1. To know what is believed in order to defend against false doctrines
2. To recognize the deception that many people are under and seek to set them free with the gospel
3. To protect against becoming deceived ourselves
4. To protect our families and friends from false religions and cults
5. To know the truth

This is a careful study of some of the major world religions and cults. This study will quote original source material from those sources accepted as authoritative to each of the religions or material generally accepted by most in the religion. Many people study different religions, however they do not spend the time to understand these religions in their own context. Many study with the view to refute. This study will attempt to explain what the belief systems are within the context of the religion, not the Christian context. The areas of each study include:

1. View of Authority (Scriptures)

The view of authority will address those documents or people that the religion believes are authoritative. Some of these authorities are considered to be God’s Word. It must also be studied as to how these religions acquired these authorities, which may include the view of inspiration and how they believe God’s Word is revealed. The view of authority is the starting point for any religion because it gives the parameters of the belief system of the religion.
2. View of God (Trinity)

The view of God will address the nature and attributes of God in general where they disagree with Biblical Christianity. More specifically it will address the issues of the Godhead and view of the Trinity. The Trinity has become unique to Christianity in general; however, there are those that call themselves Christian that disbelieve in the Trinity.
3. View of Jesus Christ (Deity)

The view of Jesus Christ is the heartbeat of Christianity. The question is over His Deity. The view that Jesus Christ is God is unique to Christianity. However, since the early years of Christianity there was debate over His Deity and Humanity. Many, so called, “Christians” argue these same issues today.
4. View of Sin (Man’s Spiritual Condition)

The view of sin is essential to understanding the religion’s view of salvation. The core issue is man’s spiritual condition. Is man born spiritually dead or neutral with the possibility to sin or do good and affected by his/her environment? How one views sin answers the question of how one views salvation and the purpose of it.
5. View of Salvation (How Does One Go to Heaven)

The view of salvation is the essential doctrine that differentiates Biblical Christianity from all other religions. Therefore, it is the most important topic in the study of world religions and cults. The question addressed is if man can work for salvation or not.
6. View of Eternal State (Heaven and Hell)

The view of eternal state is often the goal of salvation. The view of heaven, hell and any other final judgment differs between religions.