Witnessing first-hand some of the most shockingly depraved acts and blatant corruption in the secretive world of "profit-preaching" Christianity; Trey takes you on the journey through his decisions, planning and ultimate execution of stealing the well-known minister's tightly guarded safe. After the robbery, it is a gripping thrill ride of the most engagingly unique kind: A man on the run from a TV preacher.
HomeSchoolBookReview
Posted August 8, 2011
Mike Murdock is a fairly well-known multi-millionaire television evangelist known for his "profit-preaching" religion, although research shows that he has been "under suspicion" for a number of years because of persistent charges of adultery and other irregularities. Trey Smith is a young man who was a best friend to Murdock's adopted son Jason. This book begins with Smith's account of the time when he, drunk and high on drugs, stole the minister's tightly guarded safe. He then goes back to trace his own background, relationship with Jason, and work with Murdock's ministry, including its shockingly depraved acts and blatant corruption, that led up to the decisions, planning, and execution of the theft, along with the aftermath as he had to flee to Mexico to escape from a highly controlled organization as well as the police.
Smith calls his book a "nonfiction narrative," which he explains is a true story in which some names have been changed, some details have been altered but the events are 100% real, some of the less significant characters are "character compilations," and some incidents are recorded where he was not present but said that he ascertained their accuracy by news reports or eyewitness statements. Now, as a minister myself, I have no sympathy for the "abundant life" doctrine with its gospel of health and wealth because, first, I do not believe that it is Biblical, and, second, while this may not be true of everyone involved, the examples of Jimmy Swaggart and Jim and Tammy Bakker illustrate how ripe it is for exploitation. On the other hand, even if I grant the possibility that everything which Smith says is true, and it may well be, though there are always two sides to every story, I have to wonder how sensationalized he has made it (perhaps to sell more books?--I don't know; you'll have to decide for yourself).
This book is NOT for children. It records rampant alcohol abuse, use of drugs (cocaine, pot, meth, acid), sexual acts, and references to Murdock's pornography and mistresses. The language is extremely raw with profanity, vulgarity, and obscenity. One might charitably conclude that the bad language was used to show how depraved the lifestyle of Smith and his friends was, but personally I think that it was way overdone and I have to believe that someone who still claims to be a "Christian" could have indicated this depravity without the extremely foul language, which simply adds to the possible conclusion of sensationalism. Those who are really into reading horrific exposes, especially of televangelists accused of improprieties, would probably like the book. However, others might decide that it's not worth wading through all the garbage in search of any treasures.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted February 23, 2011
This is a great book! The author claims to have been a life-long friend of Mike Murdock's only son and claims to have been inside Murdock's house, on various occasions. Spoiler Alert: The author alleges that Televangelist Mike Murdock: films himself having sex with women; owns a huge collection of pornography; has a vast collection of jewelry and other items that were donated to his "ministry;" is cruel; is a greedy, dishonest con artist; has a terrible anger problem; mistreats his employees and those around him; steals from people, by conning them out of their money; and lives an incredibly lavish lifestyle, fit for a king. Mike Murdock is friends with Marcus and Joni Lamb, who are the Founders of Daystar [Christian] TV Network. (Marcus Lamb recently admitted committing adultery.) Marcus and Joni are involved in two shocking, scandalous lawsuits, right now. Mike Murdock has his own program on Daystar TV Network. He also does fund-raising for other Christian TV Networks. Murdock appears on late-night infomercials, asking for money. I am a devout Christian but I no longer give to any televangelists, after the things that I have read about them. I am planning to buy several more copies of this book. Buy this book!
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.stevenjmchenry
Posted March 31, 2012
What a wild ride! Trey has told an exceptionally exciting story, and it's all true! I do most of my reading at work during my lunch hour, but this book made me want to call in sick so I could spend the whole work day devouring it. A definite page-turner that is hard to put down. Read it today! You'll be glad you did.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted March 11, 2011
So, the author brags about robbing Dr. Murdock and wants us to believe his stories? Mama always said, "if you will steal, you will lie..." and vice versa. Only an idiot would believe a thief who has hate filled in the very eyes portrayed on the cover. Make something of your own life instead of stealing from others. "Satan is the accuser of the brethren. (Revelation 12:10)" What does this say about you? Hmmm. Good luck with life. You will need luck, since you obviously don't have God.
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted December 27, 2011
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Overview
Witnessing first-hand some of the most shockingly depraved acts and blatant corruption in the secretive world of "profit-preaching" Christianity; Trey takes you on the journey through his decisions, planning and ultimate execution of stealing the well-known minister's tightly guarded safe. After the robbery, it is a gripping thrill ride of the ...