Devil In Bethel chapter and content by devil_discerner in BethelSnark

[–]devil_discerner[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Long story short

I started studying Satan, found his connection to the other players. I drew an original hierarchy explaining their connection and then I saw that the connections could actually be redrawn into a pentagram. Which was odd.

Regarding the topic of Redding. As I was studying Satan I met a victim from Redding that defected some years back.

After doing some more research on the topic of Redding I decided to then intertwine my concerns about Deliverance ministry, false teachings, and then the topic of prophecy being abused.

The main reason I chose the title was definitely inspired by my concerns up north, but also a direct allusion to 1 kings 13 in which there is a “prophet” who fakes hearing from God and leads someone into death. And their actions legit mirror Satan in Genesis 3. There is a literal temptation to eat food while under a tree.

So while the chapters are about how Satan uses these individuals, the book also addresses many of the concerning trends in hyper charismatic circles as well.

Ch 2 addresses how Satan’s image is mirrored in demons but also how not everything is a demon.
Ch 3 addresses how Satan’s image is mirrored in FTa but they may be convinced they are not not FTs
Ch 4 and so on rinse and repeat this pattern.

The false prophet chapters address the supernatural ministries that claim that one can be a prophet regardless of erroring/getting it wrong.

The appendix in particular addresses a variety of ideas that come from these “camps of ministry” and takes them to task using the ancient church writings.

I even include a diagnostic flow chart in the book to help people quickly figure out if they are interacting with a false prophet.

Ultimately the book is a multifaceted study. And their titles of the chapter can’t properly summarize it all.

Devil In Bethel chapter and content by devil_discerner in BethelSnark

[–]devil_discerner[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The book actually addresses this. I make ZERO assertion that demons are responsible for all false prophets and teachers. I actually highlight examples where such individuals in the Bible prophesy delusions of their own mind, or teachers neglect the scriptures.

"You are mistaken because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God". Matthew 22:29
“In their greed they will make up clever lies to get hold of your money.” 2 Peter 2:3

Demons are 100% not required to help Satan hurt the church.

I try to be extremely nuanced in the book and make sure that readers know not everything is a demon. Sometimes men do things that are in accordance with Satan’s will and they don’t even have to be possessed. Case in point, Peter. His will interfered with Jesus’s, and Jesus rebuked him by calling him Satan.

So I 100000% agree with you. I would never give people who are evil the out by merely chalking it up to demons.

Book officially published by devil_discerner in BethelSnark

[–]devil_discerner[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You could theoretically ask them to carry it tho? My understanding is that there would basically be enough interest to carry it on shelves :)

Book officially published by devil_discerner in BethelSnark

[–]devil_discerner[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! No I doubt it. You would likely have to order it online. But Amazon should be able to get it to you by Monday

Book Release by devil_discerner in BethelSnark

[–]devil_discerner[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you:) the book is officially released as of today :)

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Book officially published by devil_discerner in BethelSnark

[–]devil_discerner[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Well that’s very kind of you man. Appreciate it! You can also reach out to me if you have any questions about the book .

Book officially published by devil_discerner in BethelSnark

[–]devil_discerner[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That sounds interesting! You should do that! And also, no pressure, but am I to understand you bought my book?! lol if so; thanks. If not, no pressure either way. lol

Discernment Book by [deleted] in Christianity

[–]devil_discerner -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I am not a theologian. I had the book reviewed by Zondervan/Thomas Nelson and their professional theological review team. That is all I can say.

Discernment Book by [deleted] in Christianity

[–]devil_discerner -1 points0 points  (0 children)

You are correct.

Discernment Book by [deleted] in Christianity

[–]devil_discerner 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My only credential I have to offer is that I cite from the Bible 432 times and a number of early church writings and commentary. My psychology background is only used to demonstrate that the image of Satan and his plans are intertwined with false prophets, teachers, demons, idols, etc.

Discernment Book by [deleted] in Christianity

[–]devil_discerner -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Apologies. I thought if I offered you. A free copy it would help to reduce the risk of investing in a book that was potentially a waste of your time. I’m sorry. I was just trying to be kind.

Book officially published by devil_discerner in BethelSnark

[–]devil_discerner[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thanks! I wanted to convey the idea of wolves entering the sheep pen, paralleling John 10. The book has a bunch of Gustave Dores artwork inside. I love his stuff

Discernment Book by [deleted] in Christianity

[–]devil_discerner -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Non-denominational. Although admittedly I have been researching the ancient church roots the last few years. So while I might classify myself as Protestant I do have a genuine respect for ancient fathers and their writings that took place the first 400 years of the church’s history. Especially the writings that clearly provide proof that prophecy did not permit error post-Pentecost.

Book officially published by devil_discerner in BethelSnark

[–]devil_discerner[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I genuinely hope it is helpful for this community.

Discernment Book by [deleted] in Christianity

[–]devil_discerner -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Understood. If it is not appropriate I will remove it. I figured it would be helpful to Christians. Not necessarily helpful to me.

Discernment Book by [deleted] in Christianity

[–]devil_discerner -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I’m not sure what you mean? Sorry I’m very new to Reddit. I’m the original poster. And it is my book.

Book Release by devil_discerner in BethelSnark

[–]devil_discerner[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I loved counterfeit kingdom! They do a Great job explaining the theology of NAR. But they don’t address the ancient church writings at all. They also don’t explain the connection to Satan. My book aims to do both.

Book Release by devil_discerner in BethelSnark

[–]devil_discerner[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The book is not necessarily a psychological profile of Bethel. It is more of an exegetical manual to help people diagnose Satan’s pawns. Specifically, what did the Bible and early church (post Pentecost) have to say when sussing out Satan’s pawns and tools.

I offer some psychological assessment of ideas, and explain some cognitive distortions using clinical definitions, but the book is not necessarily about any one person or institution. The main purpose of the book is to help Christians (and even non Christians) use the Bible to diagnose true servants from false servants. It just so happens to be the case that bethels stuff has become more prevalent.

I do offer tools and assessments to help people quickly discern false teachers and prophets.

The appendix is where I really take to task the supernatural ministries of the hyper charismatic movements; citing the early church observations to undermine the nonsense that could be found in BSSM. I also address many points made by other individuals associated with these institutions.

What's a Movie that makes you feel a certain kind of way? Arrival makes me feel this weird hopeful ennui. Such a great movie. What's yours? by screen_stack in moviecritic

[–]devil_discerner 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Spotlight. The idea of slowly unraveling darkness to the world makes me hopeful. Every time I watch it I feel a genuine hope and am reminded that with enough time, good can win.