An interesting read from someone inside the Pentecostal/ Charismatic community. Grady provides some insightful comments and gives some very good historical information on the movement. He is balanced and his caution to those within the movement's confines is well taken. ( )

While not from the same vein theologically, I nevertheless think that non-charismatics have a lot to learn from charismatics, and vice-versa. I received the book from the EarlyReviewers group. A good book, where someone with much wisdom and experience in the Charismatic movement critics the downward spiral of American Charismaticism. The author makes many valid points about the deterioration of leadership in the movement, and calls for a return to Biblical values. The author, a long time journalist with the charismatic movement, critiques the failures of the movement from the inside. He also makes a strong call to return to Biblical values.

A sample point that irked me was his characterization of cessationists. He details Christians who hold to cessation of certain Spiritual gifts as effectually anti-supernatural (P. 56). I know many cessationists, and i don't think one of them would agree that miracles have stopped since the canonization of scripture, but rather the intentional use of certain miraculous Spiritual gifts have ceased. However, I agree with his point that lack of dependence on the Holy Spirit is much of the American churches' problem.

One of the strongest points the author makes is that prosperity gospel (and doctrines of greed) is hurting the charismatic movement. I particularly enjoyed his seven warning signs of an unhealthy church. Overall, I think he wants charismatics to be more discerning of their leadership, both charismatics and non-charismatics to be more tolerant and loving of each other, and most of all for believers to be more Spirit led. ( )

I received this book through the Early Reviewers group. Lee Grady presents a very thoughtful, informed challenge to Pentecostal and Charismatic Christians. He calls for humility, moral purity, Biblical theology, and church discipline. Citing both public and private abuses by many pastors and churches, he practically shows readers what they should expect of their leaders in purity and, in the event of great sin, repentance. I come from a Reformed/Calvinist Christian perspective. The excesses of many TV evangelists make easy straw men in criticizing Pentecostal and Charismatic doctrine and practice. The type of "Spirit-Filled" Christianity that Grady advocates is one that would be a pleasure to partner with in spite of sincere differences. This book was a pleasure to read - written with depth but not in an academic style. I very intentionally recommend it to Charismatics and Pentecostals to equip them to advance purity and truth in their churches. For other Christians, it is useful to read honest distinction between distorted and genuine "Spirit-filled" Christianity. ( )

As someone NOT from the charismatic movement I felt that Mr. Grady was fair and even. I am not certain that I would hold that same stance had he been talking about my tradition. I believe that it is very important and significant that books like this come along and challenge the perspectives that are held by those of us steeped in church and faith. I felt that Mr. Grady did an excellent job of handling a difficult task of calling the Pentecostal movement to be more. An interesting read that I would recommend. ( )

This is a much-needed book, and I'm glad to see that an "insider" has finally addressed these issues publicly. I grew up in charismatic churches and have attended Southern Baptist churches since my marriage, so I have had opportunity to view the movement from both inside and out. It is a real shame that those outside the movement often discredit everything being taught (even very biblical things!), out of sheer reaction against the gross abuses. And these abuses are even worse than I knew!

Mr. Grady does not pull any punches here. He very clearly and bluntly addresses real issues. Specific examples are used. Still, the tone throughout is gentle. The author is clearly grieved by the sins flaunted within the church, rather than attempting to mock his brothers. He calls for accountability and discernment within the church, and for us to refuse to continue putting up with blatant, unrepentant sin. These things are all good reminders for Christians everywhere, of whatever denomination or persuasion!

Regardless of whether you agree with Grady's theology (which is really not the point), this is good reminder that leaders are not above fallibility. We need to be watchful, and we need to hold them accountable. ( )