Hank Hanegraff's "Christianity In Crisis" speaks to the damage prosperity/faith preachers as well as the continued New Age movement is causing in our postmodern culture.
Initially, I did not agree with the authors viewpoint. I thought he was being too picky and lacking grace especially toward people in the faith movement. The continued overuse of one or two statements throughout the book created an appearance of having something personal against certain teachers in the faith movement. For example, the author uses one example of Joyce Meyer blaming Job for his losses-ad nauseaum throughout the book. I got the point. Mrs. Meyer was rude and inconsiderate and said something stupid. A mistake most of us humans make. Mr Hanegraaff's repeated use of that same error-did not really justify any of his points.
I am interested in the truth, so I kept reading the lengthy book and to my astonishment found that the author is on to something-something big! I checked his footnotes and references and had several different bibles at my fingertips as I continued to study the book. The author gives tremendous insight and has a great ability to compare and contrast what faith movement teachers are dishing out vs. what God's word really says.
We can not create alternate realities with our thoughts or words. As claimed by some in the faith movement and New Age propaganda books such as "The Secret." To prove the point-Try to change your computer screen into a bowl of oatmeal by believing and speaking it out. Did it work? Of course not. Metaphysical change is not real. It does not work. We cannot speak and make something happen in our favor.
There is no magic formula in this life. Matthew 6:33 says "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (NIV) The things referred to in this scripture verse are food, clothes, and material possessions as noted in Matthew 6:25. God wants us to look for a real relationship with him first. He is not Santa Claus. We should not submit a list of things we want and then expect him to deliver them. I once heard a pastor state "I have tithed all of my life, and I still don't have everything I want, but I have everything I need. Yes, God takes care of His people but we will not all live in plush mansions. I love the point the author makes about none of the prosperity preachers being on the Forbes 500 list! Why not? If their principles really work shouldn't they all be the richest people in the world?
Life can be tough, we can work really hard for decades and watch as the stock market plummets and takes our life savings away. My sister got laid off last week from a company she worked with for over 18 years. A few months ago a colleague who is past retirement age was fired without cause. Loved ones get sick and die, no matter how hard we pray.
Christianity In Crisis really helps to illuminate the Truth. The "Back to Basics" section is invaluable and a must read for every Christian. The Apologetics appendix is an eye opener and something that should be taught in every church to every believer.
Like the faith movement teachers say-"Check it out for yourself, don't just take my word for it!" Do check out the Bible for yourself. Don't let anyone deceive you or misrepresent the Holy word of God. Get your hands on a copy of Christianity in Crisis-21st Century as well to add to your knowledge base.
