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.
Nearly two decades ago Hank Hanegraaff’s award-winning Christianity in Crisis alerted the world to the dangers of a cultic movement within Christianity that threatened to undermine the very foundation of biblical faith. But in the 21st century, there are new dangers-new teachers who threaten to do more damage than the last.
These are not obscure teachers that Hanegraaff unmasks. We know their names. We have seen their faces, sat in their churches, and heard them shamelessly preach and promote the false pretexts of a give-to-get gospel. They are virtual rock stars who command the attention of presidential candidates and media moguls. Through make-believe miracles, urban legends, counterfeit Christs, and twisted theological reasoning, they peddle an occult brand of metaphysics that continues to shipwreck the faith of millions around the globe:
"God cannot do anything in this earthly realm unless we give Him permission."
"Keep saying it-’I have equality with God’-talk yourself into it."
"Being poor is a sin."
"The Jews were not rejecting Jesus as Messiah; it was Jesus who was refusing to be the Messiah to the Jews!"
"You create your own world the same way God creates His. He speaks, and things happen; you speak, and they happen."
Christianity in Crisis: 21st Century exposes darkness to light, pointing us back to a Christianity centered in Christ.
From the Preface:
"Having lost the ability to think biblically, postmodern Christians are being transformed from cultural change agents and initiators into cultural conformists and imitators. Pop culture beckons, and postmodern Christians have taken the bait. As a result, the biblical model of faith has given way to an increasingly bizarre array of fads and formulas."
Q: It’s been twenty years since you began writing the original book, Christianity in Crisis, which became an award-winning bestseller. Why return to this subject now?
A: Twenty years ago, Kenneth Hagin was the prime mover behind a message that threatened to undermine the very foundation of the faith once for all delivered to the saints. I have released Christianity in Crisis: The 21st Century because a new breed of prosperity preachers has taken Hagin’s preaching and practices to unimaginable heights—or depths. Indeed, those who followed this train—men such as Joel Osteen, and women like Joyce Meyer—are living proof that error begets error and heresy begets heresy. As such, they have taken the crisis in Christianity spawned by Hagin and popularized by disciples such as Kenneth Copeland and Benny Hinn to levels that I could scarcely have imagined when I was writing in the twentieth century.
Q: As you approached the writing of this new book, what were some aspects you decided to keep unchanged from the original? What are some new features you’ve incorporated for today’s readers?
A: I have retained the core of the original, which is formulated around the acronym F-L-A-W-S. While the nub remains, it is interspersed with quotations from current stars in the faith constellation. Each chapter begins with an epigraph from a mega-faith star which epitomizes the crisis and ends with a summary entitled “Error Begets Error” which demonstrates that the heresies of original faith proliferators have not only been proliferated but often exacerbated by the new breed. This volume is complemented by a new introduction which not only provides a compelling overview of the issues addressed in the body of the book but also documents the eerie similarities between pop sensations such as Rhonda Byrne’s The Secret and Joel Osteen’s Your Best Life Now. Christianity in Crisis: The 21st Century has also been augmented with a Cast of Characters section which provides comprehensive information as well as biblical evaluation of the newest and most prolific stars in the faith galaxy—virtual rock stars who command the attention of presidential candidates and media moguls.
Q: Who are the people who inspired you to tackle this topic?
A: This book needed to be written. It’s not so much about the faith teachers themselves as it is about faith followers who inevitably become distracted, disillusioned, and discouraged. My heart aches for the parent who put his dead baby on ice and, in the midst of tears and desperation, drove fifty miles to a counterfeit revival center because he trusted the testimonies of faith preachers who were touting resurrections from the dead. I equally grieve the millions who have left faith churches in the midst of failed faith formulas. Some conclude that God must not love them; others question the integrity of the whole Christian enterprise.
Q: How have some of the personalities mentioned in the book responded to criticism of their practices and their interpretation of Scripture?
A: Many of the people discussed in this book occupy powerful platforms within evangelical Christianity. They control vast resources and stand to lose multiplied millions if they are exposed. The stakes are so high, they are willing to do and say virtually anything to silence opposition. Paul Crouch, founder of Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), went so far as to suggest that if God does not kill “heresy hunters,” he will. Benny Hinn took it a step further. On TBN’s Praise the Lord program, he said “You have attacked me. Your children will pay for it.” He once ominously snarled, “I’m not exactly a normal kind of guy, you know. I’m from Israel. Sometimes I wish God would give me a Holy Ghost machine gun. I’d blow your head off.”
Q: Many of the people who follow faith teachings are looking for a quick formula to solve their problems or acquire the things they want. Why do you think they won’t find God in this formula?
A: The tragedy is that all too often we look for God in all the wrong places. The real experience is not found in counterfeit formulas but in Christian fundamentals. Think for a moment about prayer. Rather than seeking formulas through which we can get things from God, we must ever be mindful that prayer is an opportunity for developing intimacy with the lover of our souls. If we are honest with ourselves, most of us have learned to pray backwards. We hurry into God’s presence with techniques and incessant babblings and in the process drown out the sound of the very One whose voice we so long to hear. All too often we want God to move the fence posts and enlarge our houses and lands. God wants something far better for us. He wants to be still so that he can enlarge the territories of our hearts. He has sent us sixty-six love letters etched in heavenly writing. And the more we meditate upon those words, the clearer his voice will resonate in the sound of our silence.
Average Rating: 4 out of 5 stars(4 out of 5 stars)
8 of 34 Reviews Showing:(View All Reviews)
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Mai Berg (Anoka, MN), October 30, 2009
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.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by William Walls (Cross, SC), October 22, 2009
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.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by vanessa walters (Red Cloud Nebr), 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!
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Christine - The IE Mommy (California), July 24, 2009
Hank Hanergraaff is an expert at defending and explain the “faith”. I found the book to be intriguing, detailed and supportive of it’s information.
This is not a book that is an “easy” read…probably 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 Hank’s point of view.
With his clear statements about organizations and Churches that are not teaching the word of God correctly…I 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 book…not 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 to…this 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.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Doreen (Baltimore, MD), June 29, 2009
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!
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Jonathan Woodward (United States), June 17, 2009
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.
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Marcus Daly (North Carolina), June 13, 2009
Truth is indeed stranger than fiction.
Such is the statement in Hanegraaff’s 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 God’s 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.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Creth D Hopkins (Pawhuska, Oklahoma), June 10, 2009
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.
View all 34 Reviews
Write a review of Christianity in Crisis: 21st Century
Catalog Shopping
Membership
