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Many Christians found their faith shaken when many religious leaders were proven to be someone other than who they portrayed themselves to be. Gene Edwards fictionalizes several stories from the Bible in order to guide these lost Christians and help A Tale of Three Kings find their way back to their faith. A Tale of Three Kings is not only a cautionary tale, A Tale of Three Kings hope presented in a modern retelling of favorite stories. David is the young son of a shepherd, destined to be just like his father and his brothers before him. However, David's life takes a new turn when an old King visits his family and announces that David will one day be a great king himself. David's life continues to change when he saves a sheep from a bear with A Tale of Three Kings well thrown rock and later does the same with a giant who has been terrorizing a community. Instead of reveling in the newfound fame this act gives David, he finds himself the target of anger and abuse when he goes to live in a palace with a mad king. Saul, the king, is jealous of David's youth and clearly bright future. Saul hurts David in every way he can in order to break his spirit. However, David does not react to this poor treatment the way everyone expects him to. David ignores the abuse and refuses to return it. David only acts when he learns that King Saul has order him to be killed. David then runs away and hides alone in caves around the A Tale of Three Kings while dogs and soldiers hunt him. Soon others begin to join David, including thieves and criminals who also suffered at the hands of King Saul. David becomes their reluctant leader. Many years later, David is now king. David has fought many battles for his kingdom and led his people into A Tale of Three Kings and prosperity. However, now David's son, Absalom, sees fault in his father's leadership and wants to take over. Absalom believes he knows better how to run the kingdom. David learns of Absalom's plans and to the astonishment of those around him, chooses not to do anything about it. David believes that Absalom is God's chosen replacement for David. David walks away from his kingdom without a fight, allowing God to do as he believes to be the right thing for the kingdom. Read more from the Study Guide. Browse all BookRags Study Guides. All rights reserved. Toggle navigation. Sign Up. Sign In. View the Study Pack. View the Lesson Plans. Plot Summary. Part One, Chapters Part Two, Chapters Free Quiz. Topics for Discussion. Print Word PDF. This section contains words approx. Themes Style Quotes. View a FREE sample. More summaries and resources for teaching A Tale of Three Kings studying A Tale of Three Kings. A Tale of Three Kings Summary & Study Guide

This book is easy to read and memorable. Despite its lop-sided popularity you can scan a galaxy of 5-star Amazon reviewsA Tale of Three Kings represents an inaccurate and, thus, harmful perspective on spiritual authority and those who have been wounded by its abuse. It describes three Israelite kings: Saul, David, and Absalom, and how their behaviors supposedly represent Christian responses to authority and rebellion. Christians who resist abusive leaders or usurpers are acting like A Tale of Three Kings and Absalom, says Edwards. Motive 1: As a follower of Jesus who holds firmly to the inspiration of scripture—and as a graduate of a conservative seminary, as was Edwards—I value adherence to the Word of God. A book may move me to no end, but if the words strung so beautifully together are in fact untrue, then I trust my weight to a fractured chain. Motive 2: As a survivor of spiritual abuse in a Bible-cult for 25 years, I have a heightened awareness of issues related to spiritual authority and submission. Therefore, when A Tale of Three Kings read a book on this topic my ears perk up and I have a vested interest that the author accurately portrays the salient issues. I personally know people who read books like this as a source of wisdom and insight. I want to make sure these good folk receive true balm, not snake-oil or vinegar. I will include one interpretational matter and four logical errors, with the relevant category in parentheses after each point. For A Tale of Three Kings better understanding of these categories, refer to Exegetical Fallacies by D. Mistaking description for prescription Hermeneutics. Edwards mistakenly uses Old Testament descriptive passages as a prescription for Christians. What does this mean? It means that Edwards has interpreted narrative portions of scripture to draw A Tale of Three Kings principles which the original authors may never have intended. He treats these stories as if they were doctrinal epistles A Tale of Three Kings to the book of Ephesians or 2 Timothy. But the Bible never says that David handled every matter in a godly way which Christians today should emulate. In fact, David made many A Tale of Three Kings in parenting and kingship which a discerning reader can identify. Complicating this is that Edwards freely switches between loose paraphrases of scripture and his own made-up conjecture. He implies that Christians must adhere to his fanciful interpretation and act accordingly. Failure to Recognize Distinctions Logic. By saying that Christian leaders are like anointed kings, Edwards fails to distinguish critical differences between Israelite kings in a theocracy and Christian leaders today. Most Christians understand that there is a categorical difference between the kings of Israel 3, years ago and the local church pastor today. Edwards does not. A question: Can your local church pastor raise an army? Collect taxes? Build a temple? Put congregants to death? Then why does Edwards believe that a king and a pastor should be viewed as identical with each other? Instead, Christian leaders are selected via a strict qualification process with carefully prescribed prerequisites cf. I Timothy 3; Titus 1; 1 Peter 5. And leaders who abuse their authority may be called to account via a carefully regulated church discipline process cf. Matthew 18; I Corinthians 5; 1 Timothy —this last verse is often cited by abusive leaders who claim that church folk cannot question them. But the verse explicitly says that church members may entertain an accusation against an elder if there are at least two witnesses. By setting forth either-or options of conduct, Edwards has committed what logicians call a false distinction. Appeal to selective evidence Logic. Because Edwards has a thesis to prove, he refers to scripture in a manner which supports his opinion. For example, when he says that David did nothing when Absalom rebelled against him p. Ignoring biblical context and citing only favorable scriptures is called proof-texting. Improperly handled syllogisms Logic. For example, Edwards says that if David had resisted Saul, that would equal rebellion A which would have been bad B. Therefore, resistance to any authority figure C is also bad B. Matthew 21; 2 Corinthians, 20; ; Gal. While his stated goal is to prevent division in the church and to encourage people to submit to spiritual authority, in fact Edwards reinforces unhealthy models of spiritual authority. For these reasons, I give A Tale of Three Kings a single star and wish it a quick death or a corrective sequel. Because I still think this book can be misused or misunderstood in such a way that people who are being abused stay in those abusive situations. Thanks Monax. You are a clear thinker and a great stockpiler of quotes. I read that back when I was still in a cult. And even then, something seemed wrong with it. Thanks for exposing the error in it! My question is why do so few people see what you see? This book receives praise wherever it goes. We had a new pastor come to our church. We were a solid, loving, healthy church of about people. We were truly a family. In 18 months he, along with a blind leadership that had this kind of blind loyalty, destroyed it. After playing the martyr he left and was seen as wounded and hurt. Ironically his last Sunday was my last Sunday. I was the last of over half of the church to leave. This book is so deadly used in the wrong hands. I ask again — why do so many people not see the danger and instead tout it as a wonderful book? To me, the praise this book has received demonstrates the power and persuasiveness of story. It sounds good and convincing, and the concepts are biblical, right? But when an author plays fast and loose with the text and then concocts dialogue and puts that fantasy as equal to scripture, all kinds of problems occur. It is time for the A Tale of Three Kings to embrace critical thinking as a biblical imperative, rather than to accept uncritically the persuasive arguments and storytelling myths of charismatic leaders who consciously or unconsciously advance their personal agenda. I hope that you can find healing in a new, healthy church. Thank you to both gentlemen for your replies. There have been good things that have come out of this situation for many of us who were so deeply hurt. Many have found new churches and although it will never be the same they are good places to belong. As a former leader and hopefully will be again when the time is right I have learned so much. Hopefully this experience will make me a better leader. Thank you again. Kaitlyn — Life often reflects truth but the opposite is also true. Could you please be more specific with your assertion that he A Tale of Three Kings blown things out of proportion and which assumptions and distinctions that Steve criticized that the author never made? I know that you are A Tale of Three Kings on an old post but I think the discussion is still important and relevant. I would as respectfully as possible tell you that it is this kind of speaking in generalities and dismissive attitude that allows leaders to continue this behaviour and does not reflect Jesus and his teaching. The Bible is not flat; it does not all have equal weight. I am part of the Anabaptist heritage. In other words, what I see taught by Jesus and his life is my highest authority. Anabaptists believe that all the rest of the Bible must be interpreted through the lense of Jesus life and teaching. If Jesus is God, and he tells us that if we have seen him we have seen the Father, then I know that if Jesus would not have done something then God, the Father, would not do it. Jesus was about servant A Tale of Three Kings. Elsewhere in the New Testament only Jesus is also referred to as anointed and it is an expression used to denote being set aside and used by the Holy Spirit. He wants us to be critical thinkers, to make decisions together and to be unified in the Holy Spirit. Thank you so so much for this! If A Tale of Three Kings there was a way to help other people victims see what you see. I read your review, but will still recommend the book. I had to follow his advice more than once, but I did it before I had ever read the book. Newton — A Tale of Three Kings of the things that followers of Jesus and his Good News are called to do is speak up A Tale of Three Kings those who cannot, for whatever reason, speak up for themselves. That means that whenever there is a power imbalance adults speak up for children, men speak up for women, free speak up for those enslaved, the rich speak up for the poor etc. That is what the Church is. That is what Jesus did. He came to rescue we, who could not rescue ourselves. That is in effect the Good News of The Gospel. In A Tale of Three Kings situations it is especially those who are disadvantaged in some way who are the very ones being A Tale of Three Kings. It is not our privilege to walk away but our responsibility to speak up to abuse and call it what it is. Jesus spoke up to the religious leaders of his day and called them out for their abuse of power and the yoke A Tale of Three Kings placed upon those they were to shepherd and lead. A Review of A Tale of Three Kings by Gene Edwards - Entrusted with the Gospel

Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read. Want to Read saving…. Want to Read Currently Reading Read. Other editions. Enlarge cover. Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Open Preview See a Problem? Details if other :. Thanks for telling us about the problem. Return to Book Page. For the many Christians who have experienced pain, loss, and heartache at the hands of other believers, this compelling story offers comfort, healing, and hope. Christian leaders and directors of religious movements throughout the world have recommended this simple, powerful, and beautiful story to their members and staff. You will want to join the thousands who have been For the many Christians who have experienced pain, loss, and heartache at the hands of other believers, this compelling story offers comfort, healing, A Tale of Three Kings hope. You will want to join the thousands who have been profoundly touched by this incomparable story. Get A Copy. Paperbackpages. Published A Tale of Three Kings 21st by Tyndale House Publishers first published More Details Original Title. A Tale of Three Kings Editions Friend Reviews. To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up. To ask other readers questions about A Tale of Three Kingsplease sign up. Be the first to ask a question about A Tale of Three Kings. Lists with This Book. Community Reviews. Showing Average rating 4. Rating details. More filters. Sort order. Start your review of A Tale of Three Kings. I found this book in our Calvary bookstore a couple years ago and never started it, thinking it was an Old Testament study of the kings. It was a call to remembrance of Who is in control and how to handle ourselves when the Christian life gets us down. Hurting Christians should read this book, especially if you've been hurt by others A Tale of Three Kings your fellowship. We all should have the heart o I found this book in our Calvary bookstore a couple years ago and never started it, thinking it was an Old Testament study of the kings. We all should have the heart of David. I love this line from the end of the book. Not to have, not to take, not to protect, and not to keep. View 1 comment. Shelves: christian-living. OK - you're hurting and confused A Tale of Three Kings poor leadership. So you go read a book about three kings: Saul, David, and Absolom. It is like a play unfolding before you as you turn the pages. Ah, there is Saul Ah, and there A Tale of Three Kings David And then comes Absolom, but who is this? The mirror rises and you see your own face. Not ME! The jury is still out, but don't be convinced yet if you are Saul, David, or Absolom Mar 22, L. Holly rated it it was amazing Shelves: christian-inspiration. When I was a very young pastor in California, my uncle also a pastor met me on the highway just north of Fort Worth, Texas to give me a book I just had to read. My wife and I had been home to Texas for a visit and when we returned to California, a huge challenge faced us. There was a battle brewing, a power struggle in our young church. My wife started reading it aloud to me as we made the mile trek back to north central California. Once she started, she could not stop. By the time we were When I was a very young pastor in California, my uncle also a pastor met me on the highway just north of Fort Worth, Texas to give me a book I just had to read. By the time we were home, she had read it in its entirety. We both wept a good A Tale of Three Kings. This book, written in such simple language, was a life-changer, a game-changer, for me. It helped establish my philosophy of ministry and dealing with self-promoters and power-hungry people. It illustrated and reinforced the true meaning and the power of humility. Because of the importance of when it came into my hands, it remains one of the most important books I have ever read. Apr 11, R. Gilbert rated it did not like A Tale of Three Kings. Instead, it proposes a kind of catch for those within the church who are questioning the abuses of their pastors. It makes sense that this book was brought to my attention by a person who was given it by her pastor. It also alarms me to read so many reviews on Goodreads where pastors are handing these books out to the congregation. I have read a long list of books dealing with disagreements, disillusion, and splits in churches. Unfortunately, most of them are written by pastors who are obviously writing from the side of the person demanding authority over his disenchanted followers. Is this one of those books? Maybe it is. I could say, like the writer, that only God knows. The evil of this book is its appeal. It is appealing to broken people. We pick up this book wanting to know why all the bad things happened in our lives. Why people had to die. Why our dreams had to fail. The author describes our wounds so well, we feel as though he is speaking directly to us. Then he tells us that A Tale of Three Kings are wrong to feel wounded. He tells us that we should not take action against our transgressors—not even speak up to point A Tale of Three Kings their transgressions. And then, to ensure that we do not deprive our oppressor of his other victims, the author tells us we need to leave…alone. Just leave them all behind so he can have someone else to boss around or deceive and eventually lay the blame upon. Did it ever occur to this author that A Tale of Three Kings the people speaking up against the king are a Nathan? The very fact that this tale of three kings skips completely over those chapters tells me volumes about what the author was thinking when he wrote this book and what pastors are thinking when they hand it out to their unsuspecting congregations. But no, the only option included in this tale is that of Absalom. The author insists that there is no way of knowing the difference between a corrupt leader and a misguided one. Then he suggests that the only option for one who rises to oppose that leader is one of sinful rebellion. This book clearly shows an author hiding behind the shield of legalism. And here we see how legalism hurts. The author identifies this anointing as something to HAVE: a kingdom or a congregation. I suppose David might have viewed his anointing as a task to do if it was not so much the ownership of a kingdom as it was the responsibility of a shepherd. His offspring, who told his story, certainly did not. Then again, pastors might fare better looking at their church not as a kingdom to own, but a flock to teach and guide—and not just to guide into following his law and order, either. If only we could find one of them to write a book on A Tale of Three Kings subject. But there I go again, being A Tale of Three Kings. Like a sword, the Bible is only as good—or as evil—as the one who uses it.