“Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth…” The Apostle Paul (Acts 20:30)
This is not a “win friends and influence people” type of book, but I believe it is a book that is needed today. Christianity in Crisis 21st Century by Hank Hanegraaff is a book that exposes dangers of a cultic movement within Christianity. This is my first book that I took notes with pen and paper while reading.
I found this book well researched, every claim documented, and he went out of his way to clarify statements to make sure he understood what was being said.
As a Christian this book scares me to death. I do believe the way Satan is going to hurt the church is by dividing the church. This might be a book that will leave you feeling mad, angry, and discouraged. But Hank Hanegraaf is not looking to be liked, he wants the truth to be told and expose lies that are being said.
His book covers famous speakers like Joel Osteen, Kenneth Hagin, Benny Hinn, Joyce Myers, John Hage, TD Jakes, Rod Parsley, Fredrick Price, Robert Tilton, Marilyn Hickey, and more. I am sure there is at least ONE person on that list that made your eyebrows rise. You will have to read the book to specifically read what he says about each person, but I urge that you do so, you might be amazed.
Within in the Christian community there are the following teachings:
- 1. Powerful words create reality
2. With our words we can prophesy our own future.
3. Adam was God in the flesh.
4. The key to prosperity is to have faith in your faith.
5. One teaches you should talk back to the devil.
6. One does not believe in evangelizing the Jews, because they are protected under the old covenant.
7. One flat out denies the deity of Christ.
8. One teaches you give so you can receive.
9. Several do not recognize the trinity.
10. Some indirectly imply the size of the donation depends on the size of your miracle.
11. People are not healed due to their lack of faith.
Hank stated, “If God could be controlled through positive words then God is reduced to cosmic servant and he would be your bellhop.” Many of these teachers present a small view of God and a large view of man.
There are many born again believers that are being taught false doctrine, but what scares me the most are those who go to church and are not born again Christians hearing these false teachings. So many people might be surprised when Christ comes again.
This is not an easy book to read, but it is one that SHOULD be read. Many Christians are being taught to believe in a false Jesus.
Christianity In Crisis: The 21st Century
