This book is not only an introduction to the entire Zondervan Guide to Cults and Religious Movements series, but also a quick-reference guide to the groups and movements discussed in the series. Truth and Error brings together in one volume the charts from the various guides that show how the groups and movements differ theologically from historic orthodox Christianity. Each chart is introduced by the general editor, Alan Gomes. The books in the series that do not have comparison charts are introduced and summarized. Each book in the series includes - A concise introduction to the group or topic - An overview of the group's or movement's theology -- in their own words - A biblical response - Tips for witnessing effectively to members of the group - A bibliography with sources for further study -- Most books also include a comparison chart that shows the essential differences between biblical Christianity and the group. The charts from these books are reproduced in Truth & Error. Fast, informed answers to the challenges of false religions This is an age when countless groups and movements, new and old, mark the religious landscape in our culture. As a result, many people are confused or uncertain in their search for spiritual truth and meaning. Because few people have the time or opportunity to research these movements fully, the Zondervan Guide to Cults and Religious Movements series provides essential information and insights for their spiritual journeys. The second wave of books in this series addresses a broad range of spiritual beliefs, from non-Trinitarian Christian sects to witchcraft and neo-paganism to classic non-Christian religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism. All books but the summary volume, Truth and Error, contain five sections: A concise introduction to the group being surveyed An overview of the group's theology--in its own words Tips for witnessing effectively to members of the group A bibliography with sources for further study A comparison chart that shows the essential differences between biblical Christianity and the group Truth and Error, the last book in the series, consists of parallel doctrinal charts compiled from all the other volumes. Three distinctives make this series especially useful to readers: Information is carefully distilled to bring out truly essential points, rather than requiring readers to sift their way through a sea of secondary details. Information is presented in a clear, easy-to-follow outline form with menu bar running heads. This format greatly assists the reader in quickly locating topics and details of interest. Each book meets the needs and skill levels of both nontechnical and technical readers, providing an elementary level of refutation and progressing to a more advanced level using arguments based on the biblical text. The writers of these volumes are well qualified to present clear and reliable information and help readers to discern truth from falsehood. Alan W. Gomes is general editor to the entire series, Zondervan Guide to Cults and Religious Movements, as well as one of the authors. He is associate professor of historical theology at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University This book is not only an introduction to the entire Zondervan Guide to Cults and Religious Movements series, but also a quick-reference guide to the groups and movements discussed in the series. Truth and Error brings together in one volume the charts from the various guides that show how the groups and movements differ theologically from historic orthodox Christianity. Each chart is introduced by the general editor, Alan Gomes. The books in the series that do not have comparison charts are introduced and summarized. Each book in the series includes - A concise introduction to the group or topic - An overview of the group's or movement's theology -- in their own words - A biblical response - Tips for witnessing effectively to members of the group - A bibliography with sources for further study -- Most books also include a comparison chart that shows the essential differences between biblical Christianity and the group. The charts from these books are reproduced in Truth& Error. Alan W. Gomes (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is associate professor of historical theology and chairman of the department of theology at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University. Chapter IJehovah's WitnessesAuthor: Robert M. Bowman, Jr.; summary by Alan W. GomesBackgroundThe Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, more commonly known as Jehovah'sWitnesses, was founded in the 1880s by Charles Taze Russell, a haberdasherfrom Allegheny, Pennsylvania. Russell, who attended Presbyterian and Congregationalchurches as a child, found himself unable to accept their teachingabout hell. Under Seventh-day Adventist influence, Russell embraced theirteaching that 'hell' stood for the grave and that the wicked would ultimately beannihilated, not tortured consciously for eternity. Also through Adventist influenc