DEFENDING THE FAITH
by Richard Abanes
Baker Book House, 240 pages, $14.99

Defined as “a beginner’s guide to cults and new religions,” Rich Abanes’ recent publication is that and a whole lot more. His defense of and reasons for the Christian faith are not beneficial just to the novice cult-watcher. They’re a great refresher course for even the well-versed apologist.

In the book’s four parts (12 chapters), Abanes surveys the major doctrines of Christianity and therein infuses his study of the heretical pronouncements of cults, new religions and aberrational teachers. He exposes the counterfeit with the genuine. All the major tenets of the Christian faith are covered, including the inspiration and reliability of Scripture, the triune nature of God, the uniqueness of Christ, His vicarious atonement and bodily resurrection, man’s destiny, and endtime speculation.

Readers become acquainted not only with the dominant cultic forces prevalent today, but with a handful of self-appointed prophets sowing their seeds of confusion within the Church. This latter group includes: Harold Camping, Edgar Whisenant and John Hinkle. Abanes’ work could have been further enhanced by adding the unscriptural declarations and biblical eisegesis of other well-known visionaries, including Benny Hinn.

The volume’s extensive endnotes, as well as its Scripture and Subject Indexes, help to make the book a valuable apologetic resource.

—MKG

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