"Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples," Jesus said (John 13:35, NLT). Why then are Christians noted for their hateful judgment of each other? Brotherhood of Betrayal illustrates the ugliness of the betrayal syndrome that festers inside the Christian church. Respected missionary pastor Clay McCain leaves his family and growing church in Sweden for a beautiful, wealthy woman. But the Christian community reacts cruelly - even to his innocent abandoned family...
A Family’s Nightmare...
Clay McCain, a high-profile American pastor serving in Stockholm, Sweden, mysteriously disappears. Who can his wife, Rachel, and her three young children turn to for help? Her Swedish friends? Her home church in the United States? Her mission board? Her relatives?
Rachel’s eventual outreach of trust, alongside a shocking discovery, sets off an unexpected avalanche of betrayal that turns her world, her family, and her faith upside down.
This poignant sequel to the bestselling Wisdom Hunter and Jordan’s Crossing dramatically illustrates the hideousness of the betrayal syndrome that is sweeping through the body of Christ—assaulting and devastating families, friends, and churches.
This is a story that touches us all. It may even be your story.
The Good: I love Christian fiction, but I often find that the obscure novels are the best ones in the genre...and this one is no exception! With a convoluted plot, characters that are appropriately likable or despicable, great writing, a chilling ending, and plenty more, this was definitely a winner! It also sheds great light on something that was a trend in churches back when it was written, and has continued to this day...despite it being against Biblical teaching.
The Bad: Nothing, really. I will say that Christian readers shouldn't give this to their non-Christian friends; it makes people of the faith look bad.
Conclusion: Who would have thought that a book I randomly bought at a library sale because it was published by Word would have been this good? Christian fiction fans need to check this one out! It may be tough to find, because it's likely out of print...so, check your local library, used bookstore, thrift store, or similar place for this one!
I picked this book because the cover looked (and the title sounded) like a cop novel. Which I am all about. If I had taken the time to read the back cover I would have put it back on the shelf and moved on. I rarely read 'religious' fiction. I'm glad I didn't in this case! I really enjoyed this book. It was a bit preachy, but it used a families tragic story to show how churches and pastors can religiously abuse their members. Fear of and actual harsh treatment, lack of care or empathy and shunning cause the family in the book years of devastation. Having come from legalistic church I was compelled by this story.
this is a christian novel written by a missionary. my dad gave me this book to read. i wasn't really in the mood, but i trusted my dad's recommendation.
the story deals with betrayal in marriage and church leadership. i'm sure a lot of people have been through similar circumstances - i could relate to many things.
the book is by no means super spiritual and in your face, i would rather say it is very real and relatable. i would recommend it to people who have gone through betrayal.
Betrayal was one of the BEST books I have ever read. Rachel McCain, a missionaries wife in Sweden goes though a horrible betrayal of her husband abandoning her and her three small children. Her church in Sweden is so supportive to her and her family at such a difficult and painful time.
When she goes back to the states the head of her denominational church leaders are very legalistic with her and only judge her. They are not there for her, this lonely broken women reaching out to G-d with no help.
This author shows us the true Spirit of the L-rd as when she cannot go forward, a church and ministry help her and her family. This is such an excellent book. So well written. One of my favorite parts of this book is that it also tells her husbands side of the story and what he goes through since the years he walked out on his family. He learns that L-rd will forgive sinner, no matter the sin.
I cried with Rachel through the whole first part of this book, and could barely put the book down to do anything but read. This book speaks truth and we all need to hear the truth. It also teaches us how to treat others that are hurting and in need of healing. I recommend this book so highly. I can't wait to read the rest of the books by this author.
Many women are going through exactly what this woman went through and this book will greatly encourage them. Best book I have read in years!
This is a heart breaking story with a surprise ending. The main focus is on legalism in the church and spiritual abuse, while following the story of a young Rachel McCain, who's husband walks out on her and their three children one day, never to be seen again. Her journey is one laden with suffering, confusion, and in the end, finding love again through the hope of Christ.
For some reason, this book has stuck with me over the years. It may be that the storyline is so realistic and disturbing. It may be that I have many friends that are missionaries. It may be that we can say "that could never happen to me" or "I would never do that" - yet there is no guarantee that I (or someone around me) will yield to temptation in such a way.
I’m still reeling. I had to put the book down to accomplish some tasks, but my mind was on the plot. I just had to know what was going to happen next. Almost 25 years after it was written and there are still churches like the one that sent the McCain’s to Sweden. Just as there are still false prophets, there are still pharisees. You won’t regret reading this book; better to binge on this than streaming.
This is not your typical Christian fiction read. This was an amazingly honest at a toxic church situation. This book gives readers a look from the inside of a toxic church and how it operates; how people are wounded and how people start to believe lies about themselves and others. Some of these lies turn people to the dark side. Instead of to Jesus the light. It’s a page turner from the start. Some parts of this book ripped my heart out and was difficult to read because of all the pain people inflicted onto each other and others. I have been involved with a toxic church so I was more sensitive than the average person reading this. Some parts of this book brought great healing to my soul. This was a truthful, moving book that I highly recommend to everyone. You’ll be telling your friends about this one.
I highly recommend this book as a great read and one that would be a wonderful book club pick. There is so much to discussion. This book’s a keeper!
Disclosure of Material Connection: #AD sponsored by publisher. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
I thought this book was a great idea...poorly told. The writing was so bad I could not believe a major book company published it. The characters were very one-dimensional and the conversation was very very werid and unrealistic. The story idea was great. I think this book should have had some major help before being published.
I enjoyed this book with the exception that the author makes it sound like all fundamentalist churches are legalistic, which is simply untrue. That said, the story-line was very realistic but sad and heart-wrenching. The ending totally stunned me.
I loved Brother Hood of Betrayal i just learned that the Wisdom Hunter author is releasing a new novel. i saw it on his website, RandallArthur.com. The reviews look impressive. i see he's also releasing a children's book
Absolutely loved Betrayal i just learned that the Wisdom Hunter author is releasing a new novel. i saw it on his website, RandallArthur.com. The reviews look impressive. i see he's also releasing a children's book
This book was great! I just learned that the Wisdom Hunter author is releasing a new novel. I saw it on his website, RandallArthur.com. The reviews look impressive. I see he's also releasing a children's book.
Such a good book! I just learned that the Wisdom Hunter author is releasing a new novel. I saw it on his website, RandallArthur.com. The reviews look impressive. I see he's also releasing a children's book.
This book caused me to hurt for the characters. The writer is able to touch you and let you feel the hurt, confusion, and hopelessness and then lift them out of their despair by the wise counsel of Jason.
Have you heard about Randall Arthur's newest book, Forgotten Road? If you enjoyed Brotherhood of Betrayal, you are in for a treat. You can watch the trailer for Forgotten Road here: