The Claims and Confusion of R.T. Kendall by G. Richard Fisher The notion of God “showing up’’ almost a resident prophet to Kendall’s has become a Charismatic cliché, and congregation in the 1990s.5 the idea that it is desirable Kendall’s book, Total Forgiveness, has is evident from the title and what might be seen as psycho- subtitle of R.T. Kendall’s babble concepts of forgiving book, When God Shows Up - oneself and forgiving God. Staying Ready for the Unex- These ideas can nowhere be pected. found in Scripture. Others, as well, think that God “showing up’’ is a possi- Kendall began his ministry bility and say so in their acco- at Chapel in Feb- lades for the book. Its back ruary 1977 and served as pas- cover bears praise from the likes tor for 25 years before retiring of Stephen Strang, John Arnott, in February 2002. Westminster Mike Bickle, and Paul Cain. Chapel has a history of emi- nently capable expositors from Some in Charismatic and con- G. Campbell Morgan (1904-1917 servative camps see Kendall as a and 1933-1943) to Martyn Lloyd- theological heavyweight. David Jones (1943-1968). Kendall was Yonggi Cho, Jim Bakker, and John able to live off their capital while Stott all endorse him. Even Dr. departing seriously from their James Dobson says, ‘‘I am privileged theology and practice. to call this good man my friend.’’1 manifestation of God’s power. It is God’s ‘‘arrival.’’ One starts to think In the 1980s, Kendall became enam- It is not that everything Kendall ored with Arthur Blessitt, a Floridian says in When God Shows Up is wrong, that God “showing up’’ can mean anything. with a Baptist background who but so much of it is. Thus the reader gained fame as the man who walked must decide if the good can outweigh Hayford goes on to say this pursuit around the world carrying a 12-foot the bad. Sometimes, the negative as- leaves one paying a price ‘‘of being wooden cross. Blessitt also walked pects of a book can so overshadow stuck between the fanatic and the away from his first wife, Sherry, and the rest that the reader must discount formalist’’ and causes one to ‘‘enter has remarried. In 1990, upon an- it entirely. the collision zone’’ and be ‘‘lifted to nouncing his divorce, ‘‘Blessitt said he 3 Foursquare pastor Jack Hayford, in the heavens.’’ Such unclear state- felt this was God’s will for him at this his praises of Kendall, tries to give us ments end up sounding subjective time’’ and asked ‘‘that people not a clue as to what God “showing up’’ and mystical. judge.’’6 means: WHO IS KENDALL? Following Blessitt, Kendall moved ‘‘God is ‘showing up’ today! He’s on to introduce his congregation to R.T. Kendall is the recently retired ‘‘Paul Cain, John Arnott, Randy Clark, revealing Himself and manifest- pastor at Westminster Chapel in Lon- ing His power in remarkable and [and] Rodney Howard-Browne,’’7 don and the author of a number of men who represent a further erosion amazing ways — and hungry other books, including a book on souls are the primary candidates of the orthodox foundation of West- tithing, and one entitled The Word and minster Chapel. The biggest change for experiencing His arrival after the Spirit, written with Kansas City that fashion.’’2 came in 1991 when Kendall and his ‘‘prophet’’ Paul Cain. According to wife spent time at a Vineyard confer- So, according to Hayford, God Kendall’s own chronology, he met ence with John Wimber, Mike Bickle, 4 “showing up’’ is an amazing Cain in 1990. Cain then became (continues on page 9)

4 · The Quarterly Journal January-March 2004 One recipient of a ‘‘healing’’ was At 10:30 p.m. — and after showcas- 2. The ‘‘before 5:00 p.m.’’ summoned the woman in the wheelchair who ing only a handful of anticlimactic attendees to be present more than two had stood up during the singing. She ‘‘miracles’’ — the crusade came to an hours before the ‘‘Miracle Service,’’ which abrupt halt. Where were all the dra- was scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. claimed to have been healed from 3. Benny Hinn, Benny Hinn Testimony, arthritis and was allowed on the matic healings that had been pro- Orlando Christian Center, July 19, 1987, platform with Hinn. Hinn entertained claimed by Hinn? Although there audio tape on file. the crowd by ‘‘slaying her in the were a handful of people remaining 4. William Lobdell, ‘‘The Price of Heal- Spirit.’’ on the stage, Hinn dismissed the ing,’’ Los Angeles Times Magazine, July 27, crowd with a reminder of how pow- 2003, pg. 30. One who was not as fortunate to erfully God’s Spirit had moved this 5. Throughout the entire time of the make it to the platform was a severely evening and with a plug for the next crusade, but most notably when a few crippled young man. A woman, pos- soloists sang either during the offering or morning’s ‘‘anointing’’ campaign. He between the sermon for salvation and the sibly his mother, worked fruitlessly quickly left the stage, with no indica- with him to straighten up. He sermon for healing, people were coming tion of an encore — at least not and going incessantly to the refreshment struggled up and down the aisle, only tonight. stand. This was obviously very odd, to finally fall back into his wheelchair. although it fit perfectly into the ‘‘perfor- As many of the people left the No doubt, their predicament was mance’’ aspect of things. building and walked (or were pushed 6. Hinn’s appearance on stage less than 20 one that was repeated all over the in their wheelchairs) toward their minutes after the start of the service was a auditorium — and in other cities cars, they passed four large tractor- deviation from previous crusades we had where Hinn takes his Miracle Cru- trailer trucks. Three of these trucks attended in the 1990s. During those cru- sades. People who leave suffering had brought the lighting, sound, sades, the crowds were allured with a from the same infirmity with which video, and stage equipment. The much longer duration of group dynamics through the music prior to Hinn’s arrival they arrived surely must struggle fourth one housed the video produc- with an eventual shipwrecked faith. on stage. tion command center for the crusade. 7. Benny Hinn, sermon on healing at Many will leave the arena with not For such a show as this, much is Springfield, Mo. Miracle Crusade, Sept. only a physical problem, but now needed and hauled from city to city. 11, 2003, transcript on file. thinking there’s something spiritually In just a little over 24 hours, those 8. Ibid. askew. How cruel, unconscionable, trucks would again be loaded and 9. Ibid. and utterly heartless it is for one like soon on their way to another city, 10. Ibid. Hinn to offer a false hope which once again to create ‘‘a mighty visita- 11. Richard Mayhue, The Healing Promise. leaves in its wake devastating guilt Eugene, Ore.: Harvest House Publishers, tion of the Holy Spirit.’’ 1991, pg. 121. and severe depression. This is the 12. A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the prevalent downside few realize and Endnotes: New Testament. Nashville: Broadman which is never presented on his This 1. Benny Hinn, Benny Hinn Ministries Press, 1931, Vol. IV, Epistles of Paul, pg. Is Your Day broadcasts. form letter, no date, copy on file. 164. g

Is God “Showing Up” Today? Kendall became a Nazarene minis- counterfeit revival. Kendall has rein- (continued from page 4) ter for a time, then became an Ortho- vented himself more times than Al dox Presbyterian minister for a time, Gore. There could really be a book then became a Southern Baptist minis- done on the many faces of R.T. Jack Deere, and a coterie of ‘‘Kansas ter, and describes himself as a ‘‘four- 8 City Prophets.’’ One of Kendall’s and-a-half-point Calvinist.’’12 All Ken- SHOWING UP friends and former deacons acknowl- dall’s past personas were left behind OR SHOWING OFF? edges: ‘‘Some evangelicals believe that when he came under the strong hand Kendall says in When God Shows Up R.T. in his pursuit of the glory of God and shadow of the still dominant but has gone too far.’’9 that God ‘‘manifests Himself,’’ but if aging Lloyd-Jones at Westminster. we are not paying attention, ‘‘we When examining Kendall’s life, one Lloyd-Jones vetted much of Kendall’s could completely miss seeing His is tempted to ask, ‘‘Will the real R.T. ministry. Kendall admits for a time he glory — right before our eyes — and 13 Kendall please stand up?’’ He was tried to sound like Lloyd-Jones. we would not even know He had born in Ashland, Ky., in 1935 to Kendall had his ‘‘blessed’’ Blessitt shown up!’’15 If God “showing up’’ is Nazarene parents. He reports he saw phase, his ‘‘raising Cain’’ phase, and anything like what happened to Paul Christ and heard His voice on a trip then for a time Kendall says of on the Damascus Road (Acts 9) or to heaven in October 1955.10 His Rodney Howard-Browne: ‘‘I probably Isaiah seeing God high and lifted up alliances constantly shifted and became Rodney’s number one apolo- (Isaiah 6) or John’s vision of the changed. He admits, ‘‘I have always gist.’’14 At last he joined the outer glorified Jesus (Revelation 1) it is been an ambitious man.’’11 fringes of what some have called the difficult to imagine such a thing being

January-March 2004 The Quarterly Journal · 9 missed. Ezekiel certainly did not miss also that He is here in the presence of up in a strange sort of way.’’ Ken- it, nor did Daniel. the indwelling Holy Spirit. Christians dall’s premise is: ‘‘He loves to show are in some sense always in the It appears then that whatever God up in a way that offends the sophisti- presence of God. Jesus said, ‘‘I am 17 “showing up’’ means, believers must cated!’’ These phrases cause people with you always’’ (Matthew 28:20). be prepared and attentive if they are to be open to manipulation by anyone God is also there in a wonderful way to recognize it. This does strongly occupying the stage. The ‘‘unusual’’ when we open the pages of the suggest that there is much of us, self and the ‘‘strange’’ are now claimed to Scripture. In Scripture, Calvin sug- and emotion, in this experiential pro- be of God. However, both of these can gested that God stands before us, cess, and maybe less of God Himself. be produced by the flesh and/or the contemporary with us. God has not demonic. Some would argue, and rightly so, gone anywhere, so He does not need that to suggest such a thing as God to show up. ROTTEN ROOTS “showing up” is to deny, or at least Clichés about God ‘‘showing up’’ Kendall details that his seeking of seriously undermine, the whole con- are perhaps just examples of sensa- the strange began when reports from cept of Jesus Christ coming to earth in tional and contrived terminology in- Toronto and Holy Trinity Brompton the incarnation. God has already shown vented by Kendall and others. It does in England came his way. There was up. Matthew records: ‘‘Behold a virgin a disservice to the incarnation and no careful searching of Scripture, as shall be with child, and bear a son, work of God in and through Emman- had been promised in the preface of and they shall call His name Emman- uel, the Lord Jesus Christ. It mini- his book. Regarding Toronto, Ken- uel, which is God with us’’ (Matthew dall’s friend Charlie said to have ‘‘felt 1:23). mizes the very real presence of Christ in a believer’s life as one who never fairly certain it was of the Holy Spirit, Expositor and professor Charles R. leaves or forsakes. It seriously under- although he was aware of how 18 Erdman comments on the truth of mines the doctrine of omnipresence. strange it all seemed.’’ So it was Emmanuel: The whole premise is sub-Christian. Charlie’s word and not God’s Word that carried the day, even though Paul says, ‘‘in Him we live and move ‘‘The ancient prophet may not Charlie was only ‘‘fairly certain.’’ have had in mind either a and have our being’’ (Acts 17:28). miracle or an event of the distant There is no escape from God, whether Kendall then presents the Toronto future, but the writer of the darkness or distance. Blessing as ‘‘an illustration of what I meant by being open to the manner in Gospel saw that the true mean- SAME OLD, SAME OLD ing of his prediction was realized which God chooses to show up.’’19 in the birth of Jesus, for he was Kendall may have come up with a Kendall admits that in ‘‘October 1995’’ no mere pledge of divine deliver- catchy book title, but it sets up a the ‘‘‘Toronto Blessing’ came to West- ance but himself a divine Sav- scenario in which we need something minster Chapel.’’20 iour, not only was his name a more than God has already done and is Here, finally, we find that God token of the presence of God, but doing. It convolutes the doctrine of “showing up” is really shorthand for 16 he himself was manifest deity.’’ sanctification and makes the Christian warmed-over Toronto Blessing. We life at times a series of emotional John further affirms: ‘‘And the remember Toronto introduced convul- experiences, bodily manifestations, Word became flesh and dwelt among sions, comas, animal noises, and al- us, and we beheld His glory, the and a hunt for altered states of tered states to its revival services in glory as of the only begotten of the consciousness. It confuses the doctrine the early 1990s.21 Kendall disingenu- Father, full of grace and truth’’ (John of direct divine revelation (in the ously states his ‘‘book is not about the 1:14). giving of Scripture), tries to reproduce Toronto Blessing, which, nonetheless, a completed process, and manipulates serves as an illustration of what I Paul declares: ‘‘God was manifested people into ecstatic experiences. It is mean by being ready for the way God in the flesh’’ (1 Timothy 3:16) and the another buzz word, putting people at can show up.’’22 Kendall’s protesta- writer of Hebrews affirms: ‘‘God, who the mercy of Toronto ‘‘blessings,’’ tions seem hollow. This is about the at various times and in various ways, Pensacola ‘‘outpourings,’’ and God- ‘‘Toronto Blessing.’’ This is nothing spoke in times past to the fathers by chasing spasms. more than cloning the experiences of the prophets, has in these last days There is no doubt that Kendall tries others and saying that it is God. spoken to us by His Son’’ (Hebrews Toronto is the illustration, the model, 1:1-2). to open people up to the bizarre. He suggests that like the Pharisees, we and the paradigm. While the extreme wing of the Zacharias declared, ‘‘the dayspring might ‘‘miss God’s Messiah,’’ so we boasts of the ‘‘new’’ and the ‘‘now,’’ it from on high visited us’’ (Luke 1:78). must be ready to let God manifest is just warmed-over Toronto. Believers who commit to the omni- Himself in ways He ‘‘has never done presence of God realize that God does before.’’ He goes so far as to say, ‘‘I It is hard to understand why the not have to show up because He is felt I must prepare the people for the ‘‘classic expositional approach that is already here (Psalm 139). They realize unusual — should God want to show so historic in British tradition,’’ which

10 · The Quarterly Journal January-March 2004 is promised in the book, is totally used primarily of God’s communica- Joseph, or the apostles. Through their ignored.23 Kendall takes the historic tion to man of divine truth, that is, his inspired stories we are reminded that Palm Sunday event regarding Jesus manifestation of himself or of his God will be with us in our afflictions. fulfilling (riding into Jerusa- will.’’25 There is natural or general Scripture does not require us to walk lem on a donkey) and contrives the revelation in which God reveals Him- on water or multiply food. The worn following: self through nature (Romans 1:20), as out canard that the Bible does not an artist through his painting. There state that these things will cease must ‘‘Countless incidents in the Bible is also special revelation where God be turned around and we must insist tell of the Lord showing up at special times in history communi- that it does not state they will con- when He wasn’t expected, al- cated with prophets and apostles for tinue, otherwise we would not expect though He should have been, the purpose of having these inspired clothes to wear out in the wilderness and showing up in a manner that men convey God’s message through or no longer have to shop for food or was surprising. God continues to preaching and in Scripture. take boats over water. do this today, and we must be open to the unexpected time and Inspiration: ‘‘Inspiration, then, as de- Jesus is the same yesterday, today, the unexpected manner of His fined by Paul in this passage [2 Timo- and forever. He will not change in coming. For we may be surprised thy 3:16], is the strong, conscious in- His nature, character, essence, and to find that He has been around breathing of God into men, qualifying promises to be with us (Hebrews and we haven’t recognized them to give utterance to truth. It is God 13:5-8), but as Albert Gibbs reminds Him.’’24 speaking through men, and the Old Testa- us: ment is therefore just as much the Word More correctly we could say that ‘‘A great deal of the confusion of of God as though God spake every single Christendom is the result of fail- Christ showed up as expected because word of it with His own lips.’’26 By this is what the Word of God pre- ure to appreciate what is called extension, the same thing can be said dicted and prophesied. Palm Sunday ‘dispensational truth.’ By ‘dis- of the New Testament. Because the should have been expected since the pensation’ is meant the basis of Bible is complete, there is no contin- time that Zechariah gave his prophecy God’s dealing with mankind, or ued inspiration (or penning of sacred (9:9). It was an event completely a portion of mankind, through Scripture), nor does there need to be. within the boundaries of Scripture. various periods of history. An- Cults thrive on claims of ongoing Some of the people in some fashion drew Jukes has defined it as revelation and additional scriptures. recognized the uniqueness of Jesus, or follows: ‘God had dealt with they would not have shouted, Illumination: ‘‘Spiritual Illumination mankind at various periods since ‘‘Hosanna’’ — save now. refers to the influence of the Holy the fall of man, in different 27 degrees of intimacy and, in a When we declare that God operates Ghost, common to all Christians.’’ Henry Thiessen says, ‘‘illumination certain sense, also on different on the basis of His Word, we are only principles. Through it all, He has declaring what the Bible teaches. God does not deal with the transmission of the truth, but with the understanding had one purpose in view: to fulfills prophecy as He says and as is 28 reveal what He is, and to show expected. God works in accordance of the truth already revealed.’’ Illumination, then, is the Holy Spirit what man is; but this one end with His Word, and Psalm 119:65 has been brought out in different assures us of that fact: ‘‘You have quickening our minds to understand sacred Scripture. ways, and under varied and re- dealt well with your servant, O LORD, peated trials.’’’29 according to your Word.’’ Carnal In writing about his experiences, it experiences and carnal explanations is obvious that Kendall is seeking DEPRESSING ADVICE of experiences do not qualify. How revelation and inspiration when he Some of Kendall’s advice is off the the Palm Sunday event can be a basis ought to be seeking illumination. We mark and may even be dangerous. of what Kendall is proposing is ludi- are promised illumination by God’s His advice on depression is shallow, crous eisegesis. Spirit as we seek to understand and simplistic, and sad: DOCTRINE 101 follow God’s Word (John 14-16). Wanting God to ‘‘show up’’ is a clear ‘‘Angels Comfort Us When We Kendall, for all of the prestige and case of coveting the experiences of Are in Extreme Depression ... status of Westminster, apparently direct revelation and divine inspira- When we suffer from depression, does not understand the distinctions tion when it is not promised by we ought to know that God between the concepts of revelation, Scripture. knows we are suffering. He un- inspiration, and illumination. Con- derstands. If a man of God like There is no way we can repeat the sider the following definitions: Elijah could know depression, Palm Sunday event, nor must we. The then why should we feel guilty Revelation: ‘‘The term revelation record of Christ’s deeds and the because we do, too?’’30 means intrinsically the disclosure of fulfillment of are there for what was previously unknown. In our edification. We do not have to Angelic presence and comfort in Judeo-Christian theology, the term is repeat the experiences of Abraham, depression are at best speculations on

January-March 2004 The Quarterly Journal · 11 Kendall’s part. God knowing and at the expense of being practical.’’31 ceivers come in the guise of ‘‘angels understanding is a given. The prob- of light’’ (2 Corinthians 11:13-14). Joanie E. Yoder also gives the prac- Psalm 1 advises that we not be open lem is that the depression might be tical advice that, ‘‘If you are discour- to just anyone for advice or influence. caused by a real physical ailment that aged because you are tired or over- could go undiagnosed and untreated. worked, God’s initial remedy for you SUBJECTIVISM OR Anemia can cause depression. Sleep is probably extra sleep or a day off. TRUE SPIRITUALITY? deprivation can factor in as well. The most practical remedy, if it’s the Depression can be caused by a num- right one, is usually the most spiritual A subjective orientation shows up ber of medications. We must be a bit one.’’32 in Kendall’s definition of spirituality. more compassionate and thorough He teaches that ‘‘we can define spiri- and ask the person to check on any Jay Adams informs us on the com- tuality as the ability to close the time medications they are taking. If there plexities of depression: gap between the moment the Lord is a possibility of depression as a side ‘‘Almost anything can be at the appears and our awareness that it is effect, we should recommend that root of the counselee’s depres- the Lord.’’35 This is really just subjec- they contact their doctor for a change sion: a recent illness in which he tive mumbo-jumbo. or reduction in amount. Jesus said the gets behind in his work, hor- Spirituality by any biblical defini- sick have need of a physician and the monal changes, a reversal of his tion or explanation must be related to most godly and humane course of fortunes, the consequences of God’s Holy Spirit and the Scriptures. action would be to refer a depressed simple negligence, guilt over a Paul shows that our spirituality is person to a competent doctor for a particular sin, self-pity arising progressive and tied to walking in physical checkup. It is not compas- from jealousy or a disadvanta- obedience to the Holy Spirit and the sionate to glibly mouth angel talk. geous turn of events, bad feeling Word as we develop the fruit of the Depression also can be triggered by resulting from resentment, Spirit. The Apostle Paul instructs, guilt. There is no use telling a person worry, etc. The important fact to ‘‘For you were once darkness, but to not feel guilty when he should. In remember is that a depression now you are light in the Lord. Walk the event that the depression is guilt- does not result directly from any as children of light for the fruit of the induced, we can point the person to one of these factors, but rather Spirit is in all goodness, righteous- the One who can forgive, cleanse, comes from a cyclical process in ness, and truth, finding out what is remove guilt, and set their minds free. which the initial problem is mis- acceptable to the Lord’’ (Ephesians A guilt-ridden adulterer, for instance, handled in such a way that it is 5:8-10). Theologians in the past often should not be pointed to angels, but enlarged in downward helixical have referred to praxis: living out in rather to repentance, God’s mercy, spirals that eventually plunge the everyday the dictates of the Word. 33 and grace. Forgiveness is a great guilt one into despair.’’ The Puritans saw it as all-around godliness. reliever. The pastor/counselor needs to be Depression can be triggered by self- an alert, aggressive, and knowledge- In Galatians, Paul urges: ‘‘For if you are led by the Spirit, you are not pity and brooding, in which case the able helper, and his counselee well- under the law. ... But the fruit of the person has to be helped in breaking informed. It may well be harmful to Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffer- that habit and developing a Philippi- be under the pastoral care of Kendall, ing, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ans 4 mind set. Depression is com- as his grasp of personal problems appears limited. gentleness, self-control. Against such plex, and pawning the person off to there is no law’’ (Galatians 5:18, angels is cruel and dangerous. CANDY FROM STRANGERS? 22-23). With God’s strength, we can The way in which God treated Kendall’s advice on guidance be joyful, peaceful, patient, more Elijah was specific to Elijah. Elijah’s sounds like a recipe for disaster: ‘‘Be gentle, more kind, good, faithful, and depression appears to have stemmed open to anybody at any time. You never self-controlled. from a combination of fear, running know if God will send someone who True spirituality — called godliness from God’s will, sleep loss, and lack will give you a word that is life — consists of the development of of nourishment (1 Kings 19). God changing. I have had it happen to me godly character qualities (2 Peter 1:1- treated each of those problems specifi- more than once — by being open to 12) and knowing and following the cally and in order. Elijah’s case should just anybody. God spoke, and the will of God. John Walvoord points up be referred to only in general terms. person through whom He spoke may, the varied parts of Christian spiritual- His depression had physical, practical, for all I know, have been an angel.’’34 ity: spiritual, and peripheral components. We are to ‘‘test all things’’ (1 Thes- ‘‘Service and our progressive God dealt with every one of them. salonians 5:21) and ‘‘beware of false sanctification, our knowledge of Os Guinness writes that we usually prophets’’ (Matthew 7:15). Just “any- the Word of God, our guidance, end up ‘‘being either practical at the body” could be David Koresh, Jim assurance, , and prayer expense of being spiritual or spiritual Jones, or Marshall Applewhite. De- life are not elements which fall

12 · The Quarterly Journal January-March 2004 into separate categories, but seeing Jesus in others is a way that old Herbert W. Armstrong heresy of a rather are the varied lights of all God “shows up.” God blesses works God-family. the colors of the spiritual life, of mercy and sharing our faith, but Armstrong taught that the Godhead which combined form a holy life He does not have to “show up” — He in the will of God.’’36 is already there. could not be limited to the Father and Christ, but that the would Paul shows that the spiritual man SPIRITUAL WARFARE become part of the God family and will be a thinker and will view things that, ‘‘The GOD FAMILY will then Kendall’s advice on spiritual war- in terms of biblical categories: ‘‘But he RULE ALL NATIONS with the GOV- fare is fine as far as it goes, but leaves who is spiritual judges all things, yet ERNMENT OF GOD RESTORED!’’44 out the believer’s major defense he himself is judged of no one. For He taught that the Trinity doctrine against the enemy. He writes: ‘‘Re- who has known the mind of the Lord destroyed the Gospel. that he may instruct Him? But we member that the devil is round about have the mind of Christ’’ (1 Corin- us. ... Be ready. ... Recognize him for Kendall puts it this way: ‘‘What thians 2:15-16). who he is. ... Refuse him. ... Resist.’’41 possibility could there be that Jesus Kendall says nothing about quoting could lose His place in the Trinity, Adam Clarke expounds the Pauline the Word of God. Jesus quoted the that Jesus could be dislodged from concept of the spiritual man: Word, which resulted in Satan leaving the Godhead? Yet, Romans 8:17 says, ‘‘He who has the mind of Christ Him (Matthew 4:1-11). The Word of ‘We are ... co-heirs with Christ.’ This discerns and judges of all things God is the sword of the Spirit in our means God loves us as much as He spiritual ... He examines, scruti- armor (Ephesians 6:17). loves Jesus.’’45 If Kendall is saying nizes, convinces, reproves ... The what it sounds like he is saying, then It is hard to understand how Ken- spiritual man — the well-taught God does not remain God, and the dall can put a so-called ‘‘prophetic Christian, convinces, i.e. can eas- Trinity becomes an extended family. ily convict, all men, ... his mind word,’’ a so-called ‘‘word of knowl- is enlightened, and his life is edge,’’ and even a ‘‘suggestion’’ on Being a joint heir with Jesus cer- holy.’’37 exactly the same level as Scripture. tainly means that we will share His However, he does that very thing as eternal riches in a resurrected body, Kendall’s view of spirituality as he teaches: but it cannot be taken to the lengths awareness seems so shallow when Kendall pushes it. Roman law, ac- compared with Francis Schaeffer’s ro- ‘‘If God speaks to you through a cording to biblical scholars, consid- bust, biblical one. Schaeffer argues word that’s preached or a pro- ered joint heirs to be ‘‘equal inheri- that there cannot be a true spirituality phetic word or a word of knowl- tors.’’46 apart from a growing, healthy rela- edge, or through a friend gently tionship in a local church setting. He trying to make a suggestion, and We will share Christ’s glory in some calls for substantial healing in per- you reject that message, then you fashion in the hereafter, but we will sonal relationships and substantial leave Him no choice but to do not dislodge Him. The Geneva Study healing in the interpersonal relation- what He has to do to get your Bible says, ‘‘As all the children in a ships in the church.38 True spirituality attention.’’42 human family are heirs of the father is connected to character, behavior, along with the oldest brother, so This comment by Kendall is naive believers are God’s heirs in and with and relationships. It is not a subjective and less than protective of his flock inner awareness, but a heartfelt com- Christ.’’47 This involves a change of (Acts 20:28-31). Modern ‘‘words of status for the believer, not a change of mitment to obedience and the out- knowledge’’ have been shown to be working of that obedience in practical nature. Jesus shares his future riches statistical guesswork and in some biblical terms. in heaven, not His deity or place in cases outright deception and fraud the Trinity. Any truth pushed to Kendall is confusing at points when from a crib sheet or ear receiver. It is extremes becomes heresy. he merges God’s actions with His shameless exploitation that gives false presence.39 Kendall tries to use the hope.43 Because the word-of-knowl- An inheritance is riches promised story in Acts 12, where Peter is edge scam has been run so often, we for the future. Anders Nygren illumi- released from jail, as an illustration of ought to have nothing to do with it. nates Romans 8:17 with its emphasis God “showing up.” on joint inheritance: LITTLE GODS? In Kendall’s view, God “showing ‘‘In these Paul’s emphasis on up” can be answered prayer, direct Kendall’s statements about Christ, both present and future in rela- revelations, bodily manifestations, the believer, and the Godhead are tion to Christ comes to expres- and many other things. When some- troubling. Kendall seems to be saying sion. In this life it is of primary thing is everything, it is really noth- that Christ has been displaced in the importance that we are partici- ing. Kendall quotes Mother Teresa in Godhead and has to move over and pants with Him in His suffering. her asking, ‘‘Did you see Jesus to- share His exclusive place in the Trin- But in the life that is to come we day?’’40 and strongly implies that ity with us. It almost sounds like the are made participants in His

January-March 2004 The Quarterly Journal · 13 glory; only then shall we enter process, and enjoy God’s love and LAUGHING AT ONESELF into the inheritance which has Fatherhood, there may be many po- already been assured for us.’’48 tential causes, including lack of con- In making light of a ‘‘special call,’’ version or inattention to the Word, Kendall shows the subjective nature An expanding or growing Trinity is which must be determined. of self-authenticating experiences. The nowhere taught in the Bible. The idea humor he employs inadvertently of Christ sharing His place in the Paul Vitz reminds us: shows how mystical and silly these Godhead with mere creatures is a ‘‘In the case of both parents, it is claims are: sibling to Armstrongism and cousin high time that these ‘explana- to Mormonism. ‘‘A friend I grew up with heard tions’ be called by their real an audible voice saying, ‘Dale, THE RETURN OF FREUD name — a new variety of the old preach!’ Someone else was plow- prejudice known as ‘scapegoat- Kendall also seems to buy into ing corn in the fields when he ing.’ When will psychological saw the clouds were formed in a questionable modern psychological theory be honest and large theory, which suggests a link between PC. He said, ‘God is saying to me enough to allow us the dignity of ‘Preach Christ,’ and he quit a person’s inability to believe God accepting that the fault is not in loves him and that person’s relation- plowing corn and he started our parents — anymore than it is preaching Christ. (Those who ship with his or her father. He seems in our stars—but in ourselves.’’50 to be about 30 years behind the times heard him very often said the PC 52 as he hitches his wagon to psycho- Jay Adams shows the tie-in to really meant ‘Plow Corn’!)’’ logical theory. Kendall writes: secular self-love and self-image teach- In the end, the lesson is lost on ing and describes what the New Kendall and his followers. ‘‘There could be a psychological Testament presents: problem. I know people who Kendall is also into personal pro- can’t call God ‘Father’ because of ‘‘What do the writers of the New phetic words and gives high marks to the relationship they had with Testament epistles actually re- Paul Cain,53 who teaches that the their own fathers. It may surprise quire of their readers? Quite the prophets and apostles of today are you to know, I sympathize here. opposite of self-image practices. greater than Elijah, Peter, or Paul.54 I never quite came up to my own They constantly insist that their Benny Hinn has dubbed Cain ‘‘the father’s expectations.’’49 readers love God and one an- most accurate prophet on the earth other in spite of any deprivation 55 Kendall, at best, is imposing a today,’’ an inadvertent condemna- they may have experienced in tion if there ever was one. Fallible debatable psychological interpretation their backgrounds. Indeed the on an event. The person could be prophets is a made-up concept fabri- issue of deprivation is never cated in recent years because of the using the parent as an excuse for raised as an extenuating circum- constant misses and failures of the rejecting God’s love. stance to explain away sinful false prophets dotting our land. This writer had an abusive, alco- living. Are we to infer that the holic, unloving father who abandoned recipients of the epistles had Kendall believes that prophetic his family following divorce. This none of the deprivations ... words will ‘‘unveil God’s secret 56 writer discovered in the Scriptures the wouldn’t you expect to see stroke will.’’ Here again, Kendall is dead truth of the Fatherhood of God and after stroke given to converts in wrong. There are two kinds of knowl- rejoiced in the new relationship with the epistles rather than com- edge with God: the things He wants a perfect, loving Heavenly Father who mands and exhortations to love us to know and has revealed in His would never abuse and never forsake. God and love one another? Com- Word, and the secret things which The concept of God as Father was mands to love, regardless of belong to Him alone. Deuteronomy nourishing, comforting, and healing. background and even in the 29:29 is emphatic: ‘‘The secret things The Holy Spirit illuminated and ap- midst of existing problems of belong to the LORD our God, but plied that truth in wonderful ways. I every kind, appear in 1 Corin- those things which are revealed be- was not bound to be an abusive father thians 13 and innumerable other long to us and our children forever, in need of some kind of psychological passages. Indeed, Jesus Himself that we may do all the words of the healing. told us that Scripture can be law.’’ Note that the acquiring of summed up as a group of books biblical knowledge is for obedience, Christ would not have told us to that teach us how to love God not just to boast in discovery. Jesus pray, ‘‘Our Father which art in and one another. If that is so, spoke openly and said, ‘‘In secret heaven’’ if it were impossible to do how is it that the all-important have I said nothing’’ (John 18:20). so. Peter assured believers that they self-worth truth (that love for have been released and redeemed others rests on love for self, and Kendall burdens his followers with from the aimless conduct (or vain this in turn on the love of others a yoke that makes things more diffi- habit patterns) of their fathers (1 Peter for one’s self) is not spelled out cult than they need to be. Supposedly 1:18). If one is unable to accept, in Scripture?’’51 these prophetic words come to en-

14 · The Quarterly Journal January-March 2004 courage us, warn us, or give us governed by old management theory, Dove after all. Often it has been a specific instructions.57 At the same but by the clear structure of the pigeon — not the heavenly Dove time, he makes scant mention of the pastoral epistles. The Word of God is — that gave me a ‘religious’ Bible, which is given to fulfill all these adequate for all of Church life. feeling. ... someone could easily functions (Romans 15:4, 2 Timothy fall to the floor after being UNFULFILLED EXPECTATIONS 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:1-4). Kendall devotes prayed for and that there could four lines58 to Bible reading, but As a boy of about seven years of be an entirely natural explana- many pages to tell us the other ways age, this writer had a young friend tion for it.’’62 that God gives prophetic words. That, with a wagon with removable In his article, Kendall, in essence, in itself, speaks volumes. wooden sides. We were employed by debunks God “showing up’’ experi- the neighborhood grocer, old Mr. ences as he describes an experience he HEALTHY AND WEALTHY, Gibbs, to go and gather coal from a BUT WISE? had at a church where falling down coal-littered field where full open coal and laughing had become a norm for Kendall hedges when it comes to trains rumbled through daily and worshipers. Kendall says that, ‘‘I be- the ‘‘health and wealth’’ gospel. He pieces of the black cargo bounced out. lieve that their expectancy was so presents verses that seem to support Mr. Gibbs heated with coal and prom- high and the preconditioning so pow- the prosperity message and suggests a ised us 25 cents for each full wagon erful that a pigeon could have done ‘‘balanced view of prosperity teach- load. If we worked all afternoon we the same thing.’’63 ing.’’59 Some who endorse Kendall’s might bring in five wagon loads. Just about anything will get people book are committed prosperity teach- Exhausted from the summer heat and waiting for our $1.25 (a huge amount charged up, according to Kendall: ers, or at least would not criticize back then), Mr. Gibbs proceeded to those who are. In the final analysis, it ‘‘There is nothing like a large throw a quarter at us and tell us to is hard to have a ‘‘balanced view’’ of crowd to counterfeit the presence get lost. The disappointment and frus- error. of the Dove. A big group can tration stayed with us for a long time. create an expectant atmosphere. Kendall does say that God is sover- One can feel much the same way Nothing preconditions a leader eign, that He could make one pros- with Kendall’s books. While the or a congregation like a church perous if He wished, but at times opts reader might expect the same caliber that’s filled with people. ... But not to do that.60 But even when of delivery from the long history of eventually one wakes up and Kendall appears to be headed in the solid exposition at Westminster comes to terms with the sobering right direction, we discover he’s mov- Chapel, Kendall delivers anemic the- possibility that it was all hype. ... ing under the power of unbiblical ology and shallow advice. History, A powerful leader (even a wor- reasoning. He writes, ‘‘I often talk at doctrine, psychology, management ship leader or preacher) can Westminster Chapel about The Peter theory, emotions (via Toronto), and sometimes control a crowd with 61 Principle.’’ Kendall’s point is that various Bible portions are all thrown his or her gift and personality. we may rise to a level of incompe- into a theological blender. The work The people out there may not tence and hate our success. of God, the ways of God, and the have a clue they are being ma- Again, Kendall is far out of even person of God are mixed and nipulated.’’64 matched in a strange fashion. Ken- current thinking. The Peter Principle is So much for God “showing up.” dall’s exposition is eccentric, an outdated secular invention. In fact, Kendall’s admissions ought to be subjective, and confusing. What really we may rise to a level of success and reviewed before one reads his books. love it and be drawn away from God. shows up is how far the Westminster pulpit has moved from its roots. It is not even correct to speak of The Peter Principle was the work of ecstatic experiences as God “showing Charisma magazine gave Kendall a Laurence J. Peter and was the big rage up.’’ Ecstasy can come out of the renewed boost in the summer of 2002. at the beginning of the seventies. human psyche or from the evil spirit In an article titled, ‘‘Don’t Get What Kendall failed to note was that world. The way in which God works Trapped in Pigeon Religion,’’ Kendall Peter claimed to correct, at least in with us is much different than the confesses that he has had a counterfeit part, the inevitability of The Peter way Kendall suggests. Scripture indi- Principle in his subsequent book, The spirit many times: cates in various places that God Peter Prescription, released in 1972, ‘‘It seems to me that many of the works with us through what has been two years after The Peter Principle. claims to the presence of the called dynamic understanding. As Peter subtitled the sequel, ‘‘How To Dove among us are nothing but God addresses us in Scripture, the Be Creative, Confident and Compe- pigeon religion — a counterfeit Holy Spirit gives understanding, con- tent.’’ The trouble with following for the Holy Spirit. In my own viction, and decision making power, secular management theories is that haste I have presumed the pres- which brings forth transformation. they change or are outdated very ence of God in my life many These are cognitive events, as Ger- quickly. The Church is not to be times — when it was not the hard Maier explains when he writes:

January-March 2004 The Quarterly Journal · 15 ’’...dynamic understanding takes 2. Jack W. Hayford in R.T. Kendall, When York: Abingdon Press, nd, New Testa- place where revelation meets the God Shows Up. Ventura, Calif.: Gospel ment Vol. 2, pg. 201, italics in original. person directly, transforming and Light, 1998, pg. 7, italic in original. 38. See further, Francis Schaeffer, True 3. Ibid., pp. 7-9. Spirituality. Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House profoundly altering him. 4. R.T. Kendall, In Pursuit of His Glory. Publishers, 1971, pp. 148-180. Through contact with the Word : Hodder & Stoughton, 2002, pg. 39. When God Shows Up, op. cit., pp. 47-48. the person is not who he was xvii. 40. Ibid., pg. 55. before. A dynamic transforma- 5. Ibid., pp. 109-113. 41. Ibid., pp. 86-87, italics in original. tion has taken place. The Word 6. ‘‘Blessitt Announces Divorce,’’ Charisma 42. Ibid., pg. 77. ‘cut[s] to the heart’ (Ac 2:37 & Christian Life, August 1990, pg. 16. 43. See further, G. Richard Fisher, ‘‘Words KJV).’’65 7. In Pursuit of His Glory, op. cit., pg. xi. of Knowledge: Mystical or Statistical? The 8. Ibid., pg. 104. Truth Behind the Sham,’’ The Quarterly Maier further explains that this new 9. Ibid., pg. xii. Journal, Vol. 14, No. 1. dynamic understanding is not thrills, 10. Ibid., pp. 2-3. 44. Herbert W. Armstrong, Mystery of the chills, and goose bumps: 11. Ibid., pg. 81. Ages. Pasadena, Calif.: Worldwide Church of God, 1985, pg. 42, upper case in ‘‘It must be graphically under- 12. Ibid., pg. 26, footnote 1. 13. Ibid., pg. 33. original. scored that this has nothing to do 14. Ibid., pg. 132. 45. When God Shows Up, op. cit., pg. 104, with emotionalism or ecstatic ex- 15. When God Shows Up, op. cit., pg. 14. ellipsis in original. cess. Revelation meets a person 16. Charles R. Erdman, The Gospel of 46. Kenneth Wuest, Word Studies in the in the heart, and thus also in the Matthew. Philadelphia: The Westminster Greek New Testament. Grand Rapids, Mich.: intellect. It does not meet him Press, 1948, pg. 26. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, 1973, Vol. 1, Romans, pg. 136. somewhere beyond the person as 17. When God Shows Up, op. cit., pg. 14. 47. The New Geneva Study Bible. Nashville: 18. Ibid., pg. 15. a central whole. Nor does the Thomas Nelson Publishing, 1995, pg. 1780. 19. Ibid., italic in original. dynamic transformation men- 48. Anders Nygren, Commentary on Ro- 20. In Pursuit of His Glory, op. cit., pg. xvii. tioned above remove the respon- mans. Philadelphia: Muhlenberg Press, sibility of response, of decision. 21. See further, G. Richard Fisher, ‘‘The 1949, pg. 329. Dynamic understanding takes Animalization of Christianity — Chaos in 49. When God Shows Up, op. cit., pg. 107. the Vineyard,’’ The Quarterly Journal,Vol. 50. Paul C. Vitz, Psychology As Religion. place just as well in a situation 15, No. 2, and ‘‘All That Glitters... Gold Grand Rapids, Mich.: Wm. B. Eerdmans where the person is compliant Fillings and Truth Decay in Toronto,’’ The Publishing, 1979, pg. 85. and where the person drags his Quarterly Journal, Vol. 19, No. 3. 51. Jay E. Adams, The Biblical View of 22. When God Shows Up, op. cit., pg. 16. heels. In any case the coordinat- Self-Esteem, Self-Love, Self-Image. Eugene, ing center of his life has been 23. Ibid., pg. 8. Ore.: Harvest House Publishers, 1986, profoundly touched.’’66 24. Ibid., pg. 26. pg. 54. 25. Everett F. Harrison, editor, Baker’s One should feel compassion for 52. When God Shows Up, op. cit., pg. 115, Dictionary of Theology. Grand Rapids, italics in original. people in Kendall’s confusing envi- Mich.: Baker Book House, 1973, pg. 457. 53. Ibid., pg. 122. ronment, and for people who get their 26. William Evans, The Great Doctrines of 54. See further, Hank Hanegraaff, Counter- buttons pushed to create a God the Bible. Chicago: Moody Press, 1974, pg. feit Revival. Dallas: Word Publishing, 1997, “showing up’’ experience. God is not 194, italics in original. pg. 160. showing up in many of the ways 27. Ibid., pg. 197. 55. Benny Hinn, Praise the Lord show, 28. Henry Clarence Thiessen, Introductory Trinity Broadcasting Network, Nov. 20, Kendall suggests. Kendall is only Lectures in Systematic Theology. Grand Rap- imagining it. 1996, tape on file. ids, Mich.: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, 56. When God Shows Up, op. cit., pg. 124, God is not the author of confusion. 1952, pg. 106. bold italics in original. Kendall himself confesses it may be 29. Albert Gibbs, Christian Baptism. Kansas 57. Ibid., pp. 124-126. City, Ks.: Walterick Publishers, 1966, pg. all man-made, after all, in his ‘‘pigeon 58. Ibid., pg. 123. 16. 59. Ibid., pg. 136. religion’’ analogy. The deep exposi- 30. When God Shows Up, op. cit., pg. 38. 60. Ibid., pp. 136-137. tion of G. Campbell Morgan and the 31. Our Daily Bread, devotional entry for 61. Ibid., pg. 138. rich exegesis of Martyn Lloyd-Jones — Saturday, Feb. 17, 2001. 62. R.T. Kendall, ‘‘Don’t Get Trapped in still available in their writings — are a 32. Ibid. Pigeon Religion,’’ Charisma, August 2002, far better choice. Safe and proper 33. Jay E. Adams, The Christian Counselor’s pg. 81. This article is adapted from encounters with God can be found in Manual. Phillipsburg, N.J.: Presbyterian Kendall’s book The Sensitivity of the Holy and Reformed Publishers, 1973, pg. 375, Spirit, published by Charisma House. His dynamic and transforming Word. italic in original. 63. Ibid., pp. 81-82. Endnotes: 34. When God Shows Up, op. cit., pg. 40, 64. Ibid., pp. 82, 84. italics in original. 65. Gerhard Maier, Biblical Hermeneutics. 1. See further, R.T. Kendall’s book catalog 35. Ibid., pg. 44. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 1993, pg. listed on his web site, www.rtkendall 36. John Walvoord, The Holy Spirit. Find- 74. Note that Maier uses ‘‘revelation’’ in a ministries.com/books.htm. Dobson’s en- lay, Ohio: Dunham Publishers, 1958, pg. very loose sense, meaning our personal dorsement is found in the listings for 224. encounter with God’s revelation in Scrip- Kendall’s Understanding Theology Volume II 37. Adam Clarke, The New Testament of ture. and Volume III. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.New 66. Ibid. g 16 · The Quarterly Journal January-March 2004