A Different Gospel: Updated Edition

I've been an attendee of 2 different word faith churches. Their doctrines came to bother me, which is why I got this book. If you or someone you know, wants out or questions what is being preached to them, get a copy. It's deep and slow reading in places. But when you are finished, you should ha inve a great understanding of what word faith churches teach and preach. And to leave and find fellowship with Christians who honor, love and preach the whole Word.

An interesting book concerning the Word of Faith (also known as the "Name it and Claim It") movement, of which I am already familiar with. The author does get into a lot of information that sidelines the topic at hand, but a major point that he does do is prove that Kenneth Hagin, Jr. has plagiarized the writings of E. W. Kenyon, who is the progenitor of this "doctrine." The author D. R. McConnell, proves this early on in the book by listing side-by-side in Chapter 1, the teachings of E.W. Kenyon and Kenneth Hagin, Jr. so the reader can see for themselves the plagiarizing, with very minimal word changes from Kenneth Hagin, Jr.It is not just Kenneth Hagin, Jr. who subscribes to this teaching: several other familiar "preachers" of today and in times past also do, such as William Branham, T.L. Osborn, John Alexander Dowie, Oral Roberts (sr. and Jr.), Kenneth Copeland, Joyce Meyer, T.D. Jakes, Robert Tilton and others.The Word of Faith cult--which the author emphatically states it is--and touches on the history behind it--is a combination of Christian Science,and New Thought, with the addition of metaphysical. The author states that "Kenyon taught the same doctrines of healing, positive confession and prosperity that New Thought and Christian Science had been teaching for decades" (p.20).The author also states that "Although his (Kenyon) theology does not fit into either the Wesleyan-Holiness or Pentecostal healing streams, there is a healing movement in this country into which Kenyon's theology DOES fit. This divine healing movement is known as 'metaphysics' and encompasses such religious groups as Christian Science, New Thought, Unity School of Christianity, and Science of the Mind" (P.24).Chapter goes into Kenyon's early life and ministry, and as you read it, the author writes that he was exposed to a variety of "metaphysical, Unitarian and transcendental religious groups." (p. 33).There also seems to be a connection to Charles Emerson, who was a "collector of religions," who held to the tenets of Spenser's social Darwinism..." and "Platonism, Swedenborgianism, New England Unitarianism, and Emersonian Transcendentalism" (p. 35). "all of these various elements were held together by heavy proof texting from the Bible and a quasi-Darwinian view of the religious evolution of humanity which ended in MAN BECOMING A GOD." (p. 35, caps mine).There are 11 chapters in all. D.R. McConnell covers an abundantly large amount of information. He is very thorough--and correct. He has no "axe to grind," nor is he biased in his writing. There is too much information in this book for me to list it all, but I can tell you that not only is this book and eye-opener, but well worth the money. This book is also an updated edition, as of October, 2014, so the contents are current..The final part of this book is titled "Afterword." The author writes that he did his Master's thesis at Oral Roberts University during the time when "the entire theological faculty" that attended were opposed to this doctrine. He goes on further to say that "Somebody must give an account for these lives" (that have been destroyed, p. 213). He makes no apologies for writing this book."Ezekiel 33:2-6 "Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman: If when he seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the trumpet, and warn the people; then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head. He heard the sound of the trumpet, and took not warning; his blood shall be upon him.But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul. But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand."Books like this written by authors like . R. McConnell are responsible before God to warn people of the dangers of false doctrines if they know about it, which is why I wrote this Scripture.

The author of this book is a graduate of Oral Roberts University. The book is a product of the author's master's thesis on the Faith movement (also called the prosperity gospel). A major purpose of the book is to explain the history of the Faith movement to better understand its sometimes bizarre doctrines. McConnell does this admirably, tracing the beginnings of this movement to a man named Kenyon, who became concerned in the early twentieth century about the number of church attendees who were leaving religious orthodoxy for the much more exciting teachings of cults/cultic groups such as New Thought and Christian Science. According to McConnell, in order to counteract the influence of these highly popular groups, Kenyon developed his own theology that combined cultic teachings with scriptural content into a body of publications. The author describes how Kenyon adopted many of the beliefs of New Thought, perhaps unconsciously, juxtaposing highly unbiblical beliefs with scriptural truth in a confused combination that became "A Different Gospel.". McConnell relates that the teachings of these cultic groups included metaphysical concepts such as the belief that the spiritual realm was the only reality; the physical realm was non-existent. This viewpoint led to the conclusion that humans had the power to manipulate their environments with positive thinking and positive verbal confessions. Disease or illness did not truly exist and so medical care was unnecessary. All problems could be solved by believing and speaking solutions into reality. Illness or financial reversals were due to a lack of faith in the person's ability to manipulate the environment with the power of thought and verbal confirmation. Right thinking would invariably lead to desired outcomes. So Kenyon wrote his publications, which were read early in his career by Kenneth Hagin, according to the author. The author then relates how Hagin simply plagerized Kenyon's work, using it word for word in his own publications with zero credit given to Kenyon.Hagin's publications then became the basis for the radical misinterpretations of scripture that continued Kenyon's "Different Gospel." In this distorted gospel, humans are capable of manipulating God into giving them whatever it is they desire; in fact, God is somehow obligated to give believers fancy homes, luxury vehicles, expensive clothing and exotic vacations. Believers who live in poverty dishonor God due to their lack of faith or knowledge on how to take advantage of the laws that govern the getting of lots of stuff. Believers who flaunt their wealth (usually gained by fleecing the flock) are honoring God by proving that they are adept at making God do their bidding. The author proves that this is indeed a different gospel, completely opposed to the life of humble service modeled by Christ, the apostles, and the early church. Unfortunately, this self-centered, selfish brand of faith is being spread around the world. Even believers trapped in third world countries where clean water is the desperately needed "luxury" and where a dirt road would improve lives are being berated for their so-called lack of faith. So the Faith evangelists pile up the money poured into their coffers by the gullible who somehow swallow the line that giving to these charlatans will cause God to bless them with not just what they need but also with everything on their wish list. McConnell ends his book with the plea that charismatic leaders take a strong stand against what amounts to heresy. This important work is highly recommended for those who are seeking the truth about the Faith/prosperity gospel.

Well researched, great read to stop you being conned by the FAITH MOVEMENT that are still robbing vulnerable people thinking that they are going to get false promises the only ones that are getting rich are the con preachers look at their lifestyle. I AM STILL IN THE SAME POSITION I WAS IN 35 YEARS AGO and then they tell you if it doesn't work its your fault. Keep sowing your miracle is just around the corner. Don't be fooled. I would very highly recommend this book and learn how to keep your money from these con merchants.Many thanks to the writer of this book.

I grew up in Word of Faith churches, and I left in my late 20s. By then I had grown to question much of what I was taught was Faith. This book exposes the Word of Faith movement for what it is - Gnosticism in a more modern guise.What I can say that struck me about this book was highlighting the manipulative and destructive nature of the Word of Faith movement, and the distinct lack of Love as taught by Paul in 1 Corinthians 13. Word of Faith churches are extremely unloving churches. If you are poor or sick, you are out of the will of God and being punished for it, you are sinning if you are out of the will of God, therefore God being righteous can punish you for your lack of faith - which by the way is why you are outside of the will of God!If you are like myself, trying to reconcile the abusive nature of the Word of Faith, with what you believe as Christian, this is a damn good place to start.

This is a well-illustrated critique of a contemporary accretion to Christian belief which has flourished for more than 30 years in the USA but has spread its tentacles to Australia and South Africa, as well as in Britain for well over ten years. The book was first brought out in the USA in 1988 and, although updated in places, it needs a more radical update with more recent illustrations and quotations. Having said that, it is in my opinion the best balanced critique of the Word of Faith movement around, without the invective of some American antagonists.

This is very thorough examination of the Word Faith movement, and the writer is very open about his aims and intentions for the book.There is some repetition of ideas during a passage, but this serves to emphasise the point he is making. He does seem to have by-passed William Branham, who is a major figure in the movement, but still covers the subject pretty thoroughly.I recommend reading this book if you have concerns about the signs and wonders movement, the money preachers and so on, or are involved with the movement.

Good expose of the roots and history of the false 'Word Faith' Movement. Takes you through the 'Word of Faith' step by step and comparing it by hermeneutical scriptural comparison. I use it to expose this evil doctrine and have had good success in freeing its victims.