Book Review: Christianity in Crisis: 21st Century

I recently read the book: Christianity in Crisis: 21st Century. This book confronts the current Word/Faith movement that has been quite prevalent in Christian circles through authors and speakers such as Joyce Meyer, T.D. Jakes and Joel Osteen. I was astounded, to say the least, upon reading the type of scripture -twisting tactics these (any many others) leaders use to promote the "speak it and God has to make it happen" theme. Not only was reading this book an eye-opening experience but it made it real to me how this movement can very easily lead Christians, and those seeking, down the wrong path.

The author, Hank Hanegraaff, is well-versed and has an excellent understanding of biblical texts and how they are interpreted. I enjoyed his straightforward approach in bringing to light the aspects of the Word/Faith that can lead believers astray. In Christian society we often play the "nice guy" when dealing with those who are misinterpreting scripture. But Hanegraaff does not play the "nice guy" in this book. He is direct in explaining what beliefs in the Word/Faith movement have misconstrued the teachings of the Bible. By using the acronym "FLAWS" (Faith in Faith, Little Gods, Atonement Atrocities, Wealth & Want and Sickness and Suffering) Hanegraaff points out the major failings of the Word/Faith movement in a very thorough way. So thorough in fact that the last 1/4 of the book is strictly of bibliography of Hanegraaf's sources.

This book is an excellent read and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to really know the background and teachings of the Word/Faith movement. It may be a difficult read due to the in-depth way in which Hanegraaff approaches the topic of false teachers but is well worth it. This books should remind us that God is the one who is in control, not our words. We cannot speak our future into existence, God has already planned and prepared it for us to experience.

"This Is Your Brain On Joy" by Dr. Earl Henslin

I would highly recommend this book although, to be honest, I was skeptical of what it's message would be. Through experience I have found that some people (often from a traditional Christian perspective) do not understand the complexity of depression and anxiety in relation to how it can actually affect an individuals life. Finding contentment and joy is not always as easy as sending up a prayer or reading your bible. There are measures that need to be taken to treat the problem.

I was very pleased with Dr. Henslin's writing style; as well as, how the book structured. He wrote in an understandable way and that he wants those non-medical people to understand the causes behind these disorders and how we can go about helping ourselves through our diet, how we process different experiences, etc. The "Amen Brain System Checklist" was excellent. It was very insightful and I liked how it tied in with the previous chapters. It helped to pull everything together in the end so that you could apply it to your specific situation.

I was encouraged by the way Dr. Henslin emphasized treatment in a well-rounded way, rather than strictly encouraging medication. I will definitely recommend this book to friends and family to help give them a greater understanding of how to encourage contentment in all things, even when they don't go our way. Overall, a very encouraging and insightful book.