Below is a list of figures who, from a broad historic and orthodox Christian perspective, have been accused of promoting teachings considered heretical or significantly outside mainstream biblical Christianity. This list is not exhaustive and is meant for educational awareness, not personal condemnation:
18th–19th Century
- Emanuel Swedenborg (1688–1772): Claimed new revelations and started the Swedenborgian Church.
- Joseph Smith (1805–1844): Founder of Mormonism (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints); introduced extra-biblical scriptures and doctrines.
- Charles Taze Russell (1852–1916): Founder of Jehovah’s Witnesses; denied the Trinity and other orthodox doctrines.
- Mary Baker Eddy (1821–1910): Founder of Christian Science; taught metaphysical healing and denied key biblical doctrines about Jesus and sin.
20th–21st Century
- Herbert W. Armstrong (1892–1986): Worldwide Church of God; promoted British Israelism and unorthodox views on the Trinity and salvation.
- Jim Jones (1931–1978): Peoples Temple; led followers into cultic practices and mass suicide at Jonestown.
- David Koresh (1959–1993): Branch Davidians; claimed to be the final prophet and led followers into a deadly standoff in Waco, Texas.
- Sun Myung Moon (1920–2012): Unification Church; claimed to be the Messiah and promoted extra-biblical teachings.
- William Branham (1909–1965): Influential in the “Latter Rain” movement; taught controversial doctrines about the Godhead and end times.
- Benny Hinn (b. 1952): Known for prosperity gospel and controversial healing claims; widely criticized for unbiblical teachings.
- Kenneth Copeland (b. 1936): Prominent prosperity gospel preacher; teaches “Word of Faith” doctrines that many consider unbiblical.
- Joel Osteen (b. 1963): Criticized for prosperity gospel and lack of emphasis on sin and repentance.
- Creflo Dollar (b. 1962): Prosperity gospel preacher; controversial teachings on wealth and faith.
- Todd Bentley (b. 1976): Known for extreme practices and alleged false healings.
- Paula White (b. 1966): Prosperity gospel and “Word of Faith” teacher; controversial claims and teachings.
Caution and Discernment
- Not All Disagreement = Heresy: Some figures are controversial mainly within certain traditions, but not universally condemned.
- God Alone Judges the Heart: While the Bible calls for discernment, only God ultimately knows a person’s heart and standing before Him.
- Test All Things: As Scripture says, “Test everything; hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
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