My master’s degree is from a well-known Christian graduate school in Intercultural Studies with emphases in Soviet Studies and ESL. I’ve read several biographies and autobiographies of individuals (both Christian and not) who endured Communist prisons and religious persecution for a variety of reasons. That’s why I chose this book. I find these stories amazing.

That said, I was disappointed in this book. I find it very hard to believe that God “told” this man to divorce his wife, leave his children, and move to China. That is inconsistent with how God reveals Himself in the Bible as a faithful God who statedly hates divorce. I also found several other instances in this man’s testimony that contradicted Scripture. Jesus admonishes us to be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves. Much of what this man did smacked of just plain foolishness. Sometimes we are genuinely persecuted because of our faith, and sometimes we just have to suffer the consequences of our own less-than-wise actions. I felt much of this book fell into that category. I felt he was inconsistent in his application of his understanding of God’s word. On one hand, evangelizing in a country where proselytizing is illegal falls under the heading of obeying God rather than man. But where was his faithfulness to his fellow believers when he gave the guards all their names? Who knows how many people were hurt by that? Yes, ultimately, everything would work out for the good of those called according to Christ’s purposes, but his naiveté in believing the guards and adherence to what he discerned as the “voice of God” caused untold pain and suffering for many, many people. I wonder if he ever stopped to think that maybe that voice might not be from God…? I do admire, however, his strong commitment to his faith in God, imperfect though it may be. (And really, who but Jesus has perfect theology in this world? I admit I do not.)

I also felt that much of the book glossed over many situations. I realize he had a long story to tell, and maybe some of those situations weren’t very clear in his mind due to the rigors of torture. Overall, though, this was not a satisfying book to read. It left me with too many questions, foremost, how did his wife and children fare after he left them virtual widow and orphans?

I received this book as an eARC from the author, publisher, and NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review.

How do I review this book? I’m really torn about what to say. On one hand, it’s amazing to read of Bae’s growing relationship with the Lord, but on the other, there are some really odd and, I believe, unbiblical beliefs promoted. But how can you critic them when they are so woven into a personal testimony? I’m here in safety writing a review of his book. He was there suffering for living out his beliefs. I think I’ll just say that while, I’m filled with admiration for his service, openness, and humility, I am deeply concerned about some of his beliefs.
My first concern was the gold dust that miraculously showed up shortly after his arrest. When, in Scripture, did God ever manifest Himself as gold dust? Then he claimed he heard directly from God. Based on nothing more than what he thought God told him, he betrays Christians living in North Korea. Then we find out that he was there not to meet other Christians or to reach the lost, but to have prayer meetings to bring down the evil spirits holding the country captive. Actually, the cause much his trouble is the spiritual warfare terminology he used in his presentations. I’m not saying he was wrong in trying to establish a way into the country. It’s just that I can’t see any biblical basis for what he was doing.
It was wonderful to read about the personal witnessing he was able to do in the last part of his imprisonment. I too pray that it bears much fruit.
Because of all the concerns I have about the theology in this book, I cannot recommend it.
I received this as a free ARC from NetGalley and Thomas Nelson--W Publishing. No favorable review was required, and these are my honest opinions.

Wonderful read of how God works through all things.