Confessions of a Non-Charismatic

Ken Anderson
Baker Trittin Press (2004)
ISBN 0972925678
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (5/06)

With a wide range of scriptural references and personal illustrations Ken Anderson sets out to show the reader that “by following the teaching of the Bible a child of God may personally experience the fullness of the Holy Spirit in their lives without the prerequisite of charismatic manifestations.”

He goes on to emphasize that “one should not necessarily avoid charismatic manifestations…but you should settle for nothing less than God’s best for you.”

This book is Ken’s story. He starts by sharing an intimate glimpse into his childhood and teenage years. While attending Wheaton College in Illinois he met students who later became renowned leaders and founders of Evangelical organizations. These men had an impact on his life and opened doors of opportunity for ministry.

I particularly enjoyed the detailing of the history of Youth For Christ, World Vision and the evangelistic crusades of Billy Graham. Anderson also gave a brief account of the influence of the Charismatic movement during the sixties with the manifestations of glossolalia and healing.

He shared personal family incidents of healing. He did not consider this as a charismatic manifestation but as a miracle of God’s healing. The book included a study guide for personal or group use.

Achieving a measure of success with his writing and film making Anderson found himself proud of his accomplishments, associations, and increasing ministry.

He was traveling throughout the world in his work and ministry. It was while in China that Ken was confronted with the reality of his pride and vanity. Faced with eye witness accounts of Chinese Christian martyrs Ken prayed this prayer, “Oh, Lord, I know you sent me here to teach me something. Make me a good learner. Change my motives, my attitudes, my sensitivities. Please, oh God, work me over!” He added, “I would never be able, nor would I try, to erase China’s impact on my soul!”

Ken Anderson demonstrates a spirit controlled sensitivity in his writing that moved me as a reader to explore new depths of commitment. In an epilogue entitled “Wanting More” the reader is invited to allow God to work in you making His desires your desires to experience the spirit’s fullness in your life.

This is a book for clergy and layman alike. Ken Anderson bares his soul in this impassioned, important study on the Holy Spirit. I highly recommend it for anyone “wanting more” in their walk and relationship with God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

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