Unlike most books that I review, I actually bought this book, from England! And Rob didn’t ask me to review it.
I said several times already what a pity it is that US publishers missed the opportunity to distribute and market this book in the aftermath of Lakeland and the VP nomination of Sarah Palin. It is evident based upon Technorati and google searches that many people are looking for the answers about charismatic practices that are provided in this book.
The first half of the book covers charismatic history, beginning in the holiness movement and ending with the more recent new apostolic reformation. Rob extensively explains specific areas where error and controversy have occurred within the charismatic stream – the Latter Rain Movement, the Word of Faith Movement, and authoritarian leadership. However, rather than taking a hatchet to these areas, he instead provides enough background and explanation to reveal both the healthy aspects and the beliefs that resulted in false doctrines and practices.
This half of the book is fascinating and really should be a must-read by anyone who is, has been, or will be involved in the charismatic realm of church.
However, the second half of the book is the part of my book that will become worn from use. The emphasis is “towards a reconstructed praxis.” In this half of the book, Rob is both pastoral and challenging in his encouragement to continue the journey in the power of the Spirit. Addressing many of the same issues of error from the first half of the book, he provides a corrected and balanced approach to the areas of authority, faith, discipleship, and community. He is unrelenting in his message that a post-charismatic journey must be Spirit-led.
Personally, I look to Rob’s wisdom and experience in my own post-charismatic journey. I find that he tethers me from veering off into the extremes to which I am apparently prone. The book was annoyingly accurate in its descriptions of the things that post-charismatics experience and their responses. By the end of the book, I find myself once again convicted, encouraged, and challenged to expect the participation of the Spirit in my life.
As I said earlier, if you have had any involvement with charismatics, you will find this book valuable. Also, I believe it is a wonderful book for those desiring a more spirit-empowered walk, but perhaps have been reluctant to pursue it due to witnessing extremes and hype among charismatics. This book would be a great guide for moving in that direction with balance and wisdom.
It appears to now be available and shipping from Amazon in the US. It is also available here:
Amazon.ca
Amazon.uk
Kingsway(uk)
The author, Rob McAlpine, is better known around the blogosphere as Robbymac. You can enjoy more of his writing at his blog.
kingdom grace 
I was a frequent poster in Robby’s blog when there was a forum there for post-charismatics. When he decided to write the book that section was shut down. Maybe he will reopen it to get people’s feedback after they read the book…
Noticed my CLB is hosting its own conference: Open Heavens Kingdom Release. They still must believe that some ‘special’ anointment is to be dispensed by having an arranged conference that you pay for to attend. Something magical must be anticipated if this is how God wants to work in & through the saints of that little church…
I guess you have to peddle the idea that a greater manifestation or unction or ‘presence’ of God can be promised by having guest speakers & lively worship & some form of spiritual goings-on that indeed open up heaven & release the kingdom…
I think the theology faulty & just plain impotent in reality. God’s favor will not be realized nor heaven opened nor the kingdom released in any way, shape or form.
Is this the practicing of a religion without any real power? I mean real power that will make any impact past the 2-3 weeks after the spiritual high wears off?
Grace, I appreciate this in a lot of ways. I am not charismatic in the typical sense but have found the Scriptures consistently call us to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. And as much as that has many different aspects, it appears to have been lost for much of history.
These revivals have always seemed to reiterate God’s amazing capacity to release His Spirit in ways that remind us who is really leading the charge. Unfortunately that very thing can be severely abused.
And in some respects it is hard to talk about the Holy Spirit without people drawing conclusions that are framed by the charismatic movements and their misuses, or were completely ignored by other movements.
What I hear you saying is that Robby suggests keeping the original intent and allowing the Spirit to work out in whole practices. I like that.
NOW …I have ordered three books today!!!
UnChristian
Coffeehouse Theology
AND
POST-Charismatic
NO MORE!!!!
You paid for a book!?! I suppose next you’re going to put a paypal thingy on your blog so we can contribute to your ministry.
Just kidding. ;) Tying this post with the previous one… I appreciate your blogging ministry, grace. thanks.
When the content of this book was on Rob’s blog I gave it a casual reading – it is good and csrtainly describes well the parts of the Charismatic empire that I had been absorbed in for many early years of my life.Books like this will have a healthy effect after the Lakeland debacle – interestingly I see that Dr Sharon Stone’s prophecy (given in Glasgow in early summer 2008?) of Financial turmoil in September and a seeming prediction of Sarah Palin’s rise has just started going round the extreme Charismatic web sites.A new drug for those needing a fix after cold turkey from Lakeland?Let’s hope not.
Charlie
I think that the Amazon.com link has been there from the outset, never actually having stock and never actually getting Rob’s name right. I recommend anyone in the US might still be better off ordering from Amazon.ca – would be interested to hear if anyone gets Amazon.com to ship. That’d be great news, but as I understand it, David C. Cook decided not to publish it in the USA, only the UK and Canada.
joseph,
Yes, there seems to be a vast difference between the power we talk about and the power we experience. Maybe we need to look at that.
jonathan,
I prefer the terms “spirit-empowered or spirit-led” to “charismatic.” I believe quite strongly that neither should be defined by traditional charismatic boundaries and markers, but rather by fruit and practice.
I see within the emerging/missional movement a new expression of spirit-empowered living that can and should challenge traditional charismatics, their mentalities, and their practices. This is an area of thought that I would like to give more consideration. Thanks for triggering my imagination. :)
Mark,
I am advance reading another post-charismatic type book to be released in December. Start saving up because you will want this one too. ;)
dan,
LOL, actually, I should probably have a reverse paypal for all the great stuff that people share here.
charlie,
Someone showed me Sharon’s word last week. From what I have observed, she is quite sincere and highly accurate and specific in many of her prophesies.
BroM,
It is a little amusing to see the entry under Robin McAlpine. On Friday, when I checked they had it listed as in stock. I see that has changed, and I wouldn’t suggest waiting in the hope that they will stock it.
As you said, it would probably be quicker through amazon.ca, or a private seller if you still want to order on amazon.com. I think mine took less than 2 weeks and it was under $20 including shipping.
I might put in an order directly from amazon.com just to see what happens with it. I could use a couple of extra copies if they actually send them.
I have this book, I’m just trying to finish my current book before starting it. Ah, forgedaboudit. I’m going to start it today.
Charlie mentioned charismatic empire, and I just received an email from someone. It was a “word” from a well-known NAR “prophet” that was deeply disturbing.
This concept that God wants to use institutions of power to bring about His purposes (whether its power structures in institutional churches or power in political institutions) seems contrary to the cross.
It seems that charismatic culture is confused about the upside-down nature of the cross and what Jesus taught. Charismatic culture seems very enamored with empire. And I see little difference between this and historical Catholicism (within the Holy Roman Empire). Is there anything in scripture or in the teaching of Jesus that implies God uses institutionalized power (and therefore, political power – whether in church or in the secular realms) to bring about His purposes? It seems so contrary to Jesus’ teaching, I don’t know how I missed this before! (I was raised Charismatic, so I guess that’s how I missed it). But it seems so clear now…
Sarah
As a recovering charismatic who strangely still believes in a genuine prophetic gift I couldn’t agree more.The principalities and powers that Charismatics seem so keen on are actually the empires both religious political and religious that try and control human society.The ‘dominion’ theology of many Charismatics is just playing the same Empire game with King Jesus in control.The Prophets and Apostles often see themselves as those who are courtiers to such a King.It’s 180 degrees contrary to the Kingdom of the Suffering Servant Yeshua who warned about the dangers of lording it over people,religious or otherwise.Can I recommend a great book to all post-charismatics on this blog.It’s Rene Girard’s ‘I saw Satan Fall Like Lightning’ which exposes the whole mimetic contagion that Charismatic Latter Rain theology follows.You will not regret buyiny this book.
Charlie
Wow, Grace, allow me to share my appreciation for such a kind and well-written review of the book.
My favourite line had to be “The book was annoyingly accurate in its descriptions of the things that post-charismatics experience and their responses.” Maybe that’s my “anointing”? :)
Again, my gratitude for your friendship and support.
Robby, as in “annoynting”? ;)
Steve,
Yes, exactly!
My eldest daughter (when she was still little) once rode home in our car in silence from church, and then all of a sudden we heard her sweet little query from the back seat:
“Mommy & Daddy, why did the speaker this morning want God to make us more annoying?”
More prophetic than she realized, methinks. :)
charlie and sarah,
It is interesting to see how this twisted kingdom view is reflected in everything coming out of the charismatic stream. It makes it difficult to sift through their words for whatever elements of truth might be there.
robby,
You are most welcome, and my husband said to be sure to let you know how much he appreciates what you have written in the book.
steve,
Actually it was quite annoying to read repeatedly that I am apparently a very predictable post-charismatic. :)
I am glad to hear about this!
What Joel foretold (Joel 2:28-32), Peter declared was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost (prox AD 33), but the FOCUS of both Joel & Peter was not upon the baptism of the Holy Spirit, but rather upon the indwelling of the Holy Spirit for “those who call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Joel 2:32 & Acts 2:21). That was the compelling question at the end of Peter’s sermon, “WHAT shall we do!” (Acts 2:37).
Peter declared the method that Paul also taught to be accurate, Rom 6:1-3. The indwelling Holy Spirit (Rom 8:9-11) received at baptism (Acts 2:38) is what raises us on the last day, not the baptismal measure of the Holy Spirit which was given to the Apostles (Acts 1:5 cf 2:15 – men), which still required the water for immersion to Cornelius, Acts 10:47-48 who had received the baptism of the Holy Spirit “just as we did at the beginning,” Peter said, but without the indwelling Holy Spirit until they were baptized. Those baptized on Pentecost received the indwelling Holy Spirit of Rom 8:9-11, not the baptism of the Holy Spirit of Acts 2:1. Finally, Paul baptized the twelve brothers he found at Ephesus because John’s baptism was only FOR (eis unto) remission of sins and not for/unto the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Cf Romans 8:9-11 to: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=rom%208:9-11,mark%201:4,%20Luke%203:3,%2024:47,%20Acts%2013:24,%2019:1-5;&version=49;