Jesus Only Churches

As a former member of a Jesus-only/Oneness denomination (Apostolic-Pentecostal P.A.W), Beisner's work is greatly beneficial and accurate. Beisner's work reaffirmed my decision to leave the denomination after much prayer and having carefully and critically assessed Scripture and doctrine. The tipping point for me was when I was told that other mainline Trinitarian Christians are deemed "unbelievers" and their "salvation was incomplete" because in part they "had not been baptized in Jesus' name..." Beisner, as part of Zondervan's series on cults, compares "Jesus Only" (aka Oneness) and Trinitarian doctrines side-by-side so that the reader has a clear view of the context and supporting material for both Oneness and Trinitarian doctrines. Beisner concludes and supports why the 'Jesus only' churches are the subject of the Zondervan series on cults, are in error, and are against the mainline Christian doctrines while also showing where there is agreement between aspects of the two doctrines; the differences, however, are sharp. Here's a link to a great debate which demonstrates the sharp differences: [...] featuring Beisner and others. I recommend Dr. Gregory A. Boyd's, "Oneness Pentecostals and the Trinity". Boyd excellently writes from the vantagepoint of a former Oneness proponent and unveils the Oneness doctrine, its flawed logical and exegetical approaches, and why it is presently, and historically, in error. Good companion to Beisner's work.

As a former oneness church member (UPCI), I can honestly say that Beisner does a fabulous job of exposing a heresy that has its roots in ancient modalism/sabellianism. This work does not seek to tackle all of the oneness literature that has ever been published, rather it directly confronts much of the work of the ordained "hero" of the United Pentecostal Church International, David K. Bernard. Even though the oneness doctrine has changed over the years (I was a 3rd generation oneness believer)in order to "duck" attention by cult researchers, Beisner's book offers evidence from the scriptures and from scholarship which has NEVER been legitimately refuted by Bernard or anyone else! It has been a valuable witnessing tool to a movement that relies on extra-biblical revelation rather than the Word of God.

Beisner has done an oustanding job in refuting the Oneness doctrine, pronounced as heresy numerous times in church history. It is a wonder, however, how the oneness readers were able to keep their attention with a snake in one hand and bottle of poison in the other. :-)

Mr. Beisner's book gives clear and cogent responses to the heresy of Oneness Pentecostalism. As a former member of this group, I can verify the fact that Cal gives an accurate account of the doctrine this group adheres to. A person does not need to be in the sewer to know it stinks and Beisner's documentation comes from primary sources. I especially liked the outline format that even a six year can follow. Although the book is less than 100 pages, it's jam packed with everything you need to know to refute the teaching of Oneness Pentecostalism. In fact, it answers questions I know members of this group have. You can find out such things as why Jesus is not speaking to Himself..., why the word Trinity doesn't have to be in the Bible..., how the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit can be distinct "persons" yet still be the ONE living Lord of the universe..., and much more.It becomes obvious to anyone who reads this book that the Oneness doctrine believes in another Jesus that is nothing like the Jesus portrayed in Scripture. As the cover illustration and three mask graphics allude to, Beisner shows how the Jesus of Oneness Pentecostalism wears the mask of the "Father" one time and then the mask of the "Son" another time.This book is a valuable tool I constantly use in helping those in this movement see the errors they've been taught.

Please remove my review. It was too harsh