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This was high quality writing. I know it seems counter-intuitive, juxtaposing convicted televangelists with good literature, but it’s true. He tells his story of when Praise the Lord (PTL) began to fall. Regardless of his theology--which he admits was “wrong”--the roots of his fall have little to do with money. Indeed, it’s hard to know exactly what the federal counts were (his criminal acts pale in comparison to the Clinton Foundation).The story of his fall involves a woman, Jessica Hahn. Bakke...
I read this book a long time ago. It was a surprising read. I later heard him speak in person. Also, quite surprising. I don’t remember a lot about the writing style but the parts when he was in prison and realised that his beliefs were wrong and he read his Bible, and saw the truth were very good.
I was prepared to write a snarky review, and in some ways the book deserves it. He was clearly angry with Tammy Faye and Roe Messner when he wrote it (perhaps deservedly so, although the letters he presents from his former wife really do reveal a woman who was suffering from complete exhaustion; still, there is no question that by their own lights Mrs. Bakker and Mr. Messner behaved badly). He also had not forgiven Jerry Falwell, Jimmy Swaggart, Jon Ankerberg and the rest of the gang who ran him...
When Bakker was accused and convicted, back in the day, I was one of a few who actually believed in him. Even though my parents lost thousands of dollars to his PTL program and Heritage USA, where they purchased life-long memberships, to this day they continue to support him.So, when my parents offered to loan me this book, I was eager to read it. Before cracking it open, I continued to stand behind the man who admitted openly his mistakes.However, after reading Bakker's "I Was Wrong", I am left...
After reading this book some two or three years ago, I would really like to recommend it now more than ever for everyone who is a true believer, and who desires to master the act of commenting tactfully on issues that affects ministers of the gospel, and leaders in public offices.Personally, I think mr Baker did a very good job in telling his own side of the story that took him from grace to grass. Contrary to what most people who have read this book thinks or feels,"I Was Wrong" was not written...
The title of this book is misleadingI thought it was going to be about remorse over the money squandered in the PTL organization. Actually, Jim thought he would never preach again. He was wrong. He truly is a Whiny man. The beginning of the book he whines about how he was taken advantage of, used, and swindled. The entire 2/3 of the book he complains he has no idea why he is in prison. What an idiot. A big whiny fool. The last. 1/3 he finally sees the light, but while he finds Jesus, he also sho...
What a powerful story....Whatever you make of the facts around this man's fall from fame. The story is a powerful message of journeying through darkness and brokenness into light and wholeness. Also his journey from lightweight prosperity theology into a God who meets us in the mess of our lives and calls us to lean and abide in Him in the hardest of times. A beautiful read in the age of the 'celebrity pastor' and of the danger of power and wealth. In this book Jim Bakker finds that the path to
Excellent book. Very revealing but wonderfully inspiring.
Not quite what I was expecting. Spent more time on his stint in prison than on the events leading up to it. It was a little overlong, but still a good story of sanctification.
I was surprised that I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. It tells an interesting story of Jim Bakker's "fall from grace" as the Lifetime movie made about it dubbed it. (I also watched that movie on YouTube while I was reading this. People are right when they say you can find anything on the Internet). I vaguely remember of hearing of this scandal back in the 80's/90's, but followed it very little, as I didn't care much at all about PTL at the time and found all of that type of relig...
I was actually very shocked at the writing of this book. I thought it would be terrible, but it was actually well thought out and engaging. I remember Jim and Tammy being on television and my grandmother watching them, but she never sent in any money...thankfully. I do not care what this man says, there is no way he actually forgave any of the people in this book for their parts in anything, real or imagined. He admits to a lot of things, but also tries to spin it where other people were the act...
Bakker has written more of an apologetic than a confession. While he reveals some interesting details on the inner-workings of his failed ministry and the growing megalomania that gave rise to Heritage USA, most of the confessional aspects come across as lacking sincerity in favor of the expedience of going through the motions in an effort to redeem his reputation. Blame is squarely placed on the shoulders of people like Jerry Falwell, Jimmy Swaggart et al.As of this writing, Bakker is back at i...
I loved this book. The title really reflects the heart of the book, which I appreciated. While Baker did take the time to tell his side of his story (which included a lot of injustice done to him), I didn't feel like he was trying to defend himself or justify his name; he was sharing his perspective. At the heart of the book is the journey God took him on through his experiences, both at the top and at rock bottom, and how God changed his thinking on some key matters of theology and faith. I wis...
It felt like I was reading this book forever. I really enjoyed seeing how God worked in Jim Bakker's life. I pray that we are never so far from God that he has to send us to prison to get our attention. Reading about the moments in prison where God specially moved left me hopeful. How good is God that he even loves Jim Bakker. This was mostly about his experience in prison. I would have liked more about his life before that.
This is one of the most rewarding books I have ever read. It begins with the fall of a believer who lost his way, his suffering and then his redemption. Jim Bakker lost everything which this world calls important.He was betrayed by his wife and a business partner. In the end, he was left with just the Word of God. God reduced to him to nothing to rebuild him. I would encourage anyone who is going through difficult times to read this book.
This book told a fascinating story... It's objectivity was tarnished quite a bit, as it was told exclusively from Jim Bakker's point of view. At first I felt that Mr. Bakker was quite the "whiner," but as the story unfolded I felt more and more pity for him and his family. This book was definitely one of failure, growth, and redemption.
I really enjoyed this book. I remember seeing Jim and his wife, Tami, on TV when I was younger, so I had a curiosity to read this book. This autobiography seemed to be written from the heart, and he seemed to be very straightforward and honest. I loved this book, and it even made me want to write a letter to him! lol
amazing book, filled with honesty and humility. very satisfying, even healing to hear someone in contemporary infamy admit his own mistakes and reveal his heart, and the transformation that led to his personal revival. wonderful.
Almost stopped reading about half way through but kept on. He was whinning and I had a hard time with it. God did a real work in his life so it was worth reading the whole book. See is back on TV. Hope he stays out of trouble this time.
This was a very good book. Every Christian ought to read it.
a serious tell all !a devoted man, wanting to do alot of good, the incorrect way
Jim was proven in high courts he was not guilty..the judge was fired from the courts..of course you never hear the real story..great read
The Baker/PTL debacle in his own words.