Electra M. (BobbieMasterson) reviewed on 8/10/2009 + 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.

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