These Evangelical Books Should've NEVER BEEN WRITTEN 

Could you do a follow up video - top 10 Christian Books that Everyone Should Read!

The more I listen, my heart swells with gratitude that Jesus would take me from readings like this and turn me toward sound teachers and the true Gospel. I was so lost. But now I'm found. ❤️ Thank you, Wretched, for being a reliable, safe resource for the children of Christ. ❤️

Sadly, I fell for the lure of Rick Warren is one of his “purpose driven churches” in Colorado. Thankfully, my husband saw through it and, eventually, removed the blinders from my eyes. I’m so grateful for God’s mercy and love for showing me the truth! 🙏🏼

Theology absolutely matters! Just prayed for you, Mr. Friel; may God continue through His Holy Spirit to keep you strong, unwavering and always abounding in His work for His glory.

Thanks for adding the Prayer of Jabez on here. That book gave me a false hope when I was younger and into the prosperity gospel

Excellent job, brother Todd! I admit that I didn't even know a few of these books were heretical. Thank you for shining a light! God bless you!

I remember being in a Christian bookstore in Florida while on vacation and someone inquiring about the book “The Prayer of Jezebel”. 😂

The Shack always gave me the creeps, but I admit that the Prayer of Jabez was promoted by the church I was attending at the time and I fell into that. Didn't take long for the Lord to guide me outta there!

God always speaks to me by directing me to a passage of scripture. Thank God for His Word!

Years ago I was given a copy of The Purpose Driven Life. Told that it would change my life. I read the first chapter several times but I couldn't seem to read past that first chapter for some reason. I ended up throwing the book away.

About 3 years ago, I found a Bible teacher, who knew rightly dividing the word of truth! When he got to Hebrews 1, it took him an hour, bouncing all around the King James, to show what that first word of Hebrews 1:1 really is! That word was God! I got hooked, hours a day, study! What he taught, was exactly what Pastor John MacArthur preached! That led to you Todd, as well as Justin Peters, Phil Johnson! I can’t wait to start everyday, seeing what the Lord Jesus, is going to reveal that day, in study, of the king James only! You have a great gift Todd, as does anyone who knows 2nd Timothy 2:15, Ephesians 2:8&9, 1st Corinthians 15:1-4! I love my Lord and Savior! God Bless you all!

J. Vernon McGee said, "We don't need no more helper books!"

Great video warning of the false teaching in these popular books. I love Justin Peters’ quote about hearing the voice of God. I use it frequently!

The quality of this video is something to be admired. I've been a longtime listener (since The Way of the Master days) and I just want to give kudos to the team for their efforts. Thank you for this kind of video. Very helpful. It's scary how many Christian women like "Jesus Calling". Poor theology and discernment.

Jesus Calling was such a blessing to my husband and I . I saw it as a personal application of the scriptures which are all at the bottom of each page.

Toddddddd, not only are you one of the most accurate apologist for God’s Word, but also one of the most creative, inspiring and humorous I’ve ever listened to. Thank you, brother, for your ministry and today’s exposures of false teachings!!!

Yes, 100%! I've lost count of how many times I've been informed I was being a hypocrite and unchristian because "Jesus said do not judge." It's always whenever you counter ideas and their consequences such as these espoused in these books. For the record, Jesus also told us to judge with "righteous judgement" in John 7:24.

Thank you so much Todd. God bless you and your ministry 🙏

Thank you. I've had a few of these books at one point or other in my walk. The more of the Bible I read, the more of these books I threw out, until I just stopped even looking at them. I encourage anyone who wants to find God and get to know Him to read the Bible. His words are truth and the truth does indeed set you free.

I read "The Shack" in rehab of all places....I will say it did make me thirsty for God's Word. I started picking up my Bible more and eventually found a Pastor Macarthur video on YT....so I guess I have both of them to thank for helping me learn about the Gospel. I have come such a long way from that time all Glory to God.

I love the “heaven tourism” comment. There is a plethora of people claiming to have been to heaven many of whom have mutually contradictory testimony and unscriptural. Everyone of these books had an odor about them that I knew was not the perfume of Christ.

Todd and team - so well done, as always! Speaking truth in a time of bountiful lies will gain much scorn - and blessed be that scorn. Thank you for all you do!

I remember mentioning the prayer of Jabez to my pastor at the time and he said, “God would rather hear the prayer of [insert your name here].” 🤣

I remember reading the prayer of Jebez, shortly after I got saved a little over twenty years ago. And must admit that I jumped in the deep end with both feet. Thank God, that His word puts us back on the straight and narrow.

Just the other day a co-worker of mine was talking about a church he attends in a larger city and how cool it was that the music was like going to a rock concert. I wonder what the sermon is like. Wait they most likely do not have a sermon but instead have a chit chat or something like that. Thanks for stating the truth of Scripture so well.

I had the unfortunate experience of reading "Your Best Life Now" as a teen. And I gotta admit, I felt good in the beginning, but as I got older, I was still found wanting, never answered my questions regardless holiness and salvation. So I read the Bible myself and found a different picture of who God is. And I can say I became much happier when learning the truth. Knowing that you have the Holiness obtained by the Lord Jesus is the only way to live "your best life now". BTW I decided to re-read the book to criticize it now that I'm more biblically mature. It's so full of nonsense I don't think I'll finish it...

I buy these books for cheap at my local thrift store. I specifically look for anything by Joel Osteen...Rick Warren...and specifically for titles like...the secret, the shack, any and all the heavenly tourism books.. Because I have a small business, and I need extremely cheap, trash books that I bring home and gut them...I make handmade journals..and I need those heavy book boards to make them...turning trash into something lovely. We enjoy nice bonfires in the fall/winter...so the gutted paper either goes for kindling...or when i have a custom paper order i turn all those trash paper inserts into pulp...and make new hand pressed paper for my customer. Really enjoyed the video...new subscriber

Thank you for this video. I made a donation to Wretched. So grateful for your organization! 🌻

Thanks Todd. Sad to say that I only read one of those books as our Pastor was starting to take us in a seeker sensitive direction. It was stopped because people in the congregation were concerned. He also ended up stepping down because of moral issue. Bible number one followed by those who have gone on before us like Bunyan, Spurgeon, Ryle, Torrey. John MacArthur and R C Sproul were my main reads. I remember going into a Christian book store in the 90’s reading the covers of all the best sellers that were no more that self help and how to be successful. I went to my section where all the old authors of the past were to find some healthy reading. I haven’t changed my diet. Again thank you for a quality discernment ministry as I’m concerned about a few you tubers who I feel could learn how to do this better from you and Justin Peters.

Thank you for this Todd. People need to know. I read "The Power of Positive Thinking" in high school. It did help me with self confidence and self esteem, but after I was saved and "grew" in the Lord, I realized what a "self" book it is. God is the One who helps us with confidence and self esteem in the best possible light when we know we belong to Him. I have read some of these comments, and I thank God that His truth has shined through. Another very dangerous book is "Woman, Thou Art Loosed" by T.D. Jakes. Don't read it ladies.

GOD bless Todd and his delivery of the message

Once again, well done.

Many moons ago, I checked out a "Christian" book store and was repelled by the fluff that filled it's shelves! Haven't been back since.

I’ve never heard you speak before. I’m amazed! Thank you so much for the HONEST truth! I have read some of these books. Hated the Shack! Another issue I have is Bible Study groups. I love to study the Word, I don’t love to study and, even with good curriculum, listen to a group go around the room and each say “ Well, what I feel…” I don’t want to hear how you FEEL, I want to know what the Scripture says!

I appreciate your ministry Mr. Friel. You teach people to rightly divide the truths of scripture. And how to think biblically. I also love witness Wednesday. Its such an encouragement for how to engage with people.

Jabez, the shack, purpose driven life, and others, I dropped reading it because it didn't sit right with me. Now, I know why. Holy Spirit was nudging me. Glad I listened.

Thank you! Years ago, members of my church were passing the Shack around and talking about how great it was. I tried reading it, but I hated the symbolism, which was one person's interpretation of the Holy Spirit and Wisdom, and I forget what else. Not only that, I thought it was juvenile, like a middle schooler wrote it. Borderline blasphemous if you ask me. Of course I didn't finish it.

Wonderful video Todd!! Grateful that you are sharing so boldly why these books are dangerous. I was wondering if you could make a video talking about the good books to read?

Always remember just because it's in print does not always make it so. As a late family member of mine once said;" they like to sell books you know !"

I read The Prayer of Jabez and I actually used to pray the Jabez prayer every day for like, oh gosh so long. And then I just stopped.

If people spent the same amount of time studying their Bibles as they spent reading many of these books they would be better Christians and better people. God's word was given to humanity as the totality of His special, divine revelation.

I bought the Jesus Calling book when someone told me it was good. I read the first 2 pages and promptly threw it in the trash! Only Jesus speaks for Himself! Thank you for looking out for everyone!

I grew up hearing family members exclaim, “Don’t say that. You’ll speak it into existence .” Not a fan of that line of thinking. Seems to fall in line with positive think power mentality.

If you have sex before marriage you have sinned towards God. And if you sinned towards God you must genuinely repent of that sin. Someone who is in Christ does not like sining towards God deliberately.

This was so good!!! Spot on! Thank you for making these videos, it has been a great tool to share with others

I admit I read the shack & it helped me some as I have had severe father issues & seeing God as the heavenly father did put stumbling blocks in my path, but I have always been a apologist at heart & always took a "take what you can use & leave the rest" mentality, I knew wasn't theologically sound & read it as such.

Left my progressive, seeker sensitive church 12 years ago and sadly to say, have read most of these books. Many of them very destructive. Since then I've come to true saving faith and go to a biblically sound church. All glory to King Jesus!

Amen Todd. I agree with your assessment of the books listed.

Thank you for this video. When I was very new in my Christian walk, I read many of these books and, honestly, enjoyed them. But, what it did for me was to dig deeper into God's Word and ONLY then did I begin to question things I read. I am still learning but now I always compare truth (the bible) to what I read and if it doesn't line up, I will stop and speak truth in love to any friends or family about why I cannot finish whatever book it may be.

I kissed dating goodbye was actually life changing for me. I don't remember all the nitty gritty of the book, but it did open my eyes to the flippant dating I was doing. I think if people read the book and didn't read their Bibles with it, then maybe they felt condemned, but I never did.

Great list, great job.

Todd. I appreciate your videos

I reread the shack after watching the movie, and with highlighters and pencils and my Bible...there was a point it made me so mad I wanted to burn the shack book, literally wanted to burn it

C.S. Lewis wrote "Mere Christianity" this book and the C.S. Lewis movie "The Most Reluctant Convert" contributed to my husband finding faith in Jesus! Good book and movie

Very good Todd, enjoyed this video

Thank you for this video!

Thank you for this information. I have a few of those books. I am going to through them away now. I didn't know they were so evil. Thank you for letting us know and understand the work behind these books.

Thank you for calling out Rick Warren. Our old pastor pushed Warren’s books and wanted our church to be just like Warren’s. The sad thing was our pastor was soliciting prostitutes and was arrested in a sting operation. We had cases of ‘Purpose Driven Church’ stacked up ready to begin the study. Many people did not wish to do the study sensing something wasn’t right. I listen to your program, and others, as they help me when I can’t put my finger on where the problem is. Continue the good work.

I just love this guy, his views and his humor!!! Thank you!!

You nailed it, brother! Thank you….I fell for so much of this glop, and I prayed to God to know the truth, and God showed me the truth!! ❤🙏

“If you think Jesus is calling you please hang up” I CACKLED 😂

Thank you for this post! It can be difficult to suss out how legit some of these books really are or are not.

Thank you for this video.

Amen... Excellent video....📖

Great to hear, wow it's scary because many of these books are so loved by many even some of my close brothers in Christ. All we need to do is pray God reveals truth to them, then present it to them

Thank you for letting me know that books I haven't read have in no way diminished my quality of life.

Thank you for your video!

Thank you for this list.

I needed to hear that I wasn't damaged goods. I've thought that even post salvation, I was lesser than those who had saved themselves for marriage. I love my Savior and my husband. My husband saved himself and I did not. It haunts me that I could not give that to him. Could you talk more about this?

From Germany, praise the Lord for your faithfulness to Truth.

Thanks, Brother! Well said!

May God bless you and your ministry Amen

"Jesus Calling " is so popular. Several people gave it to me as a gift. I hated it and threw it away. I don't understand why anyone would be comfortable with some lady "channeling" Jesus!! Even as a new Christian at the time, the Holy Spirit told me NO, you can read His Word and pray and hear Him yourself!

I am ashamed to say I have read three of those books. BUT im sure if I remember correctly that it was the purpose driven life that turned me off "Christian" books altogether for a few years. I remember saying to myself that from now on I'm only reading the bible. The other two books were the Shack and 90 minutes in heaven. I bought those two from a Christian bookshop. I have since learned that not all books touted to be Christian actually are solid. I repent of reading those books and even lending one to someone. 😥

Deeply appreciate brother Todd , Lord’s faithful saint, your works of faith and your labour of love to boldly speak the truth of God’s words because you believe and you are called by God to keep proclaiming His truth to His true sheep. Praise God. Yes. All these Bible liars have to be identified so gullible and trusting and ignorant souls will not be misled. I have seen with my own eyes a church here passing out Rick Warren’s ‘Divine Purpose’ to people in the congregation! I thank God and I praise God for God has raised His army of BOLD and FAITHFUL saints on this fallen earth to uphold His truth, like brothers Todd, Justin Peters, Voddie , Steve Lawson, Paul Washer , pastors Alistair Begg and John MacArthur, and every of His faithful saints in G3, Ligonier, and Founders. Hallelujah. To God Be All The Glory !

Thanks for always helping us avoid false teachings!

Hope you will cover “Every Man’s Battle”. That book is truly deplorable.

I've lost a few "friends" because of these books. Many women in the church would rather grab a what did God say to you book instead of grabbing the what does God say to me Bible. Don't forget to mention A Lineage of Grace. She states its fiction but it's a dangerous book for those who don't know the Bible and don't know God's Truth😣

Thank you, Tod!!

God bless Wretched Radio

Oh my word! Thank you for tackling this! I was given ‘I Kissed Dating Goodbye’ to read in 8th grade when I was a 14-year-old girl. I became fixed on purity in a self-righteous way…until I dated a bad boy (son of our church secretary) when I was 19 years old. I had been told nothing about sex. I was excused out of doing anatomy stuff and sex talks in school health class, so when my boyfriend started talking a little dirty to me, I was intrigued. I felt like I should be repulsed, but my curiosity was piqued instead. I ended up falling…hard, and then living as one with a scarlet letter until I met my husband, who was already a pastor at the time. He told me, ‘Redemption is sweeter than innocence.’ Suddenly I felt pardoned and forgiven by the person I felt like I had deplorably wronged before I even met him. I didn’t believe God could forgive me until my husband did, thus elevating his status as higher than God’s. 18 years later, I finally told my parents about my fall from grace. I was tired of the little jabs at other girls with a more blatant scarlet letter and revealed my own. It was cathartic. I’m 37 years old. I only told my parents last month. Another book, the Prayer of Jabez. Again, I was a young teenager. Our church did a Jabez initiative where we were all entrusted with $10 and then told to multiply it along with reading the book and ‘watch how God blessed’. I did multiply it by extremely hard work, a testimony to capitalism and the work of our hands being blessed in this country. But when it didn’t work for other things I tried, it made me feel like I wasn’t close enough to God or something. That was a weird time. Right after the Jabez initiative to raise money for a new sanctuary, our pastor left our church because he was offered a better salary at a more prestigious church in the area. Both churches collapsed. We left ours two years later. Don’t even get me started on Beth Moore’s tripe! I refused to read her studies when I was as young as 15 years old. I’ve always hated her stuff.

Surprised he didn't mention the old quote, "Paul is appealing, and Peale is appalling."

Good teaching on this issue.

I enjoyed the Shack but I looked at it as pure fiction about a grieving father’s dream. I never thought of it as theology.

Amen Todd!!!

Well said on "I Kissed Dating Goodbye." Josh raised some reasonable issues with how the culture of our time (esp. since the 60's) has turned dating/courting/whatever term people want to use for marital pursuits into such a selfish, sensuous, ungodly thing; the biggest problem, as I see it, is that he was far too young and spiritually immature to present the argument he proffered, and the fruit -- as you pointed out -- has not born out as well as he probably would have hoped.

There’re are some real stinkers that’s for sure Thanks for addressing this👊🏼 …🙏🏼👍🏼🙌🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

I've heard this beforeTodd, but it's good to be warned again. The way you bring everything is with God given humor. Thank's.

You should do one of these for seminarians

Sir, thank you for this list! Do you have a list of books (other than the completed canon of Scripture) that you would highly recommend? I'd watch that video!

God blessed you brother. Use that gift to bless believers and exalt our Savior Lord Jesus.

Thank you. Blessings.

Let's see, before watching, this is my list: The Shack The Purpose Driven Life Prayer of Jabez 7 Stages of Spiritual Growth Your Best Life Now (or anything by Joel Osteen) Jesus Calling Heaven Is For Real (or *any* heaven tourism book) Harbinger 1&2 (or anything by Jonathan Cahn) *That's all I got off the top of my head.

I made the mistake of both reading the book "the shack" and watching the movie, but I knew immediately that it was bad

Great film!! ❤❤❤

Thanks!

I have not read the Jesus Calling book. But I have looked through it a little bit a bunch of months ago. From what I did read... I didn't find it to be some unreadable and offensive thing to be rejected as BAD. I skipped forward in this video just to learn about the problems with that book. Nothing was provided in terms of evidence as a reason why it's a bad book. Except that your own personal opinion of it says that it's a bad book (a stinker.) That doesn't mean it's a bad book necessarily it just means that you don't have the faith that allows you to make use of it. The reason given as to why you embrace it as a bad book... "It's 'extra Biblical' and we only need the Bible." Well EVERY book could be thought of as extra Biblical. This video is extra Biblical if someone wanted to be literal about it. God allows us to read books other than the Bible. The Bible says that some people's faith allows them to eat meat and some people's faith allows them to eat only vegetables. That doesn't mean eating meat is bad. I am not really trying to endorse that book since I know not a whole lot about what is in it. From what I did read.... I suspect God and Jesus aren't terribly bothered about it as if it's a stinker of a book. If anyone wants to read and find inspiration in it just of course consider that it's written by an infallible human being who is capable of mistakes and it's not a guaranteed "words should be written in red" type of thing. --- When I clicked on this video I was looking for a reason to say "Oh I get it. Okay that's a crummy book." It's a crummy book "because I said so" doesn't quite give me a real enough reason as to why I should think so too.

Love this list. However, you left out possibly the worst! THE PASSION "TRANSLATION"

Thanks for the list, Todd! Joel Osteen's Your Best Life Now book was the first "christian" book I ever read. Ah... how the book makes you feel good but... won't be feeling good in the future if we follow it though.

Excwlllent, thank you.