Customer Reviews for Thomas Nelson Christianity In Crisis: The 21st Century - eBook
Thomas Nelson Christianity In Crisis: The 21st Century - eBook
Best-selling author Hanegraaff explores what he believes is a dangerous trend that's eating away at the body of Christ worldwide. Asserting that biblical truth is being replaced with diseased substitutes offered by the "Faith Movement," he offers scriptural proof that exposes the deadly errors being preached by some of today's most popular Christian speakers. 427 pages, hardcover from Nelson.
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(41 Reviews) 41
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5 out of 5100%customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Christianity In Crisis: The 21st Century - eBook
Review 1 for Christianity In Crisis: The 21st Century - eBook
Overall Rating:
Heresies of faith preachers clearly exposed
Date:March 11, 2013
Wayne
Location:Saint Louis, MO
Age:55-65
Gender:male
Quality:
5
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5
Value:
5
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Meets Expectations:
4
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This is an excellent, well-documented book which clearly exposes the heretical teachings of prominent Word of Faith prosperity preachers. The author demonstrates how these preachers twist scripture, and he constantly uses scripture to point out the errors in their teaching. The book is easy to read and understand. However, I think it is too long. There are too many examples with the same basic message. After a while this becomes tiring. This book could be edited so that it is about half the current length. However, I would definitely recommend this book for anyone who is not familiar with the unscriptural teachings of these popular and influential preachers.
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Review 2 for Christianity In Crisis: The 21st Century - eBook
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great principles that I totally agree with
Date:February 20, 2012
Shep
Location:Fort Wayne, Indiana
Age:Over 65
Gender:male
Quality:
5
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Value:
5
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Meets Expectations:
5
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A great read. I summarized it sufficiently to give to my SS class and included all the Faith teachers and many of their pseudo theology statements. It is difficult to believe that so many millions of people are swayed by the false interpretations these "educated" men and women are promoting. It should be on the pulpit of our fundamental Bible preaching ministers in this world.
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Review 3 for Christianity In Crisis: The 21st Century - eBook
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Awesome read!!!
Date:September 16, 2011
Quiet Storm
Location:Chicago
Age:35-44
Gender:male
Quality:
5
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Value:
5
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Meets Expectations:
5
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Hank Hanegraff really puts his weight on it. Thank you for standing tall and not backing down.
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Review 4 for Christianity In Crisis: The 21st Century - eBook
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Eye-Opening and Shocking!
Date:February 18, 2011
Helen Back
Location:Charlotte
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality:
5
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Value:
5
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Meets Expectations:
5
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If you are interested in the truth about Christianity and those teachers who have a different Gospel, then this book is for you. Hank does an excellent job of separating truth from error as he examines the unbiblical teachings of Joel Osteen, Creflo Dollar, Joyce Meyer, Benny Hinn, Kenneth Copeland, Kenneth Hagin, Frederick Price, T.D. Jakes, Paula White, Juanita Bynum, John Hagee, and others. It is truly an eye-opening book. You will be shocked at what these false teachers have said about God, Jesus, sin, and salvation. You will cry when you read the blasphemous statements by these men who are adored by thousands of their followers. If you are involved in the Word-Faith movement, please keep an open mind and test all things by the Word of God. Use proper Biblical interpretation and see if what Hank says is consistent with the Bible. This book has helped many. (I do not recommend Hank's books on the End Times, including The Apocalypse Code.)
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Review 5 for Christianity In Crisis: The 21st Century - eBook
Overall Rating:
A modern day expose of a crooked movement
Date:January 9, 2011
Dougie Fresh
Location:London, England
Age:18-24
Gender:male
Quality:
5
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Value:
5
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Meets Expectations:
5
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Most evangelicals are completely clueless as to the dangers of the Word of Faith Movement. Sure, they know it’s a ponzi scheme, offering quick money in return for paying God off via the middleman who happens to be a well-dressed preacher with a silver tongue. But just how many are aware of the profound dangers this teaching carry with it?
Enter Christianity in Crisis, 21st Century by popular apologist Hank Hanegraaff, director of CRI and featured speaker on The Bible Answer Man broadcast.
Summary
In short, this book is a redux of Hanegraaff’s 1997 book of the same title. What makes this book different is that in the time since the first one was published, a swarm of new “faith teachers” have arisen, who have followed and, in some cases, compounded the errors of the previous generation.
With a plethora of footnotes, Hanegraaff documents and critiques the faith teachers and presents Bible truth on which the believer can be grounded for years to come
My Thoughts
If, like many of the people I go to church with currently, the faith movement is something of a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma (to quote Sir Winston Churchill), then this is a book for you. He explains the cardinal teachings of the movement, how they deviate from orthodox Biblical Christianity and a response to their teaching. Especially helpful is Hanegraaff’s use (or overuse, as some would argue) of acronyms. I find myself using them occasionally when explaining the movement to others – and I was in it!
As this is part of my life’s story, I found it hard to put the book down. I do fear that some would read this and not really care, especially in the anti-doctrinal age in which we live, especially when you have with a mountain of footnotes, numerous Scripture references and a lot of acronyms, but for anyone who values truth, this may be one book you find yourself referring to, time and time again.
I’d recommend this to anyone who either adheres to what is taught in this movement, is unsure about it or even for the person who knows something is not quite right, but can’t put a finger on it. All in all, Hanegraaff has improved on what was a very fine work.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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Review 6 for Christianity In Crisis: The 21st Century - eBook
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Date:April 15, 2010
Eric Mcgruder
excellent. you'll learn alot about the F.L.A.W.S of this wolves in sheep clothing and will be well equipped in spotting charlatans that occupy the pulpit to t.v.
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Review 7 for Christianity In Crisis: The 21st Century - eBook
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Date:December 11, 2009
Lorraine Oelschlager
This is a book that should be "Must Reading" for anyone concerned about the future of our Christian Religion. It is a real eye opener as to what some people are preaching.
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Review 8 for Christianity In Crisis: The 21st Century - eBook
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Date:October 30, 2009
Mai Berg
This book should be required reading for every person who confesses Christ as Savior and Lord. It really opened my eyes and I couldn't put it down.
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Review 9 for Christianity In Crisis: The 21st Century - eBook
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Date:October 22, 2009
William Walls
A very informative book disclosing the errors of biblical doctrines regarding the current "Prosperity Preachers" who seem to dominate the airwaves and bookstores with their brand of successful christianity... without pain, suffering, and probably poverty.Highly recommended for mature Christians as well as those less grounded in the doctrines of our faith, lest they succumb to these who at times, "preach another Jesus" that is contrary to the fundamentals of true Christian beliefs. Signed: An Unknown Christian.
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Review 10 for Christianity In Crisis: The 21st Century - eBook
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Date:October 20, 2009
I had his earlier edition of this book years ago and gave it away..Recently after buying and using Word Faith teaching tapes and books (to NO avail, finding out that they ALL say the same things, and want your money); I decided to buy this book...and now I know why Word Faith DOES NOT WORK! I have only skimmed through Christianity in Crisis; but it is worth the time and study needed to read and digest the book...It is an eye opening read, I will NEVER listen to TBN or watch Word Faith teachers without considering the message of this book!
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Review 11 for Christianity In Crisis: The 21st Century - eBook
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Date:July 24, 2009
TheIEMommy
Hank Hanergraaff is an expert at defending and explain the faith. I found the book to be intriguing, detailed and supportive of its information.This is not a book that is an easy readprobably not one that you would take with you to the beach for lounging. It was definitely a book that required a diligent mind set and openness to follow and understand Hanks point of view.With his clear statements about organizations and Churches that are not teaching the word of God correctlyI found it to be an enlightening book. There were many ah ha moments for me as I read his reasoning and facts on teachers such as Joel Osteen and Joyce Meyer and many other leaders of the name and claim movement.Hank has long been an amazing defender of the faith. His faith and relationship with the living Saviour, Jesus Christ is clearly evident in his writings.. I must admit that at first I struggled with the booknot because of its content but because Hank is a very intelligent writer. I realized quickly that it would be a book that I would have to read when the children were asleep or else I would keep reading the same passage over and over.For those that question the basis of their church and whether they are following the teachings of Christ correctly I would recommend this book. If you are a new Christian and are not sure which books, tapes or lectures you should listen tothis is a wonderful resource.True to Hanks method of operation he does not shy away from the popular teachers or authors but truly distinguishes between Christ centered faith and the type of faith that will lead you toward a wrong path.I would recommend Christianity in Crisis to any believer whether new or old. What a great foundation in truth Hank has laid for us.
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Review 12 for Christianity In Crisis: The 21st Century - eBook
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Date:June 30, 2009
Doreen
I signed up with Thomas Nelson: Book Review Bloggers to review this book. Christianity in Crisis: 21st Century exposes darkness to light, pointing us back to a Christianity centered in Christ. The Apostle Paul said: "Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth". I love this book it speaks truth and I give it 5 stars! Hank Hanegraaff does an amazing job of exposing the Word of Faith/Prosperity Preachers: Joel Osteen, Joyce Meyer, Kenneth Copeland, Creflo Dollar, John Hagee, Benny Hinn, etc. They are preaching a 'gospel' but really it's no gospel. (Galatians 1) So much research has gone into this book and everything is backed up by Scripture. When I've seen quotes in this book from certain Preachers, I KNOW what the Word of God says and what this Preacher is saying just isn't right. We have to be like the Bereans and search the Scriptures daily and make sure what others are saying is indeed the Word of God! If you aren't familiar with Hank Hanegraaff, he's great revealing the truth that you may not want to believe that one of your favorite Preachers is saying. So, I highly recommend that any believers and non believers alike check out this book and be awakened to the truth!
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Review 13 for Christianity In Crisis: The 21st Century - eBook
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Date:June 17, 2009
Jonathan Woodward
There are many times, though, throughout the book where quotes are often repeated, as well as the apologetic response to those quotes. I do not believe this is done to rehash the content, rather it serves as a re-emphasize the heresies in another light of the gospel, which in turn gives ample evidence to the assertions Hanegraaff makes. I find it a bit repetitive, mostly because I am familiar with much of the type of content the author is discussing - as well as the biblical response. However, I would be at remiss if I did not give this book a high-quality rating on fully examining, exposing, and rebutting the audacious of these contemporary faith and prosperity teachers (Paula White, Benny Hinn, Joel Osteen, Joyce Meyer, Kenneth Copeland, and more).You're emotions will be challenged, possibly some of your biblical suppositions, but you will finish this book with a sound knowledge of the essential Christian claims that face today's American culture. This is my favorite part of the book; the icing on the cake.I give this book a rating of 4 out of 5. If it weren't for repetitive quotations, which made it at times difficult to stay interested, I would give the book a hands down 5 star rating.- Jonathan J.
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Review 14 for Christianity In Crisis: The 21st Century - eBook
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Date:June 13, 2009
Marcus Daly
Truth is indeed stranger than fiction. Such is the statement in Hanegraaffs in new book, Christianity in Crisis: 21st Century. There are many attacks on the Christian faith in the world today. In the US we face assaults from atheist groups, attacks the ACLU, moral attacks from gay rights and pro-abortion groups, and a growing demand to re-define truth. As dangerous as these attacks to the Faith are the most dangerous may be from those masquerading as True Christians. Such is the subject of this book. Some works are apologetic in nature, defending the faith, but this book is polemic in that it exposes the lies of 21st Century false teachers. Hanegraaff, with shocking detail, chronicles the unbiblical form of Christianity professed by the Word-Faith movement in America today. These are the teachers that most refer to as the Name-It-Claim or the Prosperity Preachers. The false doctrine of health and wealth is bad enough, but Hanegraaff details how their heresy runs much deeper to the point of removing the Sovereign God from His throne, deifying Satan, and elevating man to be Gods puppet master. With claims of trips to heaven, resurrections of the dead, direct revelation from God and the ability to speak into existence a new reality these teachers are leading millions astray. You will read the very well noted and researched text with sometime jaw-dropping surprise as Christianity in Crisis details the outlandish claims from the likes of Meyers, Osteen, the Copelands, Hinn, Hagee, Dollar, Hagin, Parsley, Avanzini, and a whole host of Cast of Characters. This is a need read for anyone trying to make sense of the Word-Faith movement, anyone trying to counsel someone involved in these cultic and heretical teachings, or for pastors and teachers who know they have church members exposing themselves to these dangerous (spiritually and physically) ideas.
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Review 15 for Christianity In Crisis: The 21st Century - eBook
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Date:June 10, 2009
Pastor Creth D Hopkins
Christianity in Crisis 21st Century by Hank Hanegraaff is a hard-hitting treatise (some would say expose) of the Word of Faith/Prosperity movement of today. You immediately get the sense that the author is serious about his charges when you realize that he has fifty-four pages of notes to validate all accusations and confirm all quotes. Mr. Hanegraaff has done his homework well. An excellent introduction provides you a thorough overview of the book and the layout of it. The book is laid out in seven parts: (1.) Turning Truth into Mythology, (2.) Faith in Faith, (3.) Little Gods, (4.) Atonement Atrocities, (5.) Wealth and Want, (6.) Sickness and Suffering, and (7.) Back To Basics. Each Part stands alone, this allows you to dip into the book where ever your interest takes you.I must admit one thing: after reading each section I felt like I needed to take a shower to get the filth off of me. No, I am not talking about the author; I am talking about the trash that the Lord had him expose to the public through this book. From the very mouths of charlatans, false prophets and false teachers, the reader will be appalled at the arrogance, the ignorance and the pride that permeates through the teachings of these faith wizards. Your heart will break when you consider the hundreds of thousands of simple people who have been deceived by their false gospel.If you really want to know the truth about the players of the Word of Faith/Prosperity movement from their own lips without having to listen to hours of their garbage, then you need but buy this book. It is worth every penny. And you might consider sharing it with someone who listens to this type of false teaching that Mr. Hanegraaff uncovers it could save them thousands (if you know what I mean).I am a member of the Thomas Nelson Book Review Blogger program.
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Review 16 for Christianity In Crisis: The 21st Century - eBook
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Date:June 3, 2009
DARRYL LOYD
With this book you will be enlightened to where the word of faith movement comes from. So if you or someone you love thinks that you're speaking things into existence then you need this book. You need this book as a starting point to find out more truth. I only wish that the book was twice as long.If you are tired of money hungry preachers and desire to know why all the faith confessions that you are making are not working , then you owe it to yourself to "sow a seed" into good ground and reap a real harvest of truth. So be like the Bereans in the book of acts who studied the scriptures daily to see if what Paul said was true. Or even like in the movie the "Matrix" this book is like the pill that leads to truth and reality. Are you ready to see just how far down the rabbit hole this will take you ? If you do not want to know the truth about what you see on Christian TV then do not read this book ! I repeat and plead with you not to read it, because if you do, you will have a choice to make. Do you exchange the truth of God for a lie or do you study to show yourself approved onto God- a man that rightly divides the word of truth.
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Review 17 for Christianity In Crisis: The 21st Century - eBook
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Date:May 26, 2009
Hank Hanegraaf has written a detailed, well-documented, and carefully researched book regarding the false teachings of the "Faith movement", or "Word of Faith movement". I've heard of this movement, but since I have always had a general disdain for televangelists, I haven't ever sat under their teaching at all. I was shocked to read some of the things they are saying, and dismayed that it is still seen as "Christian".Not only are the teachings of the popular Joel Osteen, Benny Hinn, Joyce Meyer, and T.D. Jakes (and many more) unbiblical ... but they are eerily similar to the teachings of the occult. I can not believe that Christian stores are selling their books alongside renowned and reliable Christian authors. This book was very revealing to me. I was surprised and alarmed by the truths that Hank Hanegraaf painstakingly shared. I believe this book is a very important book in America today. I know that the "Faith movement" has hurt many Christians, and it has misled countless others. Hank Hanegraaf has boldly taken a stand against it, and is proclaiming the truth -- Biblical doctrine that refutes the Word Of Faith teachings.I highly recommend this book! It is a must-read for Christians everywhere.
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Review 18 for Christianity In Crisis: The 21st Century - eBook
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Date:May 23, 2009
Will Pershing
I received a copy of this book as I am a part of Thomas Nelson's Blogger review program In Christianity In Crisis: The 21st Century By Hank Hanegraaff the author attempts to expose the influence of new age thought as it has affected twenty-first century Christianity. In particular, those who are in the "Word of Faith" theological camp and authors who have had an influence in the evangelical world.This book was a vast improvement over the first edition. I still found many of the same errors that were in the first edition. First, the author does not use, nor does he demonstrate, that he has attempted to addressed the alleged errors with the parties mentioned in this book in accordance with Matthew 18. Secondly, rather than addressing each teacher individually, he lumps both the "Word of Faith" teachers and the New Thought Practitioners into one group.This book in not without it's merits. He makes a wonderful presentation of what a Biblical faith should look like and the basics of apologetics. He also provides a number of memory tools to help people remember the illustrations.In Conclusion, I would recommend this book solely on the material that is presented in the last 2 sections of the book. I found the larger portion of the book not organized very well.
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Review 19 for Christianity In Crisis: The 21st Century - eBook
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Date:May 18, 2009
Paul Wilkinson
In this new edition, the host of the Bible Answer Man broadcasts and head of Christian Research Institute makes it really clear it's the excesses of "Word of Faith" theology under discussion, not issues with the wider Pentecostal, Assemblies of God or Charismatic doctrine. As such, this book is probably the best tool we have to confront those who espouse the "name it and claim it" or "prosperity gospel" fringe of Christianity. But what a visible "fringe" this is, accounting for a huge majority of the airtime purchased for religious broadcasting, not to mention entire networks. Why is that? I wish Hanegraaff had waded into the question, "What is it that draws these evangelists to one particular medium -- television -- while remaining almost entirely absent from radio and having only a minimal presence on the internet?" It does make you appreciative of the doctrinal balance to be had on Christian radio.We do owe a great debt to both Hanegraaff and his organization for all that they are doing to keep TV preachers accountable. With exhaustive research and careful examination, this book makes its point and makes it well....There isn't enough new material here for those who bought the first edition, but if there's someone in your sphere of influence caught up in the world of so-called faith teachers, buy this for them to see the contrast between Christian television and orthodox Christianity. (...part of Thomas Nelson Book Review Bloggers)
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Review 20 for Christianity In Crisis: The 21st Century - eBook
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Date:May 11, 2009
Grant Marshall
I tire of books that talk of Christianity in peril. Unfortunately with the advent of post modernity these books have come out in force and it saddens me that they are still necessary. Hanegraaff covers the "Word of Faith" movement otherwise known as the health, wealth and prosperity Gospel.Having been part of a church that was heavily influenced by this kind of doctrine, it strikes a little close to home. However having been away from those churches for so long gives this book a greater impact.I was puzzled by some of the downright heretical teachings espoused by those in this "movement". In fact it some caused me to laugh out loud.He does a good job at presenting their doctrines and statements as they are, and without sweeping statements. He is always thorough and irenic in his presentation. Yet the book could have been shortened quite a bit. Did we really need all those acronyms and why did he have to repeat the same sound bites so often? He could have been succinct. Had he shortened his book I'm sure he would have appealed to a wider audience and perhaps even to those in the movement. There is a fine line between being well researched, and communicating for your audience. Hannegraaff nails it at times, but the book is long and can be tedious too.Hannegraaff does not leave the reader without a solution. He brings believers back to the basics of the Gospel, in line with what the Bible teaches and historic Christianity. People emerging from these churches will do well to study this section.In the 21st century when self help and secular moralism are constantly invading the church and watering down the Gospel, the level headed wisdom of Hannegraaffs book will stand anyone who has been affected by this theology in good stead. Again it saddens me that such a book is actually neccessary. Perhaps if more Christians were biblically literate this kind of teaching would have a hard time taking root?http://brb.thomasnelson.com
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