The Gathering Place

by Becca Anderson

Growing weary and increasingly unsettled with church-as-usual, Casey Ellis longs to find a church where she can experience more of God. So when she's invited to visit a lively group of believers who enthusiastically embrace their beliefs, Casey decides to see what it's all about. Soon after, Casey is immersed in The Gathering. Overcome by the warmth of community, the careful attention of new friends, and the impartation of holy truth, Casey believes she's found what she's looking for—until the group becomes increasingly controlling over her life. Is it possible that her quest for God has plunged her into spiritual deception? Can God reach beyond the walls of a group's control to free her? How can she ever trust her own judgment again?

318 pages, Paperback

First published June 13, 2006

Reviews

[Moronke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Becca Anderson in her book 'The Gathering Place' explores the desperation of a naive young woman in search of GOD. The author unwraps the truth about the protagonist mental slavery in a religious cult and how she escaped from it.

I recommend this book - it really relates to my past when I was also trapped in webs of religious cult.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was good and showed how even the best intentions can lead one away from God.

[Esther · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literally an insane book!!!! Soooooo good!!!!!

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Gathering Place kept my interest from the start, but it was a relatively long story which didn't ever quite provide the dramatic climax I was waiting for. Close, but not quite. It is a good warning to all Christians and spiritual seekers, though. The search for more intimacy with God and his church, often not found in the traditional church, can lead sensible people into toxic fellowships. The frog in the pot syndrome then takes over.

I would have liked this story more if the motivations of the leaders of The Body fellowship were made clearer. Was it simply for power and control? Or did they sincerely believe they had all the answers? That wasn't developed as much as I would have liked. They definitely had a control agenda, as shown here and there throughout the book, but in that way, the leaders were somewhat stereotypical--particularly the character of Grace. (Never was a woman less appropriately named.)

Overall, this was closer to 3.5 stars. It was a good read, with a good message, but I felt it lost some steam by the end.

[Henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I heard about this book while I was in the process of leaving my Oneness Pentecostal roots and moving towards healthier theology. While this book is clearly NOT about Oneness Pentecostalism, is does deal with unhealthy and cultish religious institutions. Becca Anderson's writing flows naturally, and her characters' sound like real people. Highly recommended.

[Elaine]

a story of brain-washing, control, a cult...

Bodylife, saints, gatherings

read this once before but can't be bothered to read it again

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable vacation read. It was hit and miss, but for the most part, enjoyed it.