Apologetics Index - R
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Radhasoami Satsang Beas
... a religion based on what is called Surat Shabd Yoga (the yoga of "divine sounds and light"), from which much of the American cult of Eckankar was derived. Raelian Religion
Rajneesh, Bhagwan Shree
Rama, Swami
Swami Rama is the controversial founder of the Himalayan International Institute of Yoga Science and Philosophy. He became famous through biofeedback research conducted with biofeedback pioneer Dr. Elmer Green at the Menninger Institute
Ram Dass
Ramtha
Ramtha
Randi, James
Randolf, Larry
The thing he (Satan) is threatened by is what we're carrying in the womb of our spirit: the seed of God... When God processes this thing and we come out the other end, we are going to be a people, one new man in the earth, that are going to exhibit and showcase the Kingdom of God in such a degree that the nations, kings are going to come to our feet and ask of us the things of God.
Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship, November 18, 1994
This is Kingdom Now Theology.
See also: Birthing
The context of Randolf's teaching is that the process of God is taking place now, before Christ returns, before the time when the Bible teaches Christ's Church is changed forever upon His return.
Rapture
Rastafarianism
Ravi Zacharias International Ministries
Reachout Trust
Christian countercult organization. England.
Reason & Revelation
An 8-page monthly journal on Christian evidences, published by Apologetics Press.
Reasoning from the Scriptures
General apologetics. Includes downloadable articles on a variety of subjects.
Dr. Ron Rhodes, Director
Reasoning from the Scriptures Ministries
P.O. Box 80087
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
Tel: (714) 888-8848 and (714) 888-7989
Fax: (714) 888-8848
Email: ronrhodes@earthlink.net
Rebirthing
Reconstructionism, Christian
Recovered Memory Therapy
Considered by many to be a misnomer, as the "recovered memories" usually turn out to be false.
See False Memory Syndrome
Recovery From Mormonism
Excellent site by and for ex-Mormons. Includes 70 testimonies of ex-Mormons, as well as an extensive list of links - the latter in the form of a well-written tract. This is a secular site that also operates a mailing list for ex-Mormons.
Recovery Version
Redfield, James
Popular new age author of "The Celestine Prophecy," "The Tenth Insight," and "The Secret of Shambhala." His wife, Salle Merrill Redfield, also publishes books promoting new age philosophies.
The author's success is easily explained, Rowbotham believes. Redfield, he said, has taken the sometimes esoteric metaphysical principles of what generally is described as New Age thought and incorporated them into a highly readable format.
The Celestine Prophecy Reviewed by Joe Szimhart
» Database of archived news items
(Includes items added between Oct. 25, 1999 and Jan. 31, 2002. See about this database)
Referat für Weltanschauungs und Sektenfragen im Bistum Trier
German countercult ministry. German language only.
reFOCUS
reFOCUS is a network of referral and support for former members of closed, high-demand groups, relationships, or cults. We offer referrals to other former members of similar or the same groups, to other former members in your local area, to support groups, to appropriate professionals, to resources for recovery, to recovery workshops, and to support organizations.
Publication: reFocus Newsletter
See also: Spiritual Abuse
Reformation
[R]eligious revolution that took place in Western Europe in the 16th cent. It arose from objections to doctrines and practices in the medieval church (see Roman Catholic Church) and ultimately led to the freedom of dissent (see Protestantism). Reiki
Our entry on Reiki has moved.
Reincarnation
Hindu concept adopted by the Western New Age movement.
Is Reincarnation Biblical? by Ron Rhodes 
Reincarnation and Past Lives? Concerning an increase in recent years in belief in reincarnation. By Leslie Price, in "Evangelicals Now."
Reincarnation and the Bible by Dr. Paul R. Eddy
Reincarnation and the Transmigration of Souls Good Overview. On the Dialog Center site
Relativism
A theory of ethics or knowledge which maintains that the basis of judgment is relative, differing according to the situation, person or events one is dealing with.
See also: Postmodernism
Many people are concerned about the tide of moral relativism that is rising steadily in our country. And rightly so: Relativism affects our education system, the legal system, and how people think about everyday issues. Yet little has been written on the topic outside academic circles.
This void is filled by Beckwith and Koukl, who analyze relativism and present strategies to defend the belief in moral absolutes. Using a commonsense approach, Koukl defines relativism, traces its growth over the past few decades, and critiques the logical inconsistencies to which its supporters are led. He then presents a case for moral objectivism. Beckwith, building on Koukl's foundation, evaluates the influence of relativism on issues including abortion, homosexuality, political correctness, multiculturalism, and tolerance. In each of these areas, Beckwith provides compelling arguments for thinking people.
Following in the tradition of C.S. Lewis and Francis Schaeffer, RELATIVISM is an important guide for those who are concerned about intellectual issues that challenge classical theism. Religious Freedom
The freedom to believe in, practice, and promote the religion of choice without (government) interference, harrassment, or other repercussions.
Some groups try and abuse the concept of "freedom of religion" to prevent or attack critical evaluations of their teachings and practices. Not surprisingly, this cause is currently championed by a number of cultic movements and cult apologists. Examples: Scientology vs. Germany, the Scientology-backed CAN, and CESNUR.
The United States uses the issue of religious freedom in an attempt to interfere with the internal business of sovereign nations.
See also: Religious Freedom, Tolerance, and Intolerance, Religious Intolerance, Religious Persecution and news items listed under individual country names.
» Find related news items in AI's News Archive.
(Includes items added between Oct. 25, 1999 and Jan. 31, 2002. See about this database)
Religious Information Network
Religious Intolerance
Refusal to allow other people the freedom to have and practice their own beliefs.
Also, the unwillingness to have one's own beliefs critically evaluated.
Other items that can be filed under this heading include such things as the ACLU's fight against Christmas displays on government property, as well as their almost morbid fear of crosses on public property. Example of how silly this gets: a few years ago a man moved from Los Angeles ("The Angels") to San Diego (named after Saint Diego), and promptly sued the city because he claimed the religious symbolism of the cross (a war memorial) on Mount Soledad so upset him that he could not enjoy the view...
(Incidentally, ACLU offices are always closed on Christmas. Kind-a hypocritical, really.)
In the USA, which tries to force other countries to comply with its views on religious freedom, religious intolerance often occurs under the cover of the constitutional separation of church and state, causing the nation's courts to outlaw certain religious practices (e.g. mentioning Jesus at graduation ceremonies, or opening football games with a prayer). Atheists use these laws in their legal attacks on the display of crosses (even those at graveyards or ones erected in memory of war heroes).
The ACLU also attacks so-called ''moments of silence'' at schools. Designed to allow students and faculty to pray or meditate to the deity of choice (or, alternatively, to daydream, try and remember the lyrics of some love song, worry about an upcoming test, or just go blank), because, it claims, '' this law has had state-sanctioned prayer written all over it.''
See also: Religious Freedom, Tolerance, and Intolerance, Religious Freedom, Religious Persecution and news items under individual country names.
Religious Movement Resource Center
Provides information on destructive cults and hate groups as well as providing services including counseling, legal referrals, an extensive library, conducting workshops, and much more.
Hal Mansfield, Director
United Campus Ministry
629 S Howes
Ft Collins, CO 80521
Phone: (970)-490-2032.
Religious Movements Homepage Project
Religious Persecution
The practice of discouraging freedom of religion and the freedom to express and/or promote all or certain religious beliefs - with repercussions ranging from prevention to persecution (including murder).
Example: Iran's murder of members of Bahá'í
See also: Religious Freedom, Tolerance, and Intolerance, Religious Freedom, and Religious Intolerance and news items listed under individual country names.
» Archived news articles on persecution
(Includes items added between Oct. 25, 1999 and Jan. 31, 2002. See about this database)
Religious Technology Center
A Scientology organization.
Religious Tolerance
Allowing people the freedom to have their own beliefs and related actions, without necessarily validating those beliefs.
However, cults and cult defenders often twist the term's meaning, suggesting that religious tolerance means the absence of any critical evaluation of beliefs and actions. By denying others the right to hold and express religious views that challenge the validity of competing and/or contradictory religious views, these revisionists promote religious intolerance.
See Religious Intolerance, Religious Freedom, and Religious Persecution, Pluralism.
REMID - Religionswissenschaftlicher Medien- und Informationsdienst e.V.
Religious Studies Media- and Information Service. German organization...
...founded by a number of scholars of religious studies in the spring of 1989. The aim of REMID is »to broaden and deepen public awareness about religions and religious movements. This is to be carried out from a 'religious studies' point of view« ( 2 of the statute). REMID has its roots in the present unsatisfactory media situation in Germany, where there is a lack of qualified and non-denominational persons in the field of 'religon'. REMID intends to fill this gap by a mediation of competent professionals as well as through reports and studies, which it is able to research on request.
Cooperates with CESNUR in sponsoring conferences.
Email: remidmail@aol.com
Renewal
Renewal
A time of refreshment, rededication and recommitment taking place within an individual and/or the church. The Bible says:
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2 NIV
The Greek grammar shows that being renewed is, for a Christian, to be an on-going action. How this is accomplished is described here:
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;
to be made new in the attitude of your minds;
and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.
Ephesians 4:22-25 NIV
Currently, the term is used by supporters and promoters of certain renewal and revival movements. They claim renewal is evidenced by doing "carpet-time", yielding to "holy laughter", and having other "manifestations".
See Renewal and Revival Movements (Modern)
Renewal and Revival Movements - Modern
There are various current renewal and revival movements. Some of them adhere to controversial and/or un-Biblical doctrines, practices and belief systems.
 Extended Entry Lots of additional information, including links to articles, books, mailing lists, sites, etc.
Renewing Your Mind Online With R.C. Sproul
Ligonier Ministries
PO Box 547500
Orlando, FL 32854
Reno, Janet
See also Hoaxes and Conspiracy Theories
A hoax has been circulating which claims the Janet Reno made the following remarks during an interview on "60 Minutes," aired June 26, 1994.
NOTE: This "quote" is a hoax!
'A cultist is one who has a strong belief in the Bible and the Second Coming of Christ; who frequently attends Bible studies; who has a high level of financial giving to a Christian cause; who home schools for their children; who has accumulated survival foods and has a strong belief in the Second Amendment; and who distrusts big government. Any of these may qualify (a person as a cultist) but certainly more than one would cause us to strongly look at this person as a threat, and his family as being in a risk situation that qualified for government interference. Waco was one of those situations that qualified under our definition of people being at risk that necessitates government action to save them.
NOTE: The above "quote" is a hoax!
This alleged "quote" is a hoax. The quote has variously been attributed to Janet Reno, or to a statement allegedly made by the "Cult Awareness Task Force." I believe Ms. Reno acted extremely irresponsible in the Waco situation - though, admittedly, basing her instructions on information provided (or withheld) by the FBI. However, the alleged quote can not be attributed to her.
Like all hoaxes, it simply keeps getting recycled.
» Janet Reno's biography
Note: if you are looking for info on Waco, see Branch Dividians
Potholes on the Information Superhighway This article from the April 28, 1995 issue of "The New Gun Week" includes details about the Reno Hoax. The article can also be read in Deja.com
Today people not only believe what they want to believe, they are also writing and saying what they want to believe. There are those who report to others what they believe they heard or saw, even if no one else can confirm the information. In addition, we seem to have in modern times a wide use of disinformation techniques. This involves people who disseminate information on behalf of their opponents so that when the information is repeated and used, it is to the discredit
of someone else. This technique relies on attributing statements or actions to someone else that may be believed enough to be regarded as a revelation that confirms suspicions. A recent example involves a statement attributed to Attorney General Janet Reno, about which Gun Week has also received a number of inquiries.
[...more...]
Reno Failure An entry on the "Urban Legends Reference Pages" site
Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
The RLDS (recently re-named to '' Community of Christ,'' is sect of Mormonism, which itself is a cult of Christianity. Theologically, the RLDS is considered to be a cult of Christianity as well.
According to Fraser, the RLDS should be classified as a cult for the reason that they deny all of the Christian doctrines.
Gordon Fraser says, ''The Reorganized Church makes an affirmation of the Christian belief regarding the Father, Son and Holy Spirit but have some reservations in accepting the doctrine of the Trinity as held by orthodox Christianity.''
As regards the doctrine of man, the RLDS are humanists. Man is naturally good but has a tendency toward evil. Man is capable of redeeming himself by following good. Of course, this is not a biblical doctrine (Romans 3).
The above tenets are just a few that place the RLDS into the false religious camp, especially since there is so much loyalty to their prophet, Joseph Smith, and Smith was a false prophet.
Articles
See Also
Replacement Theology
Promoters of replacement theology replace Israel with the Church as the object of Biblical prophecy. Taught within the Latter Rain Movement.
Research and Education Foundation
Resource Center for Freedom of Mind
Steve Hassan's site. Includes news and information about various groups.
REST Ministries
REST = Recovering from Experiences of Spiritual Tyranny. Deals with issues about spiritual abuse.
Resting in the Spirit
Restoration Movement
Resurrection
Reting Lama
The Reting is significant as one of the few Tibetan lamas who can act as regent in the absence of the Dalai Lama, who held political power in Tibet before 1949.
The Reting is of lesser rank than the Panchen or Karmapa but important because he can act as regent in the absence of the Dalai Lama. REVEAL
An organization of former members of the International
Churches of Christ which hosts a web site with an enormous amount of
information, both secular and Christian, about the ICC. [REVEAL is]...an organization of former members of
the International Churches of Christ and its predecessor religious
movements, the "Boston Movement", or Boston Church of Christ, and the
"Crossroads Movement", or Crossroads Church of Christ.... Our purpose is
to bring the ICC into the light of day -- to provide accurate, detailed and
complete information about its beliefs and practices.
Revival
Time during which the church experiences extraordinary growth as many people accept Jesus.
See also Renewal and Revival Movements (Modern)
Revival Centres International
Australia-based network of churches. Requires speaking in tongues as evidence of salvation. Teaches British-Israelism ( Identity) and Bible numerics.
WWW.Cults.Org (CONTRA) This site includes an informative FAQ, Revival Centers "Answered Verse By Verse," an active message board, and more to come.
Revelational Knowledge
Information claimed to have been revealed by God, and generally difficult or impossible to verify. Often un-Biblical or extra-Biblical.
The controversies surrounding the Kansas City Prophets and their supporters, and the heresies promoted by the Word-Faith movement reveal the danger of blindly accepting "revelation knowledge."
See also rhema.
Revelation, Book of
Revival Now! Ministries
Formerly Sunderland Christian Centre (England). Church connected to the Toronto Blessing Movement. Lead by Ken and Lois Gott.
R.E.V.I.V.E.
The acronym stands for "Research Evaluate Validate Inform Vitalize & Emancipate"
... a student organization aimed at disseminating information about high pressure, destructive groups. We provide resources and support for former members of cultic groups. With this website, we hope to establish a liaison between cult awareness clubs on college campuses world-wide.
Rhema
One of two Greek words in the New Testament which refer to the "Word of God." The other is logos. Though the Bible uses the two words interchangeably, in Word-Faith theology, rhema is said to be the "spoken Word of God," while logos is considered the "written Word of God." This doctrine has been adopted by renewal and revival movements such as the Toronto Blessing and the Pensacola Outpouring
In this doctrine, Rhema is used for extra-Biblical revelation, such as "words of knowledge," or "prophecies."
The danger of the rhema vs. logos doctrines can be seen in some of the current renewal and revival movements, where experience and extra-Biblical revelation are increasingly taking precedence over the written Word of God. The renewal and revival movements have adopted this doctrine, because it fits in with their view that the Church is to be lead and taught by prophets and apostles who, they claim, reveal things that were previously "hidden".
Rhodes, Dr. Ron
President of Reasoning from the Scriptures Ministries
Adjunct Professor of Theology at Southern Evangelical Seminary, Charlotte, North Carolina.
Adjunct Professor of Theology at Golden Gate Seminary, Southern California.
Author of numerous books and articles on apologetics issues.
See Reasoning from the Scriptures
Rhuani Satsang
Founded by Kirpal Singh, Rhuani Satsang is a further development of Radhasoami.
Riplinger, Gail
Author of "New Age Bible Versions," a book that claims modern Bible versions pervert and obscure God's Word. Promotes King James Only-ism.
There is hardly a page of this book that is free from error. Riplinger does not know Greek, Hebrew, textual criticism, linguistics, principles of translation, logical argumentation, proper citation and documentation standards, competent English grammar and style, or even consistent spelling.
Riss, Richard M.
Apologist for today's controversial Revival Movements, primarily the Toronto Blessing and the Pensacola Outpouring. Defends the teachings of David Cho and the ministry of William Branham. Promotes Latter Rain teachings.
God permits persecution for the training of his remnant in the proper methods of spiritual warfare.
Richard Riss, The Purpose of Revival
The world-shattering storm of evil that is coming will actually bring forth the government of God in and through His own reigning ones. They shall reign with the Lord and gather together all things into one, for the storm will have destroyed forever the power of things as they now are to sustain themselves any longer.
Richard Riss, The Purpose of Revival
While taking part in a CMR-Renewal (mailing list) discussion on aberrant the teachings of David (Paul) Yonggi Cho, someone forwarded a message to Richard Riss, and subsequently posted Mr. Riss' reply to the list. His message, and my response, can be read here.
River, in the
Phrase used by those in the Toronto Blessing and Pensacola Outpouring movements. Those "in the river" are consider to be yielding to the work Holy Spirit (as defined by these movements). By implication, those not in the river - again, as defined by these controversial movements - are not yielding to, or part of, the work of the Holy Spirit.
RMT
Recovered Memory Therapy. See False Memory Syndrome
Roaring
Roberts Group, The
Also known as "The Garbage Eaters," "The Brethren," "The Brothers and Sisters."
The Clandestine Brotherhood Inside a Secretive and Controversial Religious Cult. Article accompanying the March 25, 1998 ABC "Prime Time Live" segment on the group.
Roberts, Oral
Prominent Word-Faith teacher. Among other things, known for his "seed-faith" message - if you have a need, plant a seed (read: donate money). In a 1987 fundraising campaign, Roberts claimed if he did not raise $8 million dollars by March that year, God would kill him.
Robertson, George
Chairman of the Foundation for Religious Freedom, a Scientology-entity doing business as the "Cult Awareness Network".
Robertson is a "Baptist minister." He is also the Vice President and Chairman of Maryland Bible College, which is part of the controversial Greater Grace and World Outreach church, of which he is Corporate Affairs Administrator and Staff Pastor.
Robertson is also the founder of Friends of Freedom, and organization funded by the Church of Scientology.
For more on Robertson, see this court transcript
Robertson, Pat
President CBN (Christian Broadcasting Network, 700-Club). A reconstructionist, and a major proponent of Kingdom Now theology.
Interestingly, he disagrees with the Reconstructionists on a key theological point: he is a premillenialist and believes that Christians wil not rule over the world until after a period of chaos and war following Christ's return. Reconstructionists, on the other hand, are postmillenialists and believe that they will rule over the world before Christ's return. Pat Robertson specifically rejects the label ''Reconstructionist,'' but he has no problem using texts by Rushdoony and North at his Regent University and the Reconstructionists consider him to be one of them, ''operationally.
The Most Dangerous Man in America? Subtitled, "Pat Robertson and the Rise of the Christian Coalition." By Robert Boston.
Robbins, Anthony
Anthony Robbins is a so-called Success Coach.
Anthony Robbins and the Quest for Unlimited Power Article by Ron Rhodes, published in Spiritual Counterfeits Project's SCP Journal. A portion of the article is online, but to read the remainder, you have to purchase the magazine.
News Archive
Database of archived news items on this subject
(Includes items added between Oct. 25, 1999 and Jan. 31, 2002. See about this database)
» For newer items, see Religion News Blog
Roden, Ben and Lois
Founder of the Branch faction of the Davidians - the Branch Davidians. Their son, George Roden, was to be the successor, but he eventually lost out to David Koresh.
The late Lois Roden taught that the Holy Spirit was feminine.
Roden, George and Amo
The late George Roden was the son of Ben Roden, founder of the Branch Davidians, and his wife Lois. He saw his claim to leadership of the group challenged, but in 1984 called an election, declared himself the winner, and ousted rivals Vernon Howell (later known as David Koresh) and Charlie Pace. He was known as an erratic leader. In 1987 Roden was expelled after a gunfight in which Koresh successfully challenged Roden for leadership of the movement. Two years later, he was institutionalized after being found innocent by reason of insanity in the killing of his roommate - a former Branch Davidian.
Soon after the April 19, 1993 massacre, Amo Roden began to occupy the grounds of Mt. Carmel, former site of the Branch Davidians compound. Some survivors have also settled there, and a court battle is being waged for control of the land.
Amo Roden currently does not consider herself to be a follower of David Koresh.
Articles
Roggeman, Mark
Denver policeman who studies cults in his spare time. Expert on Concerned Christians. Director of Haven Ministries
Roman Catholic Church
Rosedale, Herbert
The Boston Movement: Subtitled: "Critical Perspectives of the International Churches of Christ." Edited by Carol Giambalvo and Herbert Rosedale
Ross, Nancy
Ross, Rick
Ruckman, Peter
Dr. Peter Ruckman is best known for his promotion of King James-onlyism. He does this in such a rabid, foul-mannered way that even many of his fellow KJV-onlyist disassociate from him. Uses offensive language. Teaches that the KJV is the only inspired Word of God, and claims it can be used to correct the Greek and Hebrew manuscripts. He also states that to look into the meaning of Greek or Hebrew words is akin to doubting the "preserverd word" of God (by which he means the KJV).
Publication: The Bible Believer's Bulletin
Upon the publication of my book, The King James Only Controversy, I wrote to Dr. Peter S. Ruckman, sent him the book, and challenged him to a debate. The correspondence that ensued, the behavior exhibited by Ruckman, and his eventual unwillingness to engage in the debate, is documented fully on our web page. Dr. Ruckman was unwilling to engage in any kind of meaningful scholarly debate, and as we work through his attempted replies to my book, we will see exactly why.
The unwary should be warned: Peter Ruckman is not a kind individual. His language is offensive to the vast majority of believing Christians, and he is well aware of this. It's his trademark. That is why the vast majority of Christians don't even bother with anything he has to say: he is obviously unfamiliar with the fruit of the Spirit in his life, and gives evidence of it in almost every sentence.
But, since Dr. Ruckman is engaging in the mass distribution of falsehood regarding the Bible and its translation, we must take a few moments to point out his errors, despite how unpleasant the task.
Russia
Ruthven, Jon
Associate Professor of Systematic and Practical Theology, at Pat Robertson's Regent University. Supports the Toronto Blessing Movement
Ryan, Leo J.
U.S. congressman, assassinated by members of Jim Jones' Peoples Temple cult.
Rep. Leo J. Ryan (D-Calif.), three American newsmen and a Peoples Temple defector were shot and killed, and twelve others were wounded, when gunmen ambushed Ryan and about 30 newsmen, government aides, relatives of People's Temple members, and defectors from the sect at 4:20 p.m. Saturday.
Exalting 'Beauty of Dying,' Jones Leads 408 to Death, Washington Post, Nov. 21, 1978
Ryle, James
Pastor, Boulder Valley, Colorodo, Vineyard Christian Fellowship. Pastor to Promise Keepers founder Bill McCartney and Promise Keepers president Randy Phillips.
Influenced by Manifest Sons of God doctrine.
He is a loose cannon who believes the Lord is moving amongst the elite, the gnostics, who will quench all opposition who dare to question their teachings. He refers to those who hold fast to time-tested Bible teaching as the "graycoats." The elite, who receive their doctrine through revelation experiences, are the "bluecoats." His prediction of a bloody civil war between the two has been cited by the Toronto movement to scare off its critics.
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