New Age is a recent and developing belief system in North America encompassing thousands of autonomous (and sometime contradictory) beliefs, organizations, and events. Generally it refers to witchcraft, satanism, neo-paganism, or various forms of Psychic discernment (astrology, seances, palm reading, etc.). The word "occult" in this publication is used to describe any attempt to gain supernatural power or knowledge apart from the God of the Bible. Generally the word is used of secret or mysterious supernatural powers or magical, religious rituals. The term, "occult" comes from the Latin occultus or "hidden." Research material and Profile are available. In most cases the group claims to be Christian, but because of their aberrant beliefs on central doctrines of the faith (God, Jesus, and salvation), the organization is not considered by Watchman Fellowship to be part of orthodox, biblical Christianity. Watchman Fellowship usually uses the term cult with a Christian or doctrinal definition in mind. Cult in this sense, is a counterfeit or serious deviation from the doctrines of classical Christianity. In addition to these usages, Christians generally have a doctrinal component to their use of the word. Thus, cult can describe religious leaders or organizations that employ abusive, manipulative, or illegal control over their followers' lives. In modern usage, the term cult is often used by the general public to describe any religious group they view as strange or dangerous. Sociologists and anthropologists sometimes use the term cult to describe religious structure or belief patterns with meanings (usually non-pejorative) unique to their disciplines. It is based on a farming term in Latin meaning cultivation. Cultīy its primary dictionary definition, the term cult just means a system of religious beliefs or rituals. It simply means that such groups seem to promote doctrine or practices which may be considered outside the realm of historic Christianity. Most of these definitions contain highlighted words that are linked to the definitions for those words clicking on the highlighted word will take you directly to that definition.Ī B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Some Definitionsīy using the terms "cult," "occult," and "New Age," Watchman Fellowship is in no way implying that the followers or leaders are necessarily evil or immoral people. If the term is listed, it will be followed by a brief definition. How To Use This Indexīegin your search by clicking on the highlighted letter below that is the first letter of the term for which you are searching (or, if your browser will do so, perform a word search for the term). The absence of a religious movement from this index does not mean that Watchman Fellowship endorses the organization. Watchman Fellowship maintains over 10,000 files and a research library of over 25,000 books and periodicals on religions, cults, new religious movements and related teachings. This is by no means a complete list of cults and religions. Readers are asked to assist in this effort by suggesting corrections or improvements. While Watchman Fellowship does not hold to the beliefs of non-Christian religions and doctrines, we also attempt to describe these beliefs factually, fairly and accurately. Watchman Fellowship is a Christian apologetics and discernment ministry thus, many references ("Jesus," "Gospel," "Christianity," etc.) contain definitions that reflect the beliefs of Watchman's staff. This Index contains brief definitions, descriptions or cross references on over 1,200 religious organizations and beliefs, as well as world religions (including Christianity) and related doctrines. By the Staff of Watchman Fellowship, Inc.
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