The Kingdom of the Cults

by Walter Ralston Martin, Ravi Zacharias (Editor)

The authoritative reference work on major cult systems for nearly forty years. Working closely together, Ravi Zacharias and Managing Editors Jill and Kevin Rische (daughter of Dr. Martin) have updated and augmented the work with new material. This book will continue as a crucial tool in countercult ministry and in evangelism for years to come. Among cults and religions included are: Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormonism, New Age Cults, the Unification Church, Baha'i Faith, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and more.

Genres: Christian, Religion, Theology, Cults, Nonfiction, Christianity, Reference

704 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1967

About the author

Walter R. Martin was an American Evangelical minister, author, and Christian apologist who founded the Christian Research Institute in 1960 as a para-church ministry specializing as a clearing-house of information in both general Christian apologetics and in countercult apologetics.

Reviews

[Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

It goes without saying that if you're a member of one of the cults discussed in this book, you'll probably not like it; rather, you will probably "hate!" it in the manner exampled by some of the reviews available on the Internet. But I'm not so sure your feelings would be reciprocated if you choose to write a book critical on, say, the Lutheran Church. Most Lutherans would welcome the outsider's view and not be intimidated because, for the most part, they are confident about their theology. What probably gives the practitioners of cultic beliefs their vituperative "edginess" in their response to a book like this is their own uneasyness about what they so vehemently defend. Reading about the ancient world one gets the same sense from those who defended the Pagan cults and condemned the Christians who were springing up in their midst.

From my point of view, this book is well researched and has both interesting historical material as well as making a painstaking effort to show how the beliefs put forth by the cults differ from orthodox Christian beliefs. In reading it, it will also shore up the beliefs of orthodox Christians as well. The chapter on Mormonism is especially interesting and I believe Walter Martin takes some pains to make clear that, though mistaken in their beliefs about the nature of Christ, Mormons are good, almost exemplary, citizens and their beliefs should in no way bar us from their acquaintance. It goes without saying that in dealing with individuals one must respect their beliefs even as one tries to persuade them they are wrong. But it also needs to be said that criticism, properly put, is not condemnation or "bashing" as we, in our hypersensitive, therapeutic age, might put it. Thus it is (or should be) possible to be critical of the beliefs of, say, Christian Scientists, (again, made without the ridicule or aspersion of individual Christian Scientists) without the latter getting heated up in the face of such criticism.

[Donald Ball · Rating 1 out of 5]

The study of religion has always fascinated me. However, this book is not an objective analysis of established religions and their sub-organizations, it is a nonstop lecture of how the author is right and everyone else is wrong. Had the author presented his opinions and interpretations as well as those of the splinter groups he homes in on, and then stopped there to let the reader form his or her own opinion, fine. But when told his opinion has validity and the others are faulty is tantamount to shoving his opinion down our throats. Wars are fought over this kind of mentality.

[Charlotte B · Rating 5 out of 5]

i should add that my dad (a pastor) has a copy of this book... and i've read this book more like a handy resource/reference book; definitely not meant to be read from front to back.

and the word "cult", loaded as it is, is clearly defined in the intro.
what i love about this book is that for each 'cult' described, Martin compares it with th gospel of Jesus Christ.

an interesting book and a must-read for those curious about the gospel and how it relates to other religions.

[Beth Kakuma-Depew · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a Catholic, I found all the scripture quoting extraneous. And as a far as I'm concerned Evangelical bible-thumpers are already a weird sub-cult of Christianity. But if the reader can read past the self-righteous tone of the text, the actual information is broken down in helpful categories. Not that many people want to debate religion, but for those that do, this book offers a unique viewpoint. I don't recommend buying this book, but it's worth flipping through at your local library.

The next time a Jehovah's Witness knocks on your door, you could have a some more solid points to explain to them why you're not interested.

[Nicole Mardian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met Dr. Walter Martin before he left this earth and he is one of the best and most knowledgeable researchers on cults--he gives all the facts (which are very interesting) and lets YOU see for yourself who those nice, pleasant (misguided) folks are that come knocking on your door.

[Bruce · Rating 4 out of 5]

After I became a Christian I became an apologetics nut.Frankly, I read more stuff like Martin's book than I did the Bible itself. AS a result I probably knew more about cults than I did about Christianity and it's variants.

I rate the book highly however because it still is a pretty good primer on aberrant and heretical sects and cults.

[Francis Gahren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since the first edition was published in 1965, "The Kingdom of the Cults" has been the authoritative reference work on all major cult systems. This classic has been updated to cover New Age cults, Baha'i, and the Word of Faith movement, with over 50 percent new material. Dr. Walter Martin held four earned degrees, having received his doctorate from California Coast University in the field of Comparative Religions. Author of a dozen books and a half-dozen booklets and many articles, Dr. Martin died in 1989, a few months after completing his last book, The New Age Cult.

[Gary Fields · Rating 5 out of 5]

The style the book is written in lends itself to reading particular sections as you need to. I haven't read the whole book, but have used it to base my own research on various cults on (previously Mormonism and now Jehovah's Witnesses).

The book is very thorough and very well researched. Martin doesn't give opinions or hearsay in his treatment of cults, instead opting to quote heavily from the cults own publications to show what they really teach.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally!!!

The Seventh-day Adventist church was fairly honest when Walter Martin asked what they really believed and they were classified as a cult in this 2003 edition!!!

[Timothy Bandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walter Martin is objective and thorough. If you want to learn about Christian Apologetics, this is the guy to start with.

[William Schrecengost · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book on various cults effecting Christendom. The section at the end was especially helpful on its relation to missions and how cults are especially causing problems in that regard.
He was a bit repetitive at times, especially with the larger chapters, but it was good nonetheless. Had a few minor theological and exegetical squabbles with him, but that is to be expected.

[Gary Patton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The information Mr. Martin shares in this book will never get out of date. ..because it's truth!

You can trust it to guide you in praying for and sharing the R-E-A-L Jesus with the diabolically misguided members of non-Jesus Following cults whom God brings across your path. (Ephesians 6:10-18).

Demonically ensnared and trapped cultists need the R-E-A-L Jesus desperately because only He is Relational-Engaging-Authentic-Life giving!

Satan is always busy, as the Biblically-identified "Angel of Light", and always crafty. (1 Corinthians 2:14 & 2 Corinthians 4:4)

By using the truths Mr. Martin shares, Holy Spirit will assist Followers of Jesus in staying on track and not being confused by demonic lies cultists are well-trained and parrot glibly and convincingly.

Mr. Martin can prayerfully assist you to bring cultists bound for a Godless eternity one step closer to Jesus ...which is each Follower's of His only job! (Matthew 28:18-20)

Be blessed true Jesus Follower by this God-ordained Jesus-sharing resource.

GaryFPatton
(2014-03-20 © gfp '42™)

[Christian Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first heard about Walter Martin while seeking to learn more about Jehovah’s Witnesses. In that research I wasn’t disappointed in what I found. This piece is a work every believer should have access to as a resource. In it Martin gives an extensive history of cults in general before proceeding to give histories on major cults in today’s society. He breaks down what each organization believes about Jesus Christ, the Bible, and other key orthodox issues. In doing so he shows how they differ from the biblical faith.

Each chapter concludes with ways to reach those ensnared in the cult at hand. This is a must read, and I look forward to future editions.

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have a family member in a cult like the Jehovah's Witnesses or Mormons? Maybe know someone dabbling in Christian Science? This is the book of books to go to to aid you in understanding what they believe, why they believe it, and gives Bible verses to show where they are erring so you can lovingly bring them to Good News of Jesus Christ aiding them in seeing there is nothing to grab onto in their false religion.

Walter Martin was a gentle man who knew the cults and worked diligently to bring light to those who are stuck in them.

[Nathan "N.R." Gaddis]

I used to own this book. I used to read this book. I tried reallyreally hard. But this kind of fundamentalist misuse/misreading of sacred scripture stuff and all=around bad hermeneutics just nevernever convinced me. But I really did try! Of course, I wasn't very old when I was old enough to know that the theology in Stryper's lyrics wasn't much to brag about either.

Instead, I'd recommend you begin your study of weird religiosity with something like Coover's The Origin of the Brunists and The Brunist Day of Wrath.

And, were this book published today, you know for certain that even right=wingers like this guy would pluralize "kingdom".



[disclosure :: a certain person in my life is employed by an institution controlled by one of the organizations discussed in this volume. hard to distinguish this institution from every other degrading capitalist entity]

[Sharon Barrow Wilfong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and thorough description of the different cults that exist throughout the world and especially in the United States. Martin gives a good background and history of various cults, especially those that pose as Christian denominations such as Jehovah's Witnesses, the Mormans and Christian Scientist.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciated the first and last chapters the most -- authentic coaching from a background I trust.

[Leslie Fanchon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource!

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book for any Christian who desires to know more about the false religions that are being promulgated around the world. This book succeeds in multiple areas of benefit for the reader. For one, it will strengthen your defense against cults such as Mormonism, Russelism (JW's), Christian Science, Islam, and much deeper into the lesser known cults. It will also bolster your assurance in the truth of Jesus Christ and His one true gospel. Lastly, it will intensify the readers desire to reach out to those who have been deceived by these various groups.

[Jim · Rating 1 out of 5]

On the surface it seems to be a good text on cults, but it seems mostly to exist to cast dispersions on “new age-y” kind of stuff (alternative medicines, astrology), the more extreme forms of Christianity (Mormonism, Christian Science, Jehovah’s Witnesses), and how certain teachings of Eastern religions have created cult-like organizations as they have been Westernized. Most of this book is a close look at the theologies of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Christian Scientists, and Mormons, and how their practices differ from Martin’s own fundamentalist views of the Bible. There are shorter chapters describing how other organizations, like the Moonies, the Baha’i Faith, Scientology.

Also, a big part of the book is how these cults draw people away from fundamentalist christianity.

And it’s interesting that he comes from the perspective of a very specific reading of scriptures, which seems to almost put his beliefs dangerously close to those that he is arguing against. For example, he notes:

“It should be noted that hardly ever in their discourses will such cultists discuss the essential problem of evil, the existence of personal sin, or the necessity of the substitutionary atonement of Christ as the sole means of salvation from sin, through the agency of divine grace and the exercise of faith.”

I guess if you’re a Christian and don’t completely agree with all of those things as important, you can still use this book to classify certain other Christians as members of a cult.

His arguments about semantics remind me of the church I grew up in. His very specific interpretation of the Bible is the valid one, and others are not. He compares this things like law and mathematics where you have specific, correct, terms. Like one person I talked to discussing how their very specific Biblical interpretation was true meant all others were incorrect: “If I say there is one moon, and you say there are two moons, only one of us can be correct.” It’s this kind of rhetoric that gives these kinds of doctrines a false sense of truth. Martin assumes his interpretations of the Bible are NOT interpretations - they are factually correct.

He also wants to evaluate science against God’s Word.

“While Christians should not reflect very psychological discover or position as wrong (!), each psychological assumption should be evaluated carefully against the standard of God’s Word, the Bible.”

While I understand his point that a field like psychology may not have the exactness of some of the physical sciences like physics or chemistry, ensuring that even this field of science agrees with the Bible gets dangerously close to what Galileo faced several hundred years ago.

I love how he says he doesn’t want to make fun of anyone involved with these organizations, then compares them to dogs!

On page 18, “It is not my desire in any sense to make fun of adherents of cult systems, the large majority of whom are sincere, though I am not adverse to humor when it can underscore a point.”

Then on page 41, he is completely condescending:

“In the case of Jehovah’s Witnesses, the literature of the Watchtower is replete with examples of psychological conditioning that elicits a definite pattern of religious reflexes in response to stimuli. As Pavlov’s dog salivated at the sound of a bell that represented food, so a true Jehovah’s Witness will spiritually and emotionally salivate whenever the Watchtower rings the conditioning bell of Russellite theology.”

Really, I think that point could have been made without comparing Jehovah’s Witnesses to dogs.

It’s probably telling that he spends a lot of a chapter complaining that secular versions of deprogramming (removing cult brainwashing) don’t necessarily differentiate Christian fundamentalism (like Martin’s teachings) and some of the more extreme cults that Martin is writing this book about.

Of course, some of the ways he discounts the teachings of these more extreme Christian organizations is how their very specific (false) doctrine differs from his very specific interpretations (sorry, factual truths) of the Bible. To his credit, a lot of these doctrines from these Christian “cults” are pretty fantastic and absurd. But we aren’t going to talk about how some of Martin’s teaching are absurd and fantastic to other biblical scholars. He states that “Doctrinal heresy is a sin against God.” But one man’s doctrinal heresy is another man’s Truth.

I think we’d all agree that these cults probably cause more harm than Martin’s own religion, but that may be like saying murder is worse than assault. That doesn’t mean the latter is ok.

[Jon · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was nothing like I was expecting. I was hoping for a discussion of small religious groups and their eclectic beliefs but instead what I got was a man defending his own religion by giving misinformation about other mainstream religions. Needless to say I didn't get very far. When I come across a book that discusses a variety of religions the first thing I do is look up my own to see how the author treats it. I was appalled. Not only was the author aggressively against any religion not his own, but he presented arguments that would make any intelligent person cringe.

Let me give you an example. In the intro of the author picks a few points about many religions to set the mood of his book. He talks briefly about the Church Welfare System set up by the LDS church (Mormons). In his opinion the welfare system was used to bribe members to stay faithful. Then he proceeded to describe how the Mormons use those resources to feel snobbish and elitist when they help other people. He describes the churches efforts to feed struggling families during the Great Depression as nothing more than a way for rich Mormons to pat their own back. If the author can't recognize the Christlike efforts of a people serving the poor such as this, then I have no hope for the rest of the book.

I'm OK reading books about people explaining their own religion. Who better to learn about someones faith than from someone who has practiced it their whole life. But this author does nothing more than seed contention and misinformation about other groups who are honestly trying to live a moral and Christlike life. I find it a bit sad that such an unchristlike attitude coming from a christian gets so many good reviews on goodreads.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely the comprehensive guide to many of the Christian and non-Christian cults. I learned about this book from my favorite podcast, Cultish. There are three items that really stuck with me throughout the volume:

1:The level of research is astounding. Walter Martin does not speculate on what various cults believe. He dives into primary sources, sometimes back to works that were around from the beginning of the cults. For example, some Mormon beliefs are cited from sources from the 19th century when they first began. The author also is very willing to examine the Greek text of the New Testament in order to disprove cult interpretations. Jehovah's Witnesses butcher the Greek translations to fit their need, and it is impressively shown throughout that section.

2: Martin does a side by side comparison of the Gospel of the Bible compared to what the cults believe so that the differences can clearly be understood. Anyone who would suggest that all religions are the same or that all "versions" of Christianity are the same would be refuted after reading this. I was particularly shocked by what Christian Science believes. They are neither Christian nor scientific in any way.

3: This book can be read cover to cover (and it was a massive undertaking that took an incredibly long time), but it can also be read by section only. The Gospel is presented in each chapter next to the cult beliefs, so it is not necessary to read everything in order for one of the later cult chapters to make sense.

[Jason · Rating 2 out of 5]

This may be the most comprehensive thing I have ever written. If you want a historical, philosophical and theological overview of religious movements which don't fit into the dominant religions, this is your dude. The book is painfully evangelical and conservative - if those presuppositions bug you, don't bother with this because this books based upon them, and proud of them. And, there's not attempt to trick anyone about that. But as a resource, it works really well to give you a good overview of how these cults differ from an evangelical's view of orthodox Christianity (a smart Catholic may well turn his arguments against him to make evangelicalism a cult from their form of Christianity), and does give the reader significant insight into the mindset behind these various cults and why caused them to spring into existence, and why people may be attracted to them.

[Alastair Manderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Arminian Christian analysis of the major cults, though by his definitions he does not include the SDA church.

He is very clear to point out the growth of the Mormon Church and of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society and I believe this book remains something of a classic on the subject.

Each cult is dealt with in a different chapter, with other chapters dealing with specific problems relating to cults (use of language &c)

[Kymberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extensive and deeply resourceful!
As a former Mormon I have many friends, associates, and family ask why I am so anti-mormon? I share with them I love Truth aka Jesus. We are to share the truth in the love to everyone no matter if they are Muslim, JW, Atheist... Mormonism doesn't get special treatment. They, too, need the Biblical Jesus & to trust in Him alone. This book speaks of doctrine as well as certain aspects of cultural thinking. Definitely will have this one for my personal library.

[Andy Littleton · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is impressive how long this book has lasted, but I think a more thorough re-imaging or a new such book must be written in light of the West’s new assumptions concerning “authoritative texts” and similar postmodern assumptions. This book feels as if it was an excellent tool for dealing with modernists, but will not do much to help Christians in a postmodern conversation within a post-Christian society.

[Brent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this back in my anti-cult days when I thought I would like to have a website dedicated to refuting the heretical views of aberrant groups. I thought the book did a good job of clearly giving the history of a group and their theological diviations from historic Christianity.

[Katharine Holden · Rating 1 out of 5]

Slipshod. Poorly researched. Errors in sources. Numerous punctuation and grammatical mistakes. Painfully bad writing quality. The overall quality of this book was so low, I don't believe I can trust any of its data or conclusions.

[Roxanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is very thorough and very well researched. Martin doesn't give opinions or hearsay in his treatment of cults, instead opting to quote heavily from the cults own publications to show what they really teach.

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent.