TTH 612-THEOLOGY OF AMERICAN CULTS
CincinnatiChristianUniversityJames A. Snyder
Spring 2010Study #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)UnificationChurch
*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 8, 2010.
*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 March 29, 2010.
*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 19, 2010.
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 paper30%
Book review15%
Martin Q&A15%
Test #120%
Test #220%
NOTE: The professor reserves the right to amend or change any part of this course plan
as deemed necessary.