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The goal here is NOT to compare preachers/pastors, and create arguments.

This question came from the following:

  • I found a book on Amazon on a topic on Christianity that I like
  • the author is Derek Prince
  • I know nothing about the person
  • I looked at Wikipedia, it's not obvious to me if this person is mainstream christianity or heretic

To a first approximation, I don't know how to judge a book besides by the reputation of the author.

Thus, I'm curious of how Derek Prince is viewed in mainstream Christianity (as compared to the likes of John Piper, John MacArthur, Paul Washer).

Thanks!

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    I've never heard of him, if that means anything...
    – Affable Geek
    Jul 31, 2012 at 13:17
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    What counts as mainstream Christianity in the first place? Doesn't everyone think that their own version is mainstream?
    – user1927
    Jul 31, 2012 at 16:06
  • In light of the response to this meta question, this question should be reopened.
    – Reinstate Monica - Goodbye SE
    Oct 25, 2012 at 20:51

1 Answer 1

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When I was young I was tormented by many false teachers so I looked the guy up for you. Derek Prince looks like a not so bad guy among some pretty bad ones.  Yet he also seems pretty bad under the names you provided.

As an Arminian with a very strong almost hyper Charismatic bent and bizarre over emphasis and horrible obsession with demonic activity, you can be sure people like John Piper and John MacArthur would throw up red flags all over.

To show how this guy is at his worst he claims to have cast seventy some demons out of a woman and each demon had a name of a false doctrine, and one was called 'eternal security.' Well that is more or less saying Calvinism is demonic and Piper and MacArthur are in bondage to demonic heresies.

Anyway safe to say, I would stick to more mainstream people as you mentioned. They would not get along with this guy. To supplement people like Piper and MacArthur I would also find out what older Bible commentaries they like to read and read one. Christian books are ok, but Christian Bible commentaries are generally much, much better.

Note: I found almost your same question and a few insightful responses here while I was looking.

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  • Derek Prince is NOT an Arminian, just to correct Mike's comments - he was born to British parents in India and was raised in England until going to Africa in WWII in his early twenties. Derek Prince displays a very gracious manner and an attitude in keeping with the fruit of the Spirit, unlike some other teachers mentioned above who may be equally scholarly, but whose attitude in the pulpit lacks the grace and deference that Mr Prince's did.
    – user2209
    Sep 25, 2012 at 9:32
  • I agree. I'm not aware of the points @Mike raises. I have heard of Derek Prince and heard recorded sermons by. I find his style rather dry, but I'm sure he would be considered "sound" by mainstream Christianity.
    – Reinstate Monica - Goodbye SE
    Sep 25, 2012 at 9:44
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    @Nikki Welcome to our Q&A site. FYI: Arminian != Armenian. I'd like to hear more about your impressions of him as a preacher, especially when it comes to his theology.
    – Jon 'links in bio' Ericson
    Sep 25, 2012 at 20:20
  • @Wikis I'm sure this is a case of huge diversity and depends on your circles, but at the least one would have to say he is only accepted by some parts of mainstream Christianity. All the circles and traditions I am aware of rate him somewhere between shaky and outright charlatan -- with a few exceptions mostly from stay-at-home-watch-christianity-on-tv folks. At the very least, Mike's observations about how a few specific names would likely view the guy is pretty right on. I wouldn't call those guys representative of all of mainstream Christianity, but they are certainly major players in it.
    – Caleb
    Sep 26, 2012 at 12:14
  • @Caleb: are we talking about the same guy?
    – Reinstate Monica - Goodbye SE
    Sep 26, 2012 at 12:25