Keep The Fire
By John Arnott
Marshall Pickering. 237 pages. £6.99
ISBN 0 551 02953 6
The long-awaited Keep the Fire is 237 pages of Torontoist apologia. The very unattractive cover will probably not increase the sales, as would a photograph of Carol Arnott marrying Jesus in her 'vision' on p. 64, had one been available, but Carol literally becoming the bride of Christ is only one of the incredible things found in this book which I can only describe as a DIY for deception. (Carol is also looking forward to seeing her two pet dogs in heaven (p.164).) The author's constant injunction is to 'try first, analyse later'. After which it is too late . . .
The author says: 'this book is speaking more to the heart than the head' and he uses expressions like 'cerebral theology' to reinforce your passivity.
He ignores the fact that the most important scripture in the Old Testament is Deuteronomy 6.5: 'And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, (mind), and with all thy might.' And that in the New Testament the word most often translated 'heart' is 'kardia', which means the soul, intellect, reasoning, etc. The book serves as an apologetic to defend the animal noises and other manifestations experienced at John Arnott's meetings. In so doing it necessitates the redefining of almost every Bible story and doctrine. For example: 'Studying too much is quenching the Spirit' (p.34), 'theology is no longer the study of God's nature, but a reflection on Toronto experiences' (p.62). He re-defines 'preaching', 'refreshing', 'decent and in order', 'test the spirits' and 'evangelism' (p.29). He states that when he preached more on salvation, the ministry time was difficult. This is a warning to anyone as to what spirit is being manifest.
He goes on to re-interpret parts of the Scripture, such as David and Goliath, Elijah and Elisha, Paul and Silas, and the woman at the well in John 4 - they all suddenly have something profound to teach us about the Toronto 'blessing'. Mr. Arnott also tells us that Jesus bled to death on the cross and that his bloodless body was contaminated by literally becoming sin for us (pp.212,213). This, which he claims the Father revealed to him, is at variance with the apostle John who records blood and water flowing after Jesus had died.
But for me, the most distasteful part of the book is where Arnott describes the crucifixion of our Lord as being the payment for the ongoing party at the Toronto Airport Vineyard church: 'this is the cost of the party. He was nailed to the cross' (p.211). The same spirit is allegedly encouraging unity with Rome (p.18) and evangelism without preaching (p.166). This book will only keep the fire in your living-room if you deal with it appropriately.
Mark Haville
An audio tape giving an in-depth study review of this book is available from National Prayer Network, PO Box 128, Northolt, Middlesex UB5 4BA, price £3.00 including post/packing.
