Watchman Fellowship’s 2000 Index of Cults and Religions

Introduction

Annually Watchman Fellowship publishes an index issue of the Watchman Expositor. The 2000 Index contains brief definitions, descriptions or cross references on over 1,200 religious organizations and beliefs. This year’s index is expanded to include world religions (including Christianity) and related doctrines. Watchman Fellowship is a Christian apologetics and discernment ministry (please see Publication Information). Thus, many references (“Jesus,” “Gospel,” “Christianity,” etc.) contain definitions that reflect the beliefs of Watchman’s staff. 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. Readers are asked to assist in this effort by suggesting corrections or improvements (please read A Word from the President).

This is by no means a complete list of cults and religions. 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. The absence of a religious movement from this index does not mean that Watchman Fellowship endorses the organization.

How To Use This Index

A | 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 Definitions

Cult

Occult

New Age
 

New Age is a recent and developing belief system in North America encompassing thousands of autonomous (and sometime contradictory) beliefs, organizations, and events. Generally the New Age borrows its theology from pantheistic Eastern religions and its practices from 19th century Western occultism. The term “New Age” is used herein as an umbrella term to describe organizations which seem to exhibit one or more of the following beliefs: (1) All is one, all reality is part of the whole; (2) Everything is God and God is everything; (3) Man is God or a part of God; (4) Man never dies, but continues to live through reincarnation; (5) Man can create his own reality and/or values through transformed consciousness or altered states of consciousness. Research material and Profile are available.

CULT INDEX

A

7 Habits of Highly Effective People: A book by Stephen Covey.

Aaronic Order, Maurice Glendenning, Murry, UT: Splinter group from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS), founded in 1942 by Glendenning after he was excommunicated by the LDS Church for receiving and publishing revelations later known as the Levitical Writings.

Abaddon: (Hebrew for "The Destroyer"; in Greek, Apollyon) A demon described in the Bible as "the angel of the bottomless pit" (Revelation 9:11).

Abbey of Thelema, Old Greenwich, CT: Esoteric magic, teachings of Aleister Crowley.

Abode of the Message, Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan, New Lebanon, NY: Sufism, alchemy, dowsing, meditation to lead to "inner attunement," Native American spirituality, sweat lodge.

Academy for Guided Imagery, Martin L. Rossman & David E. Bresler, Mill Valley, CA: Healing by altered states of consciousness, imagery training (i.e., visualization), hypnosis and magic.

Academy of Religion and Psychical Research, Evanston, IL: Organization founded in 1956 to explore psychic occurrences and metaphysical experiences while evaluating the growing interest in occult phenomena in Christian churches. See Spiritual Frontiers Fellowship, Spiritualism, Divination.

Actualism: New Age teaching based on panentheism, according to which all human beings possess the divine Christ-consciousness and are united with the Mother-Father-Creator God.

Acupressure: See Acupuncture.

Acupuncture: Chinese system of healing using needles or hand pressure (acupressure) applied to certain points on the body, traditionally believed to balance the yin and yang energies in the body by opening blocked meridians (apexes in the pathways). Once the chakras (key points or intersections) are open, the chi, or energy, supposedly can then flow through the body bringing all things into harmony. While some limited physical effects (mostly anesthetic) can be attributed to this practice, these effects have scientific, physiological explanations totally unrelated to the mystical explanation, which derives from Taoism. See Holistic Health. Profile available.

Adams, Dennis, Mt. Shasta, CA: New Age, man is God.

Adelphi Organization, Dallas, TX: New Age teachings on Atlantis, karma, seven planes of existence. See Stelle Group.

Adeptco, Chuck McDonald, Omaha, NE: Yoga, crystals, reincarnation, karma and Kabbalah teachings.

Advanced Organization of Los Angeles (AOLA): Promotes Scientology philosophy.

Advanced Systems, Inc.: See Zen Master Rama.

Adventism: Widespread trans-denominational movement inspired by William Miller's prediction that Jesus' "advent" (return) would take place in 1844. Even after the Great Disappointment (the date's failure), many people in the movement continued to believe. Some suggested revised chronologies and new dates, eventually forming groups such as the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. Others, notably Hiram Edson and Ellen G. White, suggested that the 1844 date was accurate but that a heavenly (thus invisible) event had taken place. Their teachings became the basis of Seventh-day Adventism, which eventually spawned its own offshoots, including Armstrongism and the Branch Davidians.

Aesthetic Realism Foundation, Eli Seigel, New York: Happiness can be achieved through the harmony of opposites, e.g., realizing and accepting that the world is both beautiful and horrific (see Taoism). Educators have criticized the Foundation after public school teachers in New York introduced the philosophy into high school English, biology, and art courses.

Aetherius Society, Sir George King: Clairvoyance, karma, reincarnation, psychometry, Great White Brotherhood, UFOs, alchemy, occult secrets of Jesus, mantras.

Affective Education: Also called value-free, or non-directive, education. Influenced by the philosophy of Carl Rogers, affective education programs attempt to facilitate the emotional development of children in order to enhance the learning process, particularly focusing on self-esteem. This contrasts with traditional educational paradigms that focus on cognitive, or intellectual, practices such as reading, writing, and arithmetic. Affective education has become particularly influential in drug awareness programs for youth.

Agasha Temple of Wisdom, William Eisen, Los Angeles, CA: Universal consciousness of god, reincarnation, occult pyramidology, Ascended Masters.

Agnosticism: The claim (denied by Romans 1:18–20) that one has no knowledge of God or the origin of the universe. Some agnostics make the claim on a personal level, while allowing that such knowledge may exist but has never been known by themselves. Others assert that such knowledge cannot be had by anyone. Agnostics avoid the charge of dogmatic atheism by acknowledging the theoretical possibility of God’s existence. Yet virtually all live as if the non-existence of God was an established fact, and are thus practical atheists.

Agon Buddhism: Sect of Buddhism. Uses the Agon Sutras as scriptures.

Agyeman, Jaramogi Abebe: See Pan African Orthodox Christian Church.

Ahabah Asah Prophetic Ministries: See Gatekeepers.

Ahmadiyya Movement: Sect of Islam following the teachings of Ahmad (1835-1908), an Indian Muslim; most followers in the US are black, Indian, or Pakistani.

AION: Magic, runes, goddess worship.

Akashic Records: Term used in theosophy designating an alleged library that exists on the astral plane containing all the thoughts, actions, and events of mankind. Mystics, through altered states of consciousness, tune into this library for information.

Alamo Christian Foundation: Tony Alamo, leader of this group, has been imprisoned by authorities for alleged illegal activities. Teaches traditional Christianity is dead. Former followers have reported deplorable living conditions, mind control, and slave labor. Operates Music Square Church in TN, Holiness Tabernacle in Dyer, AR, and End Times Book is the publishing arm.

Alan Shawn Feinstein Association, Cranston, RI: UFOs, contactee.

Alchemy: In its original, literal meaning, theories and experiments involving the transmutation (dissolving and combining) of base metals to form gold though chemical and/or supernatural processes. Today, it caries the meaning of a mystical transformation in New Age consciousness through various mystical techniques.

Aleph: New name adopted by Japanese doomsday-cult Aum Shinri Kyo January 18, 2000.

Aleph: Alliance for Jewish Renewal, Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, Philadelphia, PA: Combines Chassidic Judaism, Native American spirituality, Eastern mysticism, A Course in Miracles, and New Age practices. Emphasizes combining syncretistic spirituality and psychology.

Aletheia Psycho-Physical Foundation, Jack Schwarz, Ashland, OR: New Age seminars on the inner-self, paraconsciousness, meditation and visualization.

All-One-God-Faith, Emanuel H. Bronner, Escondido, CA: Sells Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap, which claims to clean both body and soul. The soap is widely available in health-food stores. Teaches (like Process Theology) that God is continually recreating Himself. God desires all nations and religions to unite in an "All-One-God-Faith" on Spaceship Earth. This unification will come about through following 13 precepts and 20 directives revealed to Bronner by God.

All Souls Unitarian Church, John Wolf, Tulsa, OK: See Unitarian-Universalist Association for similar theological perspective.

All Ways Free, Madison, WI: New Age periodical.

Allah: Arabic, Muslim name for God; see Islam.

Allegro, John: Wrote The Sacred Mushroom and the Cross.

Alphabiotic New Life Center, Dallas, TX: New Age seminars on one’s divine being, Ramtha, yoga and channeling.

Alphasonic International, Los Angeles, CA: Company specializing in tapes with subliminal messages.

Altered States of Consciousness: Trances entered through hypnosis, meditation, drugs (including hallucinogenics), visualization, etc. State of being in which one allows the subconscious to take control and guide. May heighten one’s vulnerability to suggestion or susceptibility to deception.

Alternative Medicine: See Holistic Health.

Amalgamated Flying Saucer Clubs of America: See Mon-Ka Retreat…

Ambassador University, Big Sandy, TX: Now defunct Liberal arts and religious institution founded by Herbert Armstrong. See Armstrongism.

Ambassadors For Christ, Tustin, CA: See Watchtower Bible and Tract Society for similar theological perspective.

Ameba, San Francisco, CA: Paganism, promotes the teachings of Aleister Crowley, Celtic rituals.

American Academy of Dissident Sciences, Culver City, CA: Studying a wide array of conspiracy theories, the Academy focuses on UFOs and the Illuminati.

American Association of Ayurvedic Medicine, Fairfield, IA: Holistic health association founded by Deepak Chopra while he followed the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (see Ayurvedic medicine; Transcendental Meditation).

American Atheists, Inc., Madalyn Murray-O'Hair, Austin, TX: Advocates strict separation of church and state, and actively opposes Christian influence on society. O'Hair and two children disappeared in 1994 with a sizeable portion of the organization's assets. It is now believed they were murdered. Publishes American Atheist magazine.

American Babaji Yoga Sangam, New York, NY: Hinduism-based philosophy, yoga.

American Constitution Committee: Political organization of the Unification Church.

American Fellowship Services: Splinter group of  The Way International.

American Foundation for the Science of Creative Intelligence: A branch of Transcendental Meditation.

American Gnostic Church, Daeva Ares Animo: Paganism, Kabbalah rituals, Egyptian magic, Satanism rituals of Anton LaVey, Gnostic Mass.

American Holistic Nurses Association, Amherst, MA: Trains medical nurses to use therapeutic touch and meditation with patients.

American Imagery Institute, Milwaukee, WI: New Age teachings on visualization, astral projection.

American Leadership College, Inc. Osceola, IA: New Age/occult teachings on trance healings, mediumship, self-realization dreams.

American Pie and the Armageddon Bible Prophecy Home Page: The pop song American Pie, which prophesies the destruction of America, was foretold in the Song of Moses in Deuteronomy 32. See Apocalypse.

American Society for Psychical Research, Simon Newcomb, New York, NY: ESP, out-of-body experiences, mediums, parapsychology, psychokinesis.

American Study Group, UT: Defunct splinter group from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) that used the Book of Mormon and the teachings of LDS leaders to speculate on end-time events.

American Temple, Michael Whitney, Portland, OR: A "fourth wave" esoteric and mystical order led by "Patriarch" Michael Whitney reviving the doctrines of the now defunct Holy Order of MANS.

American West Publishers, Tehachapi, CA: UFOs, cosmic laws of balance. Publishes the Phoenix Journal.

American Zen Center: Zen Buddhism, shamanism, Sufism.

AMOM: See Ancient Mystic Order of Malchizedek.

AMOOKOS: Occult, magic, some Hinduism, man is already a master.

AMORC: See Rosicrucian Order.

Ananda Marga, Denver, CO: Philosophy and deities of Hinduism, teaches meditation and yoga.

Anchor of Golden Light, Dorothy and Henry Leon, Grants Pass, OR: UFOs, Ascended Masters, Kabbalah mysticism, alchemy, numerology. Publishes the Anchor of Golden Light newsletter.

Ancient Mystic Order of Malchizedek, Malachi Z. York, Eatonton, GA: Also known as AMOM, Nuwaubians, the Nubian Nation of Moors, Right Knowledge. A UFO group whose leader, (a.k.a. Dwight York) claims to be form the 19th galaxy, called Illyuwn. A 1993 FBI report calls the group a "front for a wide range of criminal activity, including arson, welfare fraud and extortion." York’s group has also operated under other names and organizations including the Nubian Islaamic [sic] Hebrew Mission, the Ansaaru Allah Community, (an Islamic sect with doctrines similar to Nation of Islam), and the Original Tents of Kedar.

Ancient Wisdom Connection, N. Myrtle Beach, SC: New Age channeling, numerology and belief in “Lord Sananda,” who is an incarnation of Jesus.

Angels: Supernatural, non-human beings created by God. Angels worship God and serve as His messengers. The angels who followed Satan and rebelled against God are called demons.

Anglo-Israelism: See British Israelism.

Animal Magnetism: See Mesmerism.

Animism: The idea that all things in the universe are inherently invested with a life force, soul, or mind. This belief is an important component of many primitive religions, the occult, and spiritism.

Annihilationism: Taught by most Adventist groups, including the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, this doctrine denies the conscious, eternal punishment of the lost. Instead, humans who do not receive eternal life will be destroyed and cease to exist.

Anointed Class: See Little Flock.

Answers Research and Education, Bud Cocherell, San Jose, CA: Man’s destiny is to become a God, keep Old Testament festivals.

Anthropomancy: A form of divination based on psychic readings of the entrails of a human who has been ritualistically sacrificed.

Anthroposophic Society, Rudolf Steiner, Hudson, NY: Similar to the Chicago organization (below), possibly affiliated.

Anthroposophical Society, Rudolf Steiner, Chicago, IL: Occult, related to Theosophy; teachings on karma, meditation, Atlantis and reincarnation.

Apocalypse: Also called Armageddon. From the Greek word apokalypsis, meaning "revelation, disclosure, or unveiling," the term apocalypse refers in the Bible to the summation of human history through God's direct judgment upon the world. Central in biblical apocalyptic literature is the Revelation to John (sometimes called The Apocalypse). A common feature of many pseudo-Christian groups is their attempts to predict the date of the apocalypse. For examples of groups that have falsely predicted the apocalypse, see Church of the Living Stone Mission for the Coming Days, Adventism, Watchtower Bible and Tract Society.

Apostasy: From the Greek word apostasis, meaning "rebellion," and the Latin word apostasia, meaning "abandonment," the term apostasy refers to a renunciation of the Christian faith. The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society applies the label apostate to former Jehovah's Witnesses, who are then shunned by all Witnesses in good standing.

Apostle: From the Greek word apostolos, meaning "messenger," the term apostle refers to those leaders of the early Christian church who were chosen by Jesus. The criteria for being an apostle was 1) the individual was personally chosen by Christ; and 2) the individual must have personally seen Christ. Members of the top two quorums of leadership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints claim the title today.

Apostolic Churches: A branch of Pentecostalism including several denominations as well as independent churches with the name "Apostolic"; many (but not all) Apostolic churches adhere to Oneness Pentecostalism.

Apostolic Overcoming Holiness of God, Inc., Birmingham, AL: Pentecostal church, stresses the oneness of God while accepting the Triune Being of the Godhead. Salvation depends upon baptism, tarrying to receive the Holy Spirit, and holiness. Publishes The People's Mouthpiece magazine.

Apostolic United Brethren: See Corporation of the Presiding Elder of the Apostolic United Brethren.

Applewhite, Marshall: See Heaven’s Gate.

Applied Kinesiology: New Age diagnostic technique sometimes called “muscle testing.” Often patients hold health care products (vitamins, herbs, etc) in their hand while the practitioner pulls or “tests” the reciprocal strength in the finger, arm, etc. to determine the effectiveness or dosage of the remedy. See Holistic Health.

Aquarian Academy, Robert E. Birdsong, Eureka, CA: Jesus only an avatar of the Cosmic Christ, of the Great White Brotherhood of Light. Man’s purpose is to reach the transcendental plane, release from the wheel of fate, astral projection, meditation, cosmic truths.

Aquarian Age Teaching, Ruby Focus, Sedona, AZ: Discover the God within, the Father-Mother god, Atlantis, Christ-consciousness.

Aquarian Church of Universal Service, Paul Shockley, Portland, OR: Teaches cosmic awareness but with no specific doctrine. Similar to Unitarian-Universalist.

The Aquarian Conspiracy, Marilyn Ferguson: A book documenting and advocating the widespread growth of the New Age movement.

Aquarian Educational Group, Torkom Saraydarian, Sedona, AZ: Astrology, moon festivals, use the Bhagavad-Gita, Jesus only an avatar. Publishes the Fiery Synthesis magazine.

Aquarian Foundation, Keith Milton Rhinehart, Seattle, WA: Universalism, yoga, spiritism, Theosophy-based philosophy.

Aquarian Gospel of Jesus Christ: Book written by Levi H. Dowling, a New Age, apocryphal story supposedly based on the Akashic Records.

Aquarian Minyan, Berkeley, CA: Jewish group, yoga, mysticism.

Aquarian Perspectives Inter Planetary Mission, Montgomery, AL: UFO group, receives messages from Futron and the Rainbow Star Legionnaires.

Aquarian Tabernacle Church, Index, WA: Paganism, worship of Mother Earth, goddess worship, sun and moon festival, magic. Publishes the Panegyria newsletter.

Arcana Workshop, Manhattan Beach, CA: Meditation, Great Invocation, moon festivals. Based on the teachings of Alice Bailey (see Arcane School). Publishes the Thoughtline newsletter.

Arcane School, Alice Bailey: Occult, esoteric teachings, connected with Lucis Trust, formerly Lucifer Trust. Similar to Theosophy.

Arefu: Company created and owned by Japanese doomsday-cult Aum Shinri Kyo for real estate brokering, financing and seminars. On January 18, 2000, the cult announced it was also changing its own name to Arefu (Aleph, in English).

Arete Truth Center, Paul Lachlan Peck, Las Vegas, NV: New Age, metaphysics, teaches balancing the body, mind and spirit.

Arguelles, Jose: New Ager who staged the Harmonic Convergence.

Arizona Light, Phoenix, AZ: New Age periodical.

Arizona Metaphysical Society, Frank Alper, Phoenix, AZ: New Age seminars on rebirthing, astral projection, channeling, karma, reincarnation, and crystals.

Arizona Network News, Scottsdale, AZ: New Age periodical.

Arm of the Lord, Warren, OH: Teaches that it is a satanic idea to invite Jesus into “one’s life.”

Armageddon Time Ark Base Operation, O.T. Nodrog, Weslaco, TX: UFO group, channels messages from outer dimensional forces.

Armstrong, Garner Ted: Son of Herbert W. Armstrong who formed his own rival Armstrongism splinter group, the Garner Ted Armstrong Evangelistic Association. See Church of God, International.

Armstrong, Herbert W.: See Armstrongism, Worldwide Church of God.

Armstrongism: The doctrines and religious movement originating with Herbert W. Armstrong (1892-1986), who founded the Worldwide Church of God (WCG). Armstrong rejected such essential doctrines of evangelical Christianity as the Trinity, the full deity of Jesus Christ, and the personality of the Holy Spirit. Armstrong taught British Israelism and believed that worthy humans could eventually “become God as God is God.” Teaches salvation by works predicated on Sabbatarianism, tithing (20-30%), and keeping the Old Testament feast days and dietary laws. Under the leadership of Armstrong’s successors, Joseph W. Tkach and his son Joe Tkach, the WCG has undergone a radical doctrinal transformation. Scores of splinter groups, such as the Global Church of God and the United Church of God, continue to teach various forms of Armstrongism.

Arn Draiocht Fein, P.E.I. Bonewits, Nyack, NY: Paganism, Druids, polytheism, nature worship. Publishes News from the Mother Grove newsletter.

Aromatherapy: Holistic health practice of seeking to heal certain diseases or illnesses by inhaling scented steam or fragrances.

Aromatherapy Seminars, Los Angeles, CA: Holistic Healing therapy, oils healing the psyche. See Aromatherapy.

Arunachala Ashram, Bhagavan Sri Ramana: Hinduism-based philosophy, also called Maharshi Center, Inc.

Aryan Nations Church, Hayden Lake, ID: A neo-Nazi paramilitary organization in the Christian Identity movement that preaches against all non-Caucasian groups. The Order, an Aryan Nations break-off group, killed Alan Berg, a Jewish radio personality in Denver, in 1984. The Aryan Nations received national notice in 1992 when the wife of member Randy Weaver was killed in a shootout with the FBI in Ruby Ridge, ID.

As It Is: See Process Church of the Final Judgement.

Asatru Free Assembly, Denair, CA: Paganism, worships Odin as Father-god, Frigga as Mother-god and Nerthus as Mother-Earth. Publishes The Runestone newsletter.

Ascended Master Teaching Foundation, Mt. Shasta, CA: Occult, part of the I AM movement, Great White Brotherhood, similar to Theosophy.

Ascended Masters: Sometimes called the Great White Brotherhood. Occult, New Age belief in alleged teachers or masters who live on an astral plane as non-physical entities beyond time and space. They can supposedly communicate spiritual truths to humans through channeling or other occult techniques. Membership includes Jesus, Buddha, St. Germain (see I AM movement), Ramtha (see Knight, J. Z.), Mafu (see Torres, Penny), Seth (see Roberts, Jane), and others.

Ascended Masters School of Light, Toni Moltzan, Carrollton, TX: New Age, channeling, Ascended Masters including Jesus, universal consciousness.

Ascension Week Enterprises, Santa Fe, NM: New Age, Channeling, reaching out to children with New Age programs.

ASCENT Foundation, Larry Jensen, Sedona, AZ: New Age enlightenment, similar to Silva Mind Control, est, and Lifespring.

Asheville Meditation Center, Asheville, NC: New Age, achieving man’s divine nature, transcendence.

Assemblies of the Called Out Ones of “Yah,” Sam Surratt, Milan, TX: Sacred Name movement.

Assemblies of Yahweh, Jacob Meyer, Bethel, PA: Publishes The Sacred Name Broadcaster magazine. See Sacred Name movement.

Assemblies of Yahweh (7th day), Cisco, TX: See Sacred Name movement.

Assembly of Scientific Astrologers, George Cardinal, LeGrosoplin, MO: Esoteric astrology, karma and reincarnation.

Assembly of Yahweh, Holt, MI: Founded in 1930, perhaps the oldest of the Sacred Name groups in America. Sabbatarianism. Publishes The Faith.

Assembly of YHW Yoshua, Pueblo, CO: Sacred Name movement.

Associated Readers of Tarot International, Carbondale, IL: Tarot form of divination, Celtic rituals.

Associates for Scriptural Knowledge, Ernest L. Martin, Portland, OR: Anti-denominational group whose Associates study doctrine through a Home Study Course. Teaches universalism, i.e., that all people will be saved (although not all will experience the first resurrection and live in Christ’s millennial kingdom), and the Sacred Name doctrine (Martin claims that the name Yahweh was removed from the Bible by Jerome). Martin was fired by the Foundation for Biblical Research (an Armstrongism splinter group in Alhambra, CA) in 1984 for espousing these doctrines. Publishes a “restored” Bible called The Manuscript Version of the Bible, and The ASK Communicator.

Association for Christian Development, Kenneth Westby Auburn, WA: Armstrongism splinter group.

Association for Past-Life Research and Therapies, Inc. Riverside, CA: New Age, reincarnation and astrology.

Association for Research and Enlightenment (A.R.E.), Edgar Cayce, Virginia Beach, VA: Pantheism, trance medium (or channeling), life readings, reincarnation.

Association for the Understanding of Man, Austin, TX: New Age, channeling, psychic reading, altered states of consciousness.

Association of Unity Churches: The denominational structure affiliated with the Unity School of Christianity.

Association Sananda & Sanat Kumara, Mt. Shasta, CA: New Age, channeling Christ-consciousness teachings.

Astara, Robert & Evelyn Chaney: New Age, spiritism, yoga. Publishes Voice of Astara.

Astral Projection: New Age/occult doctrine teaching methods to induce an out of body experience (OBE), in which one’s soul (i.e., astral body) departs the physical body, travels to various parts of the universe, then re-enters the body. Usually a “cord” is said to connect the soul and body at all times. Also called astral travel.

Astro Computing Services, San Diego, CA: Astrology.

Astrology: An ancient fatalistic system of divination using the position of the planets, moon and sun in the twelve Zodiac positions at the moment of one’s birth to gain occult or hidden knowledge of the future. Profile available.

Astrology and Psychic News, N. Hollywood, CA: New Age periodical.

Atheism: The assertion, to be taken on faith, that there is no God. Some atheists, such as Madalyn Murray-O'Hair, have fought to prevent any recognition of God in public life. See American Atheists, Inc.

Atlantic Pagan Council: Association of East Coast pagan covens, magic, moon festivals, paganism. Publishes the Atlantic Pagan Council Amateur Publishers’ Association newsletter.

Atlantis: A mythical island/continent said to have sunk beneath the ocean. Purported to have been a highly advanced civilization. New Agers often claim to have recovered lost mystical wisdom and knowledge from Atlantis, sometimes through channeling.

Atman: A term used in Hinduism referring to the eternal or real self and sometimes refering to the principle of life in all things.

At-one-ment: Term used by several Mind Science or New Thought religions (such as Christian Science) referring to the supposed metaphysical unity or “oneness” of human beings and God as demonstrated by Christ. Contrast the Christian term “atonement,” which refers to Christ’s death on the cross as the means by which he reconciled sinful human beings to God.

Aum Shinri Kyo, Shoko Asahara, Tokyo, Japan: Aum (a mantra) Shinri Kyo (Supreme Truth) is the apocalyptic Buddhist sect suspected in the 1995 subway nerve gas murders in Japan. Police raiding cult compounds discovered stockpiles of nerve gas and the basic ingredients of biological warfare. Sect leaders have been charged with abduction and "murder preparation." Aum leader, Chizuo Matsumoto (now called Shoko Asahara), predicted the end of the world between 1997 and 2000. The Dalai Lama, the leader of Tibetan Buddhism, has denied Aum claims that Asahara was ever his disciple. The sect has about $29 million in assets and 10,000 disciples in Japan and 30,000 in Russia. The sect has followers in other countries including the U.S. and Australia. On January 18, 2000, the cult announced it was changing its name to Arefu (Aleph, in English). Profile available.

Aum Supreme Truth: See Aum Shinri Kyo.

Aura: A subtle light or energy field said to surround people or objects. Mystics explain that from the color of the aura, a person’s emotional and intellectual moods can be determined.

Author Services, Inc.: Promotes Scientology philosophy.

Automatic Writing: Inspired from the spirit world, the writer has no conscious muscular control of his hands or arms. Found in many occult and New Age groups.

Avanta Network, Palo Alto, CA: New Age, works by Virginia Satir promoted, positive and negative energies.

Avatar: Hindu concept of an earthly manifestation of one of the gods in human or animal form, e.g., Krishna is an avatar of Vishnu.

Avatar, Flagstaff, AZ: New Age seminars similar to est and Lifespring, enables participant to have conscious shift of beliefs.

Awake!: Magazine published by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society.

Awareness Research Foundation, Inc., North Miami, FL: Astrology, Atlantis, UFOs, ESP and Lord Sananda.

Ayurvedic Lifestyle Center, Pearl Miller, Reno, NV: Eastern mysticism, meditation, homeopathy.

Ayurvedic Medicine: Promoted by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and Deepak Chopra. Teaches the balancing of vibrational centers for health through diet, exercise, herbs, and purification procedures.

B

Bahá’í Faith,The, Bahá‘u’lláh: A sect of Islam evolving into a major independent religion with approximately five million believers worldwide. Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad, Bahá‘u’lláh and others are viewed as a succession of divine messengers. A 19th century Persian teacher, the Báb, (or “Gate”) predicted Bahá'u'lláh's coming. Bahá’í advocates a new global order of sexual equality, a one-world economic system to eliminate poverty, and a one-world religion. Profile available.

Bailey, Alice: Founder of the Arcane School. Profile available.

Baphomet: The Goat God, also called the Sabbath Goat, the Great God Pan, Abraxas, Thanateros, or the Horned God. Often used as a symbol of Satan, especially in Satanism, and depicted as a Goat’s Head symbol, an upside down five-pointed star (cf. pentagram), or a man with horns and goat-legs.

Baptism for the Dead: Practice of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) whereby living members are baptized by proxy for people who have died without knowing the LDS Gospel. If these dead persons then accept the LDS gospel while in Spirit Prison, they can potentially attain full salvation or godhood (exaltation). This ceremony is performed only in an LDS Temple. See Baptismal Regeneration.

Baptismal Regeneration: The belief that regeneration (i.e., the new birth), and therefore salvation or eternal life, is conditioned upon water baptism. Most groups teaching this doctrine also add that proper mode (immersion or sprinkling) and/or proper minister (one authorized by the organization) is necessary. All Christians should be baptized (Matthew 28:19). The teaching that baptism is a prerequisite for salvation, however, is considered by many evangelicals to be a heretical compromise of the biblical gospel of salvation by grace alone (Ephesians 2:8-10). The extreme version of baptismal regeneration, which denies the salvation even of baptized Christians outside some particular church group, is clearly heretical. See Salvation by Works, Salvation by Grace, Gospel.

Bear Tribe Medicine Society, Spokane, WA: Native American spirituality, Mother Earth, medicine wheel, moon ceremonies.

The Beatles: A highly influential rock-and-roll group from the 1960s. In 1966 they became involved in Transcendental Meditation; later both John Lennon and George Harrison repudiated TM. Harrison then became a devotee of ISKCON and recorded his hit single “My Sweet Lord” as a devotion to Lord Krishna. The Beatles are widely credited with increasing the popularity of Eastern religions in the United States.

Believers International, Tucson, AZ: Compiling a compendium of all of William Branham's teachings. Publishes Believer’s News.

Bell, Art: Popular late-night radio talk show host. While his Coast to Coast weeknight broadcast and Dreamland weekend broadcast focus on a wide array of New Age and occult issues, as well as many conspiracy theories, one of the most common subjects discussed by guests on the program is UFOs.

Beltane: Occult, Celtic holiday, also called Walpurgisnacht, celebrated on the night of April 30. Celts are alleged to have conducted fertility rituals and human sacrifice.

Bermuda Triangle: Geographically, the Triangle composes the southwestern quadrant of the North Atlantic, with apexes in Bermuda, Puerto Rico, and in the Gulf of Mexico west of Florida. Some people involved in the occult and UFO studies believe the Triangle is a supernaturally dangerous area, with many ships and airplanes disappearing in the Triangle in the 20th century.

Bernard, David: A well-known Oneness Pentecostal writer and speaker.

Besant, Annie: Successor to Madame Blavatsky (founder of Theosophy) who proclaimed Krishnamurti as the Messiah. (Krishnamurti later renounced that role).

Bet Hashem – The House of YHWH, New Haven, IN: Sacred Name, man is the offspring of light, conversion is the union with the light.

Beth El Shaddai, Dick Amos, Plano, TX: Dual Covenant doctrine, denies Jesus is God.

Beth HaShem, Jacob Hawkins, Odessa, TX: Sacred name, Sabbatarianism, keeps Old Testament feasts and laws for salvation. Publishes The Prophetic Watchman newsletter.

Bhagavad-Gita: Meaning “Song of the Lord,” this scripture is used in Hinduism and ISKCON.

Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh: Though this Indian guru is deceased, many followers still practice his unique form of Hindu philosophy and sexual yoga system to gain enlightenment.

Bhakti Yoga: Type of yoga or spiritual exercise involving devotion to a guru.

Bible: Considered scripture by Christianity. Consists of the Jewish scriptures (Old Testament) and the Christian scriptures (New Testament).

Bible Believers, Inc.: See Branham, William.

Bible Code, Michael Drosnin: Bestselling 1997 book teaches that prophecies are hidden in a complex network of letters and words within the Old Testament. Drosnin claims that he attempted to warn Israeli leader Yitzak Rabin of his impending assassination based on a prediction in the biblical code. The theory is a form of numerology and has some associations with the Jewish occultism of the Kabbalah.

Bible Speaks, The: Former name of Greater Grace World Outreach.

Bible Students: Various semiautonomous groups that broke away from the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society after Joseph Rutherford took control of the organization. Reprints the early writings of Watchtower founder Charles Taze Russell including Divine Plan of the Ages. Groups across the country go under various names (e.g., Fort Worth Bible Students, Chicago Bible Students, etc.).

Bible Talks: Home and campus group studies sponsored by the International Churches of Christ.

Bible Way Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ: Oneness Pentecostalism denomination.

Bible Way Publications, Ft. Lauderdale, FL: Bible Students group.

Biblical Church of God, Santa Cruz, CA: Armstrongism splinter group.

Biblical Research Centers: Regional centers for The Way International.

Bind: See Spell.

Bioenergy: New Age practice of healing. Balances the life-energy by opening blocked meridians (see acupuncture).

BioEnergetic Synchronization Techniques: New Age method using the body’s life force to heal itself.

Biofeedback: The use of EEG (electroencephalographic) feeback instruments to monitor brain waves and skin resistance with the goal of modification of brain waves. Participants can learn to control heart rates or generate brain wave activity (alpha, beta, and delta) at will to induce altered states of consciousness. Enhances the capacity for relaxation and/or inducing meditative states and physiological control similar to that in yoga and Zen.

Biointegration, Ross Algelo, Dallas, TX: New Age, body alignment, yoga, reflexology, rebirthing.

Bio-Magnetics: New Age, the realigning of magnetic fields allegedly surrounding the body.

BioPsciences Institute, Minneapolis, MN: Astrology.

Black Mass: A ritual in Satanism that attempts to negate or profane the Catholic Mass. Black candles are used and Catholic prayers recited backwards. Allegedly, the communion is occasionally performed using human blood and flesh.

Black Muslim: Generic term referring to Nation of Islam and related groups.

Black Christian Nationalist Movement: See Pan African Orthodox Christian Church.

Blavatsky, Madame Helena Petrovna: Founder of Theosophy.

Blessed Be: A common greeting used among Wiccans to invoke or wish happiness and well-being.

Blood Atonement Doctrine: The belief, taught by the second Mormon Prophet, Brigham Young, that for certain sins the blood of Christ will not atone and for which the sinner’s own blood must be shed to receive forgiveness (Journal of Discourses, Vol. 4, p. 53). No longer taught by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the belief is often preached and sometimes practiced by members of Mormon Fundamentalist splinter groups. To this day, Utah allows condemned murders to face execution by firing squad rather than methods that do not shed the criminal’s blood, such as lethal injection or the electric chair.

Blue Lotus, Wilmot, WI: New Age periodical.

Blue Mountain Center of Meditation, Eknath Easwaran, Petaluma, CA: Hindu philosophy, meditation, uses the Bhagavad-Gita.

Blue Rose Ministry, Robert Short, Joshua Tree, CA: UFOs, messages from the “space brothers,” channeling. Publishes the Solar Space-Letter.

Blue Star, Mary Thunder, West Point, TX: New Age, sweat lodge, channeling, Spiritual University.

B’nai Noah: Dual covenant doctrine, teaches Jesus is not the Savior of the Jews, Gentiles are to keep the Seven Laws of Noah and study the Torah (or Old Testament) with Jewish Rabbis.

Body, Mind and Soul: Houston, TX: New Age periodical.

Body, Mind and Spirit: Providence, RI: New Age magazine.

Book of Changes: See I Ching.

Book of Mormon: One of the scriptures or “Standard Works” accepted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other sects originating from Joseph Smith, including the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and various Mormon Fundamentalist groups.

Book of Shadows: A journal for recording occult activities.

Bookmark, Santa Clarita, CA: Christian Science splinter group.

Borderland Science Research Foundation Garberville, CA: Alchemy, dowsing, UFOs, astrology.

Born Again: Biblical term used to describe regeneration (John 3:3-7). Some New Age followers teach that the term was Christ’s reference to reincarnation or rebirthing. In context, Jesus was speaking of a spiritual event effected by God through the Holy Spirit (see verses 6-8) to restore a sinful, fallen human to right relationship with Him (see verses 16-21). See Gospel.

Boston Church of Christ: See International Churches of Christ.

Bradshaw, John: Prominent New Age teacher on PBS and author of Healing the Inner Child.

Brahma: The creator and first member of the triad of demigods in Hinduism, including Shiva and Vishnu.

Brainwashing: Forced indoctrination using various techniques to cause a subject to abandon basic political, social, or religious ideas or beliefs and replace those ideals with a contrasting belief system. A translation of a Chinese word xinao, “brainwashing” became a popular term to describe the phenomena of radical change in behavior and core beliefs that took place in some prisoners of war held in Chinese camps in the mid-twentieth century. In a more general sense, the word is sometimes used to describe any form of persuasion perceived to be unethical that results in a radical and negative change in personality. See Lifton, Robert, Mind Control.

Branch Davidians, Benjamin Roden: Splinter group of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. David Koresh (A.K.A. Vernon Howell) was leader from 1984 to 1993. He and many of his most devout followers were killed when their headquarters near Waco, TX, was destroyed by fire in 1993 during a government raid. Taught knowledge of the Seven Seals of the Book of Revelation brought salvation. Many followers still believe Koresh’s messianic claims and expect him to be resurrected soon.

Branham, William, (1909-1965): Oneness Pentecostal preacher who claimed he received healing and prophetic powers from an angel. Denied the Trinity, taught the serpent seed doctrine, and rejected other Pentecostal and traditional Christian churches. “Branhamism” is still taught at the Branham Tabernacle in Jeffersonville, IN, and in many other places around the world. Profile available.

Brethren, Jim Roberts: Also known as “the Garbage Eaters,” the group follows the teachings of “Brother Evangelist” Roberts. The group requires renouncing both family and worldly possessions in order to earn salvation (see Salvation by works). Members travel nomadically, earning their nickname because of their practice of eating discarded food. Family members note that Roberts hides relatives, moving the individuals to avoid familial contact. Note: This group is not affiliated with the Church of the Brethren, an Anabaptist denomination.

Brinkley, Dannion: As chronicled in his bestseller Saved by the Light, Brinkley allegedly underwent a near-death experience after being struck by lightning. He teaches people to perform “life reviews” to enhance their perception of life and death and to find their life missions. He operates a hospice organization called Compassion in Action / The Twilight Brigade.

British Israelism: (Anglo-Israelism/Israelitism) The doctrine that the true identity of modern Israel (or the “ten lost tribes”) is Britian and (sometimes) the British colonies (America). The monarchs of England sit on the throne of David. In more extreme forms, Israel is identified with a particular race—usually white Anglo-Saxon, Germanic, and Scandinavian people. Opposing versions of doctrine teach that Blacks are God’s Chosen People, Israel. See Christian Identity Movement, Serpent seed doctrine.

Brotherhood and Order of the Pleroma, Richard Duc de Palatine, Sherman Oaks, CA: New Age revival of Gnosticism, God and man are the same being.

Brotherhood of Eternal Truth, New Albany, IN: Spiritualism, astrology, Atlantis, channeling, magic, past life regression. Also known as Center of Light and Life.

Brotherhood of Seth, Ellsworth, ME: Paganism, homosexual or homophilic magic, teachings of Aleister Crowley.

Brotherhood of the Followers of the Present Jesus, Ann and Peter Meyer, San Diego, CA: Alchemy, Christ-consciousness in each person, channeling and clairvoyance.

Brotherhood of the White Temple, Inc., M. Doreal, Castle Rock, CO: New Age/occult metaphysical teachings, soul illumination, three planes of existence.

The Bruderhof Community: A communal society started in Germany in the 1920s and based on the sixteenth-century Moravian Anabaptist sect of Jacob Hutter, which was part of the Radical Reformation. The group is also called the Society of Brothers and the Hutterian Brethren. The basic theology of the group is Protestant but, according to former members and other critics, the group exercises inappropriate control over the members and practices shunning and other forms of spiritual abuse.

Buddha: Siddhartha Gautama Buddha (“enlightened one”) was born about 560 BC in northeastern India and, according to legend, received spiritual enlightenment through meditation. During his lifetime, his spiritual insights and teachings became a major alternative to Hinduism throughout India. Diverse versions of his teachings can be found worldwide today. See Buddhism.

Buddha’s Universal Church, San Francisco, CA: Similar to Buddhism in theology.

Buddhism: World religion based on the spiritual teachings of Siddhartha Gautama Buddha. There are a number of versions or sects of Buddhism generally teaching paths to Nirvana (enlightenment or bliss) though the four noble truths (recognizing existence and source of suffering) and the eightfold path (correct understanding, behavior and meditation). Some variations of Buddhism include traditional Theravada schools of India, Mahayana Buddhism, which became very popular in China and Japan, and Tibetan Buddhism (Lamaism) in Tibet. Two more recent forms that have had great influence in America are Zen and Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism.

Builders, Norman Paulsen, Oasis, NV: New Age, Christ-consciousness, meditation, Father-Mother God, enlightenment.

Builders of the Adytum, Paul Foster Case, Los Angeles, CA: Occult, Kabbalah, Tarot, spiritual alchemy, esoteric astrology.

Burning Man Festival, Black Rock Desert, NV: An annual festival celebrating neo-paganism and Satanism. The name comes from the culmination of the festival, in which a wooden man with outstretched arms (resembling a crucifix) is burned by the crowd.

Buzzworm: New Age/environmental periodical.

C

Cabalah: See Kabbalah.

Caelum Moor, Arlington, TX: Private park (now closed) containing menhirs (large upright stones) similar to those found at Stonehenge. Newspaper reports claim trespassers have used the site for pagan ceremonies. See Stonehenge.

Campbell, Joseph: Best known for his book and PBS series with Bill Moyers, The Power of Myth, which teaches all religions are based on common mythological themes, best interpreted through a New Age world view.

CAN: See Cult Awareness Network.

Canfield, Jack: New Age education author, editor of popular Chicken Soup books. Very influential in the public school arena.

Cantillation Research Foundation, John Diamond, Valley Cottage, NY: New Age, pantheism, All is God, All is Mother.

CARP: See Collegiate Association for the Research of Principles.

Castaneda, Carlos: New Age author of The Teachings of Don Juan series. He helped popularize Native American shamanism, the hallucinogenic peyote, and New Age occultism.

Castle Rising, Denver, CO: Paganism, magic, psychic impressions, moon festivals, crystals. Publishes the Castle Rising newsletter.

Catholicism: See Roman Catholicism.

CAUSA: Organization affiliated with the Unification Church.

Cayce, Edgar: See Association For Research and Enlightenment.

Celestine Prophecy, The: A best-selling New Age book by James Redfield that teaches enlightenment through the fictional “Nine Insights” contained in secret manuscripts written by Maya natives in the jungles of Peru.

Celticism, Celts: The Celts were a group of related tribes whose territory extended throughout Europe early in the first millennium AD, but who are most commonly associated with the British Isles. The Celts worshipped local deities (frequently associated with nature), often served by a priestly class of Druids. Human sacrifice was important to Druidic religion. Modern neo-pagans frequently claims to be Celtic, although the modern beliefs and practices bear little resemblance to ancient Celticism.

Celtic Christianity: Augustine of Canterbury evangelized England in the late 6th - early 7th centuries. His work was later taken by Patrick to Ireland, who is largely credited with establishing the Celtic church. Celtic Christianity was heavily influenced by the Roman Catholic Church, to which it was allied, although many individuals claim a greater reverence for nature in the Celtic tradition. Differences in practice within the Celtic church were gradually eradicated during the Middle Ages as the Roman papacy asserted its authority over Ireland. Modern groups that claim to revive Celtic Christianity are frequently a mixture of Protestantism and Roman Catholicism, with few legitimate ties to the early Celtic church. Nonetheless, these groups should not be confused with neo-pagan groups that also claim to be Celtic.

Center for Action and Contemplation, Albuquerque, NM: Yoga, Enneagram workshops.

Center for Advanced Communication and Training, Carrollton, TX: New Age, hypnosis, Neuro-Linguistic Programming.

Center for Alternate Realities, Durango, CO: Metaphysics, crystals, shamanism, runes, Tarot Cards, guided meditation, palm reading.

Center for Personal and Planetary Empowerment, Austin, TX: New Age, meditation, alchemy.

Center For Spiritual Awareness, Roy Eugene Davis, Lakemont, GA: New Age, enlightenment, man’s higher self, cosmic-consciousness.

Center for Studies on New Religions, Massimo Introvigne, Torino, Italy: Introvigne studies new and alternative religious groups. He and his work, which is frequently supportive of new religions, are often used by alternative religious groups to support their activities when pursuing governmental recognition.

Center for Wisdom Spirituality, Paradise, PA: Universalism. Publishes the Interconnections newsletter.

Center for World Networking, Soguel, CA: UFO, psychic, yoga, Universal Energy.

Center of the Light, Great Barrington, MA: New Age, Native American religions, reflexology. Publishes The Light Journal.

The Centers Network: See est.

Centre de Recherche sur l’Energie Humaine Universelle (CREHU): See Spiritual Human Yoga.

Centric, Houston, TX: New Age periodical.

Cesar, San Antonio, TX: Assistant to Papa Jim. Occult spells, hexes, curses, voodoo, witchcraft (see Wicca).

Chakras: New Age, said to be centers for cosmic energy in the human body that are aligned to allow the Kundalini energy to proceed from the base of the spine to the top of the forehead.

Champaign-Urbana Church of Christ: Member, International Churches of Christ.

Channeling: New Age term for the occult practice of Spiritualism (also called trance channeling). Spirit beings, Ascended Masters, deceased humans, familiar spirits, or animal spirits allegedly communicate important messages by temporarily entering the body and controlling the voice of a host (channel or medium). Most channelers give the same basic message, that man is a God. Profile available.

Chapel of Prayer, Eleanor Button, Houston, TX: Psychic readings, channeling, crystals, astrology, self-healing meditation.

Cheetham, John: See Great Lakes Society for Biblical Research.

Chen Tao, Hon-ming Chen (The Right Way, God's Salvation Church, God Saves the Earth Flying Saucer Foundation): Apocalyptic Taiwanese UFO group that drew international media attention when they predicted that God would descend to their Garland, TX, headquarters in a flying saucer on March 31, 1998. Publishes Practical Evidence and Study of the World of God and Buddha, God's Descending in Clouds (Flying Saucers) on Earth to Save People. Profile available.

Chi: Invisible energy or force alleged to make up the universe and flow through all living things via meridians or chakras. See Taoism, Yin and Yang, Acupuncture.

Chicago Bible Students, Chicago, IL: Largest and best known of the independent "Bible student" groups. Reprints the early writings of Watchtower Bible and Tract Society founder Charles Taze Russell, including Divine Plan of the Ages.

Children of God: See The Family (Children of God).

Chinmaya International Foundation, Swami Chinmayananda, Piercy, CA: Eastern mysticism, yoga, meditation. Publishes the MU News.

Chinmoy, Sri: Hindu philosophy, meditation.

Chinook Learning Center, Fritz and Vivienne Hull, Clinton, WA: Native American Earth-Spirit philosophy, shamanism, meditation, called one of the most important New Age centers.

Chiromancy: See Palm Reading.

Chiropractic Medicine: A holistic health practice whereby practitioners use a form of manipulative therapy to treat musculoskeletal problems. While many chiropractors are not engaging in alternative religious activities via their practice, critics claim that some chiropractors engage in chiropractic medicine in accordance with the Taoist principle of facilitating the flow of chi.

Choice Experience, A, Jerry Stocking, Chetek, WI: New Age, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, “other-than-consciousness” techniques.

Choosing Light, Mill Valley, CA: New Age, meditation, telepathic communication from Higher Dimension Guides and teachers.

Chopra, Deepak: Noted  New Age and health author and lecturer. See Ayurvedic Medicine. Profile available.

Christ: Based on the Greek christos meaning “anointed one,” equivalent to the Hebrew “messiah.” Generally used in the Old Testament of one who has been anointed with oil and/or set apart for a specific mission, as was David, the king of Israel (see 1 Sam. 16:13). Specifically used to speak of the promised messiah/savior of Israel and the world. Christians believe this to be Jesus of Nazareth, who died to atone for human sin. Other religions believe in a succession of Christ figures through history, sometimes including Jesus, who were great teachers. New Age groups sometimes understand the term “Christ” as a reference to the deity found in all humanity (the Cosmic Christ). Thus, Jesus was conscious of his deity or “the Christ within” and others can have this same “Christ-consciousness” by realizing that they, too, are divine. Other religious leaders have historically claimed to hold the office or ministry of Christ including Unification Church founder Rev. Sun Myung Moon. Biblical warnings are given for “false Christs” (Mark 13:22). Scripture also speaks of an antichrist and of antichrists who stand against and/or instead of the true Christ (1 John 2:18).

Christ Cathedral for Divine Abundance, Alexius Bassey, London: Universalism, Divine Consciousness.

Christ-consciousness: New Age term expressing the belief that Christ is a divine potential in all human beings of which only some people are aware or conscious, rather than a unique title for Jesus.

Christ Family, Charles McHugh: McHugh, a.k.a. Lightening Amen, claims to be the incarnation of Jesus. Followers dress in robes, no shoes, practice vegetarianism.

Christ Light Community: See New Age Church of Truth.

Christ the Savior Brotherhood: See Holy Order of MANS.

Christadelphianism, John Thomas: Teaches that Jesus is a created being, Holy Spirit is Power of God, and salvation by works. Also rejects the ideas of heaven and hell. It has several splinter groups.

Christian Community: Based on teachings of Rudolf Steiner, founder of the Anthroposophical Society.

Christian Fellowship, The: See Potter’s House.

Christian Foundation, Canyon County, CA: See Alamo Christian Foundation.

Christian Identity movement: The belief that the true identity of the ten lost tribes of Israel is the white, Anglo-Saxon race. The belief is similar to but distinct from the doctrine of British Israelism. A number of independent churches and organizations (including some militant racist groups) make up the general movement. Most deny the Trinity. Some teach a form of the Serpent Seed doctrine, believing that Jews are descendants of Eve’s alleged sexual relations with the serpent (Genesis 3) and are thus not fully human. Many also hold that non-Whites are descended from the union of Cain and a woman from a supposed pre-Adamite race. Profile available.

Christian Millennial Fellowship, Hartford, CT: Watchtower Bible and Tract Society splinter group (see Bible Students). Publishes The New Creation periodical.

Christian Prayer Center, Mother Martin, Washington, D.C.: Native American spirituality and rituals, voodoo.

Christian Renewal Ministry, Saratoga, CA: Watchtower Bible and Tract Society splinter group (see Bible Students).

Christian Rose Cross Church, Olympia, WA: Based on the teachings of Max Heindel (see Rosicrucian Fellowhip), Cosmic Christ, Universal religion.

Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy, Boston, MA: Officially called Church of Christ, Scientist. Eddy’s teaching heavily indebted to Phineas P. Quimby, a mesmerist. Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures functions as a virtual second canon of Scripture. Views God as infinite Mind, “the animating divine Principle of all that is real and good.” Matter is unreal; thus, so are sickness and death, which are overcome by believing that we are Mind. Seeking medical help is discouraged, frequently resulting in preventable deaths. Christ is “the divine manifestation of God” most fully seen in Jesus, who only seemed to die. The “Holy Ghost” is Divine Science, that is, Christian Science. The orthodox doctrine of the Trinity is rejected as polytheistic. Many New Age ideas have historical roots in Christian Science and related Mind Science groups. Profile available.

Christianity, Jesus Christ: Major world religion developed in the first century AD based on the belief that Jesus of Nazareth was the promised Messiah or Christ of Israel. Followers, called Christians, were initially viewed as a sect of Judaism. It quickly developed as a separate religion as Jewish Christians became outnumbered by non-Jewish converts and, through a strong missionary emphasis, Christianity became a diverse worldwide movement. Their scripture is the Bible, which contains the Jewish Scriptures (Old Testament) and the Christian Scriptures (New Testament). Except for cults, aberrant sects, and Liberal Christianity, those who claim to be Christians have historically believed the following: There is only one true God eternally revealed in three distinct Persons - the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (the Trinity). Human beings are sinners who (without the grace of God received through faith in Christ) are eternally lost. Jesus, who is God in the flesh, died on the cross and rose physically from the dead as the sole and sufficient payment for the sins of humanity. See Gospel, Born Again, Fundamental Christianity, Evangelical Christianity, Protestant Christianity, Orthodox Christianity, Roman Catholicism, Salvation by Grace, Salvation by Works.

Christward Ministry, Escondido, CA: New Age, guided meditation, Christ-consciousness.

Chrysalis: Swedenborg Foundation periodical.

Chuang-tzu: Legendary founder of Taoism.

Church, The, Jim Roberts: See Brethren.

Church at San Diego, Paul and Patrica Carroll: Current leaders Vincent and Patricia Izacic (a.k.a. Xavier). Shepherding, mind control.

Church For Positive Living, Dean Davis Bedford, TX: Native American spirituality, yoga, creative meditation, visualization.

Church in York, Bernard Haygood, York, PA: Shepherding, baptismal regeneration.

Church of All Worlds, Otter Zell, Berkeley, CA: Occult/Pagan theology. Publishes the Green Egg periodical.

Church of Bible Understanding (C.O.B.U.): A controversial network of churches, headquartered in New York, that historically has been charged with spiritual abuse due to legalism, undue influence, and control mechanisms.

Church of Christ: See Churches of Christ.

Church of Christ-Consciousness: See Center of the Light.

Church of Christ Jesus: See International Churches of Christ.

Church of Christ, Scientist: Official name for Christian Science.

Church of Christ, Temple Lot, Granville Hedrick, Independence, MO: Splinter group that broke away from the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Church of Christ with the Elijah Message, Otto Fetting, Independence, MO: Splinter group that broke away from the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Church of Christ with the Elijah Message, Greenwood, MO: 1998 splinter group from Otto Fetting's group of the same name.

Church of Cosmic Origin, Hope Troxell, June Lake, CA: New Age, Community, Cosmic Christianity, additional scripture includes The Book of Enoch.

Church of Divine Influence: Alignment with the Divine Will of the Wise Movement of the Universe.

Church of Essential Science, Scottsdale, AZ: Kabbalah, cosmic laws of Divine spark to achieve salvation, God was All in the beginning.

Church of E Yada di Shi-ite, Mark Probert, Mountain View, CA: New Age, channeling, UFO contactee.

Church of Freethought: A social organization for atheists that provides the opportunities for socializing, community service, and social support offered by theistic churches.

Church of God and True Holiness, Robert Carr, Raleigh, NC: Allegedly practice slavery and mind control.

Church of God Evangelistic Association, David J. Smith, Richardson, TX: Armstrongism splinter group. Denies Trinity, personality of the Holy Spirit, and the bodily resurrection. Teaches annihilationism, salvation by law-keeping, Sabbatarianism, and that man can become a member of “the God family” (Godhead). Publishes Newswatch Magazine and Newswatch radio and television programs.

Church of God, (Abrahamic Faith), Wenatchee, WA: Adventist group, similar to the Bible Students groups; rejects the Trinity, teaches annihilationism. Publishes Notes For Bible Students newsletter.

Church of God Family Counseling Center, William Miller, Dallas, TX: Miller claims to be the savior.

Church of God General Conference, Oregon, IL: Rejects the Trinity. Main headquarters for the Church of God, Abrahamic Faith.

Church of God, International, Garner Ted Armstrong, Tyler, TX: Armstrongism break-off group. Armstrong recently stepped down from his top leadership position amidst allegations of sexual misconduct and litigation. Publishes the International News and Twentieth Century Watch periodicals.

Church of God Philadelphia Era, David Fraser, Pasadena, CA: Armstrongism break-off group. Publishes the Proclaim Liberty magazine.

Church of God (Seventh Day), Denver, CO: One of the older Sabbatarian churches in America. Publishes Bible Advocate.

Church of God, Seventh Day, Caldwell, ID: Sabbatarianism; observes Sabbath and Feast days; baptism necessary for salvation (see baptismal regeneration). Publishes The Herald of Truth newsletter.

Church of God (7th Day) Salem, WV: Rejects the Trinity; teaches Sabbatarianism; observes Feast days and Sabbath; baptism required for salvation (see baptismal regeneration). Publishes The Advocate of Truth newsletter.

Church of God, The Eternal, Raymond C. Cole, Eugene, OR: Armstrongism splinter group; Sabbatarianism; observes Sabbath and Feast Days.

Church of Hakeem, Hakeem Rasheed, Oakland, CA: Teaches how the god within makes people rich.

Church of Illumination, Quartertown, PA: New Age, Divine Spark in all humans, Gnosticism, similar to Rosicrucianism.

Church of Israel, Day Gayman, Schell City, MO: Radical Christian Identity movement sect. Publishes The Watchman.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, The, Joseph Smith, Salt Lake City, UT: (Latter-day Saints, LDS, Mormonism) Main body of Mormonism; recognizes Brigham Young as Smith’s successor. Smith claimed that the Father and Son appeared to him and called him to restore the true Church. LDS Church teaches that God the Father was once a man and was exalted to Godhood. God (and his heavenly Wife) begat billions of spirit children, the firstborn of whom was Jesus. Lucifer was the leader of God’s rebellious spirit children. Those spirits who did not rebel become human beings in order to begin process potentially leading to exaltation to Godhood. Jesus, however, became a God while only a spirit. He organized our world and is Jehovah, the God of Israel. He is a separate and subordinate God to Elohim, the Father. A distinction is made between the Holy Ghost, who is a personage of Spirit, and the Holy Spirit. The latter is a divine energy, force, or spiritual essence that fills the universe and is used by all three members of the Godhead in the exercise and accomplishment of their will. The Church rejects the orthodox doctrine of the Trinity. It also redefines salvation by grace to refer simply to resurrection. Almost all humans will be resurrected into one of three kingdoms of glory, the least of which is far superior to anything known in this life. Entry into the higher kingdoms, and one’s rank there, depends not only upon the atonement of Christ, but also upon one’s good works. Achievement of the highest potential within the highest kingdom—Godhood—requires complete “obedience to all the laws and ordinances of the gospel.” The Bible, Book of Mormon, Pearl of Great Price, and Doctrine and Covenants are all considered scripture. Publishes Church News and Ensign magazine. Profile available. Research material available.

Church of Jesus Power, E.S. Cooke, Sr., Boulder City, NV: Astral projection via “Jesus Powered Sakraments” (sic) which changes man’s electro-magnetic polarity.

Church of Light, Elbert Benjamin, Los Angeles, CA: New Age, Associated with the ???Brotherhood of Light, rejects heaven and hell. Atonement to be found in each person’s own path.

Church of Metaphysical Christianity, Russell Flexer, Sarasota, FL: New Age, Jesus is Ascended Master, Creation by Vibrations. Publishes Metaphysical Messenger magazine.

Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ Apostolic Faith: Oneness Pentecostal church.

Church of Perfect Liberty, Tokuchika Tokuhara, Glendale, CA: Zen Buddhism, man is manifestation of god.

Church of Satan, Anton Szandor LaVey, San Francisco, CA: Satanism, occult, incantations, festival days include Spring equinox and Halloween. LaVey, author of the Satanic Bible, founded the church in 1966 and died in 1997 after which his daughter, Church of Satan High Priestess Karla LaVey, claimed leadership. The church has claimed as many 10,000 members. LaVey, a former lion tamer, organist, hypnotist, psychic, artist, and photographer, did not believe in a literal, personal devil, but turned to Satanic imagery to provoke a reaction and illustrate his disdain for Christianity.

Church of Scientology, L. Ron Hubbard: Humans are immortal spiritual beings whose experience extends beyond a single lifetime (reincarnation), and whose capabilities are unlimited, though presently imprisoned by matter, energy, space, and time (MEST). Salvation is the recovery of spiritual freedom, ability, independence and serenity, including freedom from the endless cycle of birth and death (reincarnation), and full awareness and ability independent of the body, i.e., being “able to control matter, energy, space, and time.” These god-like powers are achieved through auditing, a process whereby “engrams,” (the mental recordings of past moments of pain and unconsciousness), and other barriers to such states are removed, abilities are regained, and greater awareness achieved. Auditing can last for years and may cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Teachings are also advanced through affiliated business management companies such as Sterling Management Systems, the drug prevention program Narcanon, and in public schools though Way to Happiness. The writings and recorded spoken words of L.Ron Hubbard (contained in over 500,000 pages of writings and over 2,000 tape-recorded public lectures) constitute the scripture of the religion, his book Dianetics, the Modern Science of Mental Health being foundational. Scientology publishes several magazines including Advance, High Winds, and Source; also several newspapers and newsletters including The Auditor, Tech News, KSW News and the FSM Newsletter. Scientology has a history of alleged abuse and illegal activities, and is fighting legal battles in countries all over the world. Profile available. Research material available.

Church of Seven Arrows, Wheatridge, CO: Native American spirituality, shamanism, paganism. Publishes Thunderbow II newsletter.

Church of the Brigade of Light, Charlotte, NC: Divine Mother in everyone, Jesus called the Gentle Brother, Metaphysical philosophy. Publishes the Crystals of Light newsletter.

Church of the Final Judgement: See Process Church of the Final Judgement.

Church of the Firstborn of the Fulness of Times, The, Joel LeBaron, Colonia LeBaron, Chihuahua, Mexico: Polygamous, Mormon Fundamentalist splinter group organized in 1956 by Joel LeBaron, who was assassinated in 1972, allegedly by his brother Ervil, who formed a rival splinter group, The Church of the Lamb of God. The assassination was allegedly carried out on the grounds of the Blood Atonement Doctrine.

Church of the Great God, John Ritenbaugh Charlotte, NC: Armstrongism break-off group. Publishes the Forerunner newsletter.

Church of the Lamb of God, The, Ervil LeBaron, Salt Lake City, UT: Polygamous, Mormon Fundamentalist splinter group formed in 1974 by Ervil LeBaron, who was removed from The Church of the Firstborn of the Fulness of Times following accusations that he was responsible for his brother’s assassination. The church has also been suspected in the deaths of other rival Mormon Fundamentalists, including Rulon Allred, founder of the Corporation of the Presiding Elder of the Apostolic United Brethren. LaBaron died in a Utah State Prison in 1981.

Church of the Living Stone Mission for the Coming Days, Bang-ik Ha, Seoul, Korea: Predicted Jesus would return on October 28, 1992. See False Prophecy.

Church of the Most High God, Marvel, TX: God the Father is male and the Holy Spirit is female or God the Mother.

Church of the Most High Goddess, Mary Ellen Tracy, Los Angeles, CA: Revival of Egyptian religions, temple priestess, salvation through sexual relations.

Church of the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness (MSIA), John-Roger Hinkins, Santa Monica, CA: New Age, seminars, karma, reincarnation, spirit guide/possession, visualization, hypnosis, chanting, meditation.

Church of the New Birth: See Foundation Church of Divine Truth.

Church of the New Jerusalem: See Swedenborg Foundation.

Church of the Plains Indians: Native American spirituality, sweat lodge.

Church of the Tree of Life, San Francisco, CA: No doctrine of God, sin, etc., only doctrine is anything goes within legal limits.

Church of the Trinity, A. Stuart Otto, San Marcos, CA: New Age; By Jesus’ C.E.R.A. (Crucifixion, Entombment, Resurrection and Ascension) he imparted his Consciousness into the psyche of all.

Church of the White Eagle Lodge, Jean LeFevre, Montgomery, TX: Divine or Christ light in each person, visualization, yoga, chakras, astrology. Publishes Newsletter for The Americas.

Church of Universal Love, Linda Foreman, El Paso, TX: Similar to I AM Movement, use teachings of St. Germain, channeling, guided meditation. Publishes Cosmic Channelling newsletter.

Church of Unlimited Devotion: Worships Jerry Garcia of the rock-and-roll band, The Greatful Dead. They believe Garcia’s guitar is a channel for God.

Church of Y, Tylwyth Teg, Smyrna, GA: Pagan, occult philosophy.

Church Universal and Triumphant (CUT), Mark Prophet, Corwin Springs, MT: New Age, Great White Brotherhood, God-consciousness, similar to I AM movement. Currently led by Elizabeth Clare Prophet. Profile available.

Churches of Christ: The independent Churches of Christ movement was one of several associations and denominations that developed from Alexander Campbell, Walter Scott and Barton W. Stone’s restoration movement of the early 19th century, which was designed to promote unity among Protestants. Many (but not all) Churches of Christ today, however, differ from traditional Protestant doctrine in two key areas. Many maintain that water baptism and/or other commandments (rather than salvation by grace through faith alone) are a requirement for salvation (see Baptismal regeneration, Salvation by works). Some also believe that today’s Churches of Christ are the only true churches on earth and that they can literally trace their history to the first century church in Jerusalem.

Circle, Madison, WI: Pagan newspaper.

Circle Network News Mt. Horeb, WI: Paganism, shamanism, Wicca, goddess worship. Publishes the Circle Network News newsletter.

Circle of Life, Dorothy Espiau, Houston, TX: Healing planet Earth, forces of Divinity, crystals, believes dolphins are alien beings.

Circle of Light, Dallas, TX: New Age periodical.

Circle of Light, Inc., Honolulu, HI: New Age, follows Lord Michael, astral planes, channeling.

City of the Sun Foundation, Columbus, NM: Channeling, chakras, Christ-consciousness, karma, man is part of God , man is perfect.

Clairvoyance: The supposed paranormal ability to “see” psychic information, including historical or future events or other phenomena, that cannot be discerned naturally through the five material senses. See ESP, Divination.

Cleage, Albert B., Jr.: See “Pan African Orthodox Christian Church”.

Clifford E. Hobbs Foundation, Newport, WA: Hedonistic theology.

Cognitive Dissonance: A mental, emotional, or psychological state which results from attempting to hold two totally incompatible beliefs or opposing attitudes at the same time. See Double Bind.

Cole-Whittaker, Terry: New Age guru, teachings derive from Religious Science.

College of Divine Metaphysics, Joseph Garduno, Glendora, CA: New Age, metaphysical teaching.

Collegiate Association for the Research of Principles (CARP): College and University outreach of Rev. Sun Myung Moon’s Unification Church.

Comfort Corner Church, Lawrenceville, GA: UFOs, metaphysical teachings.

Common Boundary, Chevy Chase, MD: New Age periodical.

Communion Letter, San Antonio, TX: UFO periodical.

Community of Jesus, Orleans, MS: Thought to be involved in shepherding and mind control.

Concept Therapy, Thurman Fleet, San Antonio, TX: New Age, stress management seminars, book title Rays Of The Dawn. Publishes The Beamer newsletter.

Concerned Christians, Monte Kim Miller, Denver, CO: Ironically, begun in the early 1980s as a Christian ministry to expose cults and false teaching, Miller's organization began to take on cult-like characteristics in later years. Becoming increasingly controversial and bizarre, Miller's group drew national media attention in 1998 when over 50 followers fled the Denver area and disappeared after Miller predicted the Apocalypse was to begin and that Denver was to be destroyed by an earthquake on October 10. Miller, who claims to be one of the two end-time prophets mentioned in the Revelation 11, published Report from Concerned Christians and Take Heed Update. Produced Our Foundation radio program. Profile available.

Conciliation Ministries, Dusean Berkich Lawrence, KS: Conversion should be inward to self, not to Jesus.

Confraternity of Deists, Homosassa Springs, FL: Reject sin, no need for a Savior, no consciousness after death.

Confucianism, Chiu King (King Fu-tzu or Confucius - “Kung the Master”): A world religion based on the teachings of Chiu King who, according to tradition, was born in Lu, China about 550 BC Chiu King promoted peace and social harmony through the traditions of the ancestors. He is said to have collected, edited and written commentaries on four ancient manuscripts (including the I Ching). He also wrote Ch’un Ch’iu (“The Annals of Spring and Autumn”) These documents comprise the Five Classics and along with the Four Books (a collection of his sayings) form the basis of Confucianism. Doctrines include ancestor worship, devotion to family elders, and right conduct based on the inherent goodness of man.

Congregation of God, San Jose, CA: See Answers Research and Education.

Congregation of God Seventh Day, John Pinkston: Armstrongism break-off group. Publishes The Herald magazine.

Congregation of the Firstborn, Raymond Glenn, Grapeland, TX: Teaches that Jesus is not God; also sabbatarianism, festival keeping.

Congregation of Yahweh, Pittsburgh, PA: Sacred name group, sabbatarianism, Old Testament feast days and dietary laws kept, the Holy Spirit is the power of God. Publishes The Restoration Message newsletter.

Conscious Development of Body, Mind, and Soul: Organization of Teri Hoffman.

Conscious Living Foundation, Drain, OR: New Age, states of consciousness, visualization. Publishes the Gentle Place and Quiet Space magazine.

Consciousness Connection, Las Cruces, NM: New Age, visualization, automatic writing, rebirthing, astral projection.

Constellation, Elton Powers, Dallas, TX: New Age, African spirituality, animal spirituality, yoga for pets.

Contemplations, Inc., Ed Heinemann, Durango, CO: The Universe is alive and speaks. Life is crystalized light.

Continuum Foundation, Chino Valley, AZ: New Age, dynamic energies, consciousness raising teachings.

Cooneyites (Go Preachers, No Name Church, Two by Twos): Meet in homes. Jesus is only part human and part God. Holy Spirit empowered Jesus to live sinless life and can do the same for any person. Salvation by works.

Cornerstone, Jim Rector, Texarkana, TX: Armstrongism splinter group. Publishes Cornerstone.

Corporation of the President of the Fundamentalist Church, Rulon T. Jeffs, Sandy, Utah: Mormon Fundamentalist splinter group of between eight and twelve thousand members. The group has a strong presence in Hilldale, Utah, and Colorado City, Arizona (once known as Short Creek), which was the site of a government effort to prosecute polygamists in 1953.

Corporation of the Presiding Elder of the Apostolic United Brethren, Rulon Allred, Bluffdale, UT: Polygamous, Mormon Fundamentalist splinter group of between five and eight thousand members in Idaho, Nevada, Montana and the United Kingdom.  Allred was murdered in 1977 by members of a rival Mormon Fundamentalist sect.

Cosmerism: Mixture of Christianity and Buddhism, but embraces all religions as having truth.

Cosmic Awareness Communications, Olympia, WA: New Age, channeling the Force which also spoke through Jesus, Krishna and Edgar Cayce (see Association for Research and Enlightenment).

Cosmic Christ: See Christ.

Cosmic Communication Commune, Decorah, IA: All religions have same common roots, communication from the cosmic Spirit.

Cosmic Light of Peace Center: See House of Divine Bread.

Cosmic Science Research Foundation, Edward Palmer, Portland, OR: New Age, UFO information given by Hierarchical Intelligence on the various planes of consciousness.

Cosmic Wisdom, Clark Wilkerson, Honolulu, HI: New Age, Kabbala, psychic, ESP, cosmic consciousness, Universal Mind.

Council of Light, Honolulu, HI: Ascended Masters, similar to I AM movement; channeling.

Council of the Magickal Arts, Austin, TX: Paganism, witchcraft (see Wicca), goddess worship, ritual magic.

Course in Miracles, A, Helen Schucman: New Age book given through the channeled voice of “Jesus.” The world, sin, and sickness are all illusions. Teaches that man is still in heaven with God and this life is a dream. Profile available.

Coven: A group two or more people (ideally thirteen) practicing witchcraft (see Wicca) or occult arts. Also called a clan.

Coven Gardens, Boulder, CO: Occult, paganism, Wicca, revival of Egyptian deities.

Covered Bridge Canyon, Spanish Fork, UT: Pantheism, channeling, denies reality of death.

Covey, Stephen: Mormon author with New Age affinities. Author of the best-selling, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, and several sequels.

Creation Calendar, Verlis W. Johnson, Kermit, TX: Sabbatarianism, necessity of keeping the Law, Feast Days, etc., for salvation (see salvation by works).

Creme, Benjamin: See Tara Center.

Crossroads Church of Christ: See International Churches of Christ.

Crowley, Aleister: An English magician and Occultist. Crowley (1875–1947) was known for sex magic, homosexual rituals, and a fascination with drugs, blood and torture. Headed the British branch of Ordo Templi Orientis (OTO), founded the Abbey of Thelema at Cefalu in Sicily. Author of Diary of a Drug Fiend and Magick in Theory and Practice.

Crusade of Innocence: Believed to be a splinter group of Process Church of the Final Judgment.

Chrysalis Foundation, Durango, CO: Metaphysical and holistic healing center.

Crystals Consciousness, Warren Klausner San Diego, CA: New Age, crystal healing, Kundalini, iridology.

Crystal Horizons, Santa Barbara, CA: New Age, crystals.

Crystallomancy: Divination or fortune telling by gazing into a crystal rock or crystal ball.

Crystal Pathway, Denver, CO: New Age/Occult periodical.

Crystals: Many though not all New Agers believe that gems (especially Crystals) possess mystical, esoteric, spiritual powers to bring the bearer health, wealth and good fortune.

Cult: See the Definitions section in the introduction. Profile available.

Cult Awareness Network (CAN): Headed by Cynthia Kisser and based in Chicago, IL, this was once the largest secular cult watch organization or anti-cult group in America. According to Kisser, between 1991 and 1996 CAN was the victim of approximately 50 lawsuits directly or indirectly sponsored by members of the Church of Scientology, an organization considered by CAN to be a dangerous cult. CAN eventually lost one of those civil suits, which resulted in CAN filing bankruptcy. On October 23, 1996, the Cult Awareness Network’s name, logo, and phone number were sold to a Scientology-related law firm as part of a $20,000 purchase of CAN assets in the federal bankruptcy court. Kisser warns that anyone now contacting CAN should be aware that they are very likely talking with Scientologists.

Cult of Confession: One of eight criteria of Mind Control according to Robert Lifton’s theory of Thought Reform. A system that requires members to disclose to their leaders or superiors the personal thoughts, attitudes, and actions that do not conform to the group’s ideals. This practice diminishes healthy personal boundaries and privacy, and may facilitate additional abuses.

Cumorah Books, Independence, MO: Affiliated with the more conservative Restoration Branches of the RLDS Church. Publishes Restoration Voice, The Vision.

D

Daily Word: A monthly publication of Unity School of Christianity.

Dalai Lama: The spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism.

Dallas Fellowship, Inc., Arlington, TX: New Age; uses The URANTIA Book as their main text. Publishes The Circle newsletter.

Dang, Luong Minh: Founder of Spiritual Human Yoga.

Davera Mission Church, Korea: Alternate name for Church of the Living Stone Mission for the Coming Days.

David, John: See John-David Learning Institute.

David, Moses (King David): Pseudonym for David Berg, the late founder of The Family (Children of God).

Davis, Haviland: Albany, NY: Leader of a Bible Students splinter group from the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society.

Dawn Bible Students, East Rutherford, NJ: One of the original Bible Students splinter groups formed after Joseph Rutherford assumed leadership of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society.

Dayspring Resources, Leonie Rosenstiel, New York, NY: Hypnosis, Reiki, yoga, reflexology, crystal healing.

de Mello, Anthony: An Indian-born Jesuit priest, who wrote a number of New Age books that were bestsellers in many countries. His works include One Minute Wisdom, One Minute Nonsense, Wellsprings: A Book of Spiritual Exercises, and Walking on Water. In 1998, over a decade after his death, the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith (a Vatican commission) denounced de Mello's writings. They warned of false teachings in his works, including a denial of objective morality and the claim that all religion, including Christianity, are obstacles to truth.

Delphi School, Sheridan, OR: Uses the teachings of L. Ron Hubbard, founder of the Church of Scientology.

Demand for Purity: One of eight criteria of Mind Control according to Robert Lifton's theory of Thought Reform. An environment of blame and guilt based on an impossible ideal of human behavior or perfection. This shame-based culture punishes failure and can even subtly train members to punish themselves for their inability to live up to the group's ideals or standards. See Brainwashing.

Demons:Fallen angels under the direction of Satan who seek to destroy God’s purpose and people. Demons are invisible, spiritual beings (Ephesians 6:12), are organized and have supernatural power and knowledge (Matthew 12:24, Revelation 16:14), can possess humans and animals, (Luke 8:2, Mark 5:13), and can inspire false doctrine (1 Timothy 4:1).

Denver, John: Prominent New Age singer who promoted est, Yoga, Transcendental Meditation, and the Windstar Foundation before his death in 1997.

Deprogramming: A coercive attempt to dissuade an individual of religious or ideological convictions believed to be harmful, through a concentrated (usually two to three days) counseling procedure designed to produce a sudden "snapping out." Deprogramming was developed in the 1970s by Ted Patrick and others as a way to rescue family members who were perceived to have undergone negative personality change after joining destructive cults. Often presented as an antidote for brainwashing or mind control, some deprogrammers rationalized the unethical use of force and coercion to rescue victims by illegally holding them against their will (abduction or "snatching") in a process known as "involuntary" deprogramming. Watchman Fellowship does not support or condone such illegal and unethical behavior. Not to be confused with Exit Counseling.

Deseret Shadow Church: See Church of Essential Science.

Devil: See Satan.

Di Mambro, Joseph: See Order of the Solar Temple.

Dianetics: Bestselling “bible” of the Church of Scientology.

Discover Seminars, Irving, TX: New Age, stress management.

Discovery, West Valley City, UT: Anti-Christian, Jesus is the Devil.

Disfellowshipping: As practiced by the LDS and many other groups, this is a level of church discipline involving a probationary period of restr