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C
The Faith Movement
The Faith Movement is the most powerful popular religious force in America. Its inspirational and self-help literature can be found at the top the New York Times bestsellers and lining the shelves at Walmart. Its celebrities pack convention centers across America for conferences designed to inspire and uplift. Its teachers fill satellite and television programming with promises of God's blessings.
The Faith Movement shares a message of abundance. Its many celebrities, teachers, and congregations find unity in its understanding that "faith" acts as a divine force. God gave all believers the ability to use their faith to bring-into-being all that is necessary to live a prosperous life. Most teachers stress that "prosperity" does not simply mean finances, but also divine health and spiritual well-being. In short, God is a God of "more than enough."
Some of the Faith Movement's most famous teachers include: Joel Osteen, Frederick Price, Joyce Meyer, Creflo Dollar, T.D. Jakes, Paula White, Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, Kenneth Hagin, and Benny Hinn.
The Faith Movement is undeniably global, as some of the largest Latin American, Asian, European, and African churches proclaim its message. In fact, the largest Faith congregation in the world (almost 1,000,000 strong) resides in Seoul, South Korea.
The Faith Movement is the most powerful popular religious force in America. Its inspirational and self-help literature can be found at the top the New York Times bestsellers and lining the shelves at Walmart. Its celebrities pack convention centers across America for conferences designed to inspire and uplift. Its teachers fill satellite and television programming with promises of God's blessings.
The Faith Movement shares a message of abundance. Its many celebrities, teachers, and congregations find unity in its understanding that "faith" acts as a divine force. God gave all believers the ability to use their faith to bring-into-being all that is necessary to live a prosperous life. Most teachers stress that "prosperity" does not simply mean finances, but also divine health and spiritual well-being. In short, God is a God of "more than enough."
Some of the Faith Movement's most famous teachers include: Joel Osteen, Frederick Price, Joyce Meyer, Creflo Dollar, T.D. Jakes, Paula White, Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, Kenneth Hagin, and Benny Hinn.
The Faith Movement is undeniably global, as some of the largest Latin American, Asian, European, and African churches proclaim its message. In fact, the largest Faith congregation in the world (almost 1,000,000 strong) resides in Seoul, South Korea.
C
What's wrong with the "Faith" movement? Its leaders include
many of the most popular television evangelists. Its adherents
compose a large percentage of charismatic evangelical Christians.
Its emphases on faith, the authority of the believer, and the
absolute veracity of Scripture could appear to be just what today's
church needs. And yet, I am convinced that this movement poses one
of the greatest contemporary threats to orthodox Christianity from
within. Through it, cultic theology is being increasingly accepted
as true Christianity.
This article will highlight several serious problems with the
Faith movement by providing an overview of its major sources and
leaders. Part Two will focus on the movement's doctrinal deviations
as represented by one of its leading proponents.[1]
*ITS DEBT TO NEW THOUGHT*
It is important to note at the outset that the bulk of Faith
theology can be traced directly to the cultic teachings of New
Thought metaphysics. Thus, much of the theology of the Faith
movement can also be found in such clearly pseudo-Christian cults
as Religious Science, Christian Science, and the Unity School of
Christianity.
Over a century before the Faith movement became a powerful
force within the Christian church, Phineas Parkhurst Quimby
(1802-1866), the father of New Thought, was popularizing the notion
that sickness and suffering ultimately have their origin in
incorrect thinking.[2] Quimby's followers held that man could
create his own reality through the power of positive affirmation
(confession).[3] Metaphysical practitioners have long taught
adherents to visualize health and wealth, and then to affirm or
confess them with their mouths so that the intangible images may be
transformed into tangible realities.[4]
Although proponents of Faith theology have attempted to
sanitize the metaphysical concept of the "power of mind" by
substituting in its stead the "force of faith," for all practical
purposes they have made a distinction without a difference. New
Thought writer Warren Felt Evans, for example, wrote that "faith is
the most intense form of mental action."[5] In treating a patient,
Evans commented that "the effect of the suggestion [or positive
affirmation that the patient is well] is the result of the faith of
the subject, for it is always proportioned to the degree in which
the patient _believes_ what you say" (emphasis in original).[6]
Likewise, H. Emilie Cady, a well-known writer for Charles and
Myrtle Fillmore's Unity School of Christianity, explained that "our
affirming, backed by faith, is the link that connects our conscious
human need with His power and supply."[7] Cady also claimed that
"there is power in our word of faith to bring all good things right
into our everyday life."[8] Such statements strongly indicate that
the distinction between the "mind" of metaphysics and the "faith"
of Faith theology is nothing but a figment of the imagination.
*SUBSTANCE, STYLE, AND SCAMS*
There is no denying that much of Faith theology is derived
directly from metaphysics. Some of the _substance, style,_ and
_scams_ endemic to the movement, however, can be traced primarily
to the teachings and practices of certain post-World War II faith
healers and revivalists operating within Pentecostal circles.[9]
With regard to _substance,_ for example, both Kenneth Copeland and
Kenneth Hagin point to T. L. Osborn and William Branham as true men
of God who greatly influenced their lives and ministries. Of
course, Osborn himself has consistently followed E. W. Kenyon's
(_see_ below) Scripture-twisting antics,[10] and Branham has (among
other things) denounced the doctrine of the Trinity as coming
directly from the Devil.[11]
Unfortunately, Hagin and Copeland are not alone in affirming
Branham; Faith proponent Benny Hinn gives him a hearty "thumbs up"
as well.[12] When it comes to _style,_ however, Hinn gravitates
more toward such faith healers as Aimee Semple McPherson and
Kathryn Kuhlman. In addition, Hinn has given his endorsement to
notorious revivalist A. A. Allen,[13] who was truly a huckster if
there ever was one -- which brings us to our third "s," the
_scams._
Faith teachers such as Robert Tilton and his female
counterpart, Marilyn Hickey, have copied many of the scams
pioneered by Pentecostal preachers such as Oral Roberts and A. A.
Allen. In fact, Tilton and Hickey have managed to exceed even their
predecessors' outrageous ploys. This is hard to believe when one
considers what sort of schemes they had to outdo.
Roberts, the reader may recall, is the man who claimed that
Jesus appeared and told him God had chosen him to find the cure for
cancer. In a lengthy appeal, Roberts avowed that the Lord told him,
"I would not have had you and your partners build the 20-story
research tower unless I was going to give you a plan that will
attack cancer." Roberts then said that Jesus instructed him to tell
his partners that "this is not Oral Roberts asking [for the money]
but their Lord."[14] (The project was completed, but has since been
"shut down and sold to a group of investors for commercial
development."[15] Not surprisingly, no cure for cancer was ever
found.)
In like fashion, A. A. Allen "scammed" his followers by
asserting that he could command God to "turn dollar bills into
twenties."[16] He was also known to have urged his followers to
send for his "prayer cloths anointed with the Miracle Oil,"[17] and
he offered "Miracle tent shavings" as points of contact for
personal miracles.[18] Allen even "launched a brief 'raise the
dead' program."[19] Of course, it died.
Allen was eventually kicked out of the Assemblies of God
denomination when he jumped bail after being arrested for drunk
driving.[20] In 1970 he died from what "news accounts report [as]
sclerosis of the liver."[21]
As we proceed to examine the primary purveyors of Faith
theology, we will see living proof of the maxim that "error begets
error and heresy begets heresy." If, for example, one examines the
cultic progression of E. W. Kenyon's theology, one will discover
that his original deviations from orthodox Christianity were minor
compared to those that characterized the later stages of his
ministry. And with each of Kenyon's successive disciples, the
errors become even more pronounced. Hagin, who popularized and
plagiarized Kenyon prolifically, not only expanded Kenyon's
perversions but added to them as well.[22] The progression from bad
to worse has continued with people like Kenneth Copeland and
Charles Capps, and is now reaching heretical heights that are
almost inconceivable through ministry leaders like Frederick Price,
Benny Hinn, and Robert Tilton.
many of the most popular television evangelists. Its adherents
compose a large percentage of charismatic evangelical Christians.
Its emphases on faith, the authority of the believer, and the
absolute veracity of Scripture could appear to be just what today's
church needs. And yet, I am convinced that this movement poses one
of the greatest contemporary threats to orthodox Christianity from
within. Through it, cultic theology is being increasingly accepted
as true Christianity.
This article will highlight several serious problems with the
Faith movement by providing an overview of its major sources and
leaders. Part Two will focus on the movement's doctrinal deviations
as represented by one of its leading proponents.[1]
*ITS DEBT TO NEW THOUGHT*
It is important to note at the outset that the bulk of Faith
theology can be traced directly to the cultic teachings of New
Thought metaphysics. Thus, much of the theology of the Faith
movement can also be found in such clearly pseudo-Christian cults
as Religious Science, Christian Science, and the Unity School of
Christianity.
Over a century before the Faith movement became a powerful
force within the Christian church, Phineas Parkhurst Quimby
(1802-1866), the father of New Thought, was popularizing the notion
that sickness and suffering ultimately have their origin in
incorrect thinking.[2] Quimby's followers held that man could
create his own reality through the power of positive affirmation
(confession).[3] Metaphysical practitioners have long taught
adherents to visualize health and wealth, and then to affirm or
confess them with their mouths so that the intangible images may be
transformed into tangible realities.[4]
Although proponents of Faith theology have attempted to
sanitize the metaphysical concept of the "power of mind" by
substituting in its stead the "force of faith," for all practical
purposes they have made a distinction without a difference. New
Thought writer Warren Felt Evans, for example, wrote that "faith is
the most intense form of mental action."[5] In treating a patient,
Evans commented that "the effect of the suggestion [or positive
affirmation that the patient is well] is the result of the faith of
the subject, for it is always proportioned to the degree in which
the patient _believes_ what you say" (emphasis in original).[6]
Likewise, H. Emilie Cady, a well-known writer for Charles and
Myrtle Fillmore's Unity School of Christianity, explained that "our
affirming, backed by faith, is the link that connects our conscious
human need with His power and supply."[7] Cady also claimed that
"there is power in our word of faith to bring all good things right
into our everyday life."[8] Such statements strongly indicate that
the distinction between the "mind" of metaphysics and the "faith"
of Faith theology is nothing but a figment of the imagination.
*SUBSTANCE, STYLE, AND SCAMS*
There is no denying that much of Faith theology is derived
directly from metaphysics. Some of the _substance, style,_ and
_scams_ endemic to the movement, however, can be traced primarily
to the teachings and practices of certain post-World War II faith
healers and revivalists operating within Pentecostal circles.[9]
With regard to _substance,_ for example, both Kenneth Copeland and
Kenneth Hagin point to T. L. Osborn and William Branham as true men
of God who greatly influenced their lives and ministries. Of
course, Osborn himself has consistently followed E. W. Kenyon's
(_see_ below) Scripture-twisting antics,[10] and Branham has (among
other things) denounced the doctrine of the Trinity as coming
directly from the Devil.[11]
Unfortunately, Hagin and Copeland are not alone in affirming
Branham; Faith proponent Benny Hinn gives him a hearty "thumbs up"
as well.[12] When it comes to _style,_ however, Hinn gravitates
more toward such faith healers as Aimee Semple McPherson and
Kathryn Kuhlman. In addition, Hinn has given his endorsement to
notorious revivalist A. A. Allen,[13] who was truly a huckster if
there ever was one -- which brings us to our third "s," the
_scams._
Faith teachers such as Robert Tilton and his female
counterpart, Marilyn Hickey, have copied many of the scams
pioneered by Pentecostal preachers such as Oral Roberts and A. A.
Allen. In fact, Tilton and Hickey have managed to exceed even their
predecessors' outrageous ploys. This is hard to believe when one
considers what sort of schemes they had to outdo.
Roberts, the reader may recall, is the man who claimed that
Jesus appeared and told him God had chosen him to find the cure for
cancer. In a lengthy appeal, Roberts avowed that the Lord told him,
"I would not have had you and your partners build the 20-story
research tower unless I was going to give you a plan that will
attack cancer." Roberts then said that Jesus instructed him to tell
his partners that "this is not Oral Roberts asking [for the money]
but their Lord."[14] (The project was completed, but has since been
"shut down and sold to a group of investors for commercial
development."[15] Not surprisingly, no cure for cancer was ever
found.)
In like fashion, A. A. Allen "scammed" his followers by
asserting that he could command God to "turn dollar bills into
twenties."[16] He was also known to have urged his followers to
send for his "prayer cloths anointed with the Miracle Oil,"[17] and
he offered "Miracle tent shavings" as points of contact for
personal miracles.[18] Allen even "launched a brief 'raise the
dead' program."[19] Of course, it died.
Allen was eventually kicked out of the Assemblies of God
denomination when he jumped bail after being arrested for drunk
driving.[20] In 1970 he died from what "news accounts report [as]
sclerosis of the liver."[21]
As we proceed to examine the primary purveyors of Faith
theology, we will see living proof of the maxim that "error begets
error and heresy begets heresy." If, for example, one examines the
cultic progression of E. W. Kenyon's theology, one will discover
that his original deviations from orthodox Christianity were minor
compared to those that characterized the later stages of his
ministry. And with each of Kenyon's successive disciples, the
errors become even more pronounced. Hagin, who popularized and
plagiarized Kenyon prolifically, not only expanded Kenyon's
perversions but added to them as well.[22] The progression from bad
to worse has continued with people like Kenneth Copeland and
Charles Capps, and is now reaching heretical heights that are
almost inconceivable through ministry leaders like Frederick Price,
Benny Hinn, and Robert Tilton.
C
*THE CAST OF CHARACTERS*
Twisted texts, make-believe miracles, and a counterfeit Christ
are all common denominators of the Faith movement's leading
teachers. And, as all who look into the matter will clearly see, it
all began with the metaphysical teachings of Essek William Kenyon.
*Essek William Kenyon*
Essek William Kenyon, whose life and ministry were enormously
impacted by such cults as Science of Mind, the Unity School of
Christianity, Christian Science, and New Thought metaphysics,[23]
is the true father of the modern-day Faith movement. Many of the
phrases popularized by present-day prosperity preachers, such as
"What I confess, I possess," were originally coined by Kenyon.
Kenneth Hagin, to whom we next turn our attention, plagiarized much
of Kenyon's work, including the statement, "Every man who has been
'born again' is an Incarnation, and Christianity is a miracle. The
believer is as much an Incarnation as was Jesus of Nazareth."[24]
*Kenneth E. Hagin*
As I thoroughly demonstrate in my book _Christianity in Crisis_
(Harvest House, 1993), Kenneth Hagin takes Kenyon's theology from
bad to worse. Not only does he boast of alleged visits to heaven
and hell, he recounts numerous out-of-body experiences (OBEs) on
the earth as well.
On one occasion, Hagin claims he was in the middle of a sermon
when, suddenly, he was transported back in time. He ended up in the
back seat of a car and watched as a young woman from his church
committed adultery with the driver. The entire experience lasted
about fifteen minutes, after which Hagin abruptly found himself
back in church, summoning his parishioners to prayer.[25]
Despite his propensity for telling tall tales and describing
false visions, virtually every major Faith teacher has been
impacted by Hagin -- including such "luminaries" as Frederick K. C.
Price and Kenneth Copeland.
*Kenneth Copeland*
Kenneth Copeland got his start in ministry as a direct result
of memorizing Hagin's messages. It wasn't long before he had
learned enough from Hagin to establish his own following. To say
his teachings are heretical would be an understatement --
_blasphemous_ is more like it. Copeland brashly pronounces God to
be the greatest failure of all time, boldly proclaims that "Satan
_conquered_ Jesus on the Cross" (emphasis in original),[26] and
describes Christ in hell as an "emaciated, poured out, little,
wormy spirit."[27]
Yet, despite such statements, Benny Hinn ominously warned that
"those who attack Kenneth Copeland are attacking the very presence
of God!"[28]
*Benny Hinn*
Benny Hinn is one of the fastest rising stars on the Faith
circuit. According to an October 5, 1992 article in _Christianity
Today,_ sales of his books in the last year-and-a-half have
exceeded those of James Dobson and Charles Swindoll combined.[29]
While claiming to be "under the anointing," Hinn has uttered some
of the most "off-the-wall" statements imaginable -- including the
claim that the Holy Spirit revealed to him that women were
originally designed to give birth out of their sides.[30]
Hinn also admits to frequenting the graves of both Kathryn
Kuhlman and Aimee Semple McPherson to get the "anointing" from
their bones.[31] Despite his outrageous antics, Hinn has somehow
managed to gain wide acceptance and visibility within the
evangelical Christian church. His platform on the Trinity
Broadcasting Network (TBN), as well as his promotion by a
mainstream Christian publisher (Thomas Nelson), have catapulted him
into prime-time visibility.
Whether Hinn is referring to his family history or his
rendezvous with the Holy Spirit, fantasy is often passed on as
fact. A case in point are the thousands of "documented" healings
claimed by Hinn. Recently, he sent me three examples -- presumably,
the cream of the crop -- as proof of his miracle-working power. One
of the cases involved a man who was supposedly healed of colon
cancer. A medically naive person reading the pathology report may
well see the notation "no evidence of malignancy" and be duped into
thinking that a bona fide healing had indeed taken place. CRI's
medical consultant, Dr. Preston Simpson, however, was not fooled by
the report. His investigation revealed that the colon tumor in
question was _surgically removed_ rather than miraculously healed.
The other two cases had comparably serious problems.[32]
*Frederick K. C. Price*
Fred Price is the most notable of a growing number of black
prosperity preachers. His church in Los Angeles now claims some
16,000 members. He is seen nationally on television and has
referred to himself as the "chief exponent of Name It and Claim
It."[33] Price has added his own unique twists to Faith theology by
asserting that Jesus took on the nature of Satan _prior_ to the
crucifixion[34] and by claiming that the Lord's Prayer is not for
Christians today.[35] Despite telling his followers that he doesn't
allow sickness in his home, Price's wife has been treated for
cancer in her pelvic area.[36] Referring to his wealth, Price says
the reason he drives a Rolls Royce is that he is following in
Jesus' steps.[37]
*John Avanzini*
John Avanzini is billed by his Faith peers as a recognized
authority on biblical economics. The truth, however, is that
Avanzini is an authority on perverting Scripture as a means to
picking the pockets of the poor. He has honed his craft into such
an art form that when Faith teachers need money, they inevitably
call on "Brother John." Armed with a bag full of Bible-twisting
tricks, he tells the unsuspecting that "a greater than a lottery
has come. His name is Jesus!"[38]
According to Avanzini, if Jesus was rich, we should be rich as
well. Thus, he recasts Christ into a mirror image of himself --
complete with designer clothes, a big house, and a wealthy,
well-financed advance team.[39] Thinking otherwise, Avanzini
claims, will prevent Christians from reaping the prosperity God has
laid out for them.[40]
Avanzini runs the gamut from teaching people how to get their
hands on the "wealth of the wicked" to what might best be described
as his "hundredfold hoax."[41] When it comes to fleecing God's
people, few can match the effectiveness of John Avanzini. There is
an exception, however; his name is Robert Tilton.
*Robert Tilton*
Robert Tilton hit the big time as a fisher of funds by
developing a religious infomercial called _Success-N-Life._ It all
began when he traveled to Hawaii to hear from the Lord. Says
Tilton, "If I'm going to go to the cross, I'm going to go in a
pretty place. Not some dusty place like Jerusalem. That's gravel is
all that place is."[42] While languishing in his exotic wilderness,
Tilton "realized his mission was to persuade the poor to give what
they could to him -- as God's surrogate -- so they too could be
blessed."[43]
Then, one day, Tilton tuned in to television and turned on to
Dave Del Dotto's real estate infomercials. The rest is history.
Tilton used what he saw as a prototype[44] for building an empire
that takes in as much as $65 million per year.[45]
It now appears that Tilton's ill-gotten gains may dwindle
rapidly amid reports of scandal and a variety of lawsuits.[46]
Responding to charges from ABC's _Prime Time Live_ that the prayer
request letters he promises to pray over end up in dumpsters,
Tilton claims, "I laid on top of those prayer requests so much that
the chemicals actually got into my bloodstream, and . . . I had two
small strokes in my brain."[47]
*Marilyn Hickey*
Marilyn Hickey, much like Tilton, employs a broad range of
tactics to manipulate followers into sending her money. Among her
many ploys are anointed prayer cloths, ceremonial breastplates, and
ropes that can be used as points of contact. In one of her appeal
letters, Hickey promises she will slip into a ceremonial
breastplate, "press your prayer request to my heart," and "place
your requests on my shoulders" -- all for a suggested donation.[48]
For the most part, Hickey's tricks and teachings are recycled
from other prosperity peddlers like Tilton, Hagin, and Copeland.
Her message is peppered with such Faith jargon as "the God-kind of
faith," "confession brings possession," and "receiving follows
giving."
*Paul Yonggi Cho (David Cho)*
Paul Yonggi Cho -- pastor of the world's largest church,
located in Seoul, South Korea -- claims to have received his call
to preach from Jesus Christ Himself, who supposedly appeared to him
dressed like a fireman.[49] Cho has packaged his faith formulas
under the label of "fourth dimensional power."[50] He is well aware
of his link to occultism, arguing that if Buddhists and Yoga
practitioners can accomplish their objectives through fourth
dimensional powers, then Christians should be able to accomplish
much more by using the same means.[51] In case one is tempted to
confuse the size of Cho's following with the truth of his
teachings, let me point out that the Buddhist version of "name it
and claim it" (Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism) has an even larger
following than does Cho.[52]
Cho recently made the news by changing his name from Paul to
David. As Cho tells the story, God showed him that Paul Cho had to
die and David Cho was to be resurrected in his place. According to
Cho, God Himself came up with his new name.[53]
*Charles Capps*
Charles Capps was ordained as a minister in the International
Convention of Faith Churches and Ministers by Kenneth Copeland and
derived his teachings directly from Kenneth Hagin. This unfortunate
combination has led Capps to make some of the most blasphemous
statements in Faith lore. Capps has gone so far as to teach that
Jesus was the product of God's positive confession: "This is the
key to understanding the virgin birth. God's Word is full of faith
and spirit power. God spoke it. God transmitted that image to Mary.
She received the image inside of her....The embryo that was in
Mary's womb was nothing more than the Word of God....She conceived
the Word of God."[54]
Capps not only preaches the blasphemous, he also preaches the
ridiculous. For example, he claims that if someone says, "I'm just
dying to do that" or "That just tickled me to death," their
statements may literally come true (i.e., they may _die_).
According to Capps, this is precisely why the human race now lives
only about seventy years instead of 900 years, as was the case with
Adam.[55]
*Jerry Savelle*
Jerry Savelle has made his fortune by mimicking virtually all
of the Faith teachers mentioned above. His greatest claim to fame,
however, may well be his ability to mimic Kenneth Copeland. In
fact, Savelle appears to be an exact duplicate of Copeland. Savelle
demonstrates a total lack of biblical acumen, as he blindly
regurgitates virtually every heresy in the Faith movement.
With regard to health, Savelle boasts that sickness and disease
cannot enter his world.[56] As for wealth, he says that words can
speak your world into existence.[57] Savelle now peddles his books
and tapes to thirty-six countries at the astonishing rate of some
300,000 copies per year.
*Morris Cerullo*
Morris Cerullo claims that he gave up a driving ambition to be
the governor of New Jersey in order to become a minister of the
gospel.[58] He purports to have first met God at the tender age of
eight. Since then his life has been one mind-blowing experience
after another: he says he was taught by leading rabbis;[59] led out
of a Jewish orphanage by two angelic beings;[60] transported to
heaven for a face-to-face meeting with God;[61] and told he would
be capable of revealing the future.[62]
On one occasion, Cerullo informed his audience, "You're not
looking at Morris Cerullo -- you're looking at God. You're looking
at Jesus."[63] Not only is Cerullo a master of make-believe, he is
also a master of manipulation. Claiming that God was directly
speaking through him, Cerullo uttered, "Would you surrender your
pocketbooks unto Me, saith God, and let me be the Lord of your
pocketbooks....Yea, so be thou obedient unto my voice."[64]
*Paul Crouch*
Paul Crouch and his wife, Jan, are the founders of the Trinity
Broadcasting Network, which today has an estimated net worth of
half a billion dollars. As Crouch himself puts it, "God has,
indeed, given us the MOST POWERFUL VOICE in the history of the
WORLD."[65] Unfortunately, this voice is being used to promote
teachings straight from the kingdom of the cults. Crouch's
influence has become so vast that he can now raise as much as $50
million during a single "Praise-a-Thon." What many of the
well-intentioned Christians who support TBN do not know, however,
is that part of this money goes to promoting cultic groups and
individuals who not only deny the Trinity but claim that this
essential of Christianity is a pagan doctrine.[66] It is indeed
ironic that a broadcasting network called "Trinity" would promote
anti-Trinitarian doctrine.
To those who would speak out against the false teachings
proliferated on his network, Crouch has this to say: "I think
they're ****ed and on their way to hell; and I don't think there's
any redemption for them."[67] Shortly after I met with Crouch to
prove that the Faith movement compromises essential Christian
doctrine, Crouch looked into the lens of the television camera and
angrily declared, "If you want to criticize Ken Copeland for his
preaching on faith, or Dad Hagin, get out of my life! I don't even
want to talk to you or hear you. I don't want to see your ugly
face. Get out of my face, in Jesus' name."[68]
Sadly, Crouch refers to the Faith message as a "revival of
truth . . . restored by a few precious men."[69]
*GENETIC DEFECT?*
The Faith movement was spawned by the unholy marriage of
19th-century New Thought metaphysics with the flamboyance and
abuses of post-World War II revivalism. It should therefore come as
no surprise that its doctrine and practices are palpably
unbiblical. Yet, some charge that critics of the movement are
guilty of committing a logical error known as the _genetic fallacy_
-- "that is, rejecting an assumption because of where it comes from
rather than disproving the argument."[70]
While the charge appears formidable, it is in fact defective.
For it assumes that the criticisms against the Faith movement are
made primarily if not solely on the basis of its historical roots.
In truth, the bulk of critical evaluations are leveled directly
against the unbiblical teachings of the movement's leading
proponents today.[71] Historical discussions have, for the most
part, served to place the phenomenon in its proper context.[72]
Now that we've dug up the roots and sampled the topsoil of the
Faith movement, we are ready to take a penetrating look at its
ripened fruit. Part Two of this article will do just that, by
systematizing and critiquing the theology of the movement's premier
preacher of another gospel.
Twisted texts, make-believe miracles, and a counterfeit Christ
are all common denominators of the Faith movement's leading
teachers. And, as all who look into the matter will clearly see, it
all began with the metaphysical teachings of Essek William Kenyon.
*Essek William Kenyon*
Essek William Kenyon, whose life and ministry were enormously
impacted by such cults as Science of Mind, the Unity School of
Christianity, Christian Science, and New Thought metaphysics,[23]
is the true father of the modern-day Faith movement. Many of the
phrases popularized by present-day prosperity preachers, such as
"What I confess, I possess," were originally coined by Kenyon.
Kenneth Hagin, to whom we next turn our attention, plagiarized much
of Kenyon's work, including the statement, "Every man who has been
'born again' is an Incarnation, and Christianity is a miracle. The
believer is as much an Incarnation as was Jesus of Nazareth."[24]
*Kenneth E. Hagin*
As I thoroughly demonstrate in my book _Christianity in Crisis_
(Harvest House, 1993), Kenneth Hagin takes Kenyon's theology from
bad to worse. Not only does he boast of alleged visits to heaven
and hell, he recounts numerous out-of-body experiences (OBEs) on
the earth as well.
On one occasion, Hagin claims he was in the middle of a sermon
when, suddenly, he was transported back in time. He ended up in the
back seat of a car and watched as a young woman from his church
committed adultery with the driver. The entire experience lasted
about fifteen minutes, after which Hagin abruptly found himself
back in church, summoning his parishioners to prayer.[25]
Despite his propensity for telling tall tales and describing
false visions, virtually every major Faith teacher has been
impacted by Hagin -- including such "luminaries" as Frederick K. C.
Price and Kenneth Copeland.
*Kenneth Copeland*
Kenneth Copeland got his start in ministry as a direct result
of memorizing Hagin's messages. It wasn't long before he had
learned enough from Hagin to establish his own following. To say
his teachings are heretical would be an understatement --
_blasphemous_ is more like it. Copeland brashly pronounces God to
be the greatest failure of all time, boldly proclaims that "Satan
_conquered_ Jesus on the Cross" (emphasis in original),[26] and
describes Christ in hell as an "emaciated, poured out, little,
wormy spirit."[27]
Yet, despite such statements, Benny Hinn ominously warned that
"those who attack Kenneth Copeland are attacking the very presence
of God!"[28]
*Benny Hinn*
Benny Hinn is one of the fastest rising stars on the Faith
circuit. According to an October 5, 1992 article in _Christianity
Today,_ sales of his books in the last year-and-a-half have
exceeded those of James Dobson and Charles Swindoll combined.[29]
While claiming to be "under the anointing," Hinn has uttered some
of the most "off-the-wall" statements imaginable -- including the
claim that the Holy Spirit revealed to him that women were
originally designed to give birth out of their sides.[30]
Hinn also admits to frequenting the graves of both Kathryn
Kuhlman and Aimee Semple McPherson to get the "anointing" from
their bones.[31] Despite his outrageous antics, Hinn has somehow
managed to gain wide acceptance and visibility within the
evangelical Christian church. His platform on the Trinity
Broadcasting Network (TBN), as well as his promotion by a
mainstream Christian publisher (Thomas Nelson), have catapulted him
into prime-time visibility.
Whether Hinn is referring to his family history or his
rendezvous with the Holy Spirit, fantasy is often passed on as
fact. A case in point are the thousands of "documented" healings
claimed by Hinn. Recently, he sent me three examples -- presumably,
the cream of the crop -- as proof of his miracle-working power. One
of the cases involved a man who was supposedly healed of colon
cancer. A medically naive person reading the pathology report may
well see the notation "no evidence of malignancy" and be duped into
thinking that a bona fide healing had indeed taken place. CRI's
medical consultant, Dr. Preston Simpson, however, was not fooled by
the report. His investigation revealed that the colon tumor in
question was _surgically removed_ rather than miraculously healed.
The other two cases had comparably serious problems.[32]
*Frederick K. C. Price*
Fred Price is the most notable of a growing number of black
prosperity preachers. His church in Los Angeles now claims some
16,000 members. He is seen nationally on television and has
referred to himself as the "chief exponent of Name It and Claim
It."[33] Price has added his own unique twists to Faith theology by
asserting that Jesus took on the nature of Satan _prior_ to the
crucifixion[34] and by claiming that the Lord's Prayer is not for
Christians today.[35] Despite telling his followers that he doesn't
allow sickness in his home, Price's wife has been treated for
cancer in her pelvic area.[36] Referring to his wealth, Price says
the reason he drives a Rolls Royce is that he is following in
Jesus' steps.[37]
*John Avanzini*
John Avanzini is billed by his Faith peers as a recognized
authority on biblical economics. The truth, however, is that
Avanzini is an authority on perverting Scripture as a means to
picking the pockets of the poor. He has honed his craft into such
an art form that when Faith teachers need money, they inevitably
call on "Brother John." Armed with a bag full of Bible-twisting
tricks, he tells the unsuspecting that "a greater than a lottery
has come. His name is Jesus!"[38]
According to Avanzini, if Jesus was rich, we should be rich as
well. Thus, he recasts Christ into a mirror image of himself --
complete with designer clothes, a big house, and a wealthy,
well-financed advance team.[39] Thinking otherwise, Avanzini
claims, will prevent Christians from reaping the prosperity God has
laid out for them.[40]
Avanzini runs the gamut from teaching people how to get their
hands on the "wealth of the wicked" to what might best be described
as his "hundredfold hoax."[41] When it comes to fleecing God's
people, few can match the effectiveness of John Avanzini. There is
an exception, however; his name is Robert Tilton.
*Robert Tilton*
Robert Tilton hit the big time as a fisher of funds by
developing a religious infomercial called _Success-N-Life._ It all
began when he traveled to Hawaii to hear from the Lord. Says
Tilton, "If I'm going to go to the cross, I'm going to go in a
pretty place. Not some dusty place like Jerusalem. That's gravel is
all that place is."[42] While languishing in his exotic wilderness,
Tilton "realized his mission was to persuade the poor to give what
they could to him -- as God's surrogate -- so they too could be
blessed."[43]
Then, one day, Tilton tuned in to television and turned on to
Dave Del Dotto's real estate infomercials. The rest is history.
Tilton used what he saw as a prototype[44] for building an empire
that takes in as much as $65 million per year.[45]
It now appears that Tilton's ill-gotten gains may dwindle
rapidly amid reports of scandal and a variety of lawsuits.[46]
Responding to charges from ABC's _Prime Time Live_ that the prayer
request letters he promises to pray over end up in dumpsters,
Tilton claims, "I laid on top of those prayer requests so much that
the chemicals actually got into my bloodstream, and . . . I had two
small strokes in my brain."[47]
*Marilyn Hickey*
Marilyn Hickey, much like Tilton, employs a broad range of
tactics to manipulate followers into sending her money. Among her
many ploys are anointed prayer cloths, ceremonial breastplates, and
ropes that can be used as points of contact. In one of her appeal
letters, Hickey promises she will slip into a ceremonial
breastplate, "press your prayer request to my heart," and "place
your requests on my shoulders" -- all for a suggested donation.[48]
For the most part, Hickey's tricks and teachings are recycled
from other prosperity peddlers like Tilton, Hagin, and Copeland.
Her message is peppered with such Faith jargon as "the God-kind of
faith," "confession brings possession," and "receiving follows
giving."
*Paul Yonggi Cho (David Cho)*
Paul Yonggi Cho -- pastor of the world's largest church,
located in Seoul, South Korea -- claims to have received his call
to preach from Jesus Christ Himself, who supposedly appeared to him
dressed like a fireman.[49] Cho has packaged his faith formulas
under the label of "fourth dimensional power."[50] He is well aware
of his link to occultism, arguing that if Buddhists and Yoga
practitioners can accomplish their objectives through fourth
dimensional powers, then Christians should be able to accomplish
much more by using the same means.[51] In case one is tempted to
confuse the size of Cho's following with the truth of his
teachings, let me point out that the Buddhist version of "name it
and claim it" (Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism) has an even larger
following than does Cho.[52]
Cho recently made the news by changing his name from Paul to
David. As Cho tells the story, God showed him that Paul Cho had to
die and David Cho was to be resurrected in his place. According to
Cho, God Himself came up with his new name.[53]
*Charles Capps*
Charles Capps was ordained as a minister in the International
Convention of Faith Churches and Ministers by Kenneth Copeland and
derived his teachings directly from Kenneth Hagin. This unfortunate
combination has led Capps to make some of the most blasphemous
statements in Faith lore. Capps has gone so far as to teach that
Jesus was the product of God's positive confession: "This is the
key to understanding the virgin birth. God's Word is full of faith
and spirit power. God spoke it. God transmitted that image to Mary.
She received the image inside of her....The embryo that was in
Mary's womb was nothing more than the Word of God....She conceived
the Word of God."[54]
Capps not only preaches the blasphemous, he also preaches the
ridiculous. For example, he claims that if someone says, "I'm just
dying to do that" or "That just tickled me to death," their
statements may literally come true (i.e., they may _die_).
According to Capps, this is precisely why the human race now lives
only about seventy years instead of 900 years, as was the case with
Adam.[55]
*Jerry Savelle*
Jerry Savelle has made his fortune by mimicking virtually all
of the Faith teachers mentioned above. His greatest claim to fame,
however, may well be his ability to mimic Kenneth Copeland. In
fact, Savelle appears to be an exact duplicate of Copeland. Savelle
demonstrates a total lack of biblical acumen, as he blindly
regurgitates virtually every heresy in the Faith movement.
With regard to health, Savelle boasts that sickness and disease
cannot enter his world.[56] As for wealth, he says that words can
speak your world into existence.[57] Savelle now peddles his books
and tapes to thirty-six countries at the astonishing rate of some
300,000 copies per year.
*Morris Cerullo*
Morris Cerullo claims that he gave up a driving ambition to be
the governor of New Jersey in order to become a minister of the
gospel.[58] He purports to have first met God at the tender age of
eight. Since then his life has been one mind-blowing experience
after another: he says he was taught by leading rabbis;[59] led out
of a Jewish orphanage by two angelic beings;[60] transported to
heaven for a face-to-face meeting with God;[61] and told he would
be capable of revealing the future.[62]
On one occasion, Cerullo informed his audience, "You're not
looking at Morris Cerullo -- you're looking at God. You're looking
at Jesus."[63] Not only is Cerullo a master of make-believe, he is
also a master of manipulation. Claiming that God was directly
speaking through him, Cerullo uttered, "Would you surrender your
pocketbooks unto Me, saith God, and let me be the Lord of your
pocketbooks....Yea, so be thou obedient unto my voice."[64]
*Paul Crouch*
Paul Crouch and his wife, Jan, are the founders of the Trinity
Broadcasting Network, which today has an estimated net worth of
half a billion dollars. As Crouch himself puts it, "God has,
indeed, given us the MOST POWERFUL VOICE in the history of the
WORLD."[65] Unfortunately, this voice is being used to promote
teachings straight from the kingdom of the cults. Crouch's
influence has become so vast that he can now raise as much as $50
million during a single "Praise-a-Thon." What many of the
well-intentioned Christians who support TBN do not know, however,
is that part of this money goes to promoting cultic groups and
individuals who not only deny the Trinity but claim that this
essential of Christianity is a pagan doctrine.[66] It is indeed
ironic that a broadcasting network called "Trinity" would promote
anti-Trinitarian doctrine.
To those who would speak out against the false teachings
proliferated on his network, Crouch has this to say: "I think
they're ****ed and on their way to hell; and I don't think there's
any redemption for them."[67] Shortly after I met with Crouch to
prove that the Faith movement compromises essential Christian
doctrine, Crouch looked into the lens of the television camera and
angrily declared, "If you want to criticize Ken Copeland for his
preaching on faith, or Dad Hagin, get out of my life! I don't even
want to talk to you or hear you. I don't want to see your ugly
face. Get out of my face, in Jesus' name."[68]
Sadly, Crouch refers to the Faith message as a "revival of
truth . . . restored by a few precious men."[69]
*GENETIC DEFECT?*
The Faith movement was spawned by the unholy marriage of
19th-century New Thought metaphysics with the flamboyance and
abuses of post-World War II revivalism. It should therefore come as
no surprise that its doctrine and practices are palpably
unbiblical. Yet, some charge that critics of the movement are
guilty of committing a logical error known as the _genetic fallacy_
-- "that is, rejecting an assumption because of where it comes from
rather than disproving the argument."[70]
While the charge appears formidable, it is in fact defective.
For it assumes that the criticisms against the Faith movement are
made primarily if not solely on the basis of its historical roots.
In truth, the bulk of critical evaluations are leveled directly
against the unbiblical teachings of the movement's leading
proponents today.[71] Historical discussions have, for the most
part, served to place the phenomenon in its proper context.[72]
Now that we've dug up the roots and sampled the topsoil of the
Faith movement, we are ready to take a penetrating look at its
ripened fruit. Part Two of this article will do just that, by
systematizing and critiquing the theology of the movement's premier
preacher of another gospel.
F
I cannot say I like any of the people u have on that list. I dont mind Joyce if I want a giggle, or a bit of feel good fluff, but I dont go to her for scriptural teachings. Sorry but I dont. Her work kind of reminds me of milk that you might give a baby Christian, but there's no substance to it. I have outgrown her now. Personally I am very selective about who I listen to as far as teachings are concerned. My local pastor is a really strong man of God, and I listen to his preaching, and I also like Lisa and John Bevere - I find their teachings to be well balanced, and FULL of scripture. As for anything else, I read it from the word myself 
Im not a huge fan of tv evangelists, especially the ones that seem to be always asking for money. I think you have to be so careful about who you follow, I'd much rather follow the Lord, and pray for those teaching in error, for their punishment on the day of judgement will be very great.
Im not a huge fan of tv evangelists, especially the ones that seem to be always asking for money. I think you have to be so careful about who you follow, I'd much rather follow the Lord, and pray for those teaching in error, for their punishment on the day of judgement will be very great.
I think she has a great testamony-coming from a place where she was abused as a kid which impacted her ealier life in a big way-the way she saw and treated men, god, religion and herself was very distorted from what i have heard her say but god certianly did some major healing in her life.I love hearing her talk abou the battlefield of the mind and attitudes in general and how we can miss stuff if we stay in a place where we are hardcore victims-and i believe she impacts a whole range of people around the globe with her story and perspective.I like her mr knightjester
C
Personally I view Meyer's ministry as somewhat selective. I feel that unless a person has faced some great adversity or trauma in their past, the majority will not relate to or appreciate her ministry.
In the past I really liked TD Jakes however I found that I was wasn't able to relate as his ministery became more geared toward specific ethnic groups (which I will say could be God leading Jakes to do so.) I just hope he doesn't allow his celebrity go to his head like so many have before him.
Although I haven't watched him in some time, I've seen very little of Hagan and what I did see wierded me out a little so I'll let it go at that. *lol*
Benny Hinn... I honestly feel that it isn't Hinn's desire to decieve anyone, if it was He would have been exposed by now considering how many times he's been investigated and by who. However I feel that his ministry has become misdirected. While I realize the need for funding evangelism (specificalkly overseas), I feel that Hinn has not only given in but is now leading the pack as it pertains to the propsperity gospel as a means to raise funds which, if anyone should realize the falicies of the propsperity Gospel you would think it would be an international evangelist. - Hinn should hunker down and actually spend some time in the missionary field overseas. Maybe then his tune will change.
Personally, I find myself leabing heavily toward the teachings of Micheal L. Brown and Mike Bickle. I've also become somewhat fascinated with the minitry of the Wesley Brothers and the war they waged the the 1800's against hyper-calvinism.
In the past I really liked TD Jakes however I found that I was wasn't able to relate as his ministery became more geared toward specific ethnic groups (which I will say could be God leading Jakes to do so.) I just hope he doesn't allow his celebrity go to his head like so many have before him.
Although I haven't watched him in some time, I've seen very little of Hagan and what I did see wierded me out a little so I'll let it go at that. *lol*
Benny Hinn... I honestly feel that it isn't Hinn's desire to decieve anyone, if it was He would have been exposed by now considering how many times he's been investigated and by who. However I feel that his ministry has become misdirected. While I realize the need for funding evangelism (specificalkly overseas), I feel that Hinn has not only given in but is now leading the pack as it pertains to the propsperity gospel as a means to raise funds which, if anyone should realize the falicies of the propsperity Gospel you would think it would be an international evangelist. - Hinn should hunker down and actually spend some time in the missionary field overseas. Maybe then his tune will change.
Personally, I find myself leabing heavily toward the teachings of Micheal L. Brown and Mike Bickle. I've also become somewhat fascinated with the minitry of the Wesley Brothers and the war they waged the the 1800's against hyper-calvinism.
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I agree, the Word is for yesterday, today and forever. Reading Titus 2 we are reminded the way men of God are to behave. Also says men are to teach the older women (yes husbands teach their wives and lead in work and church and home) ....to teach what is good, then they (the women) can teach the younger women to love their husbands, children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. (Call us for what we obviously are -HYPOCRITES.) And who did Jesus call hypocrites? Yep, those who changed, added and deleted from God's laws. The only law that was done away with was the law of sacrifice for sin, because John 3:16.
God is the author of government. Men are to be leaders!! Women teach women and children. Woman is out of her designed purpose to have authority over her husband or men who are in the church. If there is no man to preach and teach, then there is something very wrong with our men. Men teach men to be leaders. Men are not followers of women. Husbands are given very direct orders by Paul (who speaks in authority for our Lord). How can I say this? Because I was asked in a well known denomination to teach. I agreed to only substitute because I knew it was wrong for a woman to teach men. A man should have stepped up to the plate and been the one substituting that Bible Study. I have no problem and feel called to teach the Bible to children, women, both married and single. Little boys are not prohibited from a woman to teach, but there better be a man in the children's lives, someone who is a dad figure. There is only one perfect Father and we call Him Abba (dada). Men are all CALLED but not all respond. Why is this? I believe I understand the answer to this...for God allowed the hardness of heart and He is not the author of CONFUSION. God states the perfect way because He wants only the best for His children. And our choices and actions have good and bad consequences. But the GOOD NEWS is God knew we could never be blameless, thus because God loved us so much, He sent His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. We can't fix the world, that is God's job. He has already given us the end of this age story. Now go and live as good children. Do as Christ: SHOW THE WAY, TELL THE WAY, LIVE THE WAY AND DIE THE WAY.
God is the author of government. Men are to be leaders!! Women teach women and children. Woman is out of her designed purpose to have authority over her husband or men who are in the church. If there is no man to preach and teach, then there is something very wrong with our men. Men teach men to be leaders. Men are not followers of women. Husbands are given very direct orders by Paul (who speaks in authority for our Lord). How can I say this? Because I was asked in a well known denomination to teach. I agreed to only substitute because I knew it was wrong for a woman to teach men. A man should have stepped up to the plate and been the one substituting that Bible Study. I have no problem and feel called to teach the Bible to children, women, both married and single. Little boys are not prohibited from a woman to teach, but there better be a man in the children's lives, someone who is a dad figure. There is only one perfect Father and we call Him Abba (dada). Men are all CALLED but not all respond. Why is this? I believe I understand the answer to this...for God allowed the hardness of heart and He is not the author of CONFUSION. God states the perfect way because He wants only the best for His children. And our choices and actions have good and bad consequences. But the GOOD NEWS is God knew we could never be blameless, thus because God loved us so much, He sent His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. We can't fix the world, that is God's job. He has already given us the end of this age story. Now go and live as good children. Do as Christ: SHOW THE WAY, TELL THE WAY, LIVE THE WAY AND DIE THE WAY.
C
Just a thought... what kind of leadership are we talking about here? I hear all this talk of how "it is a man's role to assume the leadership position" however I have yet to hear a clear definition of what that role is supposed to be.
Personally I feel that if every one of us (man and woman) were determined to follow Christ's example of selflessness, compassion and servitude then we wouldn't even be having this discussion.
Personally I feel that if every one of us (man and woman) were determined to follow Christ's example of selflessness, compassion and servitude then we wouldn't even be having this discussion.
If we'd spend half as much time sharing Jesus with the lost as we do arguing among ourselves, just about everyone would be saved by now.
Ya I'm sure if we told people that God likes ponography, rock, drugs, etc almost everyone would come to Christ.. But they would not becoming to Jesus Christ, they would be comming to the Antichrist. And that is exactly what is happening. There is not going to be a great awakaning in the last days the Bible says there is going to be a fall away.
I believe we are in the middle of a Black Awakening!!
And that is exactly what is happening people are slowly rejecting the Scriptures and following their own lust and trying to make their own version of God.
The Bible says that a women needs to keep silent in church and that is exactly what needs to happen. Joyce Meyer is rejecting Gods Word by deliberatly disobeying it. And she is being rewarded with great riches. The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors. Proverbs 26:10.(earthly rewards)
People think that they are more spiritual if they speak in tongues or have some fuzzy feeling at these modern churches that is nothing short of a rock concert. But how does the Bible say is a test of how we know the Lord?
And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments 1 John 2:3
People say that you should not judge, but in John 7:24 it says to judge a righteous judgement. How else are people going to know the truth unless you tell them.
Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded. Proverbs 13:13 (eternal rewards)
The Bible says that in the end times, which is right now, it will be so deceptive that if it were possible even the true belivers would be deceived(Matt. 24) . The Bible also says in Thessalonians that God will send a strong delustion to believe a lie to those who received not the love of the truth. Do you want to be one of those, or are you on the watch for these things.
Satan has his own evangelist. And if they didn't use some truth, how would it deceive anyone?
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. 2 Corinthinas 11: 14-15
They may say that they are not under the law, but if their Satans ministers their not even saved.
Am I saying that Joyce Meyer will not go to Heaven, I will let God decide that. All I am saying is God cannot operate outside of His Word because the Bible says the Word is God.
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"Christ's example of selflessness, compassion and servitude" I get it that you get it.
This fits perfectly in God's ordained governmental system, that He is the author of all government and when we follow the system, our Christian life shines as a light in the darkness. My hearts desire (God desires to give us the desire of our hearts and what better desire than His will?) is to be like the Proverbial woman "The Wife of Noble Character and a Woman who fears the Lord". Proverbs 31:10-31. This woman didn't receive this honor by usurping her husbands place in the gate with the elders. There her husband was, taking care of business. She is a champion and an ideal example of a wife's role.
Some women aren't married and you may wonder what is the single woman's role? Answer: "Christ's example of selflessness, compassion and servitude." Ladies, you may have a job that places you in leadership over men and women, but drop the leadership and/or right of feminism role when you are seeking your mate. Men instinctively know they are suppose to be in charge, and if they aren't it will be a relationship that is never ever satisfying to either of you. This does not mean to be a doormat, not then or ever!! Just know that a man needs to be looked up to (and height is not measured in feet and inches.) So your man is not a leader in the "gate" with the elders? Then know he is a leader in the gate of Christ. This is God's government, not some theology that is not obtainable.
"Christ's example of selflessness, compassion and servitude." I get it that you get it.
This fits perfectly in God's ordained governmental system, that He is the author of all government and when we follow the system, our Christian life shines as a light in the darkness. My hearts desire (God desires to give us the desire of our hearts and what better desire than His will?) is to be like the Proverbial woman "The Wife of Noble Character and a Woman who fears the Lord". Proverbs 31:10-31. This woman didn't receive this honor by usurping her husbands place in the gate with the elders. There her husband was, taking care of business. She is a champion and an ideal example of a wife's role.
Some women aren't married and you may wonder what is the single woman's role? Answer: "Christ's example of selflessness, compassion and servitude." Ladies, you may have a job that places you in leadership over men and women, but drop the leadership and/or right of feminism role when you are seeking your mate. Men instinctively know they are suppose to be in charge, and if they aren't it will be a relationship that is never ever satisfying to either of you. This does not mean to be a doormat, not then or ever!! Just know that a man needs to be looked up to (and height is not measured in feet and inches.) So your man is not a leader in the "gate" with the elders? Then know he is a leader in the gate of Christ. This is God's government, not some theology that is not obtainable.
"Christ's example of selflessness, compassion and servitude." I get it that you get it.
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