Counterfeit Revival
Encyclopedia
Counterfeit Revival is a book by Hank Hanegraaff
critical of many aspects of the modern charismatic
and Third Wave
movements in Evangelical Christianity
.
and Brownsville Revival
. One of the book's primary arguments is that many ostensible "manifestations of the Spirit" in charismatic, Pentecostal, and third wave affiliated churches are caused by psychological manipulation
of parishioners, and that many of the "signs and wonders" claimed by these churches are fraudulent or result from manipulation, peer pressure, subtle suggestions, altered states of consciousness from repetitive chanting or singing, and expectations of supernatural events.
He argues that many of the practices within these movements are not biblically
sanctioned or appropriate, but have underlying aspects of scripture which are misinterpreted. He notes these movements rely too much on subjective experiences or feelings. Contrary to popular belief, this book does not endorse cessationism
, and Hanegraaff does not hold this position. Rather, this book is critical of what he considers to be the extreme direction of some modern movements. It specifically quotes Benny Hinn
, and other charismatics regarding their teachings and feelings.
Hardcover released by Word Publishing (1997). Paperback released by W Publishing Group (July 30, 2001), ISBN 0-8499-4294-2.
Hank Hanegraaff
Hendrik "Hank" Hanegraaff also known as the Bible Answer Man is an American author, radio talk-show host and advocate of evangelical Christianity. He was born in the Netherlands and raised in the United States since childhood. He is married with 12 children...
critical of many aspects of the modern charismatic
Charismatic movement
The term charismatic movement is used in varying senses to describe 20th century developments in various Christian denominations. It describes an ongoing international, cross-denominational/non-denominational Christian movement in which individual, historically mainstream congregations adopt...
and Third Wave
Third Wave of the Holy Spirit
The Third Wave of the Holy Spirit is a Christian theological theory first introduced by C. Peter Wagner to describe what he believed to be three historical periods of the activity of the Holy Spirit in the 20th century and beyond...
movements in Evangelical Christianity
Evangelicalism
Evangelicalism is a Protestant Christian movement which began in Great Britain in the 1730s and gained popularity in the United States during the series of Great Awakenings of the 18th and 19th century.Its key commitments are:...
.
Overview
Hanegraaff, who considers himself evangelical, is particularly critical of the so-called Toronto BlessingToronto Blessing
The Toronto blessing, a term coined by British churches, describes the revival and resulting phenomena that began in January 1994 at the Toronto Airport Vineyard church, now the Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship , a neocharismatic evangelical Christian church located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada...
and Brownsville Revival
Brownsville Revival
The Brownsville Revival was a widely-reported religious phenomenon that began within the Pentecostal movement on Father's Day June 18, 1995 at Brownsville Assembly of God in Pensacola, Florida...
. One of the book's primary arguments is that many ostensible "manifestations of the Spirit" in charismatic, Pentecostal, and third wave affiliated churches are caused by psychological manipulation
Psychological manipulation
Psychological manipulation is a type of social influence that aims to change the perception or behavior of others through underhanded, deceptive, or even abusive tactics. By advancing the interests of the manipulator, often at the other's expense, such methods could be considered exploitative,...
of parishioners, and that many of the "signs and wonders" claimed by these churches are fraudulent or result from manipulation, peer pressure, subtle suggestions, altered states of consciousness from repetitive chanting or singing, and expectations of supernatural events.
He argues that many of the practices within these movements are not biblically
Bible
The Bible refers to any one of the collections of the primary religious texts of Judaism and Christianity. There is no common version of the Bible, as the individual books , their contents and their order vary among denominations...
sanctioned or appropriate, but have underlying aspects of scripture which are misinterpreted. He notes these movements rely too much on subjective experiences or feelings. Contrary to popular belief, this book does not endorse cessationism
Cessationism
In Christian theology, Cessationism is the view that the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as tongues, prophecy and healing, ceased being practiced early on in Church history. The opposite of Cessationism is Continuationism...
, and Hanegraaff does not hold this position. Rather, this book is critical of what he considers to be the extreme direction of some modern movements. It specifically quotes Benny Hinn
Benny Hinn
Toufik Benedictus "Benny" Hinn הין; born December 3, 1952) is a televangelist, best known for his regular "Miracle Crusades" – revival meeting/faith healing summits that are usually held in large stadiums in major cities, which are later broadcast worldwide on his television program, This Is Your...
, and other charismatics regarding their teachings and feelings.
Hardcover released by Word Publishing (1997). Paperback released by W Publishing Group (July 30, 2001), ISBN 0-8499-4294-2.