What do you think?
Rate this book
Miracle Workers, Reformers, and the New Mystics
Miracle Workers, Reformers and the New Mystics contains more than 70 photos, illustrations, and biographies of men and women whose lives have demonstrated the phenomenal throughout the ages. Let their stories inspire you to join their ranks as part of this coming revival generation.
400 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
55 people are currently reading
205 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 24, 2015
This is now the fourth book of Crowder's I've read. I started with Mystical Union after a trusted friend recommended it. After I read it he told me I understood him wrong and that The New Mystics was the one he recommended to me. So, I read M.U. first, and for the most part loved it. Then Seven Spirits Burning, and loved it. Then I read Ecstasies of Loving God, and had more problems with it and a difficult time believing some of his accounts in that book.
So, imagine my surprise when I decided to come around full circle and read John's first published book which came out before the other three. It was completely different and I have a hard time believing this book is written by the same author!
I started to read this book months ago, and had a difficult time not because I struggled with any of the theology in it, but because I was already very familiar with some of figures he presented in the book. I agree with some of the other reviewers that I'd love to go over some of Crowder's sources.
But when it's all said and done, I didn't really disagree with much. I'm just stunned at how different this book is from his other ones. In this one he talks about pressing in and all we need to do if we want to be like the mystics of old. Then, in his later works, he changes his theology completely and there's nothing more we can do but just relax in God.
If I read this book on it's own there isn't a 3.5 out of 5 rating, so I'm going to go with 3 for those reasons. I still recommend it if you are NOT familiar with any of the historical figures and want a sketch. But then the ones that impact you the most I'd go and do further research and not just take John's character sketches at face value.
I think Crowder is a great guy and doing a lot of good for the Body of Christ, and in time some things will balance themselves out, but I give grace because I realize he was younger when he first published this book and I'd like the same patience and grace on myself with my published works.
So, imagine my surprise when I decided to come around full circle and read John's first published book which came out before the other three. It was completely different and I have a hard time believing this book is written by the same author!
I started to read this book months ago, and had a difficult time not because I struggled with any of the theology in it, but because I was already very familiar with some of figures he presented in the book. I agree with some of the other reviewers that I'd love to go over some of Crowder's sources.
But when it's all said and done, I didn't really disagree with much. I'm just stunned at how different this book is from his other ones. In this one he talks about pressing in and all we need to do if we want to be like the mystics of old. Then, in his later works, he changes his theology completely and there's nothing more we can do but just relax in God.
If I read this book on it's own there isn't a 3.5 out of 5 rating, so I'm going to go with 3 for those reasons. I still recommend it if you are NOT familiar with any of the historical figures and want a sketch. But then the ones that impact you the most I'd go and do further research and not just take John's character sketches at face value.
I think Crowder is a great guy and doing a lot of good for the Body of Christ, and in time some things will balance themselves out, but I give grace because I realize he was younger when he first published this book and I'd like the same patience and grace on myself with my published works.
December 29, 2018
A life changer
If you want to move out of the ordinary and in to the promises of GOD not a bad book to read. If your looking for a revolution of change and Heaven on earth dynamics yep good book to read. If your comfortable and believe the Church is doing well we are all in a good place then seek ministry before you purchase.
If you want to move out of the ordinary and in to the promises of GOD not a bad book to read. If your looking for a revolution of change and Heaven on earth dynamics yep good book to read. If your comfortable and believe the Church is doing well we are all in a good place then seek ministry before you purchase.
October 9, 2013
The amount of gross theological errors, biographical misrepresentations, and overt historical inaccuracies in this book are too numerous to write out in one short review; nevertheless, if there is one thing to exhort young believers - especially new converts that are theologically impressionable - unto, it is to STAY AWAY from this book, and all things related to John Crowder, and his affiliates.
John writes in a friendly, but not overtly sophomoric and annoying, prose. It is in that sense that he is attractive, and easily pulls you in, either through reading, or listening to him speak. He's very memorizing and charismatic - and also deceptive in his own right. 'The New Mystics' serves as a historical survey, from ancient times to modern, of the 'deep things of God' whereby saints of old have had mystical encounters with the divine beings, and therefore, we can too. The problem with Crowder's theology are too numerous to state here - i.e his view on the atonement, justification, sanctification, sin within the believer, original sin, hell, etc. - but a great overview can be read on this blog: http://discernmentministriesinternati...
With that being said, Crowder throws in theological giants, and god-fearing men, like Whitefield and Edwards into the likes of A.A. Allen (alcoholic revivalist - arrested for drunk driving on numerous occasions), O.L Jaggers (belief in aliens and UFO's), Todd Bentley (adulterer and sex offender), William Branham (Oneness Pentecostal, and anti-Trinitarian), Lonnie Frisbee (homosexual who died of HIV/AIDS), Paul Cain (molester, homosexual, drunkard), and Majoe Gortner (A healing revivalist who went undercover to show all the corruption, lies, greed, money, sex, drugs that went on in the 'meeting tents;' He himself never was a Christian, but merely used 'revival' to get wealthy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-NwKD...). Moreover, he justifies throwing in men like Whitefield, Edwards, and D.L Moody by quoting things like "[Moody] had a deep experience with the Holy Ghost." In Crowder's mind, this seems to be the 'Aha! I got you' moment - which happens throughout the entire book - thereby proving, in his mind, that even such "theologically bland" men (as he would say), such as the aforementioned, were secretly 'charismatic' in some way. This, however, in no wise justifies Crowder's heretically renegade theology.
Case in point: I'm not sure if Crowder is seriously authentic in believing what he does, or if he is reaping the fiscal harvest of his "New Mystic" movement. Either way, the egregious theological errors are destructive filthy leeches, that will suck the Holy Spirit out of any believer, and not 'fill them' with that same Spirit.
-Brent M McCulley (10/9/2013)
John writes in a friendly, but not overtly sophomoric and annoying, prose. It is in that sense that he is attractive, and easily pulls you in, either through reading, or listening to him speak. He's very memorizing and charismatic - and also deceptive in his own right. 'The New Mystics' serves as a historical survey, from ancient times to modern, of the 'deep things of God' whereby saints of old have had mystical encounters with the divine beings, and therefore, we can too. The problem with Crowder's theology are too numerous to state here - i.e his view on the atonement, justification, sanctification, sin within the believer, original sin, hell, etc. - but a great overview can be read on this blog: http://discernmentministriesinternati...
With that being said, Crowder throws in theological giants, and god-fearing men, like Whitefield and Edwards into the likes of A.A. Allen (alcoholic revivalist - arrested for drunk driving on numerous occasions), O.L Jaggers (belief in aliens and UFO's), Todd Bentley (adulterer and sex offender), William Branham (Oneness Pentecostal, and anti-Trinitarian), Lonnie Frisbee (homosexual who died of HIV/AIDS), Paul Cain (molester, homosexual, drunkard), and Majoe Gortner (A healing revivalist who went undercover to show all the corruption, lies, greed, money, sex, drugs that went on in the 'meeting tents;' He himself never was a Christian, but merely used 'revival' to get wealthy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-NwKD...). Moreover, he justifies throwing in men like Whitefield, Edwards, and D.L Moody by quoting things like "[Moody] had a deep experience with the Holy Ghost." In Crowder's mind, this seems to be the 'Aha! I got you' moment - which happens throughout the entire book - thereby proving, in his mind, that even such "theologically bland" men (as he would say), such as the aforementioned, were secretly 'charismatic' in some way. This, however, in no wise justifies Crowder's heretically renegade theology.
Case in point: I'm not sure if Crowder is seriously authentic in believing what he does, or if he is reaping the fiscal harvest of his "New Mystic" movement. Either way, the egregious theological errors are destructive filthy leeches, that will suck the Holy Spirit out of any believer, and not 'fill them' with that same Spirit.
-Brent M McCulley (10/9/2013)
March 11, 2021
Great book!!
Such a great book on the history of church revival!! I would recommend this book if you're wanting to be inspired by those in the past who saw God move Supernaturally!
Such a great book on the history of church revival!! I would recommend this book if you're wanting to be inspired by those in the past who saw God move Supernaturally!
June 8, 2020
I enjoyed The New Mystics for several reasons. For one, John Crowder does a fantastic job of gathering together a sampling of mini-biographies of figures in church history that were known for the miraculous happening in their midst. The wide array of biography samples includes Desert Fathers, St. Francis, Medieval and Reformation era Mystics, the leaders of the Great Awakening, the Quakers, the Moravians, the Holiness Movement leaders, the early Pentecostals, the healing revivalists of the 50's, and a plethora of modern-day figures.
I learned a great deal along the way that requires further homework. I was also surprised with some of the stories of figures that I recognized, such as D.L. Moody's baptism in the Spirit and Sarah Edwards' ecstatic trances.
Of course, many of the featured characters did not finish well, falling for what Crowder calls "the 3 G's: the gold, the glory, and the girls". Crowder acknowledges their failings without writing off all of the miraculous events that undoubtedly occurred under their ministries. He rightly casts them as examples to be learned from. Additionally, the author could be blamed for his credulity, featuring some truly fantastic anecdotes that beggar belief. This, however, can be forgiven in light of the overall goal of the book.
Having written of the positives of the book, I must say that I didn't necessarily buy the working thesis throughout the book. In this, Crowder draws mainly from Rick Joyner's framework of a "Joel's Army Anointing" that is fast approaching our generation. While such a theory may indeed be true, one need not hold to it to enjoy the many snippets of church history. Crowder repeats his thesis several times, which I found myself skimming over to get to more sketches.
I'd recommend this to anyone who's looking for an introduction to some of the more miraculous stories of church history and the modern day. Many of the personages' life events will leave you laughing or shaking your head in amazement (or perhaps disbelief!). No matter where you stand, this book will captivate your attention and open your imagination to what God can (and does) do among his people.
I learned a great deal along the way that requires further homework. I was also surprised with some of the stories of figures that I recognized, such as D.L. Moody's baptism in the Spirit and Sarah Edwards' ecstatic trances.
Of course, many of the featured characters did not finish well, falling for what Crowder calls "the 3 G's: the gold, the glory, and the girls". Crowder acknowledges their failings without writing off all of the miraculous events that undoubtedly occurred under their ministries. He rightly casts them as examples to be learned from. Additionally, the author could be blamed for his credulity, featuring some truly fantastic anecdotes that beggar belief. This, however, can be forgiven in light of the overall goal of the book.
Having written of the positives of the book, I must say that I didn't necessarily buy the working thesis throughout the book. In this, Crowder draws mainly from Rick Joyner's framework of a "Joel's Army Anointing" that is fast approaching our generation. While such a theory may indeed be true, one need not hold to it to enjoy the many snippets of church history. Crowder repeats his thesis several times, which I found myself skimming over to get to more sketches.
I'd recommend this to anyone who's looking for an introduction to some of the more miraculous stories of church history and the modern day. Many of the personages' life events will leave you laughing or shaking your head in amazement (or perhaps disbelief!). No matter where you stand, this book will captivate your attention and open your imagination to what God can (and does) do among his people.
April 28, 2019
This book was a great compilation of reviews on public icons in the Christian faith. Several times through the book though the aithor would take liberty to say prophetic tjings about how things will be in the future. He doesnt state that he himself thinks this or that. They are each stated as facts which i didnt always feel an agreement in my spirit that it was true. The future is so hard to say anything about.. i would have appreciated the author saying the paragraph or sentences to follow are his own ideas or impressions. Its great to know the history and ne inspired and learn from other's mistakes. Worth reading. Be warned theres some crazy spiritual stuff in this book so keep an open mind ;)
May 15, 2018
Great information! I think it's important to understand the history of influential Christians, especially how God worked through their lives in spite of (not because of) so many things. This is a well-researched compilation of the stories of many Christians, especially those in whose lives we see the supernatural. This account helps us today to avoid the extremes of rejecting what God is doing because of an individual's issues, or else accepting baggage that we shouldn't accept because we see that God is doing something.
October 4, 2017
I think this book can serve as an entry level insight into mystics of the past. I read this book so long ago, but I took names of people that really spoke to me in the book and did research and read more specifically about their lives and it was incredible. So, I enjoyed this book, more for the follow up and understanding I gained from reading about and learning about mystics of the past through their own writings or books others wrote about them.
April 22, 2023
I wouldn’t recommend this book. While it does hold some interesting facts, it has some major flaws. First, there is no Biblical basis for the claims that are proposed within its pages. Second, the words of self-proclaimed prophets are taken and held as equivalent with Scripture itself. Third, the chain of logic is shaky at best and fanaticism abounds. And finally, the author has pitched a doctrinal tent that is so large that, in the author’s estimation, heresy is altogether undefinable!
April 8, 2022
God of Power and Might, in the midst of us!
Historic and up-to-date with current ideas and movements of Christianity! All proving that God is the Unchangeable God! And His plan to use His people has not changed either! Signs and wonders will accompany those who believe in Christ's Name! And He is still the God of Power and Encounter!
Historic and up-to-date with current ideas and movements of Christianity! All proving that God is the Unchangeable God! And His plan to use His people has not changed either! Signs and wonders will accompany those who believe in Christ's Name! And He is still the God of Power and Encounter!
August 8, 2018
Yeah, I want to soak in the presence of God and I ain't kidding ! Great book and eye-opener for traditionalists Protestants like me (for how long?) !
December 26, 2018
Great read
Testimony’s like this book really inspire the body of Christ. We need more teachers speaking the truth of the gospel.
Testimony’s like this book really inspire the body of Christ. We need more teachers speaking the truth of the gospel.
September 24, 2019
Amen!
This book had lots of information and lots to ponder on, it was a great read. I apperciated it greatly
This book had lots of information and lots to ponder on, it was a great read. I apperciated it greatly
September 17, 2020
Full of interesting stories. Certainly less controversial than Crowder's later works. Not as exciting as a result.
July 28, 2016
Oh my, so good!
When I first read this book about 6 or 7 years ago, I thought it was awesome and I loved all the miracle stories... but then it sort of faded into the backdrop of my mind...
And now, rereading this book has been even MORE amazing. In the past few months, God has been leading me into more intimate time with Himself through the discipline of Stillness (also known as the Prayer of Contemplation). And as my time with the Lord increases and I experience more and more amazing things in my own life, reading John's book now really CLICKS. I had completely missed the message about intimacy and only saw the miracle stories before, but now it's like "John gets me! And I get him! I know what he was trying to say now!" And I am so completely encouraged to find another brother traveling on the same road to deeper intimacy with Jesus.
Thank you Johnny! I'm forever in your debt! AGAIN!
When I first read this book about 6 or 7 years ago, I thought it was awesome and I loved all the miracle stories... but then it sort of faded into the backdrop of my mind...
And now, rereading this book has been even MORE amazing. In the past few months, God has been leading me into more intimate time with Himself through the discipline of Stillness (also known as the Prayer of Contemplation). And as my time with the Lord increases and I experience more and more amazing things in my own life, reading John's book now really CLICKS. I had completely missed the message about intimacy and only saw the miracle stories before, but now it's like "John gets me! And I get him! I know what he was trying to say now!" And I am so completely encouraged to find another brother traveling on the same road to deeper intimacy with Jesus.
Thank you Johnny! I'm forever in your debt! AGAIN!
October 29, 2009
This book has a wealth of stories from past and current revivalist. It gives a great history timeline of the different moves of God and who God was using in those moves to stir up revival. If you are hungry for a move of God, start reading this book and learn what other great revivalist did to help revival move forward into supernatural extremes and also learn the pitfalls that many great men ended up falling into. We can't make their floor our ceiling until we know where they left off at! You will not believe some of the amazing stories that are shared in this book. Very encouraging and inspiring.
July 2, 2014
If you are a hyper-charismatic Christian and believe in this nonsense, you will love this book.
If you are a mainstream Christian, this book may offend you and is full of claims that are inconsistent with the bible and Christian doctrine.
I read this book as a skeptic, and this book is full of magical mumbo-jumbo in the name of Yahweh and has no place anywhere. It is a time waster and full of nonsense deepities. Your time will be well spent elsewhere.
If you are a mainstream Christian, this book may offend you and is full of claims that are inconsistent with the bible and Christian doctrine.
I read this book as a skeptic, and this book is full of magical mumbo-jumbo in the name of Yahweh and has no place anywhere. It is a time waster and full of nonsense deepities. Your time will be well spent elsewhere.
January 8, 2013
It took me a while to get into the book but over all it was a very enjoyable read. It is defiantly on the charismatic side of books. I highly recomend it to anyone interested in Christian History specifically mystics and miracles.
Currently reading
June 28, 2008Reading it now.
May 12, 2012
Excellent. Crowder is able to draw from so many very different streams of Christianity to bring a clear perspective on the rightful domain of the supernatural in everyone's lives.
November 12, 2012
Love it
I didn't know there was so much
Mystic in the pass, its very insightful
I didn't know there was so much
Mystic in the pass, its very insightful
August 5, 2012
Really inspiring. William Branham's life needs to be a movie.
August 5, 2012
Very informative in spiritual biblical History!! Those who have moved and are moving in miracles, Signs and Wonders ...
July 16, 2015
Didn't know these people existed until now
Read
June 15, 2012This is fanstastic, really inspiring and challenging.
March 25, 2015
Awesome book with a lot of history
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews