Helpful Score: 3
A true crime story, set in Washington state. The crime took place in 1997. It is about a philandering youth minister carrying on with several women in his church simultaneously. He even has a short fling with his late wife's mother! I find it hard to believe women can be so stupid and actually believe their affairs with this man were "God's wishes." There are a lot of characters in the book to keep up with. I'm not really a fan of this offer, but am a fan of true crime stories. This is quite a bizarre story.
Helpful Score: 1
Another one of Greg Olsen's great storytelling of an almost unbelievable story about how "normal" everyday people, can believe their minister, although, acting very un-minister like, has a direct path to God. And manipulates church members to break up their families, pits friend against friend, and talks them into believing he did not kill his wife although the signs are all there. The police may be believing him to for a while.
Helpful Score: 1
Unbelievable!!! This book makes me glad I don't participate in organized religion. The actions these people took in the name of God are just too much.
Helpful Score: 1
I'm a bit mixed on this book--it was a super read, wonderful even, but i just don't understand how so many women in one church even, sould be so "stupid" for lack of a better discription. Actually how alot of members of this church could be so blind and just plain "stupid" to let all this stuff go on for so long. I find myself wondering now who this selfish "youth pastor", who according to the book, i can't remember the author saying he ever counceled any youth, is bull crapping now!! Bet it isn't quite so easy now for him to preach "God told me to!!".
Having grown up in the area described, my hubby greatly enjoyed this work which filled him in on happenings after he left.
I found it a clear depiction of how easily people can be led astray and intimidated into inaction by an authority figure. Good work.
I found it a clear depiction of how easily people can be led astray and intimidated into inaction by an authority figure. Good work.
Helpful Score: 1
This book was well written and held my attention. I was unable to figure out the ending and that's a plus for me.
Helpful Score: 1
This group of people are so far away from God's truth. Their teaching is based in liberal Pentecostalism and a large portion of this group are engaged in some of the worsts sins. This is what happens when young, unwise, untrained & immature people are put in leadership positions----something God's law is very clear about. Older, wiser leaders are required per God's Law.
I do not regularly read true crime, but am a huge gregg olsen fan, so I read this, I was not disappointe4d, but I guess I wish it wasn't true! I also would have liked to hear more of the court proceedings, ended somewhat upruptly.
What a strange story. If you are into crime and hate the long courtroom descriptions you will love this book. The story is almost too hard to believe. How people can be so dumb and sucked into a wackos life is beyond me. Keeping track of all the names in the book is a little hard, but there is a list of characters?? that you can reference to get back to who is who. A good read, different than a lot of other true crime books that makes it unusual and interesting. I think most people will find it a good read.
Gee, my dad was minister on Bainbridge Island, I don't think he had as exciting of a time.
Very good book. Very detailed description of the town and the people...the church community and the numerous people who became involved with the youth minister and the book follows through to what happens after a tragic fire.
