A Great Light in the Darkness

(Book Review by Cherie Hill-Thomas Nelson Book Reviewer)

Some might perceive “Christianity in Crisis” as an attack on the most prominent preachers of the 21st century, but in reality it is a great light in the darkness. And yes, that darkness is WITHIN Christianity. The book exposes the “wolves in sheep’s clothing,” and nothing could be more vital to the core of the Christian faith. I can tell you that daily through my ministry ScriptureNow.com this crisis is VERY real. My ministry’s goal is to send out the Word of God into countless lives around the world; sending prayer and God’s Word in order to draw people to Christ. (Fulfilling the commission to save souls.) However, what I have found is that very seldom am I reaching the lost, I’m finding those who are SAVED, yet are falling away from Christ because of these “Word Faith” teachers. The result is TRAGIC; it is evident that the enemy has found a doorway into the core of Christianity, appealed to man through their fleshly desires, (nothing new: go to the Garden of Eden!) and is destroying the core of the Christian’s faith. Hank Hanegraaff is not writing for profit, it’s with purpose-to reach God’s people with the Truth.

You can cast doubt on this so called “crisis” all you want, but we shouldn’t be surprised that it exists. Go to Romans 16: 17-18, it pretty much sums it up:

“Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting.”

Hank Hanegraaf uses more references to support his evidence than any book I’ve ever seen addressing the issue of “Word Faith” teachers. He brings to light false beliefs and teachings of each of the teachers that you probably don’t even know exist. At times, He can be repetitive and even harsh, but in agreement with the author, “When the core of the Christian faith is imperiled, strong measures are necessary.” I assure you, you will be surprised and shocked at times by what you read. More than likely, YOU are listening to ONE of these teachers, and it is vital to your faith that you are not deceived!

The book shows that not ONE of the “Word Faith” teachers are able to stand up to the Word of God. Hank Hanegraaf consistently shows compelling evidence from these teacher’s own words that they continue to twist and distort the Scriptures. We cannot “blindly” walk by faith-we’re instructed to “test all things in the light of Scripture.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21; Acts 17:11, 2 Timothy 3:16)

“Christianity in Crisis” is a book that EVERYONE should read. It speaks truth and its truth may very well not only save someone’s life, but save someone’s soul. It will provide you with a bright light in a dark world by enabling you to see through the lies and deceit.