Cults and the Occult

The book is good. It gives a good overall report on the major cults and the occult. A good resource.

Overview and Purpose Through careful analysis and research Edmond Gruss provides an introduction to most of the major cults, and the occult. He gives a brief history of the origins for each movement and their founders. He exposes their distorted doctrines as erroneous by comparing their "authoritative" writings with the Word of God. Attention is also directed to the alluring tactics these subtle deceivers use to gain converts. In most cases Gruss discusses how to deal with people who have been deluded by these false teachers and how they might be freed from cult and . Resources for further study are provided. Gruss's main purpose is to prepare evangelical Christians for the work of evangelizing people who have become involved in a cult or the occult. He desires to inform readers of the teachings of the leading cults and the occult, equipping true believer in Christ to meet the challenges presented to the truth of the Word of God. Gruss says "It is now time that the cults were confronted as never before by the evangelical church"(9). Critical Evaluation Gruss successfully fulfills his purpose. He mostly uses the writings of the organization, or a proponent of the movement, to conclusively show its teachings, making it difficult to deny. Gruss's clear communication of the essential points is his greatest strength. It is difficult to understand why the Masons, a cult that leads people into the occult, is not included in a book about cults and the occult. Wicca is also strangely neglected. This book is useful for gaining an understanding of most major cults and forms of the occult, refuting their teachings with scripture, finding resources for deeper study, and practical advise on how the lead those involved to trust Christ as Savior and Lord.