About book The Heavenly Man: The Remarkable True Story Of Chinese Christian Brother Yun (2002)
I'm not sure why I am unable to give this outstanding book 5 stars. While many Christian biographies tend to be weighed down by an author's infatuation with their subject and autobiographies the self-importance of the subject, this book falls into neither of those pits. Indeed, I was incredibly impressed with Brother Yun's humility in admitting his mistakes and missteps. He even shares occasions where the LORD supernaturally directed him (through visions and/or prophecies of others) but he disregarded the leading and went his own way. He talks about making ministry an idol in his life and trying to balance his responsibilities as pastor with the legitimate claims of his wife and children. He shares about challenges, struggles and imperfections of the house church movement in China, as well as his difficulties in understanding the church of the West. These honest (and from my perspective, fair) assessments give his accounts of the LORD's miraculous interventions a greater weight. He talks about healings, miracles of many kinds, and the joys and sufferings of the Chinese church, including his own imprisonments and torture. He shares his personal struggles with God, his anguish and questioning of the LORD and his experience of finding Him faithful, again and again.This is a powerful book. Wandering through a difficult valley myself, I found strong identification with his struggles and nourishment for my soul through his experiences. This isn't the best writing you'll ever read, but the frank, conversational style may make it the most sincere. And while it is clear Brother Yun is a man of the Bible (much of his phrasing and metaphor is scriptural) his account lack the sanctimonious tone that is so off-putting. The first 50ish pages were challenging for me... as someone who struggles with a series of chronic maladies, not one, but TWO miraculous healings almost discouraged me from continuing, but I'm glad I did, and I think others will find this read an excellent investment of their time. Highly recommended. 4 stars.For those who would like more information on this topic, I would also recommend Randy Alcorn's "Safely Home" and David Aikman's "Jesus in Beijing".____________Reading this book again in summer of 2015, and interacting on Goodreads. I thought this comment I posted on a detractor's review would add substance to my review:Ebookwormy: "I did a cursory search on the issues you raised. #1) I cannot find anything that Nora Lam was ever completely discredited nor that she repented. I did, however, find a lot of information about her multi-million dollar ministry and concerns about her finances. But nothing that "proved" her story was false.The matter of Brother Yun seems different. First of all, Brother Yun has NOT made a fortune off his story and does not live a lavish lifestyle of an evangelical mega. Furthermore, this Open Letter from the co-author Paul Hattaway addresses many of the concerns you raise. http://asiaharvest.org/bookstore/open...Finally, it seems the main concern you have is with the miraculous accounts in the book. I've read the book before and happen to be taking another turn through it, and I don't see any bad theology being taught, but I do find myself challenged by the miraculous, as you seem to be. Is it possible that the God of the universe would CHOSE to intervene in countries in which the gospel is oppressed through methods he is not regularly using in open countries? After all, don't most generals bring their most powerful weapons to the front lines of the battle? "_______________________Finally, there is one other thing I see occurring in the (admittedly few) Goodreads reviews I read. Some people write that 'every Christian' should read this book, or that Brother Yun is so incredible. I think, from the tone of the book, that Brother Yun would agree that he is not the hero. Jesus is the hero. Every Christian, and non-believer too, should read the Bible. This book is helpful and inspiring testimony of a person following Jesus, but Jesus' story in the Bible is the one that saves. Let's stop looking for heroes in Evangelicalism to make us feel superficially good about ourselves and hold tightly to the hero of Jesus Christ who is the only one who can satisfy our souls both here and in for eternity.
This story is not likely true. I have attempted to contact Brother Yun about some of the issues I raise here. But his staff member says he will only answer questions at one of his programs. Does that make sense? Can you imagine Billy Graham requiring this, surrounded by an adoring crowd, with a few hundred people wanting to thank him? Of course the offer was disingenuous. Yun is much more popular among Christians outside his own Henan Province. Here are the problems. 1) The larger fellowship of Christian leaders in Henan Province have distance themselves from Yun and his claims. Many of the independent churches in Henan first learn about Yun from Yun HIMSELF, during their testimony time. They just assumed that Christians do not lie (And just how many people has Benny Hinn healed through his anointed ministry?). 2)This is the second Chinese autobiographer that claimed a miraculous life akin to Paul in the Book of Acts. The first Chinese pop author to do so was Nora Lam. Her miraculous escape was made into a movie, "China Cry." Alas she was exposed and admitted her lies. 3)Those more familiar with the present situation in China say the Chinese tend to exaggerate to make for a better story. Claims about Watchman Nee made outside of China do not accord with the testimony of those attending the Shanghai Christian Assembly in the 1940'a and 50's. One I spoke to attended his trail in 1956. There are indeed great stories from China about faith in the midst of suffering. Yet they are without mighty power miracles. They read more like "The Hiding Place," than "The Heavenly Man." They are published by small Chinese presses. A further caveat: Christians need to remember the Bible requirement of witnesses. The greater the claims, the greater the need for evidence. Two witnesses for some things; 500 for the more wondrous.In 2001, I visited a Christian church in Xiaolin, Henan. That's the small city famed for "Gungfu." There were no seats in the sanctuary. Many stood before its walls praying. One of the Deacons told me that they wish I could stay and teach them Greek. They are concerned about false doctrine and misinterpretations of Scripture. They desire good seminary/ Bible school instruction more than short-term missionary/evangelists. [Reviewers note: Just checked a new book, "China's Opening Door." Author Dennis Balcombe details some of the mighty events of the Christian church in Bro. Yun's own Henan Province. Nothing about Yun's miracle exploits. Why not? The author did meet him in China just before he left for America. Yun is shown in a picture looking healthy, even athletic. Balcombe details the faith of other Christians there, but not Yun. Why?]
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I am only halfway through as of this review.It is stunning, and the sufferings of Jesus are more precious to me because of it.The story is autobiographical of Brother Yun, a poor peasant saved by grace, and used mightily by God. Check this part out: in Bible-scarce communist China of the 70's he desired a to see a Bible. Just a page would have been a huge blessing. And an old Chinese Christian told him to seek God in Heaven if he wanted a "heavenly book". He prayed and prayed and prayed and after 100 days was shone in a vision men who were selling bread, but when he was given bread, he opened it and it's a Bible. The next morning those men came and delivered a Bible. Yun began to memorize Matthew--how precious it was to have God's Word! Later when Yun found himself infront of a village gathering who wanted to hear the gospel, he didn't know what to say, but was able to recite the book of Matthew.
—Josh Crews
Months ago I noticed this book on Dot's profile, and that it was about China and that she'd given it five stars. That was all I needed to convince me to read it. And I have, and I've savored every bit of it.Now that I'm done, I want to write some dazzling review, but I find myself at a loss for what to say, except... wow.God is amazing.~edit~ I read this book again before giving it to my aunt. And, if possible, I loved it even more the second time. One of my all-time favorites, if not THE all-time favorite.
—Brittany
This was a good choice for inclusion into the Hendrickson Class (Christian) Biographies, and is a wonderful biographical book of faith. Brother Yun has lived a remarkable life characterised by God giving him the strength and grace to go through intense suffering and persecution. Up until his escape to Germany, the book is excellent but the latter portion of the book changes is tone and is somewhat redundant, inefficient and preachy. What is being preached is useful and important, but it has not been presented well for a text format. Thus, my rating for the book drops from 5 to 4 stars based on the last 10-20% of the book.
—Frank Peters
