27 August, 2010

Stress Free Life, by Bishop Bonnie Etta



Stress Free Life: Seven Keys to Extraordinary Life was written by Bishop Bonnie Etta and is a book I received through the author’s agent. I had never heard of either the author nor of the church he pastors and founded, The World Vision International Worship Center in Beltsville, Maryland

I found it to be an “inspirational” read with insight into the lives and struggles of others gained by much interaction. He emphasizes the importance of enjoying God’s peace in our lives and enjoying the life He has given to us rather than being consumed by stress and conflict. I read his points on loving the Lord, forgiving offenders (as well as ourselves), walking in Truth and in The Spirit, desiring unity, showing appreciation and gratitude, cultivating relationships through communication, choosing our life’s destiny (which admittedly I had strong disagreements with), breaking satanic ties and walking in blessing, strategic praying, anointing, success in life and how to acquire it, faith, grace, and vision & purpose.

I am unsure, however, about the author’s theological background, and experienced much hesitation while reading this book. Although I read statements on loving the Lord and His Word and trusting Him to work His plan in our lives, and he stated that we are saved and washed by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, and mentions being “born again” when stating that becoming a child of God has to do with transformation and a baptism, I failed to read of God’s complete sovereignty over our lives, and how it is through faith alone that we are saved, that we are bought with a price, and that our purpose on life is to glorify God and make much of Him – regardless of the circumstances He in His love and mercy places us in. Additionally, I was deeply troubled by references leading the reader to believe that God’s intentions for us are those of health, wealth, and success – that we simply need to claim them as our covenental rights as a child of God, and I was also stunned by the statement that poverty is offensive to God and born out of unbiblical life practices. Although I respect the author’s time and effort invested into this writing, I will not recommend it.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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