Jesus Only Churches

Rating:
Summary: Thanks from a former oneness adherant
Review: As a former oneness church member (UPCI), I can honestly say that Beisner does a fabulous job of exposing a heresy that has its roots in ancient modalism/sabellianism. This work does not seek to tackle all of the oneness literature that has ever been published, rather it directly confronts much of the work of the ordained "hero" of the United Pentecostal Church International, David K. Bernard. Even though the oneness doctrine has changed over the years (I was a 3rd generation oneness believer)in order to "duck" attention by cult researchers, Beisner's book offers evidence from the scriptures and from scholarship which has NEVER been legitimately refuted by Bernard or anyone else! It has been a valuable witnessing tool to a movement that relies on extra-biblical revelation rather than the Word of God.

Rating:
Summary: Thanks from a former oneness adherant
Review: As a former oneness church member (UPCI), I can honestly say that Beisner does a fabulous job of exposing a heresy that has its roots in ancient modalism/sabellianism. This work does not seek to tackle all of the oneness literature that has ever been published, rather it directly confronts much of the work of the ordained "hero" of the United Pentecostal Church International, David K. Bernard. Even though the oneness doctrine has changed over the years (I was a 3rd generation oneness believer)in order to "duck" attention by cult researchers, Beisner's book offers evidence from the scriptures and from scholarship which has NEVER been legitimately refuted by Bernard or anyone else! It has been a valuable witnessing tool to a movement that relies on extra-biblical revelation rather than the Word of God.

Rating:
Summary: A few objective criticisms
Review: As the author of the book, I would like to respond briefly to several criticisms in other reviews found here. (By the way, I chose 3 stars as neutral so as not to stand as judge in my own cause.) (1) One review claims that I never respond to the criticism that certain terms of Trinitarian theology are not found in the Bible. Wrong. I do so on p. 38 at outline point b; had the reviewer read carefully, he would have known this. (2) Another review claims that I rarely refer to Scripture. Wrong. There are literally hundreds of Scripture citations, and scores of careful exegetical analyses of Scripture, in the book. Only someone either dishonest or incredibly careless could have made the claim. (3) A reviewer claims that all I do is call my opponents by names and not interact with their arguments. Readers can judge for themselves whether this is true. The book is structured with my opponents' arguments presented first, in their own words, my rebuttals presented next in the same outline structure, and my own arguments for orthodox Trinitarianism presented last.

Rating:
Summary: I agree with R. J. Caplinger
Review: I too saw the presentation that Mr. Beisner gave on the Ankerberg show. He was very rude and interuptive through the whole debate. Take a look at the response that was given by him in this review. He can't even accept constructive critism.
However,I did find his book to be very educational. There were a lot of scriptures that he tried to use to prove trinitarianism that I had never seen used before. I can honestly say that I can use this book to witness to trinitarians about the true Oneness belief. There are so many rediculous points that he tries to make with the Bible that when are read have absolutely nothing to do with the point he was trying to make in the first place.

Rating:
Summary: Booklet fails in this purpose
Review: The back cover of Beisner's booklet promises to vide "essential and liable information and fights" on Oneness Pentecostalism. Unfortunatethe booklet fails in this purpose and actually cres significant obstacles for understanding and communication. The antagonistice prejudicial tone does not foster dialogue, much of the inforation is simply wrong, the presentation of Oneness Pentecostal doctrinal views is seriously flawed, and the presentation of historic, "orthodox understanding" is surprisingly narrow and controversial. What I find too strange is how can a respectful publisher like Zondervan allow a very poor work like this to be published under its name. For a complete response and refutation to this booklet go to http://www.altupc.com/articles/chresp.htm

Rating:
Summary: A strongly organized book
Review: Unlike many of the comments posted concerning this book, I found it to be a well organized, fair, informing representation of Oneness Pentecostal theology. While unusual and somewhat technical in format, this book provides the reader with a strong overview of this particular theological system, sound Biblical arguments against it, and a preparation for interaction with people who believe these doctrines. While some of the reviewers commented that E. Calvin Beisner was unfair, unsound, and condescending in this book, I did not find that to be the case. His representation of Oneness theology is accurate and fair, taken from its main writings; his arguments are logically and Bibically sound and well-articulated; and his tone was one of care rather than one of harshness. I recommend this book to anyone in the Oneness Pentacostal system who wants to see how its arguments stand against Scripture, or anyone who wants to familiarize themselves with this movement and how it relates to God's Word.

Rating:
Summary: Decent But with Problems
Review: While E. Calvin Beisner has done a fine job refuting the heresy of modalism, the work is seroiously marred by his Calvinism. As such I can only recommend it with caution.