The Love of Power, Or, the Power of Love: A Careful Assessment of the Problems Within the Charismatic and Word-Of-Faith Movements

As one who has spent some 35 years in charismatic churches - both independent and Anglican - I would say that any charismatic of any denomination or none can save themselves a lot of heartache and confusion by reading this book. It is written from a sympathetic viewpoint by well-educated and experienced charismatics, and it raises clearly a number of serious doctrinal and practical issues that have plagued the charismatic subculture for years, and offers some solutions. Its style falls somewhere between popular and scholarly writing, so it isn't a light read, and the book isn't perfect: the chapter on demonology, for instance, makes a few good points but is rife with confused thinking and self-contradiction. But it is certainly a show-stopper in places. I recommend it highly for charismatics. Nobody else will get much out of it, though.

All three authors have been through spiritual journeys of appreciating the charismatic movement. In this book they present their reflections on the movement. A good and balanced book.In my opinion, Tom Smail's 1st chapter on "The Cross and the Spirit: Toward a Theology of Renewal" is one of the best articles/messages I've read/listened to as it relates to the pros and cons of charismatic theology. It's worth the price of the book!Other topics touched on include signs and wonders, demonology, worship, prophecy.Overall a good book for those interested in the charismatic movement