Official Review: Beneath A Heretic's Wings

Post by **Kibet Hillary** » 09 Oct 2019, 15:21

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Beneath A Heretic's Wings" by Cassandra L. McClellan and Teresa L. Reed.]

4 out of 4 stars

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A remarkable statement in the preface of this book states that religion is like fire; it sustains and destroys. It further asserts that it comforts, and divides, teaching love perhaps as powerfully as it can trigger hate. One reading this book will agree with these statements. Life was extraordinary for the devout believers at Higher Dimensions Family Church. They had a renowned minister, and the choir was outstanding as well. However, things began falling apart when Carlton Pearson began preaching a relatively new concept. The Gospel of Inclusion was unaccepted by some members of Higher D as well as other Christian believers and ministers. This new doctrine dared to challenge what had been held for so long. Is the Bible infallible? What if God’s love is stronger than hell? Does hell indeed exist? This book chronicles the life of Bishop Pearson, the Higher Dimensions Church, and other events surrounding his new message that was readily unwelcome.

Beneath A Heretic’s Wings: Carlton Pearson, Apostasy, and the Evangelical Establishment was co-authored by Cassandra L. McClellan and Teresa L. Reed. The book was published by Garysprings Independent Press. Both Cassandra and Teresa live in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and had been members of Higher Dimensions Church. They served in the choir of Higher D and faithfully attended one of the most famous conferences organized annually by their church. This is their story years after the official dissolution of the church.

It was my first time reading about Bishop Carlton Pearson and the Gospel of Inclusion. What I liked most is the authors provided enough background information on the history of both Bishop Pearson and his ministry. Life before and after the initiation of the Gospel of Inclusion was vividly described. A few photographs were included in the book as well. The addition of statements that were made in reaction to Pearson’s teachings helped to substantiate the authors’ sentiments.

Whether one will subscribe to the doctrine of the Gospel of Inclusion or not, some key facts cannot be ignored. The first concerns the pent-up hatred and rage that was directed at Bishop Pearson and the active members of Higher D. This begs us to reconsider how we deal with those who hold dissenting opinions. It should be mentioned that the adverse reactions came from fellow believers and even notable Christian leaders. The second concerns the interpretation of the Bible. It is evident this is capable of causing tension and division eventually.

The authors narrated their experiences alternatively in separate chapters. The striking similarity about some events and the profound impacts they had on their lives made me realize how important the church had been to them. The fundamental lesson was that we all stumble and thus we need God’s unconditional love. Generally, the book was well-written. Editing was professionally done. Therefore, I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. This book is suitable for both believers and non-believers. I enthusiastically recommend it to readers who enjoy discussions on spirituality and religion. It will appeal most to ardent lovers of spiritual memoirs. Readers can also watch Come Sunday, a Netflix film, that chronicles the story of Bishop Pearson.

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Beneath A Heretic's Wings
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Falconcrest · Post by **Falconcrest** » 26 Oct 2019, 21:44

This is a very interesting review. I never heard of this Bishop Pearson and his religious beliefs. I am a God-fearing man so for me this is definitely worth reading upon. Thanks for a fact-filled review it was very helpful.

Post by **Kibet Hillary** » 27 Oct 2019, 21:58

Falconcrest wrote: ↑26 Oct 2019, 21:44 This is a very interesting review. I never heard of this Bishop Pearson and his religious beliefs. I am a God-fearing man so for me this is definitely worth reading upon. Thanks for a fact-filled review it was very helpful.

It will be interesting to read his points-of-views on numerous issues. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.