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