Book Reviews on the Charismatic Issue
Once confined to specific Pentecostal denominations, charismatic theology and phenomena now permeate almost the entire evangelical scene. Beginning with Miss. Agnes Osman speaking in ‘tongues’ in Topeka, Kansas, USA, on new year’s day in 1901, the charismatic style ‘baptism of the Spirit’ has progressed to become ubiquitous in Christendom in the 21st century. Believing the whole modern charismatic experience to be unscriptural and erroneous, we are delighted to offer a wide range of resources on this subject.
For a brief history of the charismatic movement, David Cloud’s book The History of the Pentecostal Charismatic Movement is an excellent start. For a more in depth treatment, which includes both doctrine and history, Victor Budgen’s Charismatics and the Word of God is a book we would highly recommend. Budgen’s treatment of 1 Corinthians ch. 14 is a treat.
For something right up to date, biographical and detailed, where better to start than by reading The Confusing World of Benny Hinn by G. Richard Fisher. Benny Hinn is the world’s most prominent charismatic and this title exposes him as a fraudulent false prophet. Hinn is part of what is know as the ‘Word Faith Movement’. This is the most extreme wing of the charismatic movement and is the source for the theology behind the Trinity Broadcasting Network and big names like Kenneth Copeland, Kenneth Hagin and Rodney Howard-Browne. For a brief overview of the errors of this movement have a look at The Presumptuous Teachings of the Word-Faith Movement by Stephen Cannon. For greater depth we recommend The Signs and Wonders Movement Exposed edited by Peter Glover.
For an excellent treatment of all the phenomena associated with the 1990’s ‘Toronto Blessing’ try Nader Mikhaiel’s book Toronto Blessing and Slaying in the Spirit. For a leaflet to give away to warn others about so-called ‘slaying in the Spirit’, Alan Morrison’s tract We All Fall Down is excellent. For a DVD on this issue, complete with clips of all the
Then there are a group of titles giving solid Biblical doctrine on these important subjects. A couple of great general titles that concentrate on the tongues issue are Charismatic Chaos by John MacArthur and The Charismatic Phenomenon by Peter Masters. For books on demon possession and exorcism try Your Adversary the Devil by Dwight Pentecost or Biblical Demonology by Merrill Unger. For a very helpful look at 'spiritual warfare' we recommend Territorial Spirits and World Evangelisation by Chuck Lowe which will help you understand the faulty theology behind ‘March for Jesus’.
What books would we recommend on the subjects of prophecy and healing? Possibly the best title in print on the healing issue is The Healing Promise by Richard Mayhue. This title brings a much-needed balance and lucid Biblical exposition into an area of widespread confusion. For a clear outline of the role of prophecy in history and its relation to the inspired word of God we suggest The Final Word by O. Palmer Robertson.
It is our firm opinion that the three greatest threats to sound Biblical churches in the area of doctrine are ecumenism, liberal theology and the charismatic movement. We sincerely hope that these resources will help you deal with the latter issue in a Biblical and edifying manner.
