Why I Left the Prophetic Movement
The Author Andrew Strom tells of what he has seen occurring at a Conference in Kansas City and how he discerned it. He describes what he saw going on there was so disturbing, pagan and ungodly that he left the Prophetic Movement. Strom believes that the movement is dominated by a spirit of divination and fortune-telling, and believes that it is beyond reform.
We are not in agreement with some things in the book, such as Strom disparaging remarks about discernment ministries, who have warned the Church of these false teachings for years. But he does bring up some very important points and examines what is happening within the Prophetic Movement and appeals to Scripture. Strom gives a strong warning to those who have been “Touched” and who are involving themselves in the manifestations, visitations, and experiences that are occurring in recent revivals, and as to those claiming to be prophets such as : Todd Bentley, Patricia King, and others. Those involved need to renounce it, in Jesus Name, with your mouth, and then have nothing more to do with it!
There is a good section in the book on IHOP and the modern Prayer Movement and it’s “Bridal Paradigm” - the Romancing Jesus teachings that are promoted in popular Contemporary Christian Music of today, and how this distorts a Christian’s true understanding of Christ and God’s Holiness. Some are justifying their own beliefs in this teaching based on Mystics who are quoted and teach these beliefs and supporting it, they somehow believe that this makes it correct or that this ’Bridal/Romancing Jesus teaching is supported in the Bible when clearly these teachings are not in scripture. Strom plainly shows how these extra-biblical teachings can lead an unsuspecting listener to accept false teachings and can open a Christian up to unclean and deceitful spirits.
The chapter on why correcting false teachings is NOT a Matthew 18 matter, was especially helpful. One thing I didn’t like about the book was it’s critical references to heresy hunters, yet Strom’s own chapter on discernment is no different than what ‘heresy hunters’ and/or discernment ministries have been warning the Church about for years and have been solidly standing firm in the faith on the truth of God‘s word.
We bought this book in early June/2008, someone we know was involved with Todd Bentley’s ministry school and revival teachings and read some sections of this book to her. This helped the person to evaluate the teachings of this movement and reconsider their involvement, but for some, seldom is this truly possible so quickly, since the teachings, peer-pressure and fleshy appeal is so seductive. It is always advisable to continually pray for those who have gotten involved with these teachings.
Copyright © 2008 - Andrew Strom
Publisher - Revival School
ISBN: 13: 978-0-9799073-0-2
Reading/ Reviewed: July 14,2008