Readers must know a little about the author, Sheila Walsh, before they begin this book. Walsh started out as a singer, then began co-hosting The 700 Club with Pat Robertson. The 700 Club and Pat Robertson are part of the Word Faith cult, also known as teachers of the prosperity gospel, "name it, claim it", "blab it, grab it" crowd, who are only after your money. Sheila Walsh was one of them = BIG WARNING. Did she change since those days? Since, she has joined false teacher Steve Arterburn's Women of Faith group and written a prosperity gospel filled devotional (Daily Gifts of Grace). Her articles tell readers that "God promises" to give us things and essentially turn God into a genie who "owes us health, wealth, etc". Sept 2011, Walsh began a children's book series titled "Gabby, God's Little Angel" about a foolish child angel that is completely unbiblical. This book is filled with super cute appealing images but completely unbiblical ideas about angels. It turns foolish speech and general sillyness into appropriate behavior for a female child angel (not Biblical in itself). So, coming into this book, one should be extremely careful and discerning when reading ANY Sheila Walsh book.
That being said, I was shocked to not find this book dripping with prosperity gospel and false unbiblical teachings like her other material. Walsh even quotes from conservative biblical theologians like John Piper and R.C. Sproul! And apparently, their teaching on God's sovereignty has rubbed off on Walsh. In this book, she not only bashes the prosperity gospel (although she does not take any responsibility for having preached it herself), but she declares over and over again that God is sovereign. And because God is sovereign, we can trust Him through trials. This book is EXCELLENT in that it gives readers the proper biblical perspective on suffering and trials - even emphasizing joy in trials, growth, God's providence and God's overall hand over believers because of God's sovereignty. This book paints a very beautiful view of suffering and even makes half of you actually desire more suffering in your life. Yes, I was moved to pray for more trials and suffering after reading this book, because Walsh does an excellent job pointing out all the benefits in us that come through suffering and trials.
Actually, if this wasn't Sheila Walsh, I would recommend this book to others with 4 stars. But seeing that I am not a trained theologian and I don't trust Walsh and don't wish to promote her, I must still greatly caution readers and will give this book 2 stars. Of course, I would recommend Elizabeth Elliott anyday, but after reading this ONE book, I don't think you'll die or adopt any false views after reading this book. So I would say this ONE book might just be edifying and beneficial. Most of the complaints from other reviewers on Amazon are accurate in that the book does drag on and go from story to story (some kind of useless), but it seems Walsh is cleaning up her act a bit - using the ESV bible now mostly (where she used to always use the Message Bible). I would still caution readers but I would say, if you like her writings, this one book is not just pretty good, IT IS GOOD. I hope readers will get past the ramblings and see all the positives because this book really is better than many other "Why is there suffering? Why trials?" books written even by male theologians.
My disclaimer - I received this book from the publisher but I am not required to give a positive review. I always give brutally honest reviews and attempt to critically point out parts of the book that may not appeal to others. I want you readers to be able to confidently choose a book based on the stars I give it, because I know you have limited money, time and energy to read. So let's make the most of our lives and choose the very best books.
I have to admit - I'm surprised you even picked up another Walsh book! But, glad that you were fair in review. Good food for thought!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Ephesians 4:29
ReplyDelete"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs that it may benefit those who listen."
Matthew 7:1-5
“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye."
Hi Jackie, I am not going to condemn you but as a fellow christian who has let satan twist my thought process on who the true enemy is like you have, I want to warn you other Christians are not our enemy they are preaching the same message we are the gospel of Jesus Christ, so many times we let the enemy divide us as Christians bc the enemy knows there is power in unity, we get so caught up in the plate the food is on that we forget about the meal. When we are looking for a fault we will find fault, being critical is not Jesus Christ it's satan. I beg you to evaluate your heart and to ask the Holy Spirit to show you the truth and be willing to listen. Your fighting the wrong enemy. You can't win a war fighting your own team. You are hurting your own team.
ReplyDeleteHi Jackie, I am not going to condemn you but as a fellow christian who has let satan twist my thought process on who the true enemy is like you have, I want to warn you other Christians are not our enemy they are preaching the same message we are the gospel of Jesus Christ, so many times we let the enemy divide us as Christians bc the enemy knows there is power in unity, we get so caught up in the plate the food is on that we forget about the meal. When we are looking for a fault we will find fault, being critical is not Jesus Christ it's satan. I beg you to evaluate your heart and to ask the Holy Spirit to show you the truth and be willing to listen. Your fighting the wrong enemy. You can't win a war fighting your own team. You are hurting your own team.
ReplyDelete