“INCREDIBLE!” is the only way to describe the contents of Dangerous ‘Isms, this year’s Power lectureship book. A spiritual buffet of assorted meats awaits the reader of this outstanding collection of information. From beginning to end the reader will be treated to powerful presentations of some of the forces shaping society today.
For the 758 pages the reader gets, this price is a bargain. Valid Publications, Inc. (908 Imperial Drive, Den-ton, TX 76201) sells it for $14 (plus shipping and handling; Texas residents add sales tax). The latest popular novel in hardback costs more than that; even paperbacks retail for nearly that much. Many of those are enjoyable, but once they have been read, they are usually put on a shelf and forgotten. Dangerous ‘isms not only reads “fast”; it is a resource tool that will be used time and again. Most chapters list a number of sources, indicating the hours of research that went into just one unit of study. If the finished product were a movie, it would receive a four-star rating.
A study of “Agnosticism” leads off the cavalcade of ‘isms with 54 pages of text and 5 pages of endnotes. After some basic definitions, there follows a history of the development of modern agnosticism including an emphasis upon David Hume, Immanuel Kant, and Soren Kierkegaard, the latter of whom popularized the “leap of faith” concept held by perhaps the majority of theologians today. There is an analysis of the flaws of agnosticism, as well as a treatment of “faith, reason, and knowledge in the Scriptures.” Also included are “modern attitudes of religious agnosticism” and a consideration of how these ideas have affected the Lord’s church.
This treatise is followed by an examination of “Atheism,” which likewise proceeds by defining the doctrine. To defeat this ‘ism the author relies upon historic, logical (and unanswerable) arguments. “False Ideas About Theism” follows with a refutation of Deism and a lengthy treatment of the Biblical doctrine of Providence.
The chapter on “Darwinism/Naturalism” provides a biography of the founder of the modern evolution theory. Included in the ensuing discussion is valuable information under the headings of “Darwin’s Two Mistakes,” “Problems with Neo-Darwin Evolution,” “The Fossil Record,” “Darwinism in Human Societies,” “American Social Darwinism,” “From Social Darwinism to Sociobiology,” “Genes and Behavior,” and “From Genes to Memes,” among others. Some of the information provided in this chapter may be familiar, but most of it will be new to the reader.
The next three sections focus on ideologies that are totally compatible with all of the ‘isms covered thus far in the book: humanism, pluralism, and pragmatism.
The chapter on “Judaism” explains the reason that Jews call the Old Testament “Tanakh” (as well as what it means, 223). Then there is a discussion of three branches of modern Judaism: Orthodox, Reform, and Conservative. These all differ from each other; anyone discussing spiritual matters with Jewish people should know about the differences. The reader might wonder, “Are all Jews still awaiting the Messiah, or have they invented new interpretations of the Scriptures?” The book provides insights to questions like these.
Two chapters are devoted to Roman Catholicism; the first defines and refutes some of its key doctrines; the second recounts Steve Wiggins’ debate with three representatives of Catholic Response, “an apologetics organization from San Antonio, Texas” (261). The tapes of this debate would undoubtedly be desirable to have, based on the summary given here.
One issue that arose was papal infallibility. Steve was able to use effectively a statement made by Bishop John B. Purcell in his debate with Alexander Campbell (263). Absolutely devastating is the admission in The Modern Catholic Encyclopedia (786) that “grace and salvation operate beyond the visible limits of the [Catholic] Church” (270). Does this not mean that one does not have to be a Catholic in order to be saved? The following chapter takes a look at what is wrong with the concept of Protestant “Denominationalism.”
Chapter 12 defines and analyzes “Hinduism,” a form of religion that developed in the far east during the time that Israel was in Egypt. Many have heard of the word karma, but how many are familiar with dharma (until the television show, Dharma and Greg, came on)? Hinduism can be characterized as containing a “veritable plethora” of gods. The holy books of this religion (the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Ramayana, the Mahabha-rata, and the Puranas) are introduced, as well as some of their accounts of the origin of the universe.
Words uncommon to us, such as henotheism and panentheism (to be distinguished from pantheism) are defined (300), and there is a listing of the fundamental beliefs of Hindus (302-304). The reader can discover what the dot on the forehead means (309) and who (or what) Brahman is.
Just as interesting is the treatment of Buddhism, another foreign religion with which most Americans are unfamiliar. There is a biography of the founder and a discussion of his “FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS” (324-25). Ways of discussing and defeating the doctrines of religions like these are also shown.
What is one of the fastest-growing religions in America today? The answer is the subject of chapter 14, “Muhammadanism.” Besides providing a biography of the founder of this religion (and he was “something else!”), several terms common to the religion are explained such as the Kaaba (335), Muslims (343), the Hadith (345), and Kismet (352).
One wonders how this “religion” ever thrived with the founder requiring his followers to believe as literal truth visions so surreal and bizarre that they would make the psychedelic nonsense of LSD users appear logical (340-41). Today there are different sects of this religion: the Sunnites, the Shiites (we have all heard of this group of radicals), and the Sufis (344-45).
The Qur’an (once known as the Koran) is the Muslim holy book. There are five pillars of Islam (obligations which each Muslim must meet) and five articles of faith (347-50). The remainder of the chapter demonstrates ways that Islam can be defeated ideologically.
The longest chapter in the book is the one on “New Ageism.” After defining the topic, a history of the modern movement is given, followed by a look at its cardinal doctrines: monism, pantheism, evolution, and reincarnation. A Biblical refutation is given of this “multiple-life” doctrine as well as an explanation for the so-called “past-life experiences” (379-80). Consideration is given to “trance channeling,” a popular and expensive form of entertainment. Imagine! People are so gullible that they now pay for being duped.
The morality of those who subscribe to New Age philosophy is suspect, as is seen by some of its most popular adherents. There is also a “dark side of the force,” to which all should be alerted. The principles of New Ageism are contrasted with the teachings of the Scriptures to demonstrate that the positivism in the system is really only a doorway to darkness.
“Pentecostalism” has been around for nearly 100 years, but there are some new manifestations of it that the reader should know. A brief history is given of the original Pentecostal movement, then the charismatic movement, and finally the Vineyard movement. Included in the discussion is “the Toronto Airport Blessing” and “holy laughter.”
No ‘ism book would be complete without a section on “Feminism.” There is some excellent material here on a theory that was once the rage among working mothers–the concept of “quality time” (452-55).
All brethren need to read the chapter on “Annihi-lationism.” The Biblical doctrine of hell has become unpopular with the majority of people in the world. Therefore, since the worldly tail usually wags the spiritual dog (instead of the other way around), we now have some among us who are advocating that the disobedient soul merely ceases to exist.
The material presented on this vital subject provides a brief history of the development of the doctrine–including the inroads it is making into the church. The Biblical teaching is analyzed, and the significance of it is emphasized.
Premillennialism is probably one of the more familiar ‘isms examined in this book, and Mormonism is probably no stranger, either. But as familiar with the topic as the reader may be, it is certain that he will gain some insights that he did not possess before. The history of the Mormons is given, along with some of their major beliefs, including ones they have since renounced. Also, failed prophecies are noted.
Another religious ideology enjoying great success today is “Seventh-Day Adventism.” Some attention is given to their successes; truly one should be prepared for a discussion of the issues they raise. A history is offered that details their beginning with William Miller and continues to the self-styled “prophetess,” Ellen Gould White (1827-1915). She claimed to receive revelations from God, as did Joseph Smith, who founded the Mormons. This group claims that the Sabbath day is still to be observed, although the author of this chapter points out how inconsistent they are in their application of the teaching.
“Legalism” and “Liberalism” are the next two chapters, followed by “Pessimism” and “Hedonism.” Most of these contain information that is more familiar to us than some of the other chapters, but there is still some good solid material here.
Likewise, “Alcoholism” is not exactly new, but there are some up-to-date statistics about alcohol’s relationship to society’s problems. The reader will also find a thorough treatment of the Scriptures that relate to this subject. The Appendix contains both “snail mail” and e-mail addresses of agencies all over the country which are dedicated to providing information and helping alcoholics to recover.
Phariseeism, Sadduceeism, and Gnosticism are analyzed in “A study of Dangerous ‘Isms in the New Testament.” A thorough treatment is given concerning what Phariseeism is NOT, as well as what it is, which is helpful in light of so many misunderstandings and misrepresentations.
A chapter that challenges all of us is the one on “Materialism.” Probably none of us would consider ourselves materialistic, but there are some excellent criteria set forth by which to evaluate ourselves. The reader will find an excellent array of Scriptures to consider.
Many members of the Lord’s church have heard of “Satanism,” and occasionally there are some headlines which mention young people involved in it–usually in connection with a crime that has been committed. Satanists don’t usually devote themselves to good works. There is included in the chapter a discussion of The Satanic Bible, its author, Anton LaVey, and the Necronomi-con, a collection of blasphemies and abominations. The nine Satanic statements are also included (691-92).
The book concludes with a look at “Racism,” “Destructive Textual Criticism,” “Calvinism,” and “Post-Modernism.” Every Christian should at least be introduced to these last three topics in order to be aware of the erroneous ideas of men (some old and some new). Calvinism has some strong adherents today, and this chapter presents some key Scriptures which refute this longstanding heresy. The reader will profit greatly from the accumulated knowledge found in this book.
*Send comments or questions concerning this article to Gary Summers. Please refer to this article as: “RECOMMENDED READING: DANGEROUS ‘ISMS (12/28/97).”