I recently received a hoax chain letter e-mail that described an effort by the FCC to ban religious broadcasters. Needless to say, it's not true.   It's an old internet meme that's been going around for years.  The only thing that changes are the names of the pastors that it lists. This time, it listed Word of Faith movement leaders Joyce Meyer and Joel Osteen.  Instead of replying to the e-mail with the information about its validity, I replied as follows:


However, when you make such a bold statement that challenge people's belief's, you are bound to ruffle quite a few feathers.  Therefore, I thought that I'd try and clarify my position. No doubt, there are many who will disagree with me and that's ok. Be that as it may, I haven't come to these conclusions very lightly. I've done the research, I've listened to what people have to say, I've read many books on the subject and I've had many conversations with people on both sides of the issue. Although I'm no expert, I have a clear understanding on what I'm talking about.

First, let me say that none of us are perfect. We all fall short of the Glory of God. We all say and do stupid things. I am a prime example of this. However, when someone in a ministry leadership position continually espouses theological concepts that are contradictory to the Bible, even after they've been shown the error of their ways, then they need to be held accountable. They are leading scores of people down the wrong paths. Their followers' spiritual maturity falls on their shoulders. 

It saddens me that so many Christians around the world are duped by these extravagant evangelists that claim they are the mouthpieces of God. Although not exclusively, many of these leaders can be grouped within the Word of Faith Movement. They preach a theology similar to the ridiculous assumptions of new age philosophers such as Rhonda Byrne who wrote the best-selling book The Secret. For example, Word of Faith leader Kenneth Copeland defines it as a formula:

Kenneth Copeland states the faith formula this way: "All it takes is 1) Seeing or visualizing whatever you need, whether physical or financial; 2) Staking your claim on Scripture; and 3) Speaking it into existence" (Christianity in Crisis, p. 80).

One of the problems with this, among many, is the fact that God is not a "vending machine." All things are granted or done according to His will, not ours. These pastors seem to forget this vital piece of information. They live extravagant lives and preach a "prosperity gospel" (a religious belief and behavior in a person will result in their material prosperity) that is so counter to what Christ taught that it would be laughable if so many people didn't follow them. 

When confronting their followers or even they themselves, they often lash out accusing others of "witch hunting." Sometimes, they even go so far as to claim that the good they do outweighs the bad. However, this argument falls flat in the face of facts. After all, there are many people that would claim that Hitler did some good. We acquired numerous medical advances due to him. However, we don't discount his horrible actions against jewish people and others around the world. History, as it well should, sees him as a monster. Of course, this is an extreme example, but the principle remains the same.

The Word of Faith Movement includes such notable "pastors" as Benny Hinn, Joel Osteen, Kenneth Copeland, Paul and Jan Crouch, Joyce Meyer, T.D. Jakes and others. As well as what I've already mentioned, they also base their theological constructs around emotional experiences and abuses of The Gifts of the Spirit rather than the undeniable Truth of The Word of God. They spinkle just enough truth within their sermons so that many are not able to recognize thier many contradictions and heretical statements. The movement is born out of  an extreme Charismatic evangelical theology where emotions outweigh actual knowledge. While within these hyper-emotional experiences, the follower is open to any number of suggestive interferences from the pastor that can get them to believe anything. This is one of the reasons why, ever since I graduated high School, that I've distance myself from the Charismatic movement. Don't get me wrong...there are some great Charismatic churches and pastors out there. However, in my personal experiences, I've witnessed too many extra-Biblical manifestations within these churches that I could no longer participate.  

So, then the question begs...who am I to judge? Well, first of all, I'm not judging these peoples hearts. Only God can do that. That is exactly what Jesus was referring to when he said "Judge not, lest ye be judge." However, all Christians have the responsibility to confront heretical teachings that are contradictory to what the Bible says. Especially when those teachings are presented as fact and from God, Himself.  They lead too many people astray to simply be ignored. Thankfully, there are watchdog groups such as The Trinity Foundation and The Christian Research Institute that have taken the responsibility upon themselves to bring these false teachers and prophets to light. In this day and age, they are sorely needed.

I could go on and on, but I'll stop here. Throughout this entry, I've inserted hyperlinks (in blue) that offer more information. However, I'll also list some other reference below. I suggest that anyone interested in this should check them out. It's time that Christians start thinking with their heads instead of solely with their emotions. We are living in an age that is at often times verty confusing. Therefore, we all need to be equipped to see false teachings for what they are. It's easy to point out the false teachngs of Satanists and Pagans. However, when the same teachings are entering our churches under the guise of Christianity, it's time for us to take a stand against the apostacy.

"Let no one in any way deceive you, for it [Jesus' return] will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction" (2 Thess. 2:3, NASB). 

Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths." (2 Timothy 3:15-4:4)

"Test everything. Hold on to the good." (1 Thessalonians 5:21) (NIV)

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Other References:

The Word of Faith Movement

Joel Osteen on Larry King Live (Joel has trouble defending his faith)

"Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6) NIV

Joyce Meyer - "questionable teachings"

Benny Hinn's false prophecies

Word of Faith Movement and The Secret

Christianity In Crisis

Counterfeit Revival

Smile As You Lie (Osteen)

T.D. Jakes

Freedom From The Faith Movement



From the "Horses" Mouths:

Joyce Meyer

Benny Hinn

Paul Crouch

Kenneth Copeland