Book Briefs: “The Bible Answer Man: Walter Martin and Hank Hanegraaff” by Cindee Martin Morgan

The Bible Answer Man: Walter Martin and Hank Hanegraaff by Cindee Martin MorganAnyone who goes by the title “The Bible Answer Man” must be impervious to criticism. The record shows that controversy did surround both of the men who bore that title over the last fifty plus years. A new book from the daughter of Walter Martin, the original “Bible Answer Man,” gives an insider’s perspective on the life and ministry of both Martin and his successor Hank Hanegraaff — as well as the controversies that enveloped them. The Bible Answer Man: Walter Martin and Hank Hanegraaff: Dr. Martin’s Daughter Reflects on CRI’s Founder, Its History, and Its Current President is self-published but fairly well edited. The content is intriguing and enlightening, part-biography and part-memoir, with some theological rabbit trails and a few controversies addressed head on.

Cindee Martin Morgan’s story is poignant and personal. The book includes family pictures and a look back in time. It also unpacks family heartaches (a girl’s perspective on her parents’ divorce, and a sister’s heartbreak over a legal feud with another family member over the legacy of her father’s work). And more than this, it introduces (or reacquaints) readers to her father and his ministry, as well as to that of Hank Hanegraaff.

Morgan details the beginning of her father’s ministry: Christian Research Institute (CRI) and its move from the east coast to California. She highlights her father’s style and determination to follow the evidence where it may lead (this accounts for his defense of not classifying Seventh Day Adventism as a cult). She also includes interesting behind-the-scenes details, such as Martin’s friendly meal with the Roman Catholic theologian Mitchell Pacwa after a debate they had on the John Ankerberg show. The book includes letters, transcripts of taped shows and lectures, statements by friends and significant leaders, and news-clippings of the time. She marshals this evidence to highlight her father’s gradual rejection of dispensationalism and to detail his stand against Paul Crouch.

Central to the book is Morgan’s defense of her father’s choice to lead his ministry after his death: Hank Hanegraaff. Years after Martin’s death a disgruntled former employee and one of Martin’s family members have alleged that Hanegraaff was not chosen to be groomed as Martin’s eventual replacement. Morgan recounts the story of how first-hand evidence (audio tapes from Martin’s Sunday School class) surfaced to remove any doubts — although sadly not all agree.

Speaking of Hanegraaff, Morgan illustrates how he follow’s Martin’s example in following the evidence no matter the outcome by unpacking his decision to reverse CRI’s assessment of the Local Church movement (Watchman Nee/Witness Lee). Another trait of Hanegraaff’s is his determination to stay busy in ministry during his present fight with cancer. A more troubling decision, however, has impacted the ministry of CRI through lost sponsors and radio stations: namely Hanegraaff’s conversion to the Greek Orthodox Church. Morgan shares her own angst and bewilderment over the news and then takes us on her own journey to understand and appreciate the change. She concludes the book with a lengthy interview she conducted with Hanegraaff.

This book brings to mind the impact that Christian apologetics has had over the last fifty years. That impact owes much to men like Walter Martin. He was not perfect and his methods are not above criticism (accountability to a local church seems missing, and appears to be missing with Hanegraaff as well), but no one can doubt his love for the Lord and his sincerity to follow the Bible. Hanegraaff likewise strikes me as a sincere follower of Christ who is worth listening to, even though I do not condone his embrace of the Greek Orthodox Church. This book can encourage us to follow the examples of these men and study the Scriptures ourselves for answers when it comes to evaluating the cults, the Church and our own doctrine.

Disclaimer: this book was provided by the author for review. The reviewer was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

You can pick up a copy of this book from Amazon.com.

About Book Briefs: Book Briefs are book notes, or short-form book reviews. They are my informed evaluation of a book, but stop short of being a full-length book review.

“Getting Jesus Wrong: Giving Up Spiritual Vitamins and Checklist Christianity” by Matt Johnson

Getting Jesus Wrong: Giving Up Spiritual Vitamins and Checklist Christianity by Matt JohnsonGetting Jesus Wrong may be one of the best titles I’ve seen in a while, and the book comes close to living up to its provocative name. The author is not well known, but his message deserves to be heard by one and all.

Matt Johnson is an interesting story in himself, a self-professed punk rocker who found Jesus and meandered his way through a small Pentecostal church and into a Calvary Chapel. He winds up in an evangelical mega church in Seattle with a reformed bent. A church, mind you, that has lately disbanded due to problems with its leadership. (While Johnson doesn’t say it plainly, it is hard not to see this as Mars Hill Church and Mark Driscoll.)

Out of this ruin, Johnson emerges — but not untouched by the problems. At times he is painfully honest about his own condition. Jobless, with marital problems, burned out and disillusioned — he doesn’t seem at first glance to be the kind of person who could and should author such a book as this. But his brokenness is appealing, and his message is freeing — both for himself and the reader. He has been wowed by a rediscovery of the free Gospel, unhindered by law. He has left behind a legalistic view of Christianity and found solid ground on which to stand.

The book uses his checkered history as a case study for how false impressions of Jesus can warp our Christianity. To many, Jesus is a Life Coach who may even offer a checklist for how to find a better life now. Or maybe Jesus is a movement leader or visionary who excites people to follow, only to use them as cogs to build his ministry. In all of this, acceptance with God and hope for the future depends on how well you follow the coach, keep the checklist, or contribute to the movement and the vision. And in the end, this approach leads to either pride or despair. You just can’t do it. But if you could, then it’s all you and not Jesus anyway.

The antidote to this problem is understanding the proper role of God’s Law (and the little “l” laws that we often substitute). The Law is meant to kill us and leave us bereft of any hope apart from Christ. It is meant to make the Gospel that much sweeter, and grace so much greater. God loves his Son, and we are united to Jesus by faith. God is pleased with us, we don’t have to earn his favor or maintain our standing through effort. This understanding should lead to humility and real hope.

This is a great message, and yet it can be misconstrued. I don’t get the sense that Matt is saying holy living doesn’t matter — although some could go there if they wanted. And neither does he say that God’s grace does not produce righteousness in us either. But the law/Gospel distinction presented is refreshing, especially for those who have become enamored with the latest movement or visionary leader, and have lost sight of the soul-sustaining power of the Gospel. Johnson is careful to point back to himself as the source of the legalism. There were good people in his previous churches, and even a good church can’t keep a legalist out.

Some will appreciate his authentic and open style. Others may be alarmed at his levity. I winced when I read about he and his Christian friend’s penchant for “sloopersizing” their beer! Johnson’s background leaves him more open-minded on some theological points than some will like: he is rethinking his views on traditional gender roles (complementarianism) for example. He also speaks of Christ’s presence in the weekly communion and how the juice dribbling down his hand reminds him of his need for Christ. This sounds more Lutheran than a typical evangelical is accustomed to. But Johnson’s clarity and openness redeems the book: his insights into contemporary Christianity’s infatuation with morality (“law-lite”) and his prescription for struggling legalists is invaluable.

As a sample of his style, and to end on a positive note, let me share a brief excerpt. Then get this book, especially if you have ever been burnt out, or struggled with legalism. In fact, you can get a copy to give to someone you think may be in that condition — but read it yourself first. I’m sure you’ll benefit as well.

When your life is in the crapper, when your church is torn apart by wolves, God is present even if you can’t see it or feel his presence. I have hope in the trials of life that he still makes beauty out of ashes (Isaiah 61:3). (p. 129)

Book Blurbs:

“This is a fun book to read. More than that, it’s spot-on, filled with the Bible’s central message. Tired of chicken-soup-for-the-soul spirituality? Then read this book!” ~ Michael Horton, Professor of Theology, Westminster Seminary California; cohost, “White Horse Inn” broadcast/podcast

“Because we’ve yawned at the gospel, Jesus has been refashioned into a person who offers more practical help: he’s given to you so that you can love yourself more, be a re­ally great you, and be part of our really great movement. Matt Johnson struggled under the tyrant of that sort of Jesus until he discovered the wonder of the real Jesus—the One who dis­penses both Law and Gospel. This book is a strong antidote to all the ‘wrong’ Jesuses out there. I encourage you to read it and share it with friends. You’ll be glad you did.” ~ Elyse M. Fitzpatrick, author of Because He Loves Me

See more reviews at litfuse.com.

Where to Buy:

Disclaimer:

This book was provided by the publisher. I was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.

“The In-Between: Embracing the Tension Between Now and the Next Big Thing” by Jeff Goins

The In-Between by Jeff GoinsBook Details:
  • Author: Jeff Goins
  • Category: Christian Living
  • Book Publisher: Moody Publishers (2013)
  • Format: audiobook
  • Page Count: 176
  • Audio Length: 3.8 hours
  • Audio Publisher: Christian Audio
  • Read by: the author, Jeff Goins
  • ISBN#: 9781610457798
  • List Price: $12.98
  • Rating: Recommended

Review:
In an age of fast food, instant downloads and on-the-go internet, we are an impatient people. Whether it is the check-out line or the next stage of life, we can’t wait until the next bit thing. Christians have the itch as much as the next guy or girl. And American evangelicalism’s emphasis on spiritual crises and “decisions for Christ” keeps us looking for the next break through or longing for the day when we’ll finally have arrived. Jeff Goins points out that our perspective is flawed. Instead of looking ahead with anticipation or behind with regret, we need to be sure and live our life appreciating all of the moments in-between.

His latest book, The In-Between: Embracing the Tension Between Now and the Next Big Thing fleshes out what it means to wait, and how in every season of life, behind our disappointments and joys, living for Christ involves trusting Him for the small moments where most of our life actually happens. The book is as much Goins’ life story (so far) as it is a detailed study on the subject of waiting. The story is well-written, at times intimate, and always thought-provoking. Ultimately the author succeeds in making much of the in-between.

Listening to the Christian Audio version of the book, I appreciated that it was the author himself, who read the book. As the story surrounded the author’s own escapades, you felt like you got to know him by the end of it. His reading was as smooth and polished as his writing style. Approachable and inviting, humorous at times and above all, real. This is an inspirational read that might just spark a life-transformation — of the smaller, more enduring “in-between” kind.

The book’s biggest fault is by some people’s measure a strength. He appeals to a wide audience through his sparing use of Scripture. This isn’t a Bible study or devotional read, yet it is spiritual and moving all the same. His lesson rings true to Scripture and is worth a hearing.

If you’re looking for a quick yet inspirational read, and if you’re trying to find hope in the midst of disappointment or confusion, this book is for you. Life doesn’t always turn out like we wished or thought it would. But that is what makes it worth living, and what causes us to trust our Lord all the more. Pick up The In-Between, you’ll be glad you did.

Author Info:
Jeff Goins was born and raised outside of Chicago. After graduating from Illinois College, he spent a year on the road with a band and was once recognized on the streets of Taipei. An author, speaker, and writing coach, Jeff’s work has been featured on some of the largest blogs in the world. He lives in Franklin, TN with his family. You can find him online at: www.goinswriter.com.

Where to Buy:
  • ChristianAudio.com
  • Amazon.com

Review:
Disclaimer: This book was provided by ChristianAudio.com. The reviewer was under no obligation to offer a positive review.