The Corinthian Catastrophe

By George E. Gardiner

Book Overview

An outstanding exposition that contrasts scriptural principles with charismatic practices based on the experience of the church at Corinth. Also available in Spanish

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0825427088
• ISBN13: 9780825427084
• Release Date: June 1985
• Publisher: Kregel Publications
• Length: 64 Pages
• Weight: 0.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 4.1" x 7.0"

Customer Reviews

Highly Recommended Concerning the Meaning of Spiritual Gifts

I heard several sermons from George Gardiner on this subject in the late 1970s and read the book back then. Since then, every time the subject comes up among Christians (including last Sunday), I find myself referring back to this little book. Gardiner puts the Corinthian Church in the setting in which the Apostle Paul saw it, as coming out of a background where ecstatic tongues were spoken in the pagan temple worship of the time. They are not to be confused with the tongues of Acts 2, which were actual foreign languages precisely spoken by people who did not previously know them! He points out the difference in I Corinthians between the spiritual things ("pneumatika" in Greek) and the gifts from God ("charismata" in Greek). Often Bible translations can be unclear on this point, and one must understand the difference in order to fully grasp Paul's meaning. People with gifts from God are not necessarily very spiritual! He also points out the references in I Corinthians where tongues are shown to be a sign that would cease and were NOT for every believer even during Paul's time. So read this book (or a newer one like it), but then study the Word of God yourself and see what the Lord emphasizes for Biblical sprirtuality!

Good book in general, lacking in a few points

This is a superb book in many respects. The author does an excellent job of making a good exegetical case and of keeping the book concise. I appreciate his perspective as a former charismatic; I myself am a former charismatic (I left the movement several years ago). I would definitly recommend this book to anyone who is considering the charismatic/cessationist debate. My main complaint is that there were several issues I wish he had addressed more thoroughly (although, in fairness to him, this is hard to do in such a short book). Although he deals with the gift of toungues fairly thoroughly, his discussion of the gift of healing isn't quite as thorough, and he bairly discusses prophecy at all. After reading the book twice, I am still somewhat confused as to what the author considers the exact function of prophecy in the church to be. With that in mind, though, I think that the author does an excellent job in the space he has. The evidence he gives is very damaging to the charismatic perspective. In spite of a few weaknesses, I would still strongly recommend this book to everyone.

excellent apologetic on 1 Corinthians 12-14

Dr. Gardiner does a fine job explaining what Paul was talking about when he addressed spiritual gifts. Much of the confusion in the church today would be cleared up if people took the approach to Scripture that Dr. Gardiner does. THe Bible tells us it is the truth which unites and the truth can only be found in God's Word. Gardiner does a fine job bringing this truth to light. My only problem with the book is it is too brief, many topics are glossed over. Otherwise, an excellent reference tool.

look at the scriptures

This is one of the most honest views on the subject that I have encountered. If you read this book with and open mind and put aside what you have been "told" and follow the scriptural references,you will cleary understand what the author is saying. I have done alot of research on this subject and it falls in line with what the book points out.. the fact that it negates alot of what people believe is why some would say that it is not accurate, but anyone that has a good grasp of the bible can clearly see what the author suggests is in fact true.. I would advise this book to anyone that has a question about thier "Charasmatic" church...