Authority: The Imperative for Christian Leaders
By Charles Sibthorpe
Highland Books. 191 pages. £4.99
ISBN 1 896913 26 5
Charles Sibthorpe rightly identifies the need for the Christian's proper understanding of true spiritual authority, especially the need to submit to God's Word. In dealing with the need to submit to others, however, nowhere does he warn of the inherent dangers of uncritical submission.
The tone of sincerity and compassion Mr. Sibthorpe sets in his book cannot, however, cover up for its glaringly unbiblical inadequacies. Mr. Sibthorpe's ministry has apparently fallen prey to the twin plagues of contemporary neo-evangelism: the focusing on the sensuous 'impression-led' belief and practice and the leaning towards formulaic belief, laced with anti-intellectualism. 'The more of God's life, presence and authority there is in your life, the more of His power and authority will be released, through you, into the life of others' (p. 29), and: 'Authority will not come through diligent study, but through a fresh meeting with God' (p. 14). Thus getting 'zapped' gives spiritual authority; knowledge of God's Word comes a poor second.
