A Twisted Crown of Thorns ®

It is not that often that televangelists and faith healers open their doors and have their theology and doctrinal practices tested against the standard of scripture. More often than not these offices always come shrouded in mystery and sadly mysticism. However a brave Chris Rosebrough managed to get an interview with Brian Powers a popular televangelist and faith healer and they decided to go through some honest doctrinal issues.

Listen to link here.

Tony-Allen Cucolo writes an interesting summary of  common responses when most of these “hyper” anointed men are confronted with scripture.

• A complete and utter inability to answer any direct question (here especially regarding the Trinity, his personal sin, etc.), usually going off on another tangent instead.

• A double standard in regards to accusing someone of harping on doctrine (eg., Trinity), while at the same time accusing others of violating Christian doctrine (eg., Charismatic Gifts of the Spirit).

• Almost zero knowledge of church history.

• Claiming that God warned him there would be skeptics (ie., people discerning his teachings).

• Making bold claims that are never backed up.

• A continued argument from accomplishment (eg., “How many signs and wonders you done, we done a lot,” etc.).

• Responding to Biblical discernment with great hostility.

• Responding to any exegesis with, “Well, that’s your opinion!”

• An understanding of the Bible that contradicts sola scriptura and emphasizes personal experience.

• Divine authority placed upon statements and positions.

• Tries to change the subject into a matter of cessationism versus continuationism.

• Ad hominem attacks (including an accusation that the other person is “religious,” “arrogant,” having an “argumentative spirit,” or a Pharisee), and generally showing great disrespect towards those with contrary opinion.

HT Design of Providence