A Different Gospel

From the introduction to the afterword I found this book not only engaging, but as well as thought provoking. I found A Different Gospel to be very methodical. It is refreshing to know that there are authors who are interested in keeping the wolves away from the sheep, as someone who deals in apologetics myself, I loved that Mr. McConnell was very knowledgeable, meticulous and very careful not to paint everyone who is in the word of faith movement with a broad brush, but made it abundantly clear that the genesis of the movement, as well as the theolgy, is heretical in nature. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning the basics of this bad theological movement, that unfortunately, gets tied into sound charismatic circles who have a real hunger for God. This book is a wonderful illustration of how to deal with apologetics in a sound and humble way. 1 Peter 3:15 perfectly exemplified, purchase this book, it is a no brainer.

An excellent discourse in the background and errors within the Word of Faith. It is balanced and treats those within the movement with respect. There are many sincere people who are sincerely wrong. The "word of faith" spoken by Paul is confidence in Christ as Lord. It is the Word in whom we have salvation. This volume is a good value for the depth of study it evidences. I will be recommended reading for my theology class.

The author pulls the sheepskin off the wolf in this piercing reveal of the truths behind the word of faith heresy. His exposure of this cult belief system that has infiltrated Christianity is a must read for anyone debating whether or not this belief system is true.

By the summer of 1988, I had been heavily involved with the Word of Faith for 8 years. By this time I had accumulated almost all of Ken C.'s and Ken H.'s tapes and books, as well as many materials from several other prominent WOF teachers. Every now and then, throughout those years, I would hear or read something that just didn't seem to add up to what the Bible clearly said, or with how the NT describes how the Early Church and the apostles had actually lived; but instead of really investigating it, I just kind of stored it in the back of my mind. In the summer of '88, my (WOF) church secretary had shown me her copy of 'A Different Gospel' and shared with me a few things about it, which prompted me to purchase my own copy. Every page was such an eye-opener that I couldn't put it down. After thinking about it, and studying the scriptures to see what they actually said without the WOF spin on them, I decided to leave the WOF.

I do agree with the WOF, however, that we need a positive outlook where our faith is concerned, and we need to give much more freedom to the move and gifts of the Holy Spirit. But having faith in one's own faith is not a principle taught in the Word of God, but having faith in God is. And the teaching of the hundred-fold return in Mark's gospel had nothing to do with "money", or becoming wealthy by it, but was taught by Jesus as the blessing one would receive for leaving his/her family (fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, wives, children, houses, and lands) to preach the gospel wherever Jesus would lead. The Bible does not promise us that God will supply all our needs according to "our" treasures in heaven, but according to "His" treasures in glory by Christ Jesus! Be a good Berean and check out what the scriptures say for yourself.

In this book, McConnell makes a well-researched and vital contibution to the body of literature dealing with the "Word of Faith" movement. The Bible instructs all Christians to be persons of the "Word" and persons of "Faith," however, many of the teachings promoted by the "Word of Faith" movement distort the intent of the biblical authors. McConnell's book is invaluable to anyone researching this topic.