A Christian keg party

The author of this book, Hank Hanegraaf, is an evangelical Christian who calls himself The Bible Answer Man. He heads a group called the Christian Research Institute, which maintains a website. Hanegraaf devotes part of his time combating pseudo-Christian cults, and has written two books on the subject, "Counterfeit Revival" and "Christianity in Crisis".

"Counterfeit Revival" is a lively, critical and frequently sarcastic look at the Toronto Blessing, an extreme revivalist movement named after the Toronto Airport Vineyard Church (later renamed the Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship). The church is situated close to Toronto's international airport, but has no connection to the airport authorities. It used to be part of a neo-charismatic denomination called Vineyard. Judging by the book, the Toronto Blessing had earlier antecedents. There are connections to Benny Hinn, Kenneth Hagin and other preachers within the Word of Faith tradition. There are also connections to a group known as the Kansas City prophets, and various earlier charismatic preachers. Hanegraaf isn't always clear on these criss-crossing connections, and large parts of the book feel very "in-house". Another factor contributing to the internal atmosphere is Hanegraaf's attempt to prove that the Toronto Blessing has falsely hijacked the mantle of Jonathan Edwards, the great 18th century revivalist preacher in North America.

Still, there is plenty of "cultish" material in the book, which may shock or amuse you, depending on your mental state of mind. The Toronto Blessing quickly became notorious for its bizarre manifestations, including people oinking as pigs at the revival meetings (no kidding), or laughing uncontrollably for hours. Some people became so "drunk in the spirit" that the revivalist churches had to designate drivers to get them home safely. Weird visions became commonplace. One prophet of the movement had a dream vision of God's pet hippopotamus. Female believers experienced visions with an obvious sexual undertone: Jesus was dancing with them, playing Lego with them, and caressing their hair, "fulfilling their every desire". One woman even saw herself getting married to Jesus. The prophets of the movement looked forward to a coming millennium, in which revivalist Christians would rule, led by superapostles. And then there's Benny Hinn, who shouted: "I'm sick and tired of hearing about streets of gold. I don't need gold in heaven, I gotta have it know! You say: Well, Benny Hinn, isn't it wonderful to have streets of gold in heaven? Well, of course, but if I hear the thing one more time of how it will be and how it was, I'm gonna kick somebody!" (Benny also believes in an enneadic godhead, as in "there's nine of them up there". This according to Hanegraaf's other book, which also prominently features this man.)

When I read "Counterfeit Revival" the first time, I was frankly shocked. The second time, I started laughing (purely secular laughter, mind you). I mean, these guys seem to be enjoying themselves! All things considered, the Toronto Blessing looks like a Christian keg party. Particularly amusing to read was the revivalists' reaction to an earlier criticism by the author. One of them composed a frivolous song, stating in part: "Just come to the party God is throwing right now, we can all lighten up and show the pagans how, Christians have more fun and keep everyone guessing, since the Holy Ghost sent us the Toronto Blessing! Now I'm just a party animal grazing at God's trough, I'm a Jesus Junkie, and I can't get enough! I'm an alcoholic for that great New Wine, 'cause the Holy Ghost is pouring, and I'm drinking all the time! I just laugh like an idiot and bark like a dog, If I don't sober up, I'll likely hop like a frog". The song (supposedly a revelation from God) was published with a note, stating that it should be forwarded to "Brother Hank" and that it would "beat forty years of depression".

I'm not kidding.

I mean, these guys are priceless! Where do I sign up???

:D

The counterfeit revival sure deserves five stars...