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Heretics

A heretical sect is roughly defined as a group that once had roots in historic orthodox Christianity, but has gone beyond what is considered orthodox Christianity, either by adding new doctrines or removing old ones.  The ecumenical creeds are often a quick standard to establish orthodox teaching by, as they are accepted by a majority of Christians, in both East and West.

Books in the section may be books by members of a heretical sect, or they may be books about a sect by non-members.

Christian Science - On of the early mind sciences, and a for runner for the modern New Age thought, Christian Science was founded by Mary Baker Eddy.  I places an emphasis on divine healing and many of its adherents shun medical attention.

Jehovah's Witnesses - Also known as the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. The Jehovah's Witnesses are modern day Arians (from Arius, fourth century heretic) who deny the Trinity, the existence of Hell, the deity of Christ, the deity of the Holy Spirit, and have produced a Bible "translation," the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, to support their claims. They also have several periodicals, called The Awake and The Watchtower.

Mormon - The Mormon Church is officially know as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is the product of the life's work of Joseph Smith, Jr. In 1820 the young Smith was visited by an angel named Moroni who claimed to be sent from the throne room of God. Moroni told Smith that God had great plans for his life and gave him instructions to carry out. Smith proceeded to translate The Book of Mormon from gold plates he had found. He also retranslated the King James Version so it would align with the original scriptures. Mormon doctrine is complex and layered. On the surface they appear to be another Christian denomination and use standard Christian terminology (i.e. trinity, hell, etc.), but in fact they have wildly differing views from that of Orthodox Christianity.

Shakers - Although the Shakers as a sect only have four members left on a farm at Sabbathday Lake, Maine, they were a some what popular group in the past, especially in the United States.  Originating in Manchester, England, they fled due to religious persecution and landed in American in the 18th century.  A splinter group that originated with the Quakes, or Society of Friends.  Ann Lee, the founder was believed to be the second incarnation of Christ in female form. They also believe that God has human male and female aspects.  They received their name from the shaking that the followers experienced during their services.  While shaking they would dance, shout or speak in tongues.  They are also known as the United Society of Believers (in Christ's Second Appearing).

Swedenborgism - A reinterpretation of Christianity based on the writings of 18th century scientist and theologian, Emanuel Swedenborg. He denied the Trinity, deity of the Holy Spirit, the authority of the Bible, and believed that the "New Christianity" would over take the Orthodox Christianity. He viewed the Bible as a spiritual allegory we all have to investigate for ourselves. His writings are very mystical and esoteric in nature, and in ways can be seen as a resurrection of the ancient heresy of Gnosticism. Swedenborgism has had a recent revival due to the New Age Movement, and to an extent, some of this theology has filtered down into some of the fringe modern Charismatic groups.

Miscellanies - This is a selection of books that do not have category, or cover many different categories.