course Objectives

The student who successfully completes this course will be able to: / Institutional Objectives* / Bible Program Objectives / Course
Requirement
(Assignment)
1 / Present sound, persuasive arguments for Christian theology often undermined by cultic teachings. / 1 / 1 / Textbook, Video project
2 / Explain the teachings of major cults. / 1 / 3 / Term paper, Lectures
3 / Identify when major cults were started and by whom. / 3 / 2 / Quizzes
Class participation
4 / Quote Bible verses that refute specific teachings of many cults. / 3,5 / 4 / Term Paper,
Quizzes
5 / Give the correct Bible interpretation of passages often twisted by cult groups. / 3,5 / 4 / Quizzes,
Class participation
6 / Draw logically valid conclusions from independent research in fields related to their research paper / 2 / 4 / Term Paper

III.  Course Requirements

1.  Students are to keep a neat and well-organized notebook. This notebook is to be turned in with the final exam. Notes are to be typed, hole-punched, and placed in chronological order as presented in class. A cover sheet is to be used and the student’s name and box number should also be on the outside of the paper binder.

2.  The required text for this course is The Kingdom of the Cults by Walter Martin, edited by Ravi Zacharias. Students are expected to be prepared for daily quizzes on lecture notes and assigned reading.

3.  A four-page class paper will be due on Thursday, November 1st. A title page, outline, and bibliography are to be included in addition to the five-page body. Students must select cult from the textbook or lecture material for their paper. Please consult separate instruction sheet and rubric at http://england.wcbc.edu for instructions.

4.  Students are to record a video presentation due on November 15th. Please consult separate instruction sheet and rubric at http://england.wcbc.edu for instructions.

IV.  Course Grading Factors

Quizzes 30%

Term Paper 18%

Mid Term Exam 12%

Video Presentation 10%

Book Critique 15%

Final Exam 15%

V. Spiritual and Academic Integrity

Attendance Policy

In your student portal, you are able to track your attendance. You should be checking this weekly. If you miss more than fifteen (15) percent of this class, you will be automatically dropped from the roster and receive an “F” for the course. The amount missed contains the accumulation of tardies, cuts, and any other absences.

Academic Honesty

Cheating, plagiarism, collusion, and any act designed to give an unfair advantage to the student (such as, but not limited to, submitting the same assignment for two courses or providing false or misleading information in an effort to receive a postponement or an extension on a test, quiz, exam, or other assignment) is considered cheating and will not be tolerated.

Plagiarism:

Plagiarism is “the unauthorized use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one’s own original work.” Common forms of plagiarism are copying words or ideas and not giving the author credit for them by providing proper reference.

Another author’s specific words must be placed within quotation marks with an appropriate reference given. Another author’s ideas must include an appropriate reference.

VI. Contact Info

Please let me know if you have questions regarding course assignments or materials. If there is anything I can do for you, do not hesitate to contact me (e-mail preferred). I also have an open-door policy, and you are always welcome to come by my office in the North Auditorium.

1.  Email

2.  Text 661.544.4631

VII.  Bibliography

Boa, Kenneth. Cults, World Religions and the Occult. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1990.

Elmer, Duane. Cross-cultural Servanthood: Serving the World in Christlike Humility. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2006.

Geisler, Norman and Ralph MacKenzie. Roman Catholics and Evangelicals: Agreements and Differences. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1995.

_____, Norman and Ron Rhodes. When Cultists Ask. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1997.

Martin, Walter. The Kingdom of the Cults. Edited by Ravi Zacharias. Grand Rapids, MI: Bethany House Publishers, 2003.

McDowell, Josh and Don Stewart, Handbook of Today’s Religions. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers. 1996.

Rhodes, Ron. The Challenge of the Cults and New Religions. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2001.

Robertson, Judy. Out of Mormonism: A Woman’s True Story. Grand Rapids, MI: Bethany House Publishers, 2011.

AP 202 Apologetics Page 1 of 3 Tobi England