Why do many American Christians Today Oppose the Values of Jesus? In recent years, why have most evangelical Christians been more concerned with political “winning” over soul-winning? Why have they been willing to “deal with the Devil” to further their interests and agenda, and disregard their call to “love thy neighbor,” and its impact on their witness to the world and reputation of the Church? Why do their calls to limit government assistance and citizen protections mirror those of the financial, business and wealth classes? Do these modern values reflect the sermons and gospel they hear on Sundays, or the “sermons” they hear on talk radio and cable news during the week, like the Pharisees whom Christ opposed? How did this “cognitive dissonance” arise in recent generations of Christians, and by whose hidden hands did they infiltrate the doors of the church?
These questions and others will be addressed in full in this first installment of the Two Masters and Two Gospels series, by a Bible-believing Christian researcher who has uncovered shocking influences and culprits from the darkest corners of both the Mammon-worshipping establishment and Gnostic counter-culture, into the minds of generations of clergy, and through them into the Christian community at large.
It explores the observable changes in the attitudes, perceptions of and interactions with the outside world by America’s Religious Right and evangelical base in the recent years of the “Trump phenomena,” finding in their new president a messianic figure and an apparent expression of the collective “id” of their embattled culture and heritage of preeminent societal stewardship. However, have they made a “Faustian bargain” with the aim of a reclamation of short-term power and influence, and if so, which party is the compromising Faust, and which is the seducing Devil? Furthermore, have they sacrificed their (sometimes) historical role in society of spiritual guardianship and ethical example and leadership, “despising their birthright” of such like Esau, for a “mess of Trump porridge,” or worse yet, in exchange for thirty pieces of silver?
So how have most of today’s Religious Right-affiliated “salt of the earth” citizens developed a mindset and attitude towards others and the issues of the day, expressing clannish pride, xenophobic paranoia of the “stranger” outside their own clan as well as a disregard for their suffering, and an exaltation of the wealthy, worldly successful and arrogant, in direct contradiction to the Sermon-on-the-Mount Kingdom principles of humility and “others-centeredness” taught by their own Founder and Savior? This work asserts that this paradox is best explained upon consideration of the “other gospel” most Christians are exposed to every week, as countless hours of exposure to talk radio and cable news during their commutes, work day and evening meal simply dwarf the influence from their house of worship, propagating a “business-friendly” worldview. This work also reviews a score or more of the pertinent “hot button” issues of the day, and reveals how the teachings of Jesus and the saints as recorded in scripture bears little similarity to the media “gospel” that despises the poor, the stranger, and other “undesirables.”
Worse yet is the discovery, in the little-known historical investigation within this work, that our own Christian leaders colluded with Big Business interests in the New Deal-era to fight forms of public assistance, paid for with hard cash, who in turn used Christian media to train our national clergy and public, using Gnostic guides under dark spiritual influences, with biblical prophetic implications. This modern-era exposure of our Christian leaders “riding the Beast” of the ancient, money-obsessed “Great City Babylon,” and which provides impeccable documentation and dares to “name names,” is intended to provide spiritual insight both to the orthodox Christian, and the moral, authenticity-seeking unbeliever.
Available at:
Major international outlets now featuring the book include the Southeast Asia book seller E-Sentral, and the Swedish retailer Bokus.
“Dr. Michael Bennett makes some bold and provocative claims in his new book, Two Masters and Two Gospels. He documents how the messages of talk radio hosts have infiltrated the church and warns of the dangers of conflating the message of the Christ with the propaganda of the media and political systems. Bennett tells a disturbing narrative of how the message of Jesus was co-opted by those who sought wealth and power. If you are concerned about the direction of our country and the narratives that divide us, it is important to consider the sources of our information. “Facts matter,” but how can you know if they really are facts? “Fake news” or truth? How can we know the difference with so much spin and selective presentations of information? Bennett gives us some suggestions. If you think Bennett’s claims are too extreme to be believed, his sources are included in an extensive notes section. In these polemic times, it is important to know the back story. Bennett fills in some of the gaps.”
-Martin Brooks, Interim President, Peace Catalyst International
“Every once in a while you read a book that fundamentally challenges and changes your world view. Two Masters and Two Gospels is one of that breed. It exposes the cynicism and hypocrisy of the so-called ‘religious’ right, and proves through meticulous research that for some, God is the ultimate brand, a tool for power and control with a big bank account attached. Those who knowingly and willingly abuse the trust and generosity of others who live their lives as true Christians, with grace, humility and love, deserve to be called out. And Mike Bennett isn’t afraid to do it. It’s an incredible read.”
–Ginny Welsch, Executive Director, WRFN-LPFM, Radio Free Nashville
Reader Comments:
“Your book has freed my thoughts…I hope all people will read your book.” Carol B., a seventy-something Christian reader
“I am not a Christian…you may be changing my mind about Christians. You may make me reconsider my path because I didn’t realize Christians like you existed.” Sha___da, a middle-aged female reader
“It’s been a while since I have been amazed, but you did it. Solid research and its much appreciated, you connected a lot of dots, and now I feel more at peace, because you showed some reasonable answers to my plaguing wondering why this pusillanimous behavior is going on with my Saviors ‘disciples.'” Dave
Amazon and other retail book buyer reviews:
“What a find! Five Stars – This book challenged me in a healthy way that an objective appeal to reason would, yet it was presented as a thoughtful, reasonable, and thoroughly-cited examination of histories influencing many discussions I see present in our value-based discussions…To this end, sometimes discussions with my intelligent and strong-minded loved ones political and feel difficult. If you can relate, then I’d humbly but emphatically recommend buying, reading, and even giving away copies of this book. Please be advised; this book contains challenging and hopefully paradigm shifting content built on meticulously documented research and seemingly presented from a place of respect. Among his fans, Dr. Bennett developed a consistently positive reputation for treating his radio show guests with decency, respect and fun; He continues this reputation for balanced approach to exploring current and serious matters arguably manifesting as conflicting values at the intersection of western politics and personal faith.” Joey
“If “Christians” today were to open their Bibles and take the words of Christ at face value, holding truth over self-preservation this book would be unnecessary. Sadly, this book’s importance is paramount in today’s culture. A must read for anyone who cares to not only call themselves ‘Christian’ but actually wishes to discover what that means in practice, and provides the reader with knowledge and understanding as to how we have strayed so far from the actual gospel of Christ. A must Read.” Micah
“Prepare to be stretched to the limit! Dr. Bennett has painstakingly researched this tome and made this information available to the dedicated reader in a precise and engaging style that will keep you turning pages! But beware Christian brothers and sisters and skeptics alike, this book will force you to reexamine your own long held political and religious traditions. You can disagree if you must, but you will have to disagree with the many Scriptures cited as well as the countless footnotes and references on every page. My prayer is that the Church will stop dividing over political issues and looking at the stranger and the foreigner with a jaded eye and return to the calling that the Lord set before us; to preach HIS Gospel to the fallen world in these times of darkness and strife. My prayer for the believer and the unbeliever alike is that the scales will fall from our eyes and we will see each other as God sees us, imagers of His great love and mercy. May Dr Bennett’s work cause all of us to lay our sacred cows down and walk worthy the mighty Name of Jesus Christ, making Him preeminent instead of our pharisaical leaders and traditions.” Nick Galante
“I just finished it and was amazed with the author’s research and insights into the topic. This is a book that every Christian should read. With meticulous detail Mike Bennett has explained where and how the modern church has “got it wrong.” Lucy Robbins, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
What others have said about Dr. Bennett’s radio and podcast interviews on the book:
“I totally agree with your positions and I’m so very sad at the state of Christendom. Thank you again and God bless.” Jennifer
“I listened to your interview on Omega Frequency and was moved by your compassion towards people and love for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I ordered your new book…and I am looking forward to reading it. I don’t go to church, but I’ve had a whirlwind of a year as to awakening to the truth and following Christ. I just wanted to say thanks for all the work that you do.” Arnie
“Praise God for this honest truth that the body really needs to hear. We all have to hold ourselves accountable and really ask ourselves who it is we truly serve.” “Definitely_bro,” Youtube comment on “Omega Frequency” interview
“This was Excellent. I’ll be watching it a few times. YOUR GUEST IS EXCELLENT!”, “HerMajesty5,” Youtube comment on “Omega Frequency” interview
“Wow simply the best interview I’ve ever heard. One of the best description I’ve heard on the Cross around the 3 hour mark.” “Brian Martin,” Youtube comment on “Omega Frequency” interview
“Thank you SO much for having Dr Bennett on……lots of truths spoken. I pray that believers’ eyes start opening as the deceptions get worse.” “Michael Pressley,” Youtube comment on “Omega Frequency” interview
“thank you, thank you, thank you-for bringing this info to me and thank you Dr Bennett for all of the hard work.” “Gerlinde Schuster,” Youtube comment on “View From The Bunker” interview (Part 1)
“Aloha from Hawaii! Thank you for the information shared. Much to absorb and pray about. Love you guys.” “Alvina Awong,” Youtube comment on “View From The Bunker” interview (Part 1)
“Bravo interview! Dr Future at his best to expose hypocrisy and stir up your political, social, and religious bias. I’m going to get his book and brace myself for a good cage rattling!” “Carol Lee,” Youtube comment on “View From The Bunker” interview (Part 1)
What Dr. Bennett’s on-air interviewers have stated about his findings and book, in print or on air:
“Mike’s new book, ‘Two Masters and Two Gospels: The Teaching of Jesus vs. the Leaven of the Pharisees in Talk Radio and Cable News, Volume 1,’ will surely gain a hearing with and agreement from many and will raise the ire of others. One thing I am certain of: you will not have the luxury of not having an opinion on these matters after reading Mike’s book.” Pastor Mike Spaulding, Radio Station Owner/Producer/Host, Soaring Eagle Radio
“We are joined by J. Michael Bennett, PhD…for Part One of a conversation on his challenging, controversial, yet timely and necessary book, “Two Masters and Two Gospels, Volume 1… We are joined once again by J. Michael Bennett, for Part Two of a conversation on his challenging book…In this second conversation Dr. Bennett shares with us some of the historical data supporting the arguments in his book, some of which are quite eye-opening.” Julian Charles, Producer/Host, “The Mind Renewed” program