Counterfeit Kingdom: The Dangers of New Revelation, New Prophets, and New Age Practices in the Church. Holly Pivec and R. Douglas Geivett. 2022. [November] 272 pages. [Source: Review copy]
First sentence: With more than 780,000 instagram followers, Bethel Church in Redding, California, is one of the best known churches in America and around the world.
Readers may or may not have heard of the "NAR" (aka New Apostolic Reformation), but there's a definite possibility that readers have heard of Bethel Church, Bethel Music, Hillsong, Elevation Worship, etc., (Even if you can't quite put into words what teachings are unique to this church.)
This new book examines NAR beliefs, teachings, practices, etc. to see if they are actually biblical. Or if what NAR stands for (promotes, establishes, etc) is a counterfeit kingdom. It also serves as an introduction of sorts. This book isn't exclusively for those with an interest in exposing the dangers of NAR. It is truly suitable as an introduction to the subject.
The book is packed with information. And it is arranged/organized in a clear and helpful way. It balances personal stories with theology. The authors have compiled stories from people who have left the NAR, or, people who have lost family members to NAR. The book is written passionately, zealously, persuasively to warn the mainstream about the dangers of this counterfeit kingdom.
Chapter titles:
- Wake Up, Olive
- Who Are The New Apostles and Prophets
- Hogwarts for Christians
- Jesus's Overlooked Warning
- The Apostolic Takeover and Spiritual Abuse
- Counterfeit Revival
- The Passionately Wrong "Bible"
- Toxic Worship Music
- Is It Always God's Will To Heal?
- Deception-Proofing Your Children
- Joining the Resistance
I found this a fascinating read cover to cover. What I thought I knew about Bethel church and her famous pastors, is just the tip of the iceberg. I had no clue on most of this stuff. [Chances are, you won't either.] I found much of what I learned to be alarming, shocking, disconcerting. After reading this one, I was like, yes, I see WHY the authors wrote this book. Definitely would recommend it to any Christian who reads. [Sadly, not all Christians do read.] I thought the subject was broken down in an easy-to-digest way.
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