A Different Gospel

by Dan R. McConnell, Hank Hanegraaff (Foreword)

The ``name it, claim it'' theology of the Word Faith Movement˝is presented as biblical---but is it? In this compelling˝book, McConnell documents the historical link between faith˝theology and New Thought metaphysics. He then analyzes faith˝theology's doctrines of healing and prosperity as well as its˝understanding of the atonement of Christ to show how they˝deviate from biblical teaching. This updated edition features˝a foreword by Hank Hanegraaff and an afterword by McConnell.˝Softcover from Hendrickson.

Genres: Christian, Theology, Christianity, Religion

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

Reviews

[Mary Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I have been researching the Faith Movement, I came across this book by D. R. McConnell, A Different Gospel. It is significant that critique of the Faith Movement comes from within the larger charismatic/Assemblies of God of which it is a part. McConnell is an active charismatic believer. His book provides a significant biblical perspective and corrective on the extremes of the Faith Movement’s doctrines of health, wealth, and prosperity. His research is particularly helpful in tracing the movement’s historical origins to the metaphysical concepts also held in Christian science, and in demonstrating how cultic practices have moved the Faith Movement away from Biblical teaching. The contrast between doctrines in the Faith Movement and doctrines from the Bible itself is very helpful.

[Chris Bloom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this a fascinating and sobering look at the origins and practices of the WoF movement, and would recommend it to anyone interested in learning more on the subject.

[Emily Boehm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Christian should read this book. There is a HUGE and growing movement rumbling through Christianity that is heretical and doctrinally unsound. This book calls it out in a way that is easy to understand. It explores the origins of this movement (which are cultic in nature). As someone who was once majorly into the Word of Faith movement as well as New Apostololic Reformation, I can't stress this enough. Christians need to be aware of what's going on and what lies the devil is spreading in churches today.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enlightening book regarding the World of Faith movement. Pretty scary really, how the people in the WOF movement are twisting scripture from the Bible to meet their own ulterior motive.

[Dad Bowers · Rating 4 out of 5]

McConnell, an insider Pentecostal writer (ORU, YWAM, BPC) seeks to show the fallacies of the popular teachings of the charismatic faith healers, revelation knowledge, identification, & the popular prosperity gospel, & he strongly critiques the modern Faith Movement of E W Kenyon (d 1948), and Kenneth Hagin (1917- ), & Kenneth Copeland, John Osteen (father of Joel?), Robert Schuller, Jimmy Swaggart, & even Oral Roberts, & Pat Robertson, etc. Classifying the movements as a new Gnosticism, dualistic, & cultic, he also exposes the corruption, plagiarism, and nepotism that such teaching inevitably leads. Well documented. The author has here 10 chapters in 2 sections: Historical Analysis and then Biblical Analysis, biblio.
Found at UWM-Phare in Senegal, once Jose Oliveira’s, May ’12. It would be worth reading to get better distinction of charismatics and faith healing movements and to see the weaknesses of such prevalent ‘Christianity.’

[Royce Ratterman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most books are rated related to their usefulness and contributions to my research.
Overall, a good book for the researcher and enthusiast.
Read for personal research
- found this book's contents helpful and inspiring - number rating relates to the book's contribution to my needs.

[Peter Fick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cultic or not, the Faith Movement has a very distinct view of the gospel. McConnell gives a brief introduction to the movement and its origins that is easy to read. Read Dale H. Simmons’ work on E.W. Kenyon for a more academic, in-depth treatment of the origins of the Health and Wealth Gospel.

[Moe Shinola · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really helped me a lot. The "Word Faith" version of christianity is really made questionable after reading this book.