Swaggartism: The Strange Doctrines of Jimmy Swaggart Ministries (Defending the Faith Series)

An excellent book, logical, thoroughly researched, easy to follow whether or not the reader has previous knowledge of the subject. It provides a perfect example of the way in which biblical scripture can be twisted into a false message, misleading people into following an erroneous, cultish understanding of Christianity. A full history of the rise and fall - and rise again - of the lead player, together with links to the immense wealth of his Ministry are also fully explored. The author delivers his subject with a profound knowledge, refreshingly direct honesty and an appropriate measure of humour to get his message across. Best non-fiction book I've read in a long time.

I was vey interested to read about the life of Jimmy Swaggart, as part of my research into tv preachers. Like the rest of us, he is a flawed man; unllike most of us, he is revered by millions and the truth about his life should therefore be known. However, I lost this writer when he started evaluating Swaggarts's teaching and there, I agree with the reviewer who said that the writer is no better than Swaggart. He makes a big deal of things capable of more than one interpretation. I do not have Swaggart's annotated Bible, so cannot comment on that, but I have listened to some of his teaching and found it to be edifying and biblically correct. I am not an ignoramus - I have a degree in Biblical Studies and have taught the Bible for most of 60 years. The author seems almost deliberately to misunderstand what SSwaggart is talking about - the doctrine that the old man is dead and that the cross of Christ provides all that we need for our salvation in this world and the next. We are sanctified by faith, leading to the works of faith, not by our own good deeds. I doubt whether the author even disagrees with this!When reading about the lifestyle of Swaggart and his team, I could not argue. It is not attractive reading about their excesses and follies and I found it difficult to excuse - impossible, actually. And we've known for years about Swaggart's own behaviour with prostitutes. Yet he has survived, and I think that one reason for that is that his teaching is, actually, rather good.

The first half of the book appears well researched and well presented. It outlines a little of Jimmy Swaggart's history and how he came to be the leader of a major (and extremely wealthy) church that appears to have descended into having become a cult. I read it because I already had growing concerns about the 'exclusivity' of JSM (Jimmy Swaggart Ministries). A second opinion is always good and the book reaffirmed my concerns.For the first half I would have given the book five stars. Unfortunately, the second half is not so edifying as the author becomes repetitive, pushing his points homes, employing a little sarcasm and coming across as lightly ranting. Which is a shame.Even so, if you want to know more about the dangers of following JSM or SonLife, either for yourself or someone you care about, then this book is definitely worth reading.

This book is well written...full of lots of information about Jimmy Swaggart that you need to know. This will open your eyes up to the lies and deceit of JS. When you start reading I guarantee you won't be able to put it down. The author has laid out all the facts so that you realize that indeed Jimmy Swaggart is preaching another gospel.Get the book I'm sure you will be glad you did.

I liked this book as it brought out more info on bible I still watch swaggart but now have more info on the strange documentaries swaggart writes.

As someone who teaches research and as someone who grew up knowing all of the things put forward here, this is just *bad* research. I had to put it down. Say what you will about Swaggart, but the lack of context, the personal attacks, and the intensity of adverbs are just awful. This feels like a personal attack instead of a challenge to the ministry or the people.I had to put it down because I couldn't endure this hatchet job anymore. What a terrible piece of work.

Very negative and I don't mind someone having a opinion. But bringing up the past that is under the blood of Jesus. I love His music and listen daily. Millions have been saved to knowing Jesus and heaven bound. We all have areas that we fail. We need to be very careful. In who we judge and having discernment of the Lord. We are all in a work in progress.

this book was just as described, arrived on time and very well packaged.