Journal: Pneumatikos
Volume: PNEUMATIKOS 16:2 (Fall 2025)
Article: Quasi-Christian Cults And Replacement Theology
Author: Nicholas J. Morganti

Pneumatikos 16:2 (Fall 2025) p. 47

Quasi-Christian Cults And Replacement Theology

Nicholas J. Morganti

Ephraim, Utah USA
Tri-Grace Ministries

Keywords: Replacement theology, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Seventh-day Adventist Church, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Quasi-­Christian cults, Covenant theology, Israel and the church, Trinitarianism, Investigative judgment; Spiritual Israel, Evangelical apologetics, Sectarian theology

Abstract: This paper surveys the doctrine of Replacement Theology (RT) as found in prominent quasi-Christian sects and cults within the United States, specifically the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), the Seventh-day Adventist Church (SDA), and Jehovah’s Witnesses (JW). RT teaches that the church has replaced ethnic Israel as the inheritor of God’s covenant promises. Though each group varies in its theology, all three advocate versions of RT wherein their adherents become the true Israel either by spiritual transformation (LDS), covenant obedience (SDA), or divine appointment (JW). This study examines their official teachings, founding documents, and authoritative texts to demonstrate how each group displaces ethnic Israel from its covenantal role. Additionally, the paper briefly addresses internal critiques within these movements and refutes common objections to the RT classification. It concludes by suggesting that RT may serve as a theological gateway into broader doctrinal deviations, making it a critical feature in the emergence of sectarian (and cultic) identity. Understanding how RT functions within LDS, SDA, and JW theology, therefore, enables more informed Christian engagement and evangelism toward these groups.

Pneumatikos 16:2 (Fall 2025) p. 48

Introduction

Replacement Theology (RT) is the doctrine that the church that Christ established has replaced ethnic Israel, the literal (physical, biological) descendants of the patriarchal fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as the recipients of God’s covenant promises found within the Old Testament (OT). There are certain religious groups prominent in the United States of America that hold to the doctrine of RT. Three well-known groups are: (1) the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), (2) the Seventh-day Adventist Church (SDA Church), and (3) the Jehovah’s Witnesses (JW). The LDS Church claims to be regathering Israel through the preaching and practice of its laws and ordinances and therefore practices RT. The SDA Church and Jehovah’s Witnesses teach that ethnic Israel’s promises have been transferred to those that are faithful to their religious organization and practices. This paper will use primary, authoritative sources—including their founders�...