what is the doctrine of the alpha course?

The Alpha course is an evangelistic course which seeks to introduce the basics of the Christian faith through a series of talks and discussions. It is described by its organisers as "an opportunity to explore the meaning of life". Alpha courses are run in churches, homes, workplaces, prisons, universities and a wide variety of other locations.

Full Answer

Does the Alpha course teach the truth?

The Alpha Course, though teaching some truth, also lays truth alongside error. The wooing of people using the gospel message, only to later enslave them in ritualism, works salvation, and occult manifestations is one of the great deceptions of our time.

What is Alpha Course by John D Christian?

Nancy Thomson This 325 page Alpha Course book by John D. Christian is truly a masterpiece of research that brings together the hidden agenda behind the global takeover. Alpha is being used in over 150 countries encompassing 49 different languages.

Is Alpha course ecumenical?

The Alpha Course is ecumenical, and any course that can appeal to the wide range of traditions and denominations, as the Alpha Course does, has to sacrifice many essential Bible truths. A wide tent that is inclusive of those who hold teachings contrary to the tenets of the faith for which we are to contend (Jude 3)...

Is the Alpha Course against the Catholic Church?

In Alpha News, July 1997 issue, Catholic Bishop Ambrose Griffiths commended the Alpha Course for being a “powerful evangelistic tool…it doesn’t contain anything that is contrary to Catholic doctrine.”

What is Alpha doctrine?

: a legal doctrine under which a criminal defendant who does not admit guilt is allowed to plead guilty as part of a plea bargain provided the plea is made voluntarily and with knowledge of the consequences The Alford doctrine provides that a court may accept a knowing and voluntary plea of guilty from a defendant, ...

Is Alpha approved by the Catholic Church?

Afterall, Alpha didn't come from the Catholic Church. Alpha started in an Anglican parish in London called Holy Trinity Brompton. It was further developed and popularized by an Anglican vicar named Nicky Gumbel. And it has gone on to be used in churches of virtually every Christian denomination and tradition.

Who started the Alpha course?

Charles MarnhamAlpha course / FounderThe Alpha Course had been founded in 1977, by the Reverend Charles Marnham, but Gumbel developed it into its current format. Courses involve sessions over a 10-week period, which are preceded by informal suppers.

How much does the Alpha course cost?

Everyone is welcome. How Much Will It Cost? There is no charge for attending the Alpha course. There will be a $3 fee for adult dinners (Kids eat free and free childcare is available during class).

What is wrong with the Alpha course?

Criticism. Alpha has been criticised for having a charismatic emphasis, with some non-charismatic evangelicals criticising Gumbel's emphasis upon the person and work of the Holy Spirit in particular.

What is the Christianity Explored course?

Christianity Explored is an informal Christian evangelistic teaching course developed by Rico Tice and Barry Cooper at All Souls Church, Langham Place, a leading Anglican church, and published by The Good Book Company. The course is considered to stand within the conservative evangelical tradition.

What is Alpha in Bible?

Table of Contents. Alpha and Omega, in Christianity, the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, used to designate the comprehensiveness of God, implying that God includes all that can be. In the New Testament Revelation to John, the term is used as the self-designation of God and of Christ.

Why is Alpha called Alpha?

The Greek alpha comes from the Hebrew and Phoenician aleph, a form of the word for "ox," eleph, possibly because the character resembled an ox's head.

What denomination is Holy Trinity Brompton?

Church of EnglandIt is where the Alpha Course was first developed and is one of the most influential churches in the Church of England....Holy Trinity Brompton.Holy Trinity, BromptonLocationKnightsbridgeCountryEnglandDenominationChurch of EnglandChurchmanshipCharismatic evangelical Anglican18 more rows

How long does Alpha last?

Alphas tend to last between 6 and 8 weeks. Which means you should book your alpha assessment within a fortnight of starting your alpha.

What is Alpha in Catholic Church?

Alpha is a series of sessions exploring the meaning of life and is run over 10 weeks. Each talk looks at a different question concerning faith and is designed to create conversation. Alpha is run all around the globe, and everyone is welcome. Alpha helps the parish to become an evangelizing community.

How long is an Alpha course session?

They're about thirty minutes long and explore the big issues around faith and unpack the basics of Christianity, addressing questions such as Who is Jesus?, How can we have faith? and How does God guide us?

What is an alpha course?

The Alpha course is an evangelistic course which seeks to introduce the basics of the Christian faith through a series of talks and discussions. It is described by its organisers as "an opportunity to explore the meaning of life". Alpha courses are run in churches, homes, workplaces, prisons, universities and a wide variety of other locations.

What is the Alpha for Prisons course?

Caring for ex-offenders is a follow-up to the Alpha for Prisons course, supporting released prisoners by providing them with material assistance including accommodation, work, food, and pastoral support through church life. It operates in Britain, Canada, South Africa and the United States.

What is Alpha Film Series?

In April 2016, Alpha introduced the Alpha Film Series, where traditional Alpha content is shown in a series of films, featuring stories and interviews. This series is mainly presented by Nicky Gumbel, Toby Flint (a curate at Holy Trinity Brompton) and Gemma Hunt.

How many courses were there in 1998?

A peak was reached in 1998, when 10,500 courses were run. By 2001 this had fallen to 7,300. In 2018, the Alpha website described the course as running in over 100 countries and over 100 languages, with over 24 million people having taken the course.

When was Alpha founded?

Alpha was started in 1977 by Charles Marnham, a curate at Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB), a parish of the Church of England in London. It started as a course for church members regarding the basics of beliefs commonly held by many believers in Christ but then began to be used as an introduction for those interested in the faith.

Who is the supporter of Alpha?

Its supporters include many Catholic cardinals, Anglican archbishops and bishops, and leading figures of all denominations. Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey described the courses as "superb." Rowan Williams was an enthusiastic supporter when he was Bishop of Monmouth and Archbishop of Wales and continued his support as Archbishop of Canterbury, opening an Alpha conference and accepting an invitation to speak at an Alpha supper in London in 2004. He describes it as "a very special tool" and "a unique mixture of Christian content and Christian style". Father Raniero Cantalamessa, a monk of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin and Preacher to the Papal Household for Pope Benedict XVI wrote a document praising Alpha in June 2005.

Who adopted the Marriage Course?

The Marriage Course was adopted by the British Army and an additional session on enforced separation (e.g. as a result of operational deployment) was added by a military couple working in co-operation with Relationship Central.

The Toronto Blessing

The Alpha course coincides with the Toronto Blessing (TB). Leaders of the TB try to get rid of the name: they prefer it to be called a ‘movement of the Holy Spirit’. But the Holy Spirit would not teach anything that is against scripture, God's word. The TB actively opposes scripture, which is why we warn against it.

The Alpha Course Itself

Surely the course is good, because it attempts to get people interested in the Church and in God's word? Well, it certainly sounds good. That is what makes it so subtle and evil!

Ecumenism

That Alpha is designed to be ecumenical is very evident. The author of the course himself tells us, “In one sense it is not so important what denomination we are—Roman Catholic or Protestant; Lutheran, Methodist, Baptist, Pentecostal, Anglican or House Church. What is more important is whether or not we have the Spirit of God.”

Charismatic Bias

Closely connected with its ecumenism is a strong Charismatic emphasis. The key question for the “Weekend Away” is “How can I be filled with the Spirit?” In answer, among other things, directions are given for receiving the gift of “tongues.”

Lack of Biblical Teaching

Perhaps the worst feature of Alpha, though, is that is teaches so very little. This is the reason, we suppose, that the Roman bishop mentioned above could say that he found nothing in it contrary to Catholic doctrine. Many key doctrines of the faith are passed over completely or touched on only very lightly.

False Teaching

What the course does teach is more often than not misleading or downright error. Though the Trinity is mentioned, far more time and teaching is devoted to the Holy Spirit than to God the Father or even to Christ, in spite of what Christ says in John 16:13-14.

Ordering Pamphlets

All pamphlets are available as printed pamphlets. Please contact us for ordering options.

Where did the Alpha start?

Since London is known to be the headquarters of the occult, it is not surprising that the Alpha originated there. In1970 an English cleric, Charles Marnham, devised a four- week series of lessons for non-churchgoers and new Christians. In 1981 a former barrister of Holy Trinity Brompton extended the course to 8 weeks.

What are the dangers of the Alpha Course?

Dangers are that the main message of the gospel is glossed over to make it have basically little or no effect.

Is Alpha a good course?

Indeed, as several people have commented, the Alpha course serves more as an introduction, and not an exhaustive Theological course. It may not be perfect, yes; but it is to a good extent suitable for its intended audience, and it has helped thousands of people come to the Christian faith.

What is the purpose of Alpha's strategies?

Alpha’s effective strategies may be used to advance the cause of those who add legalistic conditions (works) to salvation , such as is often done by Roman Catholics and others. Another serious omission is the new birth. “Unless a man is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3).

What does the Alpha Bible say about salvation?

The first four talks affirm the deity of Christ, our sinfulness, Jesus’ death for our sins, and the fact of his bodily resurrection. It stresses assurance of eternal life on the Word, the Atonement, and the witness of the Spirit.

What is the first letter of the Greek alphabet?

If your church is looking for help in evangelism and discipling spiritual newborns, you might be asked to evaluate a popular course named for the first letter of the Greek alphabet, Alpha. Alpha is “a 15 session practical introduction to the Christian faith designed primarily for non-churchgoers and new Christians.” 1.

Who comes to God must believe that he is independent of the world?

Anyone “who comes to him [God] must believe that he [a personal being] exists [independent of the world] and that he rewards [actively in history] those who diligently seek him” (Heb. 11:6). As did Paul in ancient Athens, Alpha ought to explain humanity’s dependence on, and accountability to, the divine Judge.

What is the Alpha Course?

The Alpha Course, though teaching some truth, also lays truth alongside error. The wooing of people using the gospel message, only to later enslave them in ritualism, works salvation, and occult manifestations is one of the great deceptions of our time.

What is the first DT item?

The first DT item was on 30th Sept. p10, about the World Council of Churches. The second on 1st. Oct., about the Church of Rome and the Eucharist.

Why is unity important in the Latter Rain doctrine?

all". Unity is also essential to Latter-Rain doctrine, to enable the incarnation of Christ. into His physical body (the Church), because He cannot incarnate a divided body.

When was Alpha 10-3-98 made?

Alpha 10-3-98. Blessings! The foundations of the Alpha course were originally laid in 1979 through the work of Charles Marnham. During his time at Holy Trinity Brompton in west London (one of the main proponants of the Toronto "Blessing" and where Steve Hill of Brownsville picked up his ability to "slay people in the spirit"), ...

Who is the architect of Alpha?

After Marnham's initial input, Alpha gradually evolved. One of the key figures in this and the main architect of the Alpha course as it now exists is Nicky Gumbel, currently curate at Holy Trinity Brompton. It was through Gumbel's vision and work that Alpha grew to have the impact it has today.

Has Rome changed the Council of Trent?

Rome has never changed one iota of the articles of the Council of Trent. Her attitude has always been one of waiting and persuading all to return to the "One True Church". While everyone else it seems is only too willing to compromise in the ecumenical cause, Rome has steadfastly given nothing away.

Did Jesus lay hands on his disciples?

Jesus NEVER laid hands on his disciples, the result of which were "manifestations" of uncontrollable laughter, mayhem, shaking, animal noises, vomitting, or any of the other demonic disorder of the Toronto and Brownsville "things".

What is the Alpha Course?

The Alpha Course is a course that has been used by many as a way to attempt to introduce the false doctrines and practices of the Third Wave into mainstream denominations.

Why is the Alpha Course important in Lighthouse Trails?

Alpha Course Promotes Spiritual Formation.

Who is the face of Alpha?

Its first presenter was a man called CHARLES MARNHAM but today 'the face' of ALPHA is the assistant curate ' NICKY GUMBEL and to a lesser extent his boss, the vicar of HTB ' Sandy Millar.

How many people completed the Alpha course in 1997?

Over 500,000 people completed the course by 1997. No doubt many more by now. The course is being run in countries as diverse as Namibia and Finland. Both the Alpha internet site and Alpha news contain many commendations from diverse theological positions. The Archbishop of Canterbury says "It is superb.

What does Chris Hand's book "Falling short the Alpha course examined" mean?

Chris Hand in his book 'Falling short, The Alpha course examined' reminds us of the Athenian attitude to God when Paul preached to them in Acts 17; “The Athenians were crucially ignorant of God just as we are today. They did not know how high and lofty he was.

What does Alpha pander to?

Sadly it seems that Alpha panders to our society's desire for the instant and has lost sight of the need for believers to 'turn to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his son from heaven whom he raised from the dead - Jesus who rescues us from the coming wrath' (1 Thess 1:9-10).

Does Alpha end up limiting the Spirit?

Ironically Alpha ends up limiting the Spirit, the very thing which it accuses others of doing when it claims 'For a long time in the church the person and work of the Holy Spirit has been ignored, misunderstood and resisted'. (Telling Others, The Alpha Initiative, Nicky Gumbel (Kingsway 1994) page 12.)

Does Alpha define sin?

For all it’s biblical use of words, Alpha fails to define sin biblically. It does so by concentrating on the consequences of sin rather than on what sin actually is. To define the root cause of sin as ‘broken relationship’ does not identify why the relationship is broken or who has done the breaking.

Is the cross the center of the Alpha?

The emphasis of Alpha hardly mirrors the emphasis of Scripture. Given that the cross is clearly not the centre of Alpha, something else must have taken its place. The talks that do come in the middle and that occupy the largest part of the time spent on the course, concern the person and work of the Holy Spirit.

Is sin according to Alpha a problem?

Christ in Alpha, comes forward to deal with too small a problem”. Ultimately then, sin according to Alpha is more of a problem for us than it is for God.

Overview

Doctrine

Alpha's teachings are intended to centre upon aspects of Christian faith on which all denominations are in general agreement. Nicky Gumbel says (quoting the current Apostolic Preacher Raniero Cantalamessa), "What unites us is infinitely greater than what divides us."
Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox distinctives, such as those concerning the Virgin Mary and certain sacramental teachings are absent, as are Baptist teachings on baptism. Instead, individua…

History

Structure

Influenced by

Usage

Criticism

See also