Posted by Jeff Downs on June 21, 2002 at 12:40:17:
In Reply to: Re: Free Material on Cults and World Religions posted by Jennifer on June 21, 2002 at 10:29:05:
> What are you talking about? Are you providing background information for other religious affiliations in an attempt to show support of these affiliations and/or religious tolerance? Or are you providing information about various religious affiliations in an effort to support Christianity? Be clear in your reply, please.
You would also have to be more specific yourself in defining your terms, especially "religious tolerance."
If you define religious tolerance as excepting all religions to be true,
the answer to your question is definitly not. It is a contradiction to say that
all religions are true. For example: JWs say that Jesus Christ is Michael the Arch Angel, historic
Christian believe that Jesus is God Almighty. These are VERY BIG difference and both can not be true.
But, if you are defining religious tolerance in the sense that everyone has a right to believe whatever they want,
sure, I would agree. Along with this though, I have a religious right to
disagree with specific thoughts and also have a right to say that someone
is wrong.
It is interesting when people say that "you should not judge" in reference to other
religions, while at the same time they are judging those who are judging.
So, back to your questions. We are providing background information
(history) doctrinal information, also showing that these groups
(mention in my first E-mail) that they are not historic Christians and
actually deviations from Christianity (cults).
Hope this is more specific. If not, let me know.
In Christ service,
Jeff Downs
===
> > Hopefully very soon, we are going to begin a tape ministry here in Kittanning PA. We will be giving away tapes and other material (articles) that discuss various cults, world religions, theological and ethical issues.
> > The tapes are from various conferences in which researchers come together and discuss the beliefs of different groups.
> > The groups consist of Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, Oneness Pentecostalism, Christian Science, the Occult, International Church of Christ and the list could go on.
> > We also have material on various theological and apologetic issues such as the problem of evil, evolution, existence of God, skepticism and much much more.
> > One of my concerns in that the church continues to be the "Sleeping Giant of Orthodoxy." We need to as Jude 3 says, "Content for the faith, once for all delievered to the saints." My hope and prayer is that the body of Christ will be well equipped and be willing to engage the culture for Jesus Christ.
> > We are offering this material for free. But, if you believe that a ministry such as this is needed, we certainly welcome donations (tapes do cost).
> > Also, I am looking hold a seminar in the area in which we will address the history and beliefs of the Jehovah's Witnesses and we will give a defense for historic Christianity. Look for an annoucement in the Leader-Times. It probably will not be until September sometime (Lord willing).
> > If you have any questions or need information on a specific topic, let me know.
> > In HIS service,
> > Jeff Downs - Director
> > Resource Center for Theological Research