Customer Reviews

The Agony of Deceit: What Some TV Preachers are Really Teaching

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

THE AGONY OF DECEIT
WHAT SOME TV PREACHERS ARE REALLY TEACHING
EDITED BY MICHAEL HORTON

This extra-ordinary book goes to great lengths to teach what the Gospel is NOT and what the gospel IS. The editor, Michael Horton, apart from making significant contributions of his own, has gathered together contributors of considerable standing in the literary and Christian worlds. Their combined purpose is the exposing of the teachings of certain television evangelists with worldwide audiences numbering many millions.

It is plain from the text that, before commiting their opinions to writing, the contributors first attempted, by one-on-one counselling, to persuede the TV evangelists to reconsider their theological views in respect of the Gospel. When this failed they carefully analyzed the writings and broadcast sermons of the televangelists in the light of the Gospel as presented in the Bible. The contributors express alarm at what they consider false prophecy being propagated over the air waves, leading millions of believers to a gross misunderstanding of the Gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ with all its attendent consequences.

"The Agony of Deceit" equates the influence of televangelism with the harmful influence of the medieval church which preceded the Reformation led by Martin Luther, and which left countless millions of souls floundering for centuries in a kind of spiritual wilderness.

"The Agony of Deceit" questions whether or not television and evangelism can be equally yoked together. It warns about the nature of the television ministry leading to an atmosphere of alienation among Christians. It throws out a powerful challenge to the authodox church to get involved in television ministry to counter the message of the televangelists. And it calls for the setting up of a second Reformation which will lead believers back to a true understanding of the Gospel.

I was glad I read this book. It took me back to my Chtistian roots, refreshed my memory of the true Gospel, and alerted me to the dangers of false prophecy.

Submitted by Roger

This book, edited by Reformed tehologian Michael Horton (also writes three essays in the book), was published in 1990 before the rest of the Evangelical community started to speak out against teh dangers of "The Word Faith Movement." The principles in theology have not changed toward applying to what is heretical word-faith nonsense and orthodox theology.

The strength of this book is the many different experts who rage in the battle for Christological and theological orthodoxy. Each person handels topics he is most apt to address. Horton's introduction brilliantly sets the stage, "This book argues that the struggle for orthodoxy is the struggle for the authentic 'message of Jesus Christ'."

Other chapters of note is the late Walter Martin's chapter on the "little gods" doctrine often snuck in by faith teachers. This was Martin's last published essay (he died after writing the essay, but the book was not published until after his death).
Horton's "The TV Gospel" and Godfrey's "The TV Chruch are written very well and are clear and concise. C. Everett Koop's chapter on faith healing and God's sovereignty is also extremely well done.

For another well written work on the subject read "Christianity in Crisis" by Hank Hanagraff.

Michael Horton and others carefully documents some of the modern heresies in the church, and it is highly recommended for those who are unaware of the stuff which spews itself off as theology. (Hagin, Robertson, Tilton, and others) Highly recommended.

"Doubtless, our most enthusiastic supporters will be among the Assemblies of God and other Pentecostal and charismatic groups. They, after all, were the first to confront and then sound the alarm against their unorthodox fellows." p.12 As an AG pastor I concur not only with this statement but also with the sentiments expressed throughout "The Agony of Deceit". Once upon a time this may have been true regarding all Pentecostal circles but no more. Due to an emphasis on church growth and a penchant for pragmatism, many Pentecostal pulpits and pens have gone silent concerning the continuing charismatic quagmire. Evidently if you "can't beat 'em then join 'em." While the names and places referenced in this book may have changed the message on the air waves remains the same. Therefore this book is still greatly needed. While the entire book is well worhth the read, the busy or curious pastor will find the Appendixes most helpful. The Creeds speak for themselves, the Seven Rules for testing Prophets are poignant but the Ready Reference guide should be made into a shirt-pocket edition.

The issue Horton and Co. must not be confused with a slanderous attempt to discredit like-minded believers. No, the issue is always, "What is true and what is false?" Even the apostle Paul did not hesitate from rebuking one such as Peter for having an incorrect theology (Gal. 2). What Horton has provided is an excellent expose of wha the so-called "faith-healers" are REALLY about.....and thus showing how truely un-Pauline such a movement is at its core. Must reading for the church on the brink of a new millenium!

Horton has collected a wide range of charismatic writers to expose the hidden heresies within the movement. Original quotes and sources from the Charismatic leaders themselves demonstrate common denials of basic Christian doctrines, such as the deity of Christ. Horton also offers a compassionate but accurate critique and corrective to these destructive false teachers in the Church. Must reading for anyone confused by or curious about the modern Charismatic movement!

An old trick of the serpent's is to sharply criticize seekers of truth, by saying how can you attack one of your own, when the attack seeks to show how the Scriptural proclamation is not the same.

The collection of essaysists attacks the prominent tv evangelists who preach to pocketbooks and viewers rather than to sinners in need of forgiveness. Tickling their ears (As St. Paul told Timothy) with what they want to hear is counter to all God tells His prophets to speak for Him. This admonition from so many prominent Christians should cause many to become Bereans in their churches, to check and recheck if God is speaking to them. (see Acts 17:11)

This book is Great contrary to what the last person reviewed it. It is obvious Today Christians aren't ACTS 17:11 type of christians. Searching scriptures daily. When men such as Kenneth Hagin, Ken Copeland and others teach that we are incarnation of God they are wrong and need to be judged not condeming but unto repentance. Hagin, copeland, hinn, etc. are not God and need to be held accountable for their teachings. This book does just that and Jesus would too. A MUST READ FOR ALL TRUTH SEEKING CHRISTIANS

This book is a collection of essays written by Michael Horton and a dozen other writers from diverse theological backgrounds. They critique heresies of the modern church in the light of the Scriptures with documentation of sources and devastating expose'. The book is much needed in a world where Benny Hinn (who is not even mentioned by the way since the book was issued before Hinn was a household name) claims he will raise the dead, Jimmy Swaggart was exposed as an adulterer, and the Word of Faith crisis advanced beyond critical mass to include Creflo Dollar's "send me money" theme.

The book, however, does suffer from one weakness: it implies that NEVER has anyone successfully used TV either locally or nationally to spread the gospel. While correctly noting that the TV can never replace the ecclesiastical church, the book seems overly negative towards TV and radio ministries. Other than that, a fine read.

This book deserves zero stars. Aside from a couple of good essays in it, this is one of the worst books I have ever read. In the name of protecting Christianity from frauds, Horton goes way beyond that to subtly undermine any trust in the Bible at all. He shreds miracle and despises the Scientific Creationists. When he is done you wouldn't dare trust ANYTHING about Christianity! Read this book only if you like pious-sounding frauds.