In Christianity in Crisis – 21st Century, Hank Hanegraaff (AKA: The Bible Answer Man,) writes an exposé of the modern day “faith movement.” Clearly citing his work in over 75 pages of footnotes, he makes an excellent case of how faith doctrine attacks the deity of God. His research is outstanding and very carefully footnoted. Hanegraaff has even attended crusades to get the information for himself. He also uses interviews, recordings, and books the faith teachers produce to get his information. He clearly is making some strong statements in this book that have often brought opposition to him.
In the first section of the book, Hanegraaff clearly states the history behind and the names of those “evangelist and “televangelist” in the faith doctrine movement and their heretical teachings. Many of these teachings have roots in “metaphysics.” The teachings date back to mid to late 1800’s. Like he says, some teachings are clearly silly, while others are out right wrong and attack the central teaching of Christ, often taking verses out of context or embellishing them. However he has been careful to state he is not attacking the sincerely held beliefs of the faith teachers’ followers, but the actual false teachings.
He continues through the parts 2 to 6 taking each heretical teaching, exposing the author and history, and then counters the teaching with biblical truth. Some examples of false teachings include: that we are made in the image of God, so we are little gods; having faith in faith and that God has faith; that Jesus went to hell to take our punishment in hell for us; that Christ was the first person born again; and the common prosperity teachings of “the health and wealth gospel.”
The last section of the book he takes us back to basics. Hanegraaff reminds us that when things are going wrong, we must return to our foundations. He brings us back around to the basic fundamental teachings of the bible to remind us of the truth. He reminds us to go back to the bible, read, study, memorize, and search the scriptures like the Bereans did. He gives us the foundational teachings of the diety of Christ, original sin, the resurrection, the Trinity and many more foundational teachings that all Christian should have unity in.
I had a difficult time reading this book because I know so many who are following those in the “faith movement.” I knew when watching these faith preachers on TV, I did not have peace in my spirit and could not watch them. Hanegraaff makes some strong statements in this book which will offend some. I am so glad that Hanegraaff has taken the time to expose these false teachings and teach the truth.
This book is somewhat long, and sometimes repetitious. I do feel it could have been done in a more organize manner, in less words. I would love to have seen a chart of some kind that lists the false teachings and who teaches what. However, I will give it 5 stars for the boldness to teach the truth that is so lacking.
I feel bad for all the people who are being deceived by the faith movement/doctrine teachings. Where are the others sounding the horn, exposing the truth? I highly recommend buying this book and sharing it with your friends. We, as Christians, must get back to the basics and expose the truth, in love.
In the first section of the book, Hanegraaff clearly states the history behind and the names of those “evangelist and “televangelist” in the faith doctrine movement and their heretical teachings. Many of these teachings have roots in “metaphysics.” The teachings date back to mid to late 1800’s. Like he says, some teachings are clearly silly, while others are out right wrong and attack the central teaching of Christ, often taking verses out of context or embellishing them. However he has been careful to state he is not attacking the sincerely held beliefs of the faith teachers’ followers, but the actual false teachings.
He continues through the parts 2 to 6 taking each heretical teaching, exposing the author and history, and then counters the teaching with biblical truth. Some examples of false teachings include: that we are made in the image of God, so we are little gods; having faith in faith and that God has faith; that Jesus went to hell to take our punishment in hell for us; that Christ was the first person born again; and the common prosperity teachings of “the health and wealth gospel.”
The last section of the book he takes us back to basics. Hanegraaff reminds us that when things are going wrong, we must return to our foundations. He brings us back around to the basic fundamental teachings of the bible to remind us of the truth. He reminds us to go back to the bible, read, study, memorize, and search the scriptures like the Bereans did. He gives us the foundational teachings of the diety of Christ, original sin, the resurrection, the Trinity and many more foundational teachings that all Christian should have unity in.
I had a difficult time reading this book because I know so many who are following those in the “faith movement.” I knew when watching these faith preachers on TV, I did not have peace in my spirit and could not watch them. Hanegraaff makes some strong statements in this book which will offend some. I am so glad that Hanegraaff has taken the time to expose these false teachings and teach the truth.
This book is somewhat long, and sometimes repetitious. I do feel it could have been done in a more organize manner, in less words. I would love to have seen a chart of some kind that lists the false teachings and who teaches what. However, I will give it 5 stars for the boldness to teach the truth that is so lacking.
I feel bad for all the people who are being deceived by the faith movement/doctrine teachings. Where are the others sounding the horn, exposing the truth? I highly recommend buying this book and sharing it with your friends. We, as Christians, must get back to the basics and expose the truth, in love.
Thomas Nelson Product Page - Click Here.
To purchase the book at Amazon - Click Here.
No comments:
Post a Comment