Customer Reviews

Charismatic Captivation

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Dr. Lambert does a superb job of cataloging the various types of abuse that have arisen as a result of the Discipleship/Shepherding movement founded in Florida in the 1970's. He traces the path that the leaders and proponents of these heresies have since taken and exposes how deeply these false doctrines have taken root in the church.

He tackles such false teachings as absolute submission to Pastors, spiritual covering, having most decisions confirmed by church leaders, becoming cursed for leaving such a church, and making a covenant to be joined with your Pastor. He doesn't just state that these teachings are unscriptural, and then back it up with double-talk and his own personal opinion. Rather, he opens up the Scriptures and begins to systematically lay out God's will, thus allowing us to see how these teachings do not line up with God's Word. He also maintains a balance between reproving false apostles and shepherds, while encouraging the ministry of true five-fold minsters, as laid out in the New Testament.

He also explores the emotional manipulations and mind control techniques that cults use (psychological enslavement)and reveals the ways that these are used in such churches. Although it may seem that these teachings are marginal within the church, the reality is that this body of false doctrine is spreading throughout many churches worldwide at an alarming rate. There is a new cult springing up within Protestantism that must be stopped, but up until now, there has not been much information on it. This book provides all the ammuniton needed to stop it.

Dr. Lambert also provides a section on recovery for those who have been bewitched by a church or leader who teaches these false doctrines. Perhaps you've left such a church and are frightened that 'you've come out from under the covering and will be cursed', or maybe you've made a covenant with your Pastor and become 'joined' with him. Maybe your Pastor is demanding that you tithe and offer him money, even at the expense of your children going hungry or your rent going unpaid ('The only way to get out of debt is to give your way out'). These are clearly abusive situations that you don't need to remain in, and you can get solid advice on how to break free and find healing.

I recommend all Christians pick up this book and read it carefully. I'm sure you will encounter teachings that you've heard on TV, read in a popular Christian book, or maybe even heard from your church pulpit. Then you need to decide whether you will continue to disobey the Word of God, or whether you will repent of following these false doctrines and make a clean break from all heresy.

The information is great; even if, it is a little too wordy. We are using this book for our Scripture group because it is such a big help in understanding some of the problems we are currently facing.