Synopsis: Gnosticism – Montanism – Arianism – Pelagianism – what do all of these big words mean, and how do they apply to us today? James McGoldrick, in his helpful historical analysis, Christianity and Its Competitors, explains in understandable terms all of these old heterodox philosophies, and how they are still alive and vibrant today. This volume is an insightful look into the origins and legacies of some of the most destructive heresies in Christian history.

Most of us have heard of the various anti-Christian philosophies of the early Church – but how many of us realize that the same destructive ideas are rampant today? Christianity and Its Competitors, by James McGoldrick, tellingly documents the fact that none of the major heresies of old have indeed died out – they are all still waiting, although with different names, to lead astray the undiscerning seeker. Let us be certain that, by the help of the Holy Spirit, we who claim the name of Christ truly follow the same doctrine that Christ has preserved for us in the sacred scriptures! It is of eternal importance that we who claim to follow the scriptures alone be unaffected by the manifold heresies which Satan has caused to spring up in the world, in his antagonism against Christ.

James McGoldrick demonstrates convincingly that the heresies of primitive Christianity are as much a concern today as they have ever been. Unfortunately, in his zeal to argue against that which is truly heretical, he is sometimes guilty of broad-brushing, or lumping together in the same category those who, although orthodox believers in Christ, believe somewhat differently than he, with those who are truly heterodox. For instance, he treats as essentially similar those who believe in the ongoing gift of prophecy as a helpful gift, but inferior to the fully adequate gift of inspired scriptures, and those who utterly reject the absolute sufficiency of scripture alone. For instance, he equates such orthodox scholars as Abraham Kuyper with heterodox cult-leaders such as Jim Jones because of the former’s testimony that “I have never taken weighty decisions of this kind without receiving a sign from the Lord…”

But in spite of this broad-brushing approach, McGoldrick has much to say that is very beneficial. It is a tragic but undeniable reality that all of the oldest attacks against the doctrine of Christ as fully man and fully God, and against the atonement he accomplished on the cross as the only means of salvation for fallen mankind, are as widespread and influential today as they have ever been. Those who desire to follow Christ alone – the Christ of the Bible – and to hope in his all-sufficient sacrifice, would do well to understand both the numerous ways in which this Christ is denied, and how, biblically, they might combat this denial of our Savior. And to equip them for such a task, Christianity and Its Competitors, by James McGoldrick, will prove a very valuable resource.

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