Praying to Jesus: A Review (Part 1)
A few months ago, the book with the above title was called to my attention. I had written several articles previously on this topic. Below are their titles and where they can be found.
spiritualperspectives.org – “Praying to Jesus?”; 4-27-03.
spiritualperspectives.org – “Praying to Jesus” (Response to Christian Courier); 5-21-06
spiritualperspectives.org – “Stephen’s Final Prayer”: A Review, 12-19-10
spiritualpersepctives.org – “May We Pray to Jesus: The Biblical Perspective” (A Review, Part 1); 12-26-10
spiritualpersepctives.org – “May We Pray to Jesus: The Biblical Perspective” (A Review, Part 2); 1-2-11
“Praying to Jesus (Questions) Part 1”; 4-1-12
“Praying to Jesus (Questions) Part 2”; 4-8-12
However, for this series, the concentration will be on this book by Andrew Hallenbeck and the arguments he makes in Praying to Jesus: An Examination. Each person probably has his own way of approaching a book, but this reviewer looks at the front and back covers and the inside pages to see who has endorsed the book. No one needs a magnifying glass to read the back cover, as is necessary with most blurbs. Even a person in need of cataract surgery can discern the praise proffered by Wayne Jackson, who describes the book as a “Masterful job” and “a stellar work.” He adds that the research has been “magnificent.”
This is a glowing commendation coming from Wayne Jackson—until the reader realizes that he has held that position for years—and might be just a tad biased. So, don’t judge the book by this cover. If he pays attention, the reader will discover that the research is selective rather than magnificent, and many of the quotes are irrelevant to the main thesis rather than masterful. At any rate, my guess is that Brother Jackson will not have such kind words for this review.
Inside the front cover is a page titled, “What others are saying about” this book. The first and longest quote is from Neal Pollard, who preaches for the Bear Valley Church of Christ in Denver, Colorado. He too says that Hallenbeck “has thoroughly researched and documented the insights of those in and out of the body of Christ…” (1). How does Brother Pollard know that? Has he also done the research? The commendation concludes with these words:
He balances conviction and reason, staying on task with a levelheadedness necessary for tackling what is a controversial issue among us. I foresee that this will prove a valuable resource on the matter.
This reaction probably typifies what Solomon wrote in Proverbs 18:17: “The first one to plead his cause seems right, until his neighbor comes and examines him.” When one reads Hallenbeck’s book, it does seem impressive—at first, until the reader asks, “Why haven’t I heard all of this before?” This writer intends to be a very good neighbor and expose the fallacies that permeate the book.
Which brings us to another point made by Pollard. How long has this been a controversial practice? And where? This writer, although having spoken and visited in many states, has never heard anyone lead a public prayer by addressing Jesus. It would seem that Jackson and Hallenbeck are determined to make it a controversy! So “neighbors” need to speak up.
Jared Jackson adds his voice to the others, claiming that “this book is an invaluable resource” that the author put together in the form of “an open and honest discussion” (1). What might be a surprise is that two highly competent men from Apologetics Press also have comments on page 1. Eric Lyons calls it “great research,” and Kyle Butt was so gobsmacked that he wrote: “This should be the end of the discussion, in my opinion.” He will likely be disappointed.
The book under review here is the “Revised Edition” of 2012—not the original of 2011. The book is dedicated to Wayne Jackson—and to the author’s wife (3).
The Acknowledgements
Many might skip over page 5 if they really don’t care who receives praise from the author, but in this instance, it is highly instructive. Please note this sentence carefully:
“I’m extremely grateful to Mark Teske, Weylan Deaver, Dave Miller and Wayne Jackson, all functioning in different capacities, yet playing an integral part.”
Well, well, well! What we are noticing are some interesting connections. Who are these men? Mark Teske is the Director of Operations and Programming at Gospel Broadcasting Network and once was a student at Brown Trail, formerly directed by Dave Miller. Since leaving Brown Trail, Miller has been the head of Apologetics Press (2002 to present). Kyle Butt and Eric Lyons work with Apologetics Press. Oh, yes, and was it mentioned that the author, Andrew Hallenbeck, is Dave Miller’s son-in-law? Obviously, although not published by Apologetics Press, this book is endorsed by the most prominent workers at Apologetics Press. Oh, and does the reader recall that Wayne Jackson was a writer for Apologetics Press for several years? How interesting that Wayne and Dave and some friends all endorse this book!
So, what does Weylan Deaver have to do with all these men? How does he fit in? He is Mac Deaver’s son—yes, the same Mac Deaver who has been promoting his Holy Spirit heresy for the past twenty years. Wesley Simons just finished an excellent debate with him a few months ago, showing fallacy after fallacy of Mac’s ever-evolving teachings. Weylan Deaver has held those same views during these decades and is part of the Biblical Notes website. He also has a Master’s degree in Biblical Studies from the Bear Valley Bible Institute of Denver. Hmm. Incidentally, Neal Pollard held a gospel meeting for the Sherman Drive Church of Christ, where Weylan Deaver preaches.
Certain questions ought to be asked, “Do Dave Miller and Apologetics Press support the Deaver doctrine on the Holy Spirit? How about Neal Pollard and Bear Valley? Or Wayne and Jared Jackson?” Instead of responding with a lecture on A to Z fellowship, how about just giving a straight answer?
Although none of us is perfect, or maybe even consistent, this action of Hallenbeck’s is incomprehensible. Who writes a book and then says, “I think I’ll consult someone whom faithful brethren no longer fellowship as a mentor”? According to page 5, “Weylan, in a meticulous fashion, read the rough draft of this manuscript. I’m very appreciative for his sacrifice, keen eye and red pen.” Really? Can any knowledgeable brother who is writing a book on any topic possibly imagine that he would say, “I’d like to see what Weylan Deaver thinks about this”? Again, one wonders how Mac’s son fits into this cabal.
Dave Miller “provided extremely helpful proofing and insightful recommendations” (5). One wonders why he does not identify Dave as his father-in-law.
Foreword
The reader will never guess who wrote the foreword for this book. It was—wait for it—Wayne Jackson. What are the odds? Wayne has had this issue—in fact, made it an issue (if not a hobby)—for the last several years. Certainly, there is no problem with him writing the foreword or endorsing the book mightily, but consider the tone that he sets before the reader. He laments that “in recent years a few misguided Christians have raised voices of protest against any who dare to speak directly to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior” (11).
So, anyone who disagrees with Brother Jackson is misguided. It could not be that they are trying to follow the Scriptures. No; they are misguided. Besides, Wayne can pray to Jesus all he wants—privately. But when someone wants to bring this practice into the public worship, then, like instrumental music, it affects everyone present. Your congenial editor pointed this fact out to him a number of years ago, but he has thus far ignored it. It ought to be obvious that what one does privately affects only himself, but what worship leaders do affects every worshiper.
Jackson goes on to say that Hallenbeck’s book “absolutely devastates the antagonistic viewpoint that it is wrong to speak to Christ” (12). Why must it be the case that when someone disagrees with Brother Jackson that he holds an “antagonistic viewpoint”? Can there not be a legitimate difference in views which the Scriptures can resolve? Usually, such terms as misguided and antagonistic and reserved for false teachers. Is Jackson actually implying that about the majority of brethren? Yes, many of us still believe that we are to pray to the Father through Jesus and that to do so is warranted—not misguided.
Introduction: Why This Topic?
Basically, Hallenbeck thinks we need more information on this topic than what has been presented, and he does succeed in setting forth a great amount of information (even if it falls short of what is available). One of his last introductory sentences reflects one of the book’s greatest shortcomings—the attitude that if we do not pray to Jesus, we do not regard Him as Divine. He writes: “Jesus’ deity was questioned in the first century, so I’m concerned whether we’re doing so now” (14).
Really? How preposterous! Apparently, Hallenbeck is trying to prejudice the reader in favor of his view by suggesting those who disagree may not believe he is truly the Son of God. Balderdash! We still preach Matthew 16; we still quote John 8:24 and 59; we still study Revelation 5. We are the ones who refer to Him with a capital letter out of respect for His Deity. This is rather a shabby suggestion—that mischaracterizes those with an opposing view.
Is this the real reason for the book—because some brethren are in danger of questioning Jesus’ Deity? Is there some evidence for that? Are some individuals or congregations beginning to teach that Jesus was only a man, as Jesus Christ—Superstar does? If so, perhaps the author could furnish a list of such men and the various congregations he is aware of who are doing so. Or is this just a way to silence the opposition—by tossing out unfounded innuendos?
Some of us do not intend to be intimidated by such suggestions. We firmly believe that Jesus is to be honored and glorified both in speech and in song. The question under discussion, when fairly treated, should be, “What do the Scriptures teach is the prayer process for the Christian?” We are going to uphold the Scriptures that teach that we pray to the Father through our Mediator, Jesus.
Having examined Hallenbeck’s book, our position will be that the case he makes is not established, and we intend to point out what the shortcomings are and where the research falls short. The purpose for this analysis is that brethren can feel comfortable worshiping anywhere they visit and may not feel awkward or compelled to leave a worship assembly because someone insists on praying to Jesus in the absence of clear and unmistakable Biblical evidence to do so.