Editing Christian countercult movement (section)

==Overview==
Christian countercult activism mainly stems from [[evangelicalism]] or [[fundamentalism]]. The countercult movement asserts that particular Christian sects are erroneous because their beliefs are not in accordance with the teachings of the [[Bible]]. It also states that a religious sect can be considered a [[cult]] if its beliefs involve a denial of any of the essential Christian teachings (such as [[salvation]], the [[Trinity]], [[Jesus]] himself as a person, the [[ministry of Jesus|ministry]] and [[miracles of Jesus]], [[Crucifixion of Jesus|his crucifixion]], [[Resurrection of Jesus|his resurrection]], the [[Second Coming]] and the [[Rapture]]).<ref>Walter R. Martin, ''The Rise of the Cults'', rev.ed. Santa Ana: Vision House, 1978, pp. 11–2.</ref><ref>Richard Abanes, ''Defending the Faith: A Beginner's Guide to Cults and New Religions'', Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1997, p. 33.</ref><ref>H. Wayne House & Gordon Carle, ''Doctrine Twisting: How Core Biblical Truths are Distorted'', Downers Grove: IVP, 2003.</ref>

Countercult ministries often concern themselves with religious sects that consider themselves Christian but hold beliefs that are thought to contradict the teachings of the Bible. Such sects may include: [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]], the [[Unification Church]], [[Christian Science]], and [[Jehovah's Witnesses]]. Some Protestants classify the [[Catholic Church]] as a cult. Some also denounce non-Christian religions such as [[Islam]], [[Wicca]], [[Paganism]], [[New Age]] groups, [[Buddhism]], [[Hinduism]] and other religions like [[UFO religion]]s.{{Citation needed|date=August 2022}}

Countercult literature usually expresses specific doctrinal or theological concerns and it also has a [[missionary]] or [[apologetics|apologetic]] purpose.<ref>Garry W. Trompf, "Missiology, Methodology and the Study of New Religious Movements," ''Religious Traditions'' 10, 1987, pp. 95–106.</ref> It presents a rebuttal by emphasizing the teachings of the Bible against the beliefs of non-fundamental Christian sects. Christian countercult activist writers also emphasize the need for Christians to [[evangelism|evangelize]] to followers of cults.<ref>Walter R. Martin, ''The Kingdom of the Cults'', rev.ed. Ravi Zacharias ed. Bloomington: Bethany House, 2003, pp. 479–93.</ref><ref>Ronald Enroth ed. ''Evangelising the Cults'', Milton Keynes: Word, 1990.</ref><ref>Norman L Geisler & Ron Rhodes, ''When Cultists Ask: A Popular Handbook on Cultic Misinterpretations'', Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1997.</ref> Some Christians also share concerns similar to those of the secular [[anti-cult movement]].<ref>Paul R. Martin, ''Cult Proofing Your Kids'', Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1993.</ref><ref>Joel A. MacCollam, ''Carnival of Souls: Religious Cults and Young People'', New York: Seabury Press, 1979.</ref>

The movement publishes its views through a variety of media, including books, magazines, and newsletters, radio broadcasting, audio and video [[Cassette tape|cassette]] production, direct-mail appeals, proactive evangelistic encounters, professional and avocational websites, as well as lecture series, training workshops and counter-cult conferences.<ref name="falsewitness">
Cowan, D.E. 2003. ''Bearing False Witness?: An Introduction to the Christian Countercult''. Praeger.
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