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Review
Bill's teaching on legalism, law, and grace deserves a careful examination. -- Dr. Samuel J. Schultz, Professor Emeritus of Old Testament, Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL
Hopefully this book will help many believers be more sensitive to false teachings -- Bibliotheca Sacra - Roy Zuck – Author and professor at Dallas Theological Seminary
These three researchers from Midwest Christian Outreach ... have done a powerful job both in accuracy and fairness. -- Jon Trott, Senior Editor, Cornerstone magazine
This is a must read for all thinking believers who wish to protect their churches -- Dr. Jay Adams, Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, PA
This is a must read for all thinking believers who wish to protect their churches. -- Dr. Jay Adams, Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, PA
Those who have experienced abusive spiritual authority ... will be more inclined to find this book refreshing for its thoroughness -- Christianity Today magazine --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
About the Author
Ron Henzel is completing his Master's degree in Biblical Studies at Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL and is Senior Researcher for Midwest Christian Outreach, Inc. He and his wife, Wendy, belonged to a spiritually abusive group (with an evangelical statement of faith) in the Wheaton area for 5 1/2 years. They are the proud parents of their adopted son, Benjamin. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Bill Gothard's organization has many devoted and sincere followers who accept him at face value. He is one of the best salesmen I have ever met...his apparent success, testimonies and achievements are carefully promoted (usually by himself). But what is sadly lacking is the absence of genuine love, Christ's kind of love that "seeks not its own", but the welfare of those it serves. He carefully maintains the image of a super-Christian and keeps himself on this pedestal by pushing away any who get too close and would dare to question him or provide any kind of healthy accountability. He is an authoritarian tyrant whose treatment of others is nothing less than oppressive, heartless and cruel. What's so confusing and keeps people coming back is that he can be quite charming and kind at times. When Jesus walked on earth, the greatest problem He had, was with the religious leadership of His day; for although they had an outward display of religious zeal, Jesus pointed out that a heart for God (which should be demonstrated by love for others) was sadly lacking in their lives. This error was so serious that Christ considered them His enemies - they later confirmed their "enemy" status by openly turning on Him and putting him to death.
Great pains were taken in the writing of this book to be fair and accurate. Much room and allowance was given for normal human frailties. But as we have witnessed, the half has not been told. Having now been away from this organization for some time, I am amazed as to how blinded I have been. If it had not been for the pleas, prayers and fastings of my closest friend I don't think I would have realized my mistake before it was tragic. Sadly, most that leave are not as fortunate as I have been, but leave used, destitute, and disillusioned. This book very clearly explains the irony as to how this could continue to happen over and over again.