How and when should the term “cult” be applied to controversial groups? Using an academic approach, two directors of the International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA) review the various definitions of cultism currently used by scholars, the media, and the general public. A good introduction for all readers.

Is Seventh-day Adventism a cult? Are SDA teachings heretical? Many struggle to define marginal movements like Adventism because their doctrinal roots are more cultic than their current teachings. Ruth Tucker, an award-winning historian of missions and author of the well-known book "Another Gospel," analyzes the problematic teachings of Adventism while showing that the group defies categorization as a non-Christian sect.

This early article exposing the doctrines and practices of the Children of God (known today as 'The Family International') offers important information on its cultic roots.

This article presents the text of a lecture given by Walter Martin many years ago, when the Word-Faith movement was not as strong as it is today. In his vivid and colorful manner Martin reveals and refutes the 'positive confession' movement and its excesses.

The article provides a general overview of the Boston Church of Christ movement (International Churches of Christ) and offers a detailed analysis of the prooftexts used to justify its distinctive errors.

A testimony of the years the author spent in the tantric yoga movement of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (also known as Osho).

Reed is a former Jehovah's Witness elder and the author of Behind the Watchtower Curtain and other well-known books. This article surveys major alterations in the Watchtower Society's doctrines and organization which pose grave problems for the present generation of Witnesses. (In fact, in this article Reed predicted one significant change two years before it took place.)

Dr. Paul Martin, director of the Wellspring Resource and Retreat Center, uses real examples to illustrate psychological problems suffgered by members of the 'Livets Ord' (Word of Life) movement founded by Swedish evangelist Ulf Ekman.

This is a chapter from the book 'Witnesses of Jehovah.' It describes how a baby's severe illness forced her Jehovah's Witness parents to look at the Watchtower Society from a new perspective. The Society teaches that the apostles' instruction "to abstain from … blood" (Acts 15:29) forbids Christians to receive blood transfusions. Since 1945 countless Witnesses have paid with their lives for obeying the Society's unscriptural command.

A short overview of William Marrion Branham’s life and teachings.