The only problem I have with the book is that two of its writers are preteristic themselves: Gentry and Mathison. Although they are opposed to HYPERpreterism, they are still preterists. So, ironically, I agree with the negative reviewers that these two authors and not to be fully accepted. Yet the other writers are opposed to all forms of preterism, evne the orthodox, evangelical preterism of Gentry and Mathison.
Yet even in their chapters we find excellent material against the movement. You can read other reviews below to get a summary of the argument of the book. This is a must read.
Mathison is an employee of Dr. R. C. Sproul, one of my favorite theologians. Mathison has written other books which I enjoy. I am glad he has assembled this group of theologians to expose hyper-preterism. They did a wonderful job.
I was especially thankful that the book put the heretical problem in historical context. As Christians we often tend to approach Scripture individualistically, as if we were the final judge of truth and error. But the chapter on creeds (ch. 1), on history (ch. 2), and on the canon of the NT (ch. 6) were extremely helpful. These chapters remind us that not everyone who thumps the Bible loudly is being true to Scripture.
I also found several of the earlier reviews very interesting. It seems obvious that some group called "Healing Leaves" is making a concerted effort to keep Christians from reading the book. And judging from the character of their reviews, I believe it is easy to see another reason for alarm with this new movement.
For some inexplicable reason, the hyperpreterist reviewers of this book only mention Mathison and Gentry -- two of the seven authors in this work. The other five hold prominent positions in theological seminaries. It is odd that they generally attack only Gentry and Mathison (who are both holders of master's degrees in theology from Reformed Theological Seminary, as well as doctoral degrees from Whitefield Seminary). It is odd because Gentry and Mathison are preteristic in many respects. Obviously it is painful for hyperpreterists to see that some of their positions can be fitted into evangelical theology without becoming heretical.
I recommend getting this book and using it as a small group Bible study guide. There is much in it that helps understand this new pseudo-biblical movement. I believe your friends would be interested in studying it -- just for practice in witnessing to cults.
