Ten Indictments Against the Modern Church

Paul Washer is a humble man who has lot to say. This book was good to read, I know that is a sermon so it goes without saying. The teachings are what the modern church has forgotten, Get back to God's word.

As I expected, it criticizes contemporary Christianity. I learned what the author believes are the ten most important issues facing the church today and how the church can correct them. His critiques include the modern church's reliance on feel-good messages, its lack of emphasis on biblical truth, its focus on entertainment, and its failure to confront the sins of society.However, I argue that his indictments are too broad and do not take into account the positive aspects of modern Christianity. In my humble opinion, he fails to recognize the positive that the church is doing, such as its work in communities, its commitment to social justice, and its efforts to minister to those in need. In my eyes, the author is too conservative and fails to recognize the diversity of the church.

Convicting yet inspiring

Paul Washer stands boldly before pastors with a mirror to point out the scriptural error in the church. His message cuts deep and then mends with a remedy from the Word of God.

Much like Ravenhill and Tozer, Paul Washer is not one to hold back. His book "Ten Indictments Against the Modern Church" is a great example. In this short book, you will find much to challenge you. I don't agree with every perspective Washer has, but honestly hearing the hard-hitting message is refreshing in a day where so much of Christian publishing seems very weak and overly consoling. Don't get me wrong, we do need comfort. But there are also times when we need to be shaken deeply.The 10 indictments are as follows:1. A denial of the sufficiency of Scripture2. An ignorance of God3. A failure to address man's malady4. An ignorance of the gospel of Jesus Christ5. An unbiblical gospel invitation6. An ignorance regarding the nature of the church7. A lack of compassionate church discipline8. A silence on separation9. A replacement of the scriptures regarding the family10. Pastors malnourished in the word of GodI do struggle some with books that are as hard-hitting as this one. There is always the danger of feeling like we are not doing enough and working our way into a legalistic, and even condemning, state of life. We are all called to different ways of living out our calling and life. Some are called to a more separate way of life, while others are not. Some can drop everything and become what we normally think of as a full-time minister (really we are all full-time ministers regardless of our occupation), but not all are called to that level of sacrifice. If not balanced with a firm understanding of grace, a book like this can cause people to struggle with condemnation rather than conviction, hence the four-star rating. Still, we could all use a little more reading that makes us search ourselves more closely.If you want a challenging read that will stir your heart, pick up this book.

TEN INDICTMENTS AGAINST THE MODERN CHURCH is the first penned encounter I've had with the author, Paul Washer. Having watched a YouTube video of him preaching prior to reading this book, Washer's direct, passionate style did not surprise nor dismay me. Rather, I found it to be spiritually refreshing, and most importantly, doctrinally sound and highly significant for the Body of Christ.Having been raised in a church whose teachings were bizarrely interpreted scripturally, and in avery spiritually destructive way, Washer's love for God and Truth -- and his intense zeal for His house is sorely needed.In visits to various churches while seeking a new church home after a move, I encountered 1) a church whose multiple pastors never interface with congregants and quickly disappear behind a curtain like rock stars after alter calls, 2) popcorn and drinks being consumed in the sanctuary during service like it's a circus event, and 3) having to wade through tables of fund raising in the foyer to reach the sanctuary for Sunday morning service, bringing to mind Jesus driving the money changers from the temple. I could go on and on, but I won't. However, it is of note that these activities happened in three different churches, and needless to say, I was furious on God's behalf. So I understand and respect Washer's vehement delivery.This book's too harsh? No way. It's about time carnal nonsense and serious error with eternal consequences stops in the House of God, and I, for one, say bravo to Paul Washer for having the courage of his convictions to minister this message.

I actually wish this book were longer.The Holy Spirit speaks the same things to everyone whom he speaks to. I love reading pail washer because whatever the Holy Spirit tells me, he extrapolates on.The Holy Spirit won’t let me send my kids to youth group nor Sunday school. I didn’t know why. Now I do.I couldn’t understand why the church seems so infiltrated by worldliness, why so many professing believers still watch the filth that comes from the tv and then act like I’m the one who’s off base when I tell them I don’t. (Hint: they very probably are tares).I didn’t realize I was mixing in psychology and sociology with my advice to parents. Now I do. And it stops now.The holy spirit is “unteaching” me everything I was taught by man. I’ve been on this journey to unlearn everything taught by man and I keep thinking I’m there but I read Paul washer and realize nope. Not by a long shot.If your earnest desire is for God, then He will use Paul washer to help do the same thing for you.

This was a difficult read, not because of difficult syntax but rather a challenging ideology that most of us have embraced in the modern western evangelical church. Each chapter brought more things to the surface that really need to be looked at more closely. It has changed the way I approach my beloved church and in reaching the lost with the true gospel of Christ.This would also be helpful to Pastors and those gifted with Evangelism.

Paul Washer makes a great case. A definite must read for the modern church and 21 century evangelicalism. Time to open our eyes...

This book claims to be a a list of indictments of a Christian pastor yet he fails to quote or rely on the sayings and teachings of JesusHe strictly quotes from either the old testament or the epistles (often from the suspect in authentic epistles not written by Paul)He aims to instill the fear of God to better create followship. He would make Tony Soprano proud or Don For lemmeThis was thought worthy in the 19th centuryNews flash we are in the 21stAnd we no longer perceive God like the local mafia don. To be feared and followed

I agreed with some of what paul was saying in this book. One disagreement ; where he says he doesnt go to shopping malls ,things of the world etc because we are holy and meant to be separate I just couldnt swallow. We are in the world but not of the world , I dont take that to mean we hide away and dont be salt and light in the world. Thought provoking but didnt quite convince me in some areas.

Read it and weep over where the church is going. Although this is preached primarily to the church in the USA, this is a message for the church in general. Christ's church is safe; he will bring in all those who are is. But we are called to take a stand for Christ and his bride and Paul Washer does just that in the most magnificent and God honouring way. More people need to hear what this man has to say. He is one of very few voices speaking the truth anymore.I pray that all those who are at all concerned with waking the church up will read this and embrace it for change - especially those called to eldership and preaching.