John WeaverThe New Apostolic Reformation: History of a Modern Charismatic Movement

John Weaver's book on the NAR movement seeks to define and document, pointing out problems but not making a polemical case against it (though he's clearly not for it). Other books can tell about bad experiences or argue with the theology; this one solves some little mysteries by laying out the history very carefully.For example, NAR churches tend to see Native American or African artifacts as spiritually dangerous items, not as things to put in museums or have as heritage keepsakes. Paul's letters argue against the reality of idols, since they are merely wood or metal, so why would this large, growing movement take the opposite tack? It turns out that during its earliest years, missionaries in South America played a central role. They were convinced of the reality of magic, so they influenced early NAR leaders to treat pagan magic as real (against North American custom). Some of the first cities that NAR groups "mapped" spiritually were in South America, too. So while the wealthiest churches in the movement are in North America, the beliefs are not purely Northern from the rationalist Enlightenment background, but instead are a blend with South American approaches. Okay, that makes sense.The two most alarming things I learned in Weaver's book are that NAR groups are extremely influential in Africa, where they are very tolerant of belief in magic as long as it's polarized in their angel/demon dichotomy with prayer rituals as the effective tool. An aid worker in Africa told me that most of the churches she saw in Mozambique seemed to have NAR belief systems. And second, that the NAR leaders focus so heavily on "apostles" appointed invisibly by God as the right leadership structure, they have a general anti-democratic attitude (in contrast to most US citizens' democracy cheerleading). I'm afraid this might fit pretty neatly into some African systems, too, justifying a dictator's power. That's a pretty uncomfortable idea.I don't know how many people who attend NAR megachurches are aware of most of the theories or organizations that Weaver explains. It would probably be a good thing if more of them were, since they might be swept along by group emotion into something that, if it were presented in black and white, they would have rejected. Some ideas look different if you understand how they grew and changed with time, too. People who like to read upbeat, breezy books about claiming the power to work miracles won't read Weaver's book; it's too much work and it wants to give them the power of knowledge, not mystical power. But anyone who likes to know why and what and how (and where to find verification if needed), and is around NAR groups even a little, will value this book.

NAR has many faults but this book spends less time on them and more on complaining about Christianity as a whole. Not worth what I paid for it.

John Weaver's book is a tour de force tracing of the history of politically-powerful charismatic groups that identify themselves as the sole Christians. It should be required reading for anyone attempting to understand the current U.S. political situation or to understand related events in Latin America and in Russia (where changes in child welfare practices are being pressed by charismatics). The author might have benefited from a kindly editor in places, but the importance and vividness of the subject matter carried me all the way through a book that I opened with some trepidation.A friend recently told me that she was not worried about charismatics, but I assured her that she should be-- and if you read Weaver's book, you will be worried too.

Relatively good book on the subject of the "New Apostolic Reformation." Weaver accurately discusses their history and formation for those who may not know and traces it directly back to its odd roots. It is clear though that Weaver's book is rather politically charged, which I think may turn some people off from finishing it if they were casually curious what the NAR believes/stands for. He also didn't point out that there are many even "in" the movement who don't realize they are in it--- which is I think something that should be noted-- those people could easily be the movement's downfall over time once they realize what their strange leaders are teaching (crosses fingers). There were a couple of areas though that I thought he would digress in, but did not:1) All the crazy that goes on a IHOP--- he briefly touches on their dominion theology but not really on the details of how they brainwash people.2) The teachings which fuse animistic and new age ideology into Christian belief -- like what happens at Bethel in Redding, and the fake "gold dust."3) False prophecy and the reliance on it.I was kind of hoping this book would be a good expose on those type of things, because it is that type of writing that would make other Christians feel that the NAR is insane. This is more like a historical pattern book for academics. Not that that is bad, it isn't, but its different.So far no one has written a book which covers the contents of say this one, plus Gibson's "Wandering Stars." There are some great radio shows which discuss how off base the movement is---still waiting for that to be turned into a book.

Originally I bashed the book but it was inappropriate.So basically this book is a history of charismatics from the point of view "y'all crazy" and he specifically says it's offensive to charismatics but he says all other books on the subject (written by charismatics) are too rosy.Oops. Bought the wrong book but it is scholarly so I'll update at the end.

Quality resource in its field