The Gospel of Inclusion: Reaching Beyond Religious Fundamentalism to the True Love of God and Self [Hardcover]

Carlton Pearson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 18, 2008

Fourth-generation fundamentalist Carlton Pearson, a Christian megastar and host, takes a courageous and controversial stand on religion that proposes a hell-less Christianity and a gospel of inclusion that calls for an end to local and worldwide conflicts and divisions along religious lines.

The Gospel of Inclusion explores the exclusionary doctrines in mainstream religion and concludes that according to the evidence of the Bible and irrefutable logic, they cannot be true. Bishop Pearson argues that the controlling dogmas of religion are the source of much of the world's ills and that we should turn our backs on proselytizing and holy wars and focus on the real good news: that we are all bound for glory, everybody is saved, and if we believe God loves all mankind, then we have no choice but to have the same attitude ourselves.

The Gospel of Inclusion also tells the story of a powerful religious figure who watched everything he had crumble due to a scandal. Why? He didn't steal money nor did he have inappropriate sexual relationships. Following a revelation from God, he began to preach that a loving God would not condemn most of the human race to hell because they are not Christian. Hepreaches that God belongs to no religion. The Gospel of Inclusion is the journey of one man's quest to preach a new truth.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Carlton Pearson's book, The Gospel of Inclusion, presents a powerful new voice that is emerging in Pentecostal circles. The God Bishop Pearson is serving is a God of love, not judgment; a God of universalism, not sectarianism; a God of expansion, not control. It is intriguing, provocative, and hopeful, a surprising twist in our ancient faith story." -- John Shelby Spong, author of Why Christianity Must Change or Die and The Sins of Scripture

"I love the spirit of Bishop Carlton Pearson's book, The Gospel of Inclusion. It arrives to a generation whose fear of deception is often greater than its faith. Bishop Pearson has nailed a thesis to our church door and demanded reformation. He comes with the spirit of Elijah and the courage of John the Baptist and Paul the Apostle." -- Dr. Mark Hanby, Mark Hanby Ministries

"If you are ready to meet God, read my friend Bishop Carlton's wise, insightful, and instantly life-changing book. You will be stimulated to share these ideas with all you love. I did, and I am glad I did." -- Mark Victor Hansen, coauthor of Chicken Soup for the Soul

"A refreshing look at a religion that is at the center of the current international conflict. I salute Bishop Pearson for having taken a bold step in the right direction. A book for all sane people to read and digest. Gripping and outstanding!" -- Arun Gandhi, president, K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

Bishop Carlton Pearson is an independent spiritual leader and successful Gospel recording artist. He was once an heir-apparent to Oral Roberts and a bishop in the Pentecostal Church, presiding over six hundred churches. He lives in Chicago.Visit Bishop Carlton Pearson at www.gospelofinclusion.com.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Atria Books; First Edition edition (March 18, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416580433
• ISBN-13: 978-1416580430
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (39 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,009,293 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Bishop Carlton Pearson is an independent spiritual leader and successful Gospel recording artist. He was once an heir-apparent to Oral Roberts and a bishop in the Pentecostal Church, presiding over six hundred churches. He lives in Chicago.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Inspirational, May 1, 2008

By 

Change is Good "Change for Good" (Cali) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Gospel of Inclusion: Reaching Beyond Religious Fundamentalism to the True Love of God and Self (Hardcover)

The book not only brings you into the realm of the spiritual world, it provides you with a better understanding of the effects of religions in today's world. This book digs deep into the roots of religion and how it can be detrimental to society. With sveral different religions around the world and thousands of different denominations within those religions, it's easy to see why there's so much separation in the world today. Over the last 4,000 years, 5,000 different conflicts or wars have taken place because of religious differences. Where religions were supposed to unite us as a people, it has served to separates us.

The key point to this book is to unite people from all different types of backgrounds and let everyone know that they are already saved. It's to let us know that we are ALL included in salvation process. In addition, that this manufactured Devil with a pitch fork in one hand, horns on his head, and a tail is just that...manufactured! Fear-mongering tactics that have been used since the beginning of time.

The one question I asked myself after reading this book was "Would God allow for HIS children to be tortured for an eternity? Would a God who loves us so much, allow for children to suffer not just from an ordinary or quick death but to be burned in a pit of fire and remain in pain for an eternity?" That answer is NO! How could our loving and merciful God honestly enjoy himself in heaven knowing that the majority of HIS children are being tortured? This is why I don't believe in the Hell that has been manufactured by religious leaders of the past.

God loves you Always and Forever

18 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Religious Freedom, June 24, 2008

By 

Dog Papa "dog papa" (Colorado) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Gospel of Inclusion: Reaching Beyond Religious Fundamentalism to the True Love of God and Self (Hardcover)

This book demonstrates the difficulty with organized religion. The people involved almost invariably get into "power" struggles, determining who should think what. Evangelical Christians and those who visit "mega-churches" often times get into this way of thinking. The problem is that this stops people from thinking for themselves. Bishop Pearson has thought much about Christianity, and what it can bring to our lives. But he was rejected by his brethern for believing something that they did not agree with. I am glad that he didn't acquiese, but used his struggle to learn more about his relationship to God.

17 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Gospel of Inclusion, April 14, 2008

By 

Nefeteria Foster (Douglasville, Ga) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Gospel of Inclusion: Reaching Beyond Religious Fundamentalism to the True Love of God and Self (Hardcover)

This book is what i have been waiting for. The questions that I've pondered and wanted to ask for so long. We have been taught to believe that we are not to ask questions when it concerns God and his Word. However the true nature of God wants us to ask questions. How can we get answers if we don't ask? How can we being to understand and know God if we don't ask? For so long I was afraid and scared trying my best to Please God I have always felt like a failure always making the same mistakes and never wanting to ask God to forgive me because I felt so bad. I always wondered how could God be so forgiving and then hurtful at the same time. It didn't make since God loves his children so much he never wants to harm or hurt them. So this began a quest for Knowledge and Wisdom and today everything that I've ever been taught I have found to be False, Manipulating, and Deceitful only to control a Nation of people and to keep them blinded to the True Nature and Love of God and what he really did on the Cross. This book is right on Time with the work that God is revealing amongst The Body of Christ today. We are being Deprogrammed to be Reprogrammed by the Oneness of our Creator. This book opens alot of eyes and also captures the true essence of God and his very Nature. I love it and I reccommend it to any individual who has ever had questions but were to afraid to ask. God is waiting with the answers trust him and his power not false doctrine that has tricked and decieved us for Centuries. Its time to Awaken and Live the Life that God intended. Atlanta, Ga 30135