Christianity in Crisis: 21st Century by Hank Hanegraaff

Have you listened to TV preachers and wondered where in the world they were coming from? Hank Hanegraaff’s earlier book, Christianity in Crisis warned about a cultic movement within Christianity that would reject the very fundamentals of the Christian faith. This book is an update, providing follow-up on the people who initiated the movement as well as those who joined the movement since then.

The cult he seeks to expose is the Faith movement (or prosperity gospel), espoused by many well-known TV evangelists like Benny Hinn, Kenneth Copeland, Paul Crouch, Joyce Meyer, Creflo Doll and many others. It is a hard book to read because it includes so much detail on the belief system of the “prosperity preachers.” He provides detail as to how their preaching and writing goes against even the most fundamental beliefs of historical Christianity. Hanegraaff is thorough in his documentation. The book has a scripture index, a subject index, a bibliography, and notes.

For me, the reading was as interesting as it was difficult. I don’t watch the “religious” channels regularly, nor do I read the books and study material put out by them. However, I have run across some of their services as I channel-surfed. I always felt that something wasn’t exactly right with their approach, but I did not realize that many of them follow the tenets of the so-called Faith movement and are in agreement among themselves on many points. Since I’m no theologian, I won’t try to describe their beliefs to you. However, the one common thread is the belief that you can, by cultivating positive thoughts and speaking positive words, you can create for yourself the life that you want. Put simply, God is at your beck and call. I suggest that you read this book, especially if you are under the influence of one of these “faith” preachers. It is a real eye-opener.

Order the book direct from Thomas Nelson.

Jumpstart Your Publishing Dreams

When you want to learn how to do something, you want to learn from someone with experience and expertise in the field, right? Well, if you want to know how to get your writing published, I can think of no one more knowledgeable and experienced than Terry Whalin, author of Jumpstart Your Publishing Dreams: Insider Secrets to SKYROCKET Your Success.

Terry is a professional writer/journalist who has also been an acquisitions editor and a literary agent. He has written over 60 books, and his articles have appeared in more than 50 magazines. He has recently joined Intermedia Publishing as Vice President and Publisher.

Jumpstart is a writers’ conference in one volume. Whalin provides a complete overview of how the publishing industry works these days. Because so many beginning writers don’t understand the business from the publisher’s point of view, he gives details on book sales to help writers understand why publishers are hesitant to take a chance on a “newbie.”

New writers, if you want a shortcut to getting your work published, you need to read this book carefully and understand that this man knows what he’s talking about. Published writers, things have changed in the publishing industry in recent years. Maybe it’s time to take a fresh look at how your work fits into today’s publishing scene. Terry’s book can help you do that. It will be the best money you’ve spent lately.

Get more details and/or buy the book here.

Cracking the Parenting Code

Subtitle: 6 Clues to Solving the Mystery of Meeting Your Child's Needs

By Laura Lee Heinsohn

Are you clueless as to why you and your child don't get along? Do you have relationship problems stemming from experiences in your childhood? Are you a brand new parent striving to be the best parent you can be? If you can answer "yes" to these questions, you must read this book.

Heinsohn uses the FBI detective model to help solve the mystery of why so many parents just can't seem to get it right. She approaches the subject from a Christian perspective, and she draws heavily on personal experience to develop the six clues that are necessary to solving the mystery. I meant to read it in a hurry and come back later to really work through it. However, I found that it was so interesting on so many levels, that I found myself really poring over the material. The book has a resources list and a study guide for a 13-week study that would be especially beneficial to young parents.

My advice----get the book and "get a clue."

Check it out on Amazon.

This Is Your Brain on Joy by Dr. Earl Henslin

This is the second book I've reviewed for the Thomas Nelson book review blogger program.

Subtitle is "A Revolutionary Program for Balancing Mood, Restoring Brain Health, and Nurturing Spiritual Growth." Dr. Daniel G. Amen, who developed the medical tests and treatments described in the book, wrote the foreword.

Do you know someone with ADD, ADHD, PTSD, or any other learning or emotional disorder? If so, you have to tell them about this book. The techniques and treatments described in the book have led to breakthroughs for many people suffering from a wide spectrum of brain disorders, from brain injuries to chemical imbalances. Unfortunately, the treatment is currently available only on the West Coast and in the D. C. area. However, if it is as promising as it appears to be, it shouldn’t be long before it becomes available in other areas.

I’ve read several books written by health professionals, and this is the first one that wasn’t a struggle to read. Although there is plenty of scientific information, Dr. Henslin manages to impart his knowledge without resorting to medical-speak. He mixes anecdotes with information in a manner that holds your attention. He also includes plenty of sources of additional information. And---he communicates his message with a thoroughly Christian worldview. He relates stories of Christian people struggling with emotional and behavioral problems who thought they had spiritual problems. What a relief to know that their struggles were caused by abnormalities in their brains!

I chose to review this book because I was attracted by the title, This Is Your Brain on Joy. It reminded me of the award-winning TV commercial: “This is your brain. This is your brain on drugs. Any questions?” In addition, who isn’t attracted to the word “joy?”

The book lives up to its title. The doctor is so happy to be able to help people with their seemingly insurmountable problems that he just exudes joy as he presents the material. My favorite story was that of one of the research subjects in the appendix, “The Day I Had My Head Examined.” She describes her experience candidly and with humor.

You can preview the book on Amazon with the “Look Inside” feature. Also, see more about the book on Thomas Nelson Publishers site.