Twisted Scripture: Untangling 45 Lies Christians Have Been Told

by Andrew Farley

Confront the lies that hold you back. Discover the truth that sets you free.
Let's face it - the Bible contains passages that are challenging to interpret and can even incite fear. Sure, we want to believe that God's grace applies to our unique addiction, divorce, habitual sins, or a feeling of distance from God because we don't seem to measure up. Still, perplexing Bible passages eat at us.  
Bestselling author and national radio host Dr. Andrew Farley is known to challenge legalistic and lifeless interpretations with his discerning take on controversial Scriptures.
 
In Twisted Scripture , Andrew skewers sacred cows and shatters destructive lies, bringing the undiluted truth about God's love and grace in a colorful and conversational look at the most controversial passages in the New Testament.
 
This book offers more than just encouragement and freedom. It may change everything about the way you see yourself and God.

Genres: Christian, Christianity, Faith, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Spirituality

384 pages, Paperback

First published May 14, 2019

Reviews

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrew Farley will always be my favorite pastor. I really love how he breaks down complicated scriptures to show you that God is a lot nicer than you think! I have shared my testimony on here several of times but it bears repeating: I grew up in a very religious household where everything were rules and commandments that I had to follow. Shun the appearance of evil, do not listen to secular music, do not drink alcohol, do not dance, etc. Many of the things I found tolerable, I could no longer do in fear of the wrath of God that was going to pour out of me. However. I have since abandoned a lot of religious thinking and became more spiritual than 'religious'. Trust me knowing the difference will set you free in your own walk with God.

Farley plainly states that it is Christ finished work on the cross that matters. It is not your performance, your willingness to please God, your ways, but it is ALL Jesus! Now some may say that calls for laziness but that calls for a celebration! Jesus is the one empowering me to do things, He is pleased me because I am His! I am chosen, forgiven, wanted, child of the King, His forever, held & treasured. I am loved! Pardon my french but religion is BULLSHI.SHUT YOUR MOUTH!

This is the second audio book I listened too, it took me about a week but glad that I took the time with it.

45 lies untangled, it is very raw and language, this is more of a combination of all his previous books but highly recommended.

Dear reader. God is madly in love with you, you are precious and adored!

[Kelly Valencia-Aiken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrew Farley’s “Twisted Scripture” is a 349-page undertaking in which he sets out to address 45 lies he believes Christians have been told. The broader categories include addressing misconceptions within topics such as Salvation, Eternal Security, the Old and the New Testament and the proper place for the Law of Moses, Identity in Christ, United with Jesus, Once-for-All-Forgiveness, Judgment, Punishment, and Rewards, Church Discipline, Tongues, and Health-Wealth.

This book is an absolute must-have for every serious student of the Bible. He’s spot-on with so many of these topics and it truly is alarming to think of how much of the Body of Christ lives in ignorance concerning the issues he discussed. His work is very thorough and this is an easy-to-read, easy-to-understand literary work. I would suggest reading it in bite-sized portions and taking time to reflect on each topic, as well as to examine any errant beliefs you may be holding onto. This is an excellent resource to have on hand for those inevitable questions for anyone involved in ministering the Gospel.

I think my favorite topic he addressed was whether a Christian can lose their salvation and whether they can “fall from grace” and hear the words, “Depart from Me, I never knew you.” That whole section on Eternal Security will bring peace and comfort to so many who have been taught incorrect doctrine concerning salvation and eternity.

All in all, this was a wonderful, thorough book and I am grateful he wrote it! The Body of Christ needs his message.

[Rachel Tanzilli · Rating 3 out of 5]

For the first several chapters, I found myself agreeing with lies that we believe - misunderstandings about what it means to follow Christ or expectations we have place on ourselves, but God does not place on us. But the further I read, the more I found myself disagreeing with the author. Often I felt it was a matter of semantics. What the words represent to a person were twisted. "You can't get closer over time" in Chapter 29 was the last straw of the semantics game. While it is true that God can't possibly draw Himself any closer to me than he already is, I can draw closer to him by learning more about him and knowing him better, just as I can in any human relationship. Often I found myself arguing with the author in my mind, taking the scriptures he picked to support his point and thinking of ones that would counter his view. Many of the chapters I felt raised man up too high, putting man on equal footing with God and not considering humility as a virtue. I read from Lie 30 to 36 realizing that I was working to reject everything the author had to say and discontinued reading.

[Aleassa Jarvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is like a hard reset for anyone who is reconstructing beliefs out of a spiritually abusive or legalistic mindset. Very easy read, simple, and to the point. The author provides a lot of Scripture for the reader to examine and study for themselves.

Each chapter addresses a different false teaching that has resulted from twisting scripture, such as:

You Need to Die to Self Daily
You’re Sometimes in the Spirit, Sometimes in the Flesh
Believers Have a Sinful Nature/Wicked Heart
God Only Sees You Through His Son
You are a Dirty Worm
Examining Your Sins Before Communion so God Doesn’t Kill You

This is a book I plan to read many times.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a real, genuine appreciation for Andrew Farley. I have read a few other of his books, and listened to many of his sermons, and this book continues in the same vein. It is refreshing to hear about God's grace. A grace so complete that it is the bedrock of my faith.
I will always recommend Andrew Farley's books.

[Adam Jarvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.92 stars, rounded up.

Very simply and elegantly written. Not a book that would persuade someone who has a staunch, opposing viewpoint, but very helpful for someone who has just accepted twisted Scriptures without thinking them through, and now is digging deeper.

If you’re tired of cliche answers to biblical questions, and instead want solid biblical answers you can have confidence in, this is a good book for you.

[Vivian Barrett · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 STARS

My husband and I bought this book a few years ago in order to be exposed to other opinions on minor Christian issues. This was not with the intention to agree with everything the author said, but to be aware of what others may believe.

This book did exactly that. I enjoyed some parts; didn't enjoy others. The main reason why I disagreed with the author on some of the topics was because he defined certain Christian terms differently and made distinctions that seemed unnecessary and far-reaching.

I walked in this book with no expectations and an open-mind, and I'm walking away having learned a lot and having affirmed some of my current beliefs :)

[Neil Pledger · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Beautiful Unpacking of Scripture That Sets You Free

Andrew keeps Jesus & the New Covenant central as he tackles the 'hot potatoes' in scripture that can leave God's children condemned & confused through a poor handling of scripture. Andrew makes it clear that the Law of Moses is holy, perfect & unattainable, that actually this leads to a holy respect for the Law & the need for grace & the New Covenant, living in this and recognising that for believers Jesus is the end of the Law & we are now under grace! His writing opens your spiritual eyes to see that Jesus is the forever Priest of a new priesthood founded on better promises and NOT a continuation of the Old Covenant Priesthood!

[Michael Donahoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed reading this book. Helped clear up some questions and confirmed answers to other questions I already had. Makes clear that grace, love for God and for others is the way to live rather than trying to follow commands and rules that are no longer in effect. Very encouraging.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't finish this book. It was way more than I expected, and just not for me. I was once a very religious person, but then when I learned more, and used my brain, I realized that religion is just a way to have a social group, and most are some forms of cults.

The book started off fine, and I enjoyed hearing the authors beliefs of lies about water baptism. But after that, it went on to suggest lies that I never heard. After a few, and hearing all the versions of each lie (many the same or very similar), it seemed like the author kept referencing a specific version as the best. I guess that's the same as anything in life - everyone has their opinions. Personally, the bible and religious beliefs have been re-written so many times, who can really say what is the truth and what is lies. I will just believe in me & be the best person I can be without agreeing to believe in any religion. Amen OH, that really annoyed me that he ended each chapter with "Amen".

[Karla Osorno · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much in this book. I read one chapter (or a few chapters) at a time over time. No doubt, I will go back to specific chapters for further understanding. The author provides scriptural support refuting 45 lies (one per chapter) many Christians believe. Each lie represents a biblical principle some may struggle to understand and reconcile with other parts of the Bible. The book is outstanding. And since I have struggled with reconciling some of the lies, it helped having explanations. I also really liked the epilogue - summary of basic truths. Pick it up if you are curious about Christianity or are a Christian who has questions about something you have heard or believed. The format allows for reading from beginning to end or jumping in on specific topics.

[Steve Townsend · Rating 2 out of 5]

This began with some very basic misconceptions made by Western readers of the Bible. Quite a bit about accountability, the law and being saved by grace. Not the most difficult of issues to understand even without this book.
Nothing terrible about the book but I have given low stars because there is not much that is new in it and the author leans on Evangelical theology which is more like milk formula than milk and nothing like meat in theological terms.
One supposed "Lie" about whether all will be "saved" used many scriptures which I would have used to drawer the opposite conclusion. After reading a few more explanations of "lies" I stopped reading.
It isn't a terrible book but only use it to begin to dip into some of these issues.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I can’t say enough good things about this book! Wow! This is just what I needed. Very encouraging and very informative with everything being backed up with scripture. This is about 45 lies that have been told about Christianity. I really,really liked it and the “New Focus, prayers” were great after every chapter.
These are some of the things mentioned:
• Baptism
• Faith
• The 10 commandments
• What happens when we love others ♥️
• Tithe
• The flesh vs sinful nature
• Gods will
• Communion
• Judging others
• Grace

I would strongly encourage you to read this and see for yourself how good it is.

[Andrew Klob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Andrew Farley is sometimes associated with the Modern Grace Movement or the Hyper-Grace Movement and, after reading this book and The Naked Gospel, I think this is a fair association. Farley's books are always challenging to me in a way that is thought-provoking and freeing. His almost over-emphasis on God's grace is always a breath of fresh air even if I think he goes too far sometimes. Twisted Scripture does a great job at tackling some of the errors of Christian theology and culture that have been preached over the years. For the new believer this book can really open one's eyes, but for the more well-read laymen I'd say that half of the book will be nothing new. With that said, Farley’s perspectives on topics like predestination or repentance are quite interesting and challenging. I think Farley comes from a theological perspective that would still be refreshing and eye-opening even for the well-read Christian reader. All in all, while I don't fully agree with every point in his books, I always find myself refreshed in my walk with the Lord and challenged to search the Scripture whenever I read Andrew Farley.

[MR P M MWANIKI · Rating 5 out of 5]

Free at last

Free at last - that was my experience after reading this book. Suddenly the Good news of the Gospel came alive once more. The word blessed means happy and we who are born again experience this ‘blessedness’ this ‘happiness’ at the core of our new creation inside us! This is a message for our time as so much false teaching abounds and many believers are held in bondage to false beliefs and useless and unnecessary religious practices. I couldn’t recommend this book enough. Thank you

[Hannah Kathleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have to say, I was rather disappointed with this book. There were a couple intriguing points, specifically about the Sabbath and Tithing, that have encouraged me to reexamine my beliefs. However, Farley does not seem to understand that the Christian life is a paradox: the Father sees me as though I have never sinned nor will ever sin, but I have still sinned. We do grow closer to God throughout our lives. That is a fact. The idea of growing closer is not that I am "more saved" but now I know God better and love Him better each day as I grow.

[Joe Simmons · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had high hopes for Twisted Scripture, expecting a balanced, thoughtful critique of how certain Bible verses are misused. Instead, I found it repetitive, one-sided, and often lacking the depth or nuance needed for such a sensitive topic. While the author raises valid points about spiritual manipulation, the writing felt heavy-handed and dismissive of alternative interpretations. If you’re looking for a careful theological analysis or pastoral approach, this may disappoint you. Overall, I don’t know what I was expecting, but what I got out of it wasn’t it.

[Aaron Carlberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some things in this book that are good and helpful...but there are other places where he is "splitting hairs" so to speak. Maybe he had a hard time coming up with 45 different chapters, but at a few places I had to ask why he seemed to deliberately misstate an opinion he disagreed with (and I am not only referring to his view on predestination).

At least half the chapters are good basic theology. There are better books out there...and worse. Hence 3 stars.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sobering

So much revelation and confirmation. I highly recommend this book, especially to those who've fallen away from church because of judgmental fellow church members. False man made doctrine is at epidemic proportions. This book unlocks so much of the garbage bondage in churches today.

[Isabella Kristiansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andrew Farley exposes the many unbiblical teachings that has sneaked up in many churches today. Even some sincere Christ-believing churches, have twisted the simple Gospel and made it into a workbased Gospel, without even knowing it. This book is really an eyeopener for the true believer. Andrew leads the reader back to the basics of the faith. I truly recommend every believer to read this book.

[Kathleen Brandt · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was not quite what I expected it to be. It rips Christians for following OT laws, but doesn't talk about how Christians of today have twisted ALL scripture to suit their own thoughts and beliefs instead of basing their beliefs on Scripture. It looked intriguing, and as a pastor, I was interested in what it might say. Except for a couple of things, I felt this book was a waste of money.

[Randy Ehrlich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enlightening

I gained a new appreciation for the Word and helped me untwist long held beliefs that held me captive and in guilt. Jesus + nothing takes the burden off me I believed was necessary to stay right with Jesus

[Jim Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed reading this book. Helped clear up some questions and confirmed answers to other questions I already had. Makes clear that grace, love for God and for others is the way to live rather than trying to follow commands and rules that are no longer in effect. Very encouraging.

[Sean McCoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational

Andrew has a full command of teaching and explaining scripture, even those passages that are difficult, or seemingly, contradictory. God is not the author of confusion.

[Michael A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read. Some of the questions are meant to rile you up, but as you read it you find you do believe the answer already. Others get you thinking, as you reason it out and find you agree with him.
Even when you disagree, you find his answer is fully biblical.

[Bill Barnes]

Opening a can of worms

With the Bible to back him up Pastor Farley has slashed and burned the rules based churches. He also defeated the lies of 99% of Televangelists. Ooops. Great book that should be on the back table of every ?Christian? Church. Sets you free

[Florence🏳️‍🌈 · Rating 3 out of 5]

some “Lies” i was like ‘oh shit’ and started reevaluating my entire view on that position, others i legitimately laughed out loud at the stupidity of calling it a “Lie” so … mixed bag! definitely a book i’m going to revisit though.

[Daryl Dannar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eternal Salvation

I love all the scripture to verify his reasoning. So thankful for Gods blessings and grace. Highly recommend this book for anyone going through doubts of not being good enough

[Linda Cleavland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Questions, ponderings, troublesome teachings all fall into place in this clear, concise reference with scriptural-based teaching.

[Robert Eddowes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read.