In the hard-hitting works of Harold Robbins, even the sacred isn't sacred. He takes aim at the world of religious revivalism. They're all over the airwaves-the televangelists-promising eternal salvation for an earthly price. The biggest of them all simply calls himself "Preacher." He begins his career in the foxholes of Vietnam, with a noble goal: spread the word of peace, love, and charity. Back home in the States, he starts "The Church," where sex and drugs are as much a part of the culture as prayers and sacraments. Preacher's following grows as he travels throughout the country, taking the faithful. In Texas, he meets up with a powerful billionaire who likes his style. Before long, Preacher is the top entertainer in the televised arena of big-top, big-time religion for profit. Somewhere deep inside Preacher, a guilty conscience burns, and he knows he must make a terrible sacrifice to expose the hypocrisy.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the best that can only come from Robbins!,
This review is from: Spellbinder (Hardcover)
Spellbinder is one of the best written works by Robbins. Written in 1984, the book wears a typical style of writing which only Robbins can deliver. The story is about the "Preacher", a medical vet who took retirement after the Vietnam War, and starts the Church, where sex and drugs are common among the young disciples and him. He in fact grows marijuana to raise funds for the Church. All this remains low profile until a multi-millionaire businessman of Texas notices him and offer him his land and other resources. In return he takes the broadcasting rights of his services. The "Preacher" fights to maintain balance between money and God. This novel touches a very delicate subject, which some people may find totally unacceptable, but it's not hard to relate many religious groups of today with the story. With your open mind and eyes, you might agree with Harold Robbins.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
God is in the details, as they say,
By Jerry C. (Honolulu) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Spellbinder (Mass Market Paperback)
Spellbinder is one of Robbins' most explosive and powerful novels if not the most eplosive one. It's hero is "Preacher" - a Vietnam vet, California hippie young man who preaches the word of God in a small commune. His faith becomes a tangible asset when he is chosen by a Texas billionaire to lead a new campaign of religious revivalism that uses money, TV and the best media money can buy to spread the word of God (and make a lot of money). The book is like a backstage pass to corporate-driven TV evangelism, the "other" major money-making entertainment industry in US. Its ending is exquisite (and a valid parabole on Jesus), but its biggest strength lies in the details. Robbins did a lot of research on American TV evangelism, and paints here such a realistic picture with all those details, that one really wonders: wasn't this, by any chace... a true story ?
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Intriguing subject matter, entertainingly told.,
By A Customer
This review is from: Spellbinder (Mass Market Paperback)
Interesting look at hype and fraud associated with modern religious cults. Tackles morality issues well and has a satisfying ending.
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