SortingBeans

In recent months, I have been reading a book for review for Thomas Nelson: Book Review Bloggers. The title is Christianity in Crisis: 21st Century, authored by Hank Hanegraaff. Hank Hanegraaff is the president of the Christian Research Institute (CRI), which broadcasts a radio program called, “The Bible Answer Man Broadcast.”

Hank Hanegraaff sets the pace by preparing his audience for what they are about to read. He goes through painful detail of exposing the heresies this century has unfortunately witnessed under the Christian symbol. Hanegraaff also goes through great scrutiny of the audible and written words of the contemporary false teachers. This book is designed as an informative resource for Christians in regard to the “Word of Faith” and other “Prosperity” gospels, which are no gospels at all. Hanegraaff also presents an apologetic to the movements of which he asserts are a “prostitution of the biblical concept of faith, a critical compromise respecting the nature of God, or a current con and cover-up” (Hanegraaff ix).

I find Christianity in Crisis: 21st Century to be a very useful resource. 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 re-hash the content, rather it serves as a re-emphasize to 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 heresies of these contemporary faith and prosperity teachers (Paula White, Benny Hinn, Joel Osteen, Joyce Meyer, Kenneth Copeland, Creflo Dollar, and more).

The book gets better more towards the end, as much of the first half – and possibly a little more than that – is centered around examining and exposing. The last approximate 25-30% is devoted to “Back to the Basics” (p. 281) type of material, which follows with equipping the reader with tools for effective Christian responses to such heresies. 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. Follow this link for more information on making your purchase!

- Jonathan J.