Encyclopedic Dictionary of Cults, Sects, and World Religions

by Larry A. Nichols; George A. Mather; Alvin J. Schmidt

Publisher:

Zondervan

, 2006

Overview

Encyclopedic Dictionary of Cults, Sects, and World Religions is arguably the most significant reference book on the subject to be published. Formerly titled Dictionary of Cults, Sects, Religions, and the Occult, it provides reliable information on the history and beliefs of nearly every form of religion active today. This extensively revised edition includes new topics, updated information, and a brand-new format for a clearer, more organized approach.

Contents

Top Highlights

“In stark contrast to Christianity, Buddhism does not embrace the notion of a personal God who is at the same time ^»immanent and ^»transcendent. Rather than a God who is comprised of a threefold personality (Trinity), the Buddhist notion of God is devoid of personality, so that he is spoken of as a Void without emotion. In the end, the goal for each Buddhist is to divest oneself of personality and emotions to achieve absorption into the great Void (Nirvana), thus breaking the cycle of reincarnation.” (Page 42)

“In their most popular publication, Let God Be True, the society vehemently opposes the traditional Christian doctrine of the Trinity, concluding ‘that Satan is the originator of the trinity doctrine.’” (Page 158)

“Perhaps the most widely divergent teaching from that of orthodox Christianity is the Mormon belief that God and the plurality of gods were men before they were gods.” (Page 195)

“Within two days of his arrival, Cowdery was writing into English what Smith was translating from the plates. The resulting document was the ^»Book of Mormon.” (Page 190)

“First, the distinction between good and evil is denied by the Hindu because material reality is illusory.” (Page 127)

Product Details

• Title: Encyclopedic Dictionary of Cults, Sects, and World Religions
• Authors: Larry A. Nichols, George A. Mather, Alvin J. Schmidt
• Publisher: Zondervan
• Print Publication Date: 2006
• Logos Release Date: 2011
• Pages: 544
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Cults › Dictionaries; Sects › Dictionaries; Religions › Dictionaries
• ISBNs: 9780310493679, 9780310239543, 9780310866060, 0310493676, 0310239540, 0310866065
• Resource ID: LLS:ENCYDICTCULTS
• Resource Type: Encyclopedia
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-29T23:41:18Z

About the Authors

Larry A. Nichols is the pastor of Our Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church in Greenville, Rhode Island. He is co-author of Masonic Lodge in the Zondervan Guide to Cults and Religious Movements.

George A. Mather is the pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church in St. George, Utah, and is the co-author of Encyclopedia Dictionary of Cults, Sects, and World Religions.

Alvin J. Schmidt retired in 1999 as professor of sociology at Illinois College in Jacksonville, Illinois, where he still lives. He is the author of several books, including The Great Divide: The Failure of Islam and the Triumph of the West, and served as a consulting editor for Dictionary of Cults, Sects, Religions and the Occult.