| "Novel Blasts Some Televangelists & Their False Doctrines" |
5.0 out of 5.0 stars. A fast-paced, bold work of
Christian fiction addressing the state of churches
and doctrine.
By The Publishing Guru "Todd Rutherford"
(Bixby, Oklahoma) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Church of Jezebel:
Hijacking the Gospel (Paperback).
Derik R. Girdwood's The Church of Jezebel,
Hijacking the Gospel is a Christian fiction novel
depicting the dark side of some churches--hidden
beneath a thrilling mystery novel. The purpose of
this work, other than to superbly entertain, is to
unveil the false doctrines that various churches and
televangelists use to reel in naïve believers.
The Church of Jezebel weaves a fictional mystery
amidst the concepts of the Christian faith, and not
only exposes false doctrines, but also enlightens
readers through Scriptures from the Bible. The
main character of the story is Christina, an
eighteen-year-old who is excited about being
admitted to Bible college. Although she is easily
awed by the power of the dynamic speeches and
doctrinal messages, there is unmistakably a sense
of foreboding from the beginning of the book.
The antagonistic figures in this novel are Pastor
Smith, who is only concerned about bringing a cash
flow--at all costs--into the church, and the church
prophet, whose lectures are more sinister and
spine chilling than they are Christian.
Alarms should be sounding at certain passages
right from the beginning. For example, when
Christina states, "The church prophet uses a lot of
big words that most people don't understand, and
sometimes he speaks in tongues that no one
understands but the Holy Spirit, but it was about a
return to righteousness." The church prophet is
using lofty language, perhaps intentionally, so that
no one can understand as he misconstrues the true
meaning of the Scriptures for his own benefit.
The plot offers much intrigue when Christina's
pregnant roommate, Becky, allegedly commits
suicide. Ironically, Becky is impregnated by the
pastor's son, Mark, who is also a freshman. The
school is thrown into mayhem when, layer after
layer the truth unfolds, and one by one, events
indicate that Becky did not commit suicide, but was
murdered. Coincidentally, or perhaps for the sake
of convenience, the brunt of the blame is laid on
Christina.
The suspense builds as the truth comes out, and
there "might be evidence of some type of cult at
work, maybe satanic, or something similar to
voodoo or Santeria." From here on out, it's a roller
coaster ride for Christina, who hits an emotional
low that all but destroys her.
Ultimately, Detective Preston's relentless efforts to
uncover the details behind the murder lead to the
unearthing of a church scandal that goes beyond
the realm of imagination, with captivating elements
such as drug-dealing, murder, and the Santeria
drug cartel.
With its fast pace and bold content, The Church of
Jezebel, Hijacking the Gospel is reminiscent of the
famous Dan Brown novel, Angels and Demons.
Overall, this is a must-read book with intriguing
possibilities regarding the state of churches, false
doctrines, misplaced faith and religious abuse.
Christian fiction addressing the state of churches
and doctrine.
By The Publishing Guru "Todd Rutherford"
(Bixby, Oklahoma) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Church of Jezebel:
Hijacking the Gospel (Paperback).
Derik R. Girdwood's The Church of Jezebel,
Hijacking the Gospel is a Christian fiction novel
depicting the dark side of some churches--hidden
beneath a thrilling mystery novel. The purpose of
this work, other than to superbly entertain, is to
unveil the false doctrines that various churches and
televangelists use to reel in naïve believers.
The Church of Jezebel weaves a fictional mystery
amidst the concepts of the Christian faith, and not
only exposes false doctrines, but also enlightens
readers through Scriptures from the Bible. The
main character of the story is Christina, an
eighteen-year-old who is excited about being
admitted to Bible college. Although she is easily
awed by the power of the dynamic speeches and
doctrinal messages, there is unmistakably a sense
of foreboding from the beginning of the book.
The antagonistic figures in this novel are Pastor
Smith, who is only concerned about bringing a cash
flow--at all costs--into the church, and the church
prophet, whose lectures are more sinister and
spine chilling than they are Christian.
Alarms should be sounding at certain passages
right from the beginning. For example, when
Christina states, "The church prophet uses a lot of
big words that most people don't understand, and
sometimes he speaks in tongues that no one
understands but the Holy Spirit, but it was about a
return to righteousness." The church prophet is
using lofty language, perhaps intentionally, so that
no one can understand as he misconstrues the true
meaning of the Scriptures for his own benefit.
The plot offers much intrigue when Christina's
pregnant roommate, Becky, allegedly commits
suicide. Ironically, Becky is impregnated by the
pastor's son, Mark, who is also a freshman. The
school is thrown into mayhem when, layer after
layer the truth unfolds, and one by one, events
indicate that Becky did not commit suicide, but was
murdered. Coincidentally, or perhaps for the sake
of convenience, the brunt of the blame is laid on
Christina.
The suspense builds as the truth comes out, and
there "might be evidence of some type of cult at
work, maybe satanic, or something similar to
voodoo or Santeria." From here on out, it's a roller
coaster ride for Christina, who hits an emotional
low that all but destroys her.
Ultimately, Detective Preston's relentless efforts to
uncover the details behind the murder lead to the
unearthing of a church scandal that goes beyond
the realm of imagination, with captivating elements
such as drug-dealing, murder, and the Santeria
drug cartel.
With its fast pace and bold content, The Church of
Jezebel, Hijacking the Gospel is reminiscent of the
famous Dan Brown novel, Angels and Demons.
Overall, this is a must-read book with intriguing
possibilities regarding the state of churches, false
doctrines, misplaced faith and religious abuse.
5.0 out of 5 stars. A fine Christian novel, highly
recommended,
By Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See
all my reviews
This review is from: The Church of Jezebel:
Hijacking the Gospel (Paperback)
Faith has a unique way of working in helping people
find the truth. The Church of Jezebel: Hijacking the
Gospel tells the story of Christina, a young woman
who is faced with finding the truth regarding the death
of her friend Becky. A whirlwind journey brings her to
the truth and to a greater place in faith. Lined with
Scripture and a powerful message, The Church of
Jezebel is a fine Christian novel, highly
recommended.
recommended,
By Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See
all my reviews
This review is from: The Church of Jezebel:
Hijacking the Gospel (Paperback)
Faith has a unique way of working in helping people
find the truth. The Church of Jezebel: Hijacking the
Gospel tells the story of Christina, a young woman
who is faced with finding the truth regarding the death
of her friend Becky. A whirlwind journey brings her to
the truth and to a greater place in faith. Lined with
Scripture and a powerful message, The Church of
Jezebel is a fine Christian novel, highly
recommended.
5.0 out of 5 stars. A great first novel by Derik
Girdwood,
By Brandon M. Standing - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: The Church of Jezebel:
Hijacking the Gospel (Paperback)
Derik Girdwood's first novel, The Church of Jezebel,
speaks to the disconnections and the horrors that are
found in many churches that are rife with blatant
hypocrisy and/or manipulation of the word of God.
Through the eyes of Christina(CHRISTina), an
eighteen year old college student, we witness the
derailing of a church whose impressive facade has an
underbelly that is chilling to the bone. Girdwood
weaves a compelling tale, showing how men and
women in authority, people who use God as a figure
for personal gain, can have devastating itineraries
that are opposite to what meets the eye. This novel
keeps you reading because even though you may not
like what you see, the "truth", however ugly it might be,
is worth uncovering. If you have often wondered how a
church gains so much momentum and fame, do
yourself a favor and read this novel to see how the old
adage "you got to break some eggs to make an
omelet" really fits the bill.
Girdwood,
By Brandon M. Standing - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
This review is from: The Church of Jezebel:
Hijacking the Gospel (Paperback)
Derik Girdwood's first novel, The Church of Jezebel,
speaks to the disconnections and the horrors that are
found in many churches that are rife with blatant
hypocrisy and/or manipulation of the word of God.
Through the eyes of Christina(CHRISTina), an
eighteen year old college student, we witness the
derailing of a church whose impressive facade has an
underbelly that is chilling to the bone. Girdwood
weaves a compelling tale, showing how men and
women in authority, people who use God as a figure
for personal gain, can have devastating itineraries
that are opposite to what meets the eye. This novel
keeps you reading because even though you may not
like what you see, the "truth", however ugly it might be,
is worth uncovering. If you have often wondered how a
church gains so much momentum and fame, do
yourself a favor and read this novel to see how the old
adage "you got to break some eggs to make an
omelet" really fits the bill.
 | |  | |  |
5.0 out of 5 Stars. Great Book!!
By Stormy 53
This book is incredibly insightful. The author blends
apologetics with a suspenseful story-line, perhaps
creating a new genre of Christian fiction. The
Church of Jezebel takes on some controversial
issues such as faith-healing, seed faith giving, and
most importantly, misplaced faith and
religious/spiritual abuse. I highly recommend this
book and believe it should be discussed at Bible
studies.
By Stormy 53
This book is incredibly insightful. The author blends
apologetics with a suspenseful story-line, perhaps
creating a new genre of Christian fiction. The
Church of Jezebel takes on some controversial
issues such as faith-healing, seed faith giving, and
most importantly, misplaced faith and
religious/spiritual abuse. I highly recommend this
book and believe it should be discussed at Bible
studies.
| 5.0 out of 5 Stars. This book will get you thinking, praying and discerning. Highly recommended. By a Pastor in Michigan. The Church of Jezebel shows an apostate and toxic church that merely uses the name of Jesus, manipulates Scripture, renders self-serving prophesies and employs modern technology to manufacture 'signs and wonders' to awe and then abuse and fleece its members. This is not a church but a cult as it teaches another Gospel, which is no Gospel at all. |
| IRead an interview with author Derik Girdwood taken on 10/20/2011 by The Christian Post, the largest Christian newspaper in the world. Click on the links below: The Christian Post Stand Up for the Truth Christian News Wire Word News |
"A new book titled, The Church of Jezebel, Hijacking
the Gospel, is stirring up some buzz among
televangelists who preach Word Faith, even though
the book itself is fiction and does not mention any
particular leaders or churches. The Christian thriller is
a new novel by Derik Girdwood, who says that his
book is based on the real life corruption and cult side
of some televangelists and churches, according to an
article today via the Christian Post:
The Christian suspense novel is fictional. However,
the author says his book is based on the real life
corruption and cult side of some televangelists and
churches." October 20, 2011.
----- from Stand Up for the Truth (see website)
the Gospel, is stirring up some buzz among
televangelists who preach Word Faith, even though
the book itself is fiction and does not mention any
particular leaders or churches. The Christian thriller is
a new novel by Derik Girdwood, who says that his
book is based on the real life corruption and cult side
of some televangelists and churches, according to an
article today via the Christian Post:
The Christian suspense novel is fictional. However,
the author says his book is based on the real life
corruption and cult side of some televangelists and
churches." October 20, 2011.
----- from Stand Up for the Truth (see website)
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