Book Review: Prophet
Book: "Prophet"
Author: Frank Peretti
Available: In trade paperback
Background: One of Peretti's earlier works, this novel was written in 1992 and was Peretti's follow-up to his successful "Spiritual Warfare" books, "Piercing The Darkness" and "This Present Darkness."
Summary: John Barrett, a reporter for Channel 6 News, begins experiencing strange visions and hearing things after the death of his father, who was a Christian and a prophet. As Barrett is continuously antagonized by a News Director and his superiors, he and another reporter investigate the mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of Governor Hiram Slater's teenage daughter. Amidst the election campaign and the raging abortion battle, John must reveal the Truth.
Mad Parts:
+ When John Barrett's gifting first kicks in, live on air in the form of a question that totally calls out an interviewee. LOL!
+ The descriptions of John Barrett's prophetic visions as they begin emerging. This is a strongly needed part of educating on spiritual gifts, specifically the gifting of prophecy. While I would urge readers to clearly investigate what the Bible has to say about the gift of prophecy, this book does have its uses.
Mad Props:
+ For boldness! Peretti calls out abortion issues boldly and clearly, spelling out each and every point of contention with that view point.
+ For a strong, Biblical perspective on the "gift and ministry of prophecy." This gift is often debated and Peretti does a commendable job of painting a clear picture of what this gift looks like in the present day, amidst our media-driven culture.
+ For creating a compelling story, if somewhat "black and white," that moves us along through one man's journey towards finding his identity in Christ.
Mad Slops:
+ For painting a somewhat "black and white" picture of the abortion issue. The "good guys" and the "bad guys" were a little too clear cut, when in real life, it's not always that way. The main "bad guy" could have used more fleshing out and more motivation into why he was willing to do the things he did. The same with other "bad guy" characters (with the exception of the character 'Tina Lewis').
+ For a somewhat "preachy" approach to the whole issue. This is definitely a "Christians only" sort of book… not that people couldn't come to know Christ as a result of reading it, but probably not. The ministry of this book is clearly defined from the outset.
+ Dialogue could have used a little tweaking in places. Some lines were just way too hokey for me to swallow.
Mad Minister's Verdict: Not a bad read at all! Definitely pick up a copy and read it through. In spite of its shortcomings, it's still an important piece of fiction, especially for Christians who may have this particular spiritual gifting. Keep in mind however, that the exercising of this gifting probably won't always be as dramatic as it was in this novel.
Mad Points: 3 outta' 5.