A History of Christian Doctrine #3 - Online Christian Library

Appendix D
Response to a Cult Hunter
Book Review of E. Calvin Beisner, “Jesus Only” Churches
(Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1998), 87 pages. Reviewed in
1998, citing sources available prior to publication of the book.
It is important for trinitarians and Oneness believers to
communicate with each other and to develop a greater understanding
of one another’s beliefs. The back cover of Beisner’s
booklet promises to provide “essential and reliable information
and insights” on Oneness Pentecostalism. Unfortunately,
the booklet fails in this purpose and actually creates significant
obstacles for understanding and communication. The
prejudicial tone does not foster dialogue, much of the information
is simply wrong, the presentation of Oneness
Pentecostal doctrinal views is seriously flawed, and the presentation
of “historic, orthodox understanding” is surprisingly
narrow and controversial.
Strident Polemics
The title itself provides an indication of problems to come,
for it uses a derogatory and misleading label to characterize the
movement it seeks to understand. This branch of Pentecostalism
uses the designations of Apostolic, Jesus Name, and
Oneness to identify itself. The label “Jesus Only” arose as a
description of its baptismal formula, but soon opponents began
using it against Oneness adherents, erroneously claiming that
they denied the Father and the Holy Spirit. As a result Oneness
Pentecostals today do not designate themselves by the term
“Jesus Only” and generally consider it misleading and offensive.
Similarly, the booklet’s use of three theatrical masks to symbolize
the Oneness doctrine is inaccurate and inappropriate.
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