Cult: By its primary dictionary definition, the term cult just means a system of religious beliefs or rituals. It is based on a farming term in Latin meaning cultivation. Sociologists and anthropologists sometimes use the term cult to describe religious structure or belief patterns with meanings (usually non-pejorative) unique to their disciplines. In modern usage, the term cult is often used by the general public to describe any religious group they view as strange or dangerous. Thus, cult can describe religious leaders or organizations that employ abusive, manipulative, or illegal control over their followers' lives. In addition to these usages, Christians generally have a doctrinal component to their use of the word. Cult in this sense, is a counterfeit or serious deviation from the doctrines of classical Christianity. In most cases the group claims to be Christian, but because of their aberrant beliefs on central doctrines of the faith (God, Jesus, and salvation), the organization is not considered to be part of orthodox, biblical Christianity.

Oneness Pentecostal: (Jesus Only) A heresy that emerged from the mainstream Pentecostal movement of the early 20th century. Unlike traditional Pentecostals, "Oneness" followers deny the doctrine of the Trinity in favor of Modalism. In addition to this heresy, most Oneness Pentecostal organizations also teach that speaking in tongues, baptism (in Jesus' name only), and maintaining various moral "standards" are necessary for salvation. See "Modalism," " Salvation by Works."

United Pentecostal Church International: Denies the doctrine of the Trinity teaching "Jesus Only". Works required for salvation including baptism (in Jesus' name, only) and speaking in tongues as evidence of indwelling Holy Spirit. These aberrant beliefs make the UPC a cult.

Modalism: (Patripassianism, Modalistic Monarchianism, Sabellianism, Jesus Only, Oneness) A second and third century heresy that denies the doctrine of the Trinity, teaching there is only one Person in the Godhead. While the Trinity doctrine teaches three distinct Persons, Modalism maintains that one Person (usually the Father) has manifested Himself at different times under different names (Jesus/Spirit) or modes. Thus, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are three names for the same Person. Originally taught in various forms by Noetus, Praxeas and Sabellius. Modified forms of this doctrine can be found in the teachings of William Branham, some Apostolic churches and the United Pentecostal Church. See "Trinity," "Monarchianism."

Monarchianism: A rejection of the Trinity doctrine found sporadically throughout early Christian history. The belief that God's nature is one and that therefore He can not exist eternally in three Persons. Two most popular forms of monarchianism are dynamic and modalistic. See "Trinity," "Modalism."

Trinity: A doctrine held historically by orthodox Christianity. The one true God eternally exists as three distinct Persons - the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The three are co-equal, co-eternal, and one in essence. This doctrine contrasts with both Modalism and Tritheism.

Salvation by Works: The doctrine that eternal life is merited or must be earned through human effort, religious ritual, financial donations, obedience to laws/commandments and/or moral behavior. See "Salvation by Grace," "Gospel," "Jesus Christ."

Salvation by Grace: The doctrine that eternal life is not gained by works but an undeserved gift from God received by the imputed (attributed) righteousness Christ through faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. See "Salvation by Works," "Gospel," "Jesus Christ."

Gospel: From the Greek "good news," the term gospel is used by traditional Christians as a reference to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ for salvation to those who believe (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). It can mean having to do with Christianity. Also the New Testament books containing the life story of Jesus (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John). Sometimes "gospel" is used in contrast with "other gospels" which are false salvation messages that are ultimately "bad news" (2 Corinthians 11:4; Galatians 1:6-9).

Jesus Christ: The central figure of Christianity. Believed by historic, traditional Christianity to be the second Person of the Trinity who was/is fully God and fully man, who was virgin born, lived a sinless life, died on the cross as a substitutionary sacrifice, for the sins of humanity, rose bodily from the dead, and will return again.

Tritheism: The belief in three separate Gods. A denial of the Trinity doctrine. A form of Polytheism. Polytheism: The belief in the existence of more than one true God. Examples include Greek, Roman and Norse mythology; ancient Egyptian, Babylonian and Assyrian religions, and Mormonism. See "Monotheism," "Pantheism."

Pantheism: The belief that all is One and that One is God, thus all is God. This God is an all-encompassing, impersonal principle or force. A central doctrine for most eastern religions and New Age groups.