Books on Specific Groups/Teachings
Christianity Without the Cross: A History of Salvation in Oneness Pentecostalism by Thomas Fudge- Thomas
Fudge, former UPC member whose father holds license in the UPC, has
written a scholarly book about the history of the United Pentecostal Church
which has caused some shaking within the organization, even prompting a response from David Norris at a UPC symposium in 2004. Mr. Fudge
interviewed over 200 people and thoroughly documents information concerning
their history. One thing you rarely see mentioned is the fact that one of
the two groups which formed the UPC was not as hard line in beliefs as the
UPC is today. They believed a person was saved when they came to God in
repentance.
To view the first 25 pages of his book at no charge, click
here.
To view much more of his book at no charge on Google, click
here.
Click here
to read an article from a Canadian newspaper which describes the then forthcoming
book. Click here
to read an article written by Thomas Fudge concerning why he wrote the book.
Pigs In The Pulpit
by J. Michael Wittman- From Amazon: "Written for Christians who have been manipulated in a church, group or home fellowship setting, Pigs in the Pulpit provides a "road map out" for victims. It shows, step-by-step, how people can get hooked into a fraudulent and deceptive system, the impact of controlling leadership, and how the abused follower of Jesus Christ can find peace and recovery." J. Michael Wittman is a pseudonym and he is a former United Pentecostal Church member and former member of a Word of Faith type ex-UPC church.
The Light That Was Dark
by Warren
Smith- A good book to use for someone involved
with the metaphysical or new age movement. Warren recounts his journey from
readings to channeling and "A Course in Miracles," all leading to a frightening
encounter when the evil behind his beliefs surfaced.
Holy Ghost Girl: A Memoir by Donna M. Johnson-
From Amazon: "As Terrell became known worldwide during the 1960s and '70s, the caravan of broken-down cars and trucks that made up his ministry evolved into fleets of Mercedes and airplanes. The glories of the Word mixed with betrayals of the flesh and Donna's mother bore Terrell's children in one of the several secret households he maintained. Thousands of followers, dubbed "Terrellites" by the press, left their homes to await the end of the world in cult like communities. Jesus didn't show, but the IRS did, and the prophet/healer went to prison."
Damaged Disciples: Casualties of Authoritarian Churches and the Shepherding Movement
by Ron & Vicki
Burks- Though not involved in a shepherding church,
I found myself getting angry as I read this book, seeing how people were
abused in this system. Some things were helpful, even though I came from
a different church. I wish they'd gone into more detail with the experiences given.
A follow-up book was said to be planned, but I don't think it ever happened.
Angels Can Fall by Sandra Anderson- Sandra Anderson was the wife of an elder in the Community Chapel Church, a Oneness Pentecostal type church in Washington state. It is a non-fiction account as compared to June Summers' fictionalized novel, "ocCULT: They Didn't Think It Could Happen In Their Church." (see the fiction section) To those unaware, this church became experience based, with an almost blind obedience to the leadership by many. There was first the teaching about demons and many members went through "deliverances." Due to the freedom some felt came with these, the teaching of dancing before the Lord started. This then led to the next step of "spiritual connections," which eventually lead to adultery and divorce among a great number of church members. People would pair up with members of the opposite sex, not their own spouses, and many would start to become intimate to varying degrees. It also occurred to some extent between those of the same sex. Reading her book and June's book together, will give the reader a better idea of what happened at this church. It serves as a warning to all. We cannot afford to be blind to unhealthy signs in leadership or in any church we may attend. Experience must never come before Scripture.
Why We Left a Cult: Six People Tell Their Stories
by Latayne C. Scott- Delves
into the lives of six people, all former Jehovah Witnesses, Christian Scientists
and New Age followers. In the first section of the book, the experiences
don't always get in depth with details or their struggles. The second part
I found more helpful, especially where these former members give their advice
for reaching others involved in their former groups. One can observe similarities
in each of the differing groups. If you know someone involved in one of these, you may find some valuable information as each former
member is given a fair amount of space to share their experiences and thoughts.
Free in Christ: Freeing from the Web of Legal Works
and Ritualistic Details into the Peace and Security that Grace Offers by
Cecil Hook- Written from a Church of Christ
perspective, I found similarities between his situation and mine, so don't
let this hold you back if you weren't from this organization. Besides dealing
with main areas of legalism, the author will leave you with some things to
think about. You may also read this book online at Freedom's Ring.
A Time to Laugh: The Holy Laughter Phenomenon by B.J. Oropeza- From the book cover: "...offers a sympathetic but candid examination of the so-called Holy Laughter phenomenon, and its accompanying manifestations..."
Bewitchment: You Foolish Galatians by Timothy & Carla Williams- A book about the International Church of Christ A.K.A. The Boston Movement. From Amazon: "God put Timothy and Carla Williams in such a place and time where they could watch the faulty foundations of ICoC being laid. This book not only speaks of that history (before 1979), but the reasons this group started out wrong and the part that the mainstream church of Christ played."
The Holiness-Pentecostal Tradition: Charismatic Movements in the Twentieth Century by Vinson Synan-
From Amazon: "Called "a pioneer contribution" by Church History when it was first published in 1971 as The Holiness-Pentecostal Movement in the United States, this volume has now been revised and enlarged by Vinson Synan to account for the incredible changes that have occurred in the church world during the last quarter of the twentieth century." Mr. Synan spoke at the 2011 United Pentecostal Church Annual Symposium.
The New International Dictionary of Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements by Stanley Burgess- From Amazon: "One thousand entries provide the most extensive information available on Pentecostal, charismatic, and neocharismatic movements. The diverse topics covered include, as a small sample, glossolalia, black and Hispanic Pentecostalism, prophecy, the role of women, faith healing, music, sociology, missions, church growth, and different historic and contemporary revivals. With its unique international and historical perspective, this completely revised and expanded second edition of the acclaimed Dictionary of Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements offers features that no other reference of its kind approaches."
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