Helpful Score: 1
I have noticed that many ministers that are televised seem to focus on gaining more popularity and writing books. They market themselves to the public, which makes them lots of money. Which they claim is to further the Kingdom of God. I question how much of that money really does go to benefit the ministries they claim to support or align with. They preach that if you just follow God, then you can also receive all his blessings. Of course, they may not outright say it, but imply that these blessings are financial. Hanegraaff goes on to list a Cast of Characters in which he discusses celebrity ministers and what they preach. I appreciated that he did not simply state his opinions. He actually provided evidence about how these ministers were preaching contrary to the bible. Hanegraaf does not set out to destroy the popular leaders; he simply wants to bring awareness of them. We need to investigate the truth, and not accept everything they say. They are human and have their own objectives and opinions too. Hanegraaff lists examples of their sermons, and discusses how they misrepresent scripture to benefit themselves. He uses scripture to support his thoughts on what these popular ministers are preaching. The book also focuses on how to teach biblical doctrine that aligns with the bible. He writes about how we can look for false doctrine, so that we dont fall into a world of lies and deceit by those who seem trustworthy. He does admit that there are Christians who truly are good and committed to leading others to God. Hanegraaff uses three steps to support his arguments. Ask, Believe, and Receive. He does a thorough job of presenting these steps and explaining how they will strengthen a persons faith. Hanegraff has included an extensive list of endnotes to support his book. It is obvious that his research was thorough and detailed. This book does an excellent job of reminding us of the importance of bible reading. The bible is the ultimate source of Gods word. We need to educate ourselves about Gods word. This will help prevent us from becoming victims to the Celebrity Ministers who may be deceptive. This book does an amazing job of bringing God and the bible back into the 21st century.
Electra M. (BobbieMasterson) reviewed Christianity In Crisis: The 21st Century on + 4 more book reviews
This book comes across as being thoroughly researched, frustrating, saddening, & daunting all at the same time. It is a needed book with a power all its own. There is no doubt that it will infuriate some readers and that may be the intention. Hanegraaff doesnt come across as an author that is looking for acceptance or a following, there is obviously a very serious message he feels the need to get out; the truth. This truth is harsh, sad & infuriating. Sad because these false teachers and preachers have been accepted and applauded within the Christian community, all of it. From the pulpits of the churches to the bookstores without question.
Infuriating that these preachers are so blatantly deceiving people, by simply preaching what sounds good and conveniently nice. Which would you rather hear? That God has promised unambiguously to bless you and prosper you, or that God has told us "in this world you will have trouble, but take heart I have overcome the world." Time and time again we read that we are to deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow Him even if it means suffering, persecution, and discomfort. God never promised us heaven-on-earth. He never promised us a comfortable life. If you believe the Word of God is God's Word. That God is the author of all 66 books. Then you should be careful not to let yourself be deceived by folks who proclaim another gospel. Preachers and teachers of the "Faith Movement" can and do twist and contort Scripture.
Hanegraaff takes on the prosperity preachers of this movement. Using verifiable sources such as interviews, books, television appearances and more, he strips the finish off of many famous preachers like Benny Hinn, Kenneth Hagin, Kenneth Copeland, Joel Osteen, Joyce Meyer, and many others. He goes beyond the praise Jesus and the send us money stereotypes to dig into the doctrine and belief systems that these people advocate. Single verses are taken out of context to support their activities, while whole other passages are ignored that would correct their errors if only they were considered. And if they don't like the implications of a particular verse, they just rewrite to say something completely different.
In some areas, requires a serious focus from the reader, because there is so much detail included and addressed. Also, after a while it's hard to keep the different players straight as they all seem to share much of the same erroneous theology and distasteful practices. But this type of a book needs to be out there, and it needs to pull no punches when it comes to combating heresy. This should be required reading for anyone involved in the "name it and claim it" movements, or for those wondering if they're out of God's will because of certain hardships they're undergoing.
Infuriating that these preachers are so blatantly deceiving people, by simply preaching what sounds good and conveniently nice. Which would you rather hear? That God has promised unambiguously to bless you and prosper you, or that God has told us "in this world you will have trouble, but take heart I have overcome the world." Time and time again we read that we are to deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow Him even if it means suffering, persecution, and discomfort. God never promised us heaven-on-earth. He never promised us a comfortable life. If you believe the Word of God is God's Word. That God is the author of all 66 books. Then you should be careful not to let yourself be deceived by folks who proclaim another gospel. Preachers and teachers of the "Faith Movement" can and do twist and contort Scripture.
Hanegraaff takes on the prosperity preachers of this movement. Using verifiable sources such as interviews, books, television appearances and more, he strips the finish off of many famous preachers like Benny Hinn, Kenneth Hagin, Kenneth Copeland, Joel Osteen, Joyce Meyer, and many others. He goes beyond the praise Jesus and the send us money stereotypes to dig into the doctrine and belief systems that these people advocate. Single verses are taken out of context to support their activities, while whole other passages are ignored that would correct their errors if only they were considered. And if they don't like the implications of a particular verse, they just rewrite to say something completely different.
In some areas, requires a serious focus from the reader, because there is so much detail included and addressed. Also, after a while it's hard to keep the different players straight as they all seem to share much of the same erroneous theology and distasteful practices. But this type of a book needs to be out there, and it needs to pull no punches when it comes to combating heresy. This should be required reading for anyone involved in the "name it and claim it" movements, or for those wondering if they're out of God's will because of certain hardships they're undergoing.
