[RnMomof7]

Smaller, evangelical Protestant denominations, along with the evangelical Mormon church, saw big increases.

I have found in WNY the cults are VERY active..this largely RC community does not know the word of God and can not easily pick up the "subtle" scripture changes made ..so what they hear SOUNDS like the bible they hear in church

A JW once told me they stay away from the "born agains" ..I believe that is not only because the born again would see the error in their teaching but would also be more likely to evangelize the 'missionaries" themselves

I met a Catholic aquaintance that had become a JW ..I could not believe it..his family was VERY active in the church..but he never knew what hit him..his ear did not hear the "minor changes " that spell false teaching

I am always trying to encourage private bible study so the word of god is known well enough people do not fall for false doctrine

[NYer]

this largely RC community does not know the word of God and can not easily pick up the "subtle" scripture changes made

Excellent point!! Since many catholics "hear" the "written word" on Sunday at mass, they don't often feel called to pick up the bible for a good read. When any "christian" comes a knowcking on the door, they are impressed by their knowledge of scripture and categorize them as God fearing individuals.

This is one bad habit the pope would like to see rectified.

[KennyV]

I agree. Their pitch can be very suttle and it's hard to determine where their misinterpretation of Scripture is.

In addition to reading and knowing the Word of God, there are many apologetic books avaliable that can let us know exactly where the cults will misinterpret Scripture.

Very much worth the time and price to become familiar with their tactics.

[Salvation]

I am always trying to encourage private bible study so the word of god is known well enough people do not fall for false doctrine

Bumping that idea!

[wai-ming]

I am always trying to encourage private bible study so the word of god is known well enough people do not fall for false doctrine.

And if the conclusions they draw from "private Bible study" are different from the ones you draw, is that considered "false doctrine"?