A Different Gospel: Biblical and Historical Insights Into the Word of Faith Movement [Englisch] [Taschenbuch]

Still the idea persists that faith is believing sth strongly enough to make it happen. The delusion is usually found among those who imagine they hold to a scientific religion. Science works to consistent laws. It is commonly taught, especially by those in the so-called faith movement, that there is a "law" of faith that works like gravity and if we obey that law, what we desire will be granted automatically like the reaction of molecules. But these people oversee that the realm of spirit and the realm of the material world are not the same. The physical laws which according to the Christian belief God has established are intended to control man and to limit what we can do in God`s universe. But this presumed law of faith does just the opposite. It allows each person to become a "god" waving a magic wand over the physical universe.
But what? Did not Jesus himself say: Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you (John 16,23)!"? Is this like Sesame opening? No , because the Bible has given the reasonable limitation, that first of all not everybody is qualified to ask . In James 4,3 it says: "You ask and receive not, because you ask amiss, that you may consume it upon your lusts." Just look what for the people pray and tell me their lust!
Why should God answer prayers if He wants sth else than the one who asks! Therefore Christians are even advised in the "Lord`s Prayer" to pray: "Faher, your will be done!" Gods will not mans will! Mans task seems to be to will God`s will! We have chaos enough on Earth! It would be not a good idea to fulfil everybody`s hottest wishes! Think of the fervent prayers of Islam-terrorists to destroy America and whole Christianity!
Very similar to the faith movement within charismatic and Pentecostal circles is the New Thought Alliances of churches. They all claim to be Christian, but they are outside the Biblical Christianity. Such groups include Christian Science, Science of Mind and many others. They believe in an all-powerful universal Mind that exists to serve mankind. Oddly this great Mind apparently has no mind of its own but is ever ready to turn wishes into white elephants. It is typical for the self-centered human ego to believe in that what self-centered Satan professes "I will be like the most High!" Another trial of man to come a little closer to be himself God!
Rather apparent is that this movement seems to be another link to New Age and other religions of self-centeredness. Hinduism for example holds a similar belief. It denies objective reality and claims that we (or the Great Self which is in every single self) have created with our minds an imaginary universe. The great illusion- maya it is thankfully named. By changing our thinking the result must inevitably be the change of the universe. Hitler only thought wrong! Or not! Think pink! Or Visualize peace! And it will happen. So called Positive Mental Attitude seminars and much success training in the business worlds involve similar fantasy - the idea that we can create success only with the power of positive thinking. According to some professing Christians Positive Thinking or Possibility Thinking are synonymous for faith! But atheists can say the same! The Bible says (Romans 10,17): "Faith comes by hearing...the word of God!" It is obvious that Biblical Faith and spiritual faith are different.
Books which are warning Christians from non-biblical practises need be in order to discern Biblical from non-biblical teachings and hint at the common movement in the world of today, in which the differences of religions disappear according to the growing tolerance for everything which is not good according to the biblical teaching. Those who do not want to be warned in the way the apostle Paul warned the Christians in all his letters and Jesus warned the people in all four Gospels, could at least keep to the advice: "Test it and keep what is good!" But for the good it seems that again the Bible must be the orientation for Christians and not eastern philosophy.

A Different Gospel examines the Word of Faith doctrines which have become increasingly popular within Pentecostalism. I would stress however that Word of Faith is a stream within Pentecostalism and although Word of Faith people tend to be Pentecostal, not all Pentecostals would be Word of Faith. McConnell looks at the origins of the Word of Faith and in particular the Father figure of the movement, E.W. Kenyon.

McConnell examines Word of Faith teachings and shows from scripture that there is some error.

McConnell is a Pentecostal so he is writing objectively. I have to admire how gracious he is throughout the book to the people he is writing about.

If you want to know about the Word of Faith movement, I would strongly recommend this book.

Why 4 stars instead of 5? I have read the book twice and found the information 100% correct and on target. However, there are times when the author has forgotten (in my opinion) Peter's instruction in 1 Peter 3:16 to use gentleness and respect when challenging another. Other than this, the book is supurb.

It is unfortunate that there are those who aer biblically unsound and do not know how to properly interpret scripture. As a result you have unfounded and distorted reviews concerning this fabulous book. McConnell's research is perfect.

I was a licensed minister and pastor in the Word of Faith movement for ten years. I can attest to the validity and accuracy of what has been uncovered in this book. Only a foolish and unleaned heart could say otherwise. Please, for your sake and the eternal sake of untold thousands, get this book! If you are involved in this hereitcal movement, learn to love God instead of what you think God should do for you. True Christianity and not empty religion such as the Word of Faith will set people free!

Again, GET THIS BOOK! Read it and read it again. Titus 1:10-16

God bless you as you endeavor to seek the truth over fantasy.