Holly Pivec

Counterfeit Kingdom is a needed book explaining the unbiblical teachings of the New Apostolic Reformation movement (NAR; also know as the apostolic and prophetic movement). All believers need to be aware of and equipped to recognize the harmful teachings of NAR and churches such as Bethel (of Redding, CA), Jesus Culture and others both large and small that promote them. The book explains how NAR teaching and practices are immensely unbiblical and how many of them disturbingly mirror the New Age and occult.

As someone who was rescued out of this false teaching, I am always grateful for well-thought out books like this one. I encourage every single believer to read it because even those who are unaware of it often discover they have been influenced by these false teachings, especially through music from ministries promoting them. I also appreciate how the authors share about their heart behind writing this book (found in Chapter 2).

This book calls us not to just assume that a teacher, leader, author, etc. or a teaching or practice is good or beneficial because it seems to be fine. We should never assume someone speaks for God simply because they claim to be Christian. In Chapter 4, the book explains outlines how we can discern between true and false prophets. I found this chapter extremely helpful; the tools given in this chapter can help set many free by giving them tools to see the truth if they apply them.

The one frustration I had with the book is this: Sometimes NAR beliefs and practices are presented in the book as if they actually are the truth or correct interpretation—or so it seems for a moment, and then the explanation about what is wrong with them included after. I did a double take a few times because of this. I worry this lack of clarity could confuse the reader at times, especially if they have little to no exposure to NAR beliefs thus far in their life.

The book also has a great section to help parents educate their their children on God’s Word versus false teaching to help them recognize NAR teachings if they say, infiltrate a youth group or Sunday school curriculum.

Overall, Counterfeit Kingdom is an important book, especially as NAR teachings and practices infiltrate more and more. As the book’s concluding chapter states, “We must be discerning. We must take responsibility for our beliefs.”

I received a review copy of this book for free from Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.… (mer)