(Download) "Poisoned Fruit: An Analysis of the International Church of Christ's Departure from the Gospel" by Joseph Franklin * eBook PDF Kindle ePub Free
eBook details
- Title: Poisoned Fruit: An Analysis of the International Church of Christ's Departure from the Gospel
- Author : Joseph Franklin
- Release Date : January 19, 2019
- Genre: Religion & Spirituality,Books,
- Pages : * pages
- Size : 1850 KB
Description
In Poisoned Fruit, the first in a six-book series, author Joe Franklin evaluates the International Churches of Christ prior to their crisis in 2003, and advocates and defends the Christian gospel, doctrine and theology.
The ICOC did not, and still does not, hold to sound teaching or orthodox Bible definitions. These departures have led to four decades of man-centered religion and unintended psychological and spiritual abuse. The group denies anyone is being damaged by their extreme form of discipleship “training.” “Those that don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it” is an appropriate saying with regards to the ICOC. In that light, Poisoned Fruit is a relevant analysis for anyone wanting to understand the formative roots of the International Church of Christ, formerly known as the Boston Movement.
Franklin examines the arguments and methods the International Churches of Christ have used to get their converts to accept a “different gospel.” Their beliefs, traditions, unwritten creeds, extra-biblical revelations and practices are compared to the Bible. The thought reform or psychosocial manipulation that was ushered into the group by Kip McKean is thoroughly examined. Franklin concludes that the ICOC is a thought reform practicing Christian organization. Hence, Dr. Robert J. Lifton’s thought reform model is referenced frequently.
Peculiar expressions and words have unorthodox meanings within the group, and have been used over the years by leaders to exploit their members, working their way into the group as unwritten creeds and traditions, universally practiced, to one degree or another, in all ICOC affiliated churches to date (2019). This new religious movement got its start in 1979 and now has 40 years of deceptive recruiting practices, organized indoctrination, manipulation and heresy under its belt.
Franklin analyzes the group’s false man-centered gospel and salvation. Historically, the ICOC’s total commitment discipleship has confused justification and sanctification. All cults of Christianity deny salvation by grace through faith and add other conditions and requirements to obtaining and maintaining salvation. The ICOC is no different. The Bible is clear that God appropriates salvation by repentant faith alone. The ICOC’s total commitment discipleship also negates grace with works, a teaching that promotes a Jesus-plus theology.
The Boston Movement has its roots in the Crossroads Church of Christ in Gainesville, Florida. It was during the fall of 1986 that some of the teachings, derivations of ideas and practices begun at the Crossroads church began to accelerate and take shape. The Crossroads leadership took a stand against the Boston Movement in June 1988, opposing their unbiblical practices.
Franklin also highlights the 1988 document “Progressive Revelation,” the “founding manifesto” of the ICOC. It was written by Gordon Ferguson, with Kip McKean’s approval. These beliefs and doctrines are rooted in ancient heresy.
According to the movement, God can grant revelations of new ways to apply and interpret old Bible truths. In 1988, Boston leadership claimed that God was, in essence, telling them that additional steps and requirements needed to be added to the plan of salvation (gospel). Progressive Revelation continues to be their current belief and practice worldwide. These “myths” became official church policy beginning on May 1, 1988, as stated in the Boston Bulletin.
Franklin examines a fundamental teaching in the Progressive Revelation 5-part series, commonly referred to as “disciple’s baptism.” This man-created addition to the gospel makes salvation a meritorious work and, in the 80’s, led to brutal reconstructions (hostile takeovers) of other Churches of Christ, part of their history that the group has brushed under the rug.
He also reviews issues facing the movement and its followers, including post-cult recovery and provides a free spiritual abuse recovery guide.