Great researcher of the cults. The late Walter Martin was the best in exposing the cults. This is another great resource on the Jehova's Witnesses

Dr. Walter Martin, author of such works as "The Kingdom of the Cults" and coauthor of "Jehovah of the Watchtower," was a recognized expert in non-Christian religions and cults. His overview of the theology of the Watchtower, and witnessing techniques that are effective in reaching those in the Watchtower, is based on careful research and years of experience. This tape series is very practical and will be a great tool for anyone who has been unsure about how to answer the Jehovah's Witness at the door or in the family.

Walter Martin has written an "Essential" hanbook for the serious Christian that wants to know how to defend their faith. It is written with Apologetics in mind and designed so that it not only tells you what orthodox Christianity has historically held to be the TRUTH but how to defend it to those that are skeptics or cultists and that attack it. Dr. Martin has given a great tool for us to use. It is understandable for the novice and useful for the scholar. May Jesus continue to use it in His service.

This is perhaps one of the best resources for Christians who wish to be familiar enough with Mormonism to effectively witness to members of the LDS church. You will certainly want to take advantage of several resources to be prepared, and this one is a great place to start!

Martin was a recognized expert in non-Christian religions and cults, and author of such works as "Kingdom of the Cults" and "The Maze of Mormonism."

I think everyone should have to read this book (and also C.S. Lewis's)! The author helps us to understand how Satan operates. I guarantee that everyone will say "Aha!" and see a little (or alot) of themselves in it. Instead of writing a boring nonfiction book about sin, the author presents Christian beliefs and principles in such a way that you can easily grasp the point.

Great book. Takes to basic elements of the christian faith and explains them in detail. Would recommend to anyone wanting to know what the essential christian faith is all about. This book was written by a scholar. He also was the leader in cult research for over 30 years. A great defender of the true biblical essential doctrines of the faith.

Walter Martin, the founder of teh "Bible Answer Man" program and author of sevreal books about cults wrote this text in 1962 about the essential doctrines of the Christian faith. The book's strength is that it is concise while not sacraficing scriptural analysis and well layed out arguemnts for the truth of the Christian doctrines presented in this text.

Of course, because Martin was a controversial and colorful personality, many may dismiss this book entirely, but most evangelicals will agree with this text. It is important to note, that though this book is not entirely in line with an Orthodox or Catholic perspective, many Christians from these branches (for lack of a better word) will learn from this book as well. In a 133 pages, Martin wrote a book that is interesting, informing and understandable as well.

Walter Martin, a real scholar and defender of orthodox Christianity is once again seen in this book doing what he does best. His work is short, but to the point and very well presented. Whether you know anything about Christian issues or beliefs or not, this book is worth the reading time. I have studied much longer books on doctrine, but few hit such important topics so well and in such an easy reading format.

As one reviewer already mentioned, those who argue that Dr. Martin had anything derogatory in mind when he called his book Kingdom of the Cults, in reference to his study of various religions, have either purposely disregarded Dr. Martin's own direct statements in the book, or simply didn't read the book carefully. Despite false allegations about Dr. Martin's doctorate ("degree mill") education and other unsubstantiated assertions about people "lambasting" him for "inaccuracies," the Kingdom of the Cults remains a perennial classic in its field.

What Dr. Martin attempted to do, as he clearly stated, was to evaluate various belief systems as they compared with the doctrines of the historic Christian faith. All the cults, and many major religions like Islam, deny certain historic Christian doctrines: The trinity, the deity of Christ, etc. With scholarly information and exhaustive documentation using mainly primary source material, Dr. Martin evaluates, in about 20 chapters, religious traditions from The Jehovah's Witnesses, Christian Science, Mormonism, and Spiritism, to Islam, Seventh-day Adventism, and Unitarianism, to name a few. It should be noted that although Dr. Martin includes the Adventists in his book, he clearly says that he does not consider them to be a cult religious system outside of orthodoxy, but a Christian sect with some heterodox beliefs, such as soul sleep and soul annihilation.

Since the exhaustive nature of this book and limited review space does not permit a review that does justice to Dr. Martin's work, I will only give a few examples of how he evaluated some religious teachings in comparison to historic, orthodox doctrine, focusing on how Dr. Martin contrasted the Jesus of orthodoxy with the "Jesus" of the cults.

Explaining Jehovah's Witness doctrine using their own works in context, Dr. Martin wrote: "For Jehovah's Witnesses, their Jesus is an angel who became a man. He is a god, but he is not God the Son, second Person of the Holy Trinity" (p. 379). Earlier in the book, Dr. Martin demonstrated how the Watchtower Society purposely mistranslated John 1:1 so that Jesus becomes "a god" instead of God, which is pointed out as simply bad Greek grammar and exegesis (pp. 85, 86).

Quoting Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of Christian Science, from her "Science and Health" book, Dr. Martin demonstrates that her "Jesus" is also an unorthodox one: "The Christian who believes in the First Commandment is a monotheist. Thus he virtually unites with the Jew's belief in one God, and recognizes that Jesus Christ is no God as Jesus Christ Himself declared, but is the Son of God..." (p. 378).

Dr. Martin also demonstrated from primary sources that Mrs. Eddy plagiarised from many sources to produce her "Science and Health" book. The plagiarism is obvious when you see it as it reads in Dr. Martin's book in parallel columns, as it was reproduced prior to his book in the New York Times of July 10, 1904. This was not something Dr. Martin invented, but a fact publicized in a well-known newspaper prior to his work.

Furthermore, by taking Dr. Martin out of context, one reviewer gave the false impression that he falsely attributed to the Christian Scientists the idea that they do not accept the inspiration and authority of the Bible. However, what that reviewer did not quote, conveniently, was this, "Christian Science, as a theology, and all Christian Scientists, for that matter, both affirm that the Bible is God's Word and quote Mrs. Eddy to 'prove' that their whole religion is based upon the teachings of Scripture. Mrs. Eddy said: The Bible has been my only authority. I have had no other guide in 'the straight and narrow way' of Truth (Science and Health, p. 126)." (p. 143). Then Dr. Martin went on to say, with documentation, that, "To the average Christisn Scientist the Bible is a compilation of ancient writings 'full of hundreds of thousands of textual errors...its divinity is...uncertain, its inspiration...questionable...It is made up of metaphors, allegories, myths and fables...It cannot be read and interpreted literally...'" (p. 144).

And finally, Dr. Martin deals with the Mormon view of Jesus from their own literature, which he quotes as saying, "Each of these gods, including Jesus Christ and his Father, being in possession of not merely an organized spirit, but a glorious body of flesh and bones..." (p. 380).

Dr. Martin then goes on to further explain their position by stating, "...in fact, the Mormons have a full pantheon of gods. Jesus, who before His incarnation was the spirit-brother of Lucifer, was also a polygamist, the husband of the Marys and Martha, who was rewarded for his faithfulness by becoming the ruler of this earth" (p. 380).

The sad fact is, most who criticize Dr. Martin's work either have not really read the book, have not thoroughly researched behind his information, or simply are not really qualified to make sweeping charges of "pseudo-scholarship" and so forth that they make in classic ad hominem style. Apparently those who are within the cults Dr. Martin exposes are bothered by the facts. But it is one thing to disagree with someone by emotional attachment, which is understandable, but it is another thing to prove he is inaccurate or misleading, which no reviewer here, and no one else of credible scholarship to my knowledge, has been able to do. The only one that even pretended to come close to proving Dr. Martin wrong on a point actually misrepresented him so badly that it becomes all too obvious that ulterior motives, not a quest for truth and honesty, are at work.

If you want a comprehensive, scholarly guide to help you discern the difference between the historic Christian faith and other religious systems (especially those using the name "Christian"), then this is the definitive work you need in your reading and reference library, especially the updated version. Buy it, read it with an open mind, and know the truth.

(This review is of the Bethany House expanded and revised edition, 1985)

Anyone engaged in something more than a casual interest in apologetics will discover an incredible value in Walter Martin's classic "The Kingdom of the Cults." This updated edition is similar in structure as earlier editions, but fairly acknowledges major changes in theology and activity in various religious groups. Intended for the thinking Christian and the open-minded nonChristian, Martin's book has continually challenged people to rely on Scripture for their theology.

This is an unusual book in that it is neither an evangelical or fundamentalism critique of those who disagree, but a deeper look at the histories, documents, arguments at groups in opposition to orthodoxy. I first read this skeptically, but was impressed by the immense research by Martin and his team of editors.

There is a dual functionality to "The Kingdom of the Cults." Not only does it explain the distinctives of groups such as the Jehovah Witnesses and the Church of the Latter Day Saints, but in doing so, it teaches Scriptural fundamentals of the Trinity, the deity of Christ, and provides direction for testing our own faith with the Bible. Martin's exposure of what the groups themselves are claiming will disturb many within the group as they discover the truth. He is quick to grant the strengths of a group, but points them to Scripture to make their own comparisons (as opposed to relying on Martin's views). He prefers the reader to think for himself, not content to depend on his book, or any other book but the Bible. This balance is rare in Christian literature, and a value in reading "The Kingdom of the Cults."

Martin provides a meaty analysis of all the major groups, as well as primary lines of thought within Protestant perspectives, and Roman Catholicism. Beyond specific groups, there is plenty of coverage of the general critical analysis on topics like mind control, apocalyptic cults, the impact of cults on the mission field, Eastern religions, and language and psychological issues.

He is sure to point out a group's popularity (like the fast growing LDS and Islam sects) doesn't make it truth, truth is not democratic.

Martin is bold to use the groups' own literature rather than hearsay, to prove his points. This has stirred controversy among those such as Muslim students, LDS laity and JW leadership who have not known of the difficult history of their church. He leaves room for the vagaries often existing when dependent on secondary sources.

This edition includes substantial portions of the refutations and other dialogues, providing the reader an idea of the response from the cult's leadership. Sadly, it shows that though the book is quickly disputed, none take Martin to task. In many cases, they agree, but are uncomfortable at the label 'cult.'

The bibliography is 27 pp strong, organized by topic and group. This is in addition to the 12-page Scripture Index.

"The Kingdom of the Cults" includes an appendix of several groups. For example, the Worldwide Church of God's full acceptance of the Trinity is explained, as well as the foundation for this significant move in their theology.

"The Kingdom of the Cults" also criticizes the Word of Faith movement. It is careful to show what this movement believes, and how it is not simply Pentecostalism under another name. "The Kingdom of the Cults" emphasizes "there are many sincere, born again believers within the movement" (Hank Hanagraaff).

I recommend "The Kingdom of the Cults" enthusiastically. Buy it, and read it contemplatively and compassionately as you discover what your neighbor might believe.

Anthony Trendl

The book is fantastic. Without a doubt it gathers extreemly high and extreemly low reviews. The book explains the difference between what the Bible says a Christian is, and those groups the world sees calling themselves Christian's but who are truly wolves in sheeps clothes. There is no finer, difinative writing on the differences in beliefs today. Every one who claims Christ should have this book on hand to educate themselves about what else is going on in the world. Indeed, non-Christians, and many who say they are but deny His simple teachings will take offense at this direct analysis of belief.

If you're looking for an exposé against Dave Hunt or Constance Cumby, which I wasn't, then you've come to the right place. Most of the book contains problematic attacks by these two, and is dated to the late 80s. And even then there's way too much. The point could have been made with half the pages. I struggled to get through the whole thing, but finished because usually the Passantinos write quality stuff. The best thing I learned was just to avoid Hunt and Cumby altogether. There are many good counter-cult authors out there, including the Passantinos, such as Walter Martin, Elliot Miller, and Douglas Groothuis.

If you're looking for good discernment techniques or the ability to recognize poor analysis, just read the first and last chapters.

Far better than Spencer's Heresy Hunters: Character Assassination in the Church, this provides a useful check for those involved in the biblically crucial, but potentially perilous, task of discerning true doctrine. See Robert Bowman's critique however for balance...

Walter Martin undercuts his agenda greatly with this book. When arguments like his are so easily blasted out of the water, it serves to undermine the effectivness of all attacks on Latter Day Saint belief. For this I am grateful! Its like serving up a hanging curveball to Sammy Sosa. His legitimacy is going, going, gone!

Walter well points out that Mormons do not believe in the Historic Jesus Christ that is written in the bible but, in a false prophet Joseph Smith. Christians everywhere would do well to read this book to know what Mormons truely do believe. I have read this book and I have visted the Mormon Ward and I have found this material to be accurate. Before you toss this book away, please consider this historical facts it contains and do research.

This is an exceelent book. When you see reviews of both extremes, you know you have a good book. Ignore the rabid rant reviews from LDS. Having been a Mormon myself, I can give you my testimony that this book is a well written, very scholarly book.

The section on the Book of Abraham alone is worth the price of the book. Smith claims he translated a book striking similar to Genesis (complete with King James English)from an Egyptian hieroglyph found in a mummies case. This hieroglyph, thought to be destroyed in the Chicago fire, resurfaced in 1968 (a story in Ensign magazine ran the article). Martin's book gives the REAL translation of this hieroglph...portions of the Egyptian Book of the Dead!
This book is not about hate or making money, it's about common sense (such as why would Israelites write in Egytian???)While we are on the subject of money, the Mormon Church is a coporate empire with wealth equal to a fortune 500 company. Martin lists many of the assets of the Mormon Church (at least what they owned in 1978, which no doubt by now their assets are much larger). Controling interest in Utah Power and Light, The L.A. Times, Roy Rogers Hambugers, to name just a few. 9 million memembers, tithing 10%+, do the math.

The book also shows how Mormonism is so out of align with traditional Christian theology that it can not be called orthodox Christianity. The Trinity, the Virgin Birth, salvation by grace, etc., are all heresies to Mormonism. Martin compares the Bible to Smith and Youngs "revelations", with startling results. When you get this book, you won't believe how your LDS friends will tap dance around the truth and come up with the most ridiculous sounding excuses. Read them the part where Smith predicted everyone alive in 1830 would live to see Christ. Their explanation makes the new math seem easy.

Get a copy of this book! Hopefully the publisher will put it back in print again. Used copies are pricy, but worth it!

When reading his books and listening to tapes, which I found in Christian bookstores, I was struck by the utter lack of logic with which he drew ridiculous conclusions about Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, Seventh-day Adventists, and even Catholics, making statements I could tell even he didn't really believe, just in an attempt to promote his attacks. Having a foundational knowledge of each of these groups from my personal search for truth and meaning in life, I was able to see how he knowingly twisted truths, took things out of context, and continued to contradict himself throughout. Having been raised in Canada's largest Protestant church, it was also easy to see how he rejected everything that wasn't from a strictly fundamentalist, born-again background, not to mention the fact that fundamentalists vary so widely in doctrine that you can hardly find a common thread to link them together.

Later, after being baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I reread those books and watched "The Godmakers," from a new perspective, with a sincere desire to understand the positions of critics of the Church, and it absolutely churned my stomach to see how thoroughly Martin distorted Mormon doctrine and history, doing the same also to other denominations that were subject to his attacks. I could see that he was all over the board, just reiterating what other critics had written through the years, without having an original thought of his own. That hodgepodge rehashing of other anti-Mormon and anti-JW literature from every source he could find is obviously what accounts for his continual contradictions, which defy all logic for any rational thinking being. The fact that he knowingly put already disproven "evidence" into the books and didn't withdraw them before publication after the conviction of an even-more-deceptive Salt Lake bomber-forger shows what kind of person Martin was-that he wasn't really seeking to convey truth but rather wishing to merely wage an unfounded attack for personal profit and adulation. It is obvious also what his motives were in writing such books and giving such lectures, and I'm sure he profited well.

A nice overview of the Jehovah's Witnesses by one who knew them very well. He has totally mastered the material and is a clear writer. He could have afforded to be more gracious in his presentation -- the facts about JWs are damning enough without having to rub it in like he does at places.

If you are looking for a good, indepth treatment of the Jehovah Witnesses than I would recommend you find another book. This book is a simple overview of the teachings of the Jehovah Witnesses as compared to evangelical and historical Christianity.

Dr. Walter Martin, contrary to cultist opinions, was a very godly man who had a deep love for all people. His teachings reflected mainline and historical Christianity. His passion was to see those in cults freed by the power of God to live as Jesus taught us to live (John 8:31-32, 36).

As you will see from this book, the Jehovah Witnesses system does not stand when compared to the Bible. This book will deal with their doctrines of Christ, God, and salvation as well as their many false prophecies printed in their magazines and publications over the past 75 years.

Before even considering wasting your money on this book, I recommend that you first take a look at the author’s background... It gives you a good idea of his life of deception, which plays out also in his books and lectures, giving no real consideration to truth or honesty. When reading his books and listening to tapes, which I found in Christian bookstores, I was struck by the utter lack of logic with which he drew ridiculous conclusions about Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, Seventh-day Adventists, and even Catholics, making statements I could tell even he didn’t really believe, just in an attempt to promote his attacks. Having a foundational knowledge of each of these groups from my personal search for truth and meaning in life, I was able to see how he knowingly twisted truths, took things out of context, and continued to contradict himself throughout. Having been raised in Canada’s largest Protestant church, it was also easy to see how he rejected everything that wasn’t from a strictly fundamentalist, born-again background, not to mention the fact that fundamentalists vary so widely in doctrine that you can hardly find a common thread to link them together.

Later, after being baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I reread those books and watched “The Godmakers,” from a new perspective, with a sincere desire to understand the positions of critics of the Church, and it absolutely churned my stomach to see how thoroughly Martin distorted Mormon doctrine and history, doing the same also to other denominations that were subject to his attacks. I could see that he was all over the board, just reiterating what other critics had written through the years, without having an original thought of his own. That hodgepodge rehashing of other anti-Mormon and anti-JW literature from every source he could find is obviously what accounts for his continual contradictions, which defy all logic for any rational thinking being. The fact that he knowingly put already disproven “evidence” into the books and didn’t withdraw them before publication after the conviction of an even-more-deceptive Salt Lake bomber-forger shows what kind of person Martin was—that he wasn’t really seeking to convey truth but rather wishing to merely wage an unfounded attack for personal profit and adulation. It is obvious also what his motives were in writing such books and giving such lectures, and I’m sure he profited well.

While the proselytizing efforts of Latter-day Saints and Jehovah’s Witnesses are focused on simply teaching their own beliefs in the spirit of love without ever commenting on (let alone attacking) the beliefs or practices of other denominations and sects, it is sad to see how fundamentalist movements seem focused more on tearing down others’ beliefs and ridiculing their practices rather than actually striving to personally follow and preach Christ as our resurrected Savior. The overwhelming obsession that drives people like the so-called “Dr.” Walter Martin makes you really wonder whether they are fighting the demons of their own troubled consciences. This is obviously the case with most ex-Mormons, ex-JWs, etc., who often leave their organizations due to guilt over sexual misconduct (usually adultery) rather than striving to repent and reconcile themselves to Christ. No wonder they run to the nearest fundamentalist movement that will tell them to say a one-time prayer and be instantly saved, thus freeing them from any obligation to actually repent and conscientiously follow Christ on a daily basis, being erroneously convinced that they are already infallibly saved by grace without a need to live by faith. In this respect, I admire the non-fundamentalist mainstream Christians who still correctly believe in a need to actually “live” the gospel in order to be saved at the end of their lives, despite the infusion of the New Age movement into most “liberal” Christian churches....

The last reviewer obviously never used this specific title -- he calls it a *book* rather than an audio tape. He's also a member of one of the groups Martin critiques.

This audio title is good, solid teaching, by a man who knew his subject very well.