VOL. 24, NO. 4 OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2004 EDITOR: KEITH A. MORSE

Joel Osteen’s Appealing But Aberrant Message by Robert S. Liichow Many would look at Houston’s with G. Richard Fisher Baptist boat and walked out to Lakewood Church, with its 30,000 do what Jesus was doing. Others people attending services each Sun- have stayed in the boat where it day in a 16,000-seat arena that once is safe. They are not in danger of was the home of the Houston Rockets sinking, but they are not out basketball team, as the epitome of where the miracles are. Oh, for church success. But that success was men and women who will risk achieved at a cost to sound doctrine all for Jesus. Oh, for people who and spiritual integrity. will rise up and walk out, trust- ing only in the power of Jesus!’’2 Lakewood, a Charismatic, Word Faith powerhouse in the 21st century, Osteen eventually became associ- was founded by the late John Osteen, ated with the Word Faith movement. who started his pastoral career as a ‘‘A Tribute to Pastor John Osteen,’’ Southern Baptist. After receiving ‘‘the found on the church’s web site, offers baptism in the Holy Ghost in 1958,’’1 further details of the church’s genesis, he became enamored with the Charis- mission, and history: matic renewal movement. In 1959, he ‘‘John Osteen began Lakewood left the Southern Baptist Convention Church in a dusty, abandoned and described his exodus in these feed store on Mother’s Day 1959. terms: ... John Osteen was driven by an ‘‘One day I was sailing through how it thrilled me! I cried, ‘Jesus, amazing love for people of all life in my little Baptist boat. I I want to do what I see You ages, races, nationalities and began to study the Bible in my doing.’ He said, ‘Come!’ Thank walks of life. ... The late John search for deeper things. As I God, I marched out of my little (continues on page 14) read Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, I saw the Son of the Living Inside this Issue: God. He was healing the sick. He Remember the Puzzle ...... Page 2 was casting out demons. He was setting the captives free. He was The Cultic Root System of King James Onlyism ...... Page 4 bringing men to God through the The Not So Guiding Light of Jack T. Chick ...... Page 5 power of the Holy Spirit. Oh, Yes, life is like a puzzle — only more complex. There is REMEMBER THE PUZZLE no box lid with its final picture — except the sure Some people love to do jigsaw puzzles and will spend knowledge of resurrection when death will be reversed hours — even days — on intricate ones. Everyone knows and there will be some affinity to the resurrected body of when they do a puzzle that they must have patience and Jesus (1 Corinthians 15, 1 John 3:1-3). From here to persistence, and it will not be complete until the last resurrection is the complicated part. Just how and where piece is in place. life’s puzzle pieces all fit is worked out over time. We know one piece is only one piece and not the whole The Bible indicates that Christian growth is just like puzzle. How often we have heard from the extremists on that and the last pieces will not be put into place until the Charismatic fringe, ‘‘This is the year of the Lord, the God Himself places them and we are given new glorified year of Jubilee.’’ Life’s puzzle takes more than one year bodies (Romans 8:22-23). Resurrection with perfect bod- or even one decade. Claims there will always be, but ies in a perfect environment is the very last piece of the those making the claims have yet to demonstrate the puzzle. However, we are adding the other pieces all through life. goods. In Charles Spurgeon’s Morning by Morning, the devo- Some utopians and triumphalists throw pieces of the tional for January 27 spoke of heaven in this way: ‘‘Then puzzle in where they don’t belong, creating distorted shall we know, and taste, and feel the happiness of this pictures, and even rush to make the puzzle appear vast but short sentence, ‘Complete in Christ.’ Not till then finished when it is really botched up. In reality, the last shall we fully comprehend the heights and depths of the few pieces can only be placed in at resurrection. salvation of Jesus.’’ In our dark times it is good to One of the favorite con games of Charismatic extrem- remember, ‘‘not till then.’’ ists is ‘‘Name the Year.’’ Shortly before his death, Life is certainly more akin to the conventional method Kenneth Hagin got the ball rolling for 2004 with a of photography than that of digital photography with its ‘‘prophecy’’ delivered during his Winter Bible Seminar in quick-snap results. Life’s picture and its final outcome February 2003: ‘‘But 2004 - what about 2004? Two takes a long time to complete. Growth is life-long. No thousand four will be a year for more.’’ More what? one thinks of an elaborate puzzle made up of only a According to Hagin, ‘‘more power, more glory, more handful of pieces. Neither should anyone think the manifestation, more saved, more filled with the Spirit, Christian life can be developed by one fad, one program, more healed!’’ (e-mail advertisement for Winter Bible one conference, or one revival. (continues on page 20)

Personal Freedom Outreach P.O. Box 26062 • Saint Louis, Missouri 63136-0062 • (314) 921-9800 Visit PFO’s Web Site at: http://www.pfo.org

Board of Directors: James Bjornstad ...... Cedarville, OH Joan C. Cetnar ...... Kunkletown, PA G. Richard Fisher...... Bricktown, NJ M. Kurt Goedelman ...... Saint Louis, MO Robert L. Griffin ...... Gulf Shores, AL Keith A. Morse...... Denver, CO David M. Tyler ...... Granite City, IL

Board of Reference: Dr. Jay E. Adams...... Enoree, SC Dr. Norman L. Geisler ...... Charlotte, NC Dr. Edmond C. Gruss ...... Newhall, CA Dr. John P. Juedes...... Highland, CA © 2004–PFO. All rights reserved. ISSN: 1083-6853. These articles may not be stored on web pages or Internet sites without permission. The Quarterly Journal is the newsletter publication of PFO. Published by Personal Freedom Outreach, P.O. Box 26062, Saint Louis, MO 63136. PFO’s Journal may also be obtained on CD-ROM in Portable Document Format (.PDF) for use with Adobe Acrobat Reader® software.

2 · The Quarterly Journal October-December 2004 The renewed interest in Emmerich can be largely KABBALAH attributed to actor/director Mel Gibson and his motion KINDERGARTEN picture The Passion of the Christ. Gibson used Emmerich’s visions, found in her book The Dolorous Passion of Our Singer and actress Madonna has spent over $21 million Lord Jesus Christ, as a source for his film. During the of her own money to establish the New York Kabbalah wave of publicity before the release of Gibson’s film last Grammar School for Children. The school, which is being spring, sale of the Emmerich volume increased from called ‘‘The K School,’’ will instruct primary-age children 3,000 copies in 2002 to 17,000 copies last February alone. about the beliefs of Jewish mysticism. In addition, the pre-elementary school pupils will receive normal instruc- In Catholicism, the road to sainthood is a long and tion in reading, writing, and arithmetic — but, according difficult process. First, a person must die. Then the to Madonna, ‘‘spirituality’’ will be at the center of every deceased’s virtues and reputation, writings and public lesson. declarations are examined by the diocese in which the candidate died. Upon favorable review, along with the The school is located a few blocks away from Pope’s approval, the candidate receives the title of Madonna’s Manhattan apartment and will begin classes ‘‘Venerable.’’ Emmerich received the title of ‘‘Venerable” in December. in April 2001, thereby attaining a degree of heroic virtue Strict enrollment requirements face parents who want and paving the way for her beatification. Following her to enroll their 5-year-olds. First, parents must be practic- beatification, confirmation of a miracle attributed to ing Kabbalists before even submitting an application. Emmerich will be the final requirement for her to acheive Next comes a formidable academic test for the child sainthood. along with an investigation of the family. Tuition will be For more information on Emmerich and her passion $3,600 per term. mysticism, see the July-September 2004 issue of The Kabbalah, which means ‘‘received tradition,’’ is a blend Quarterly Journal. of Jewish mysticism, magic, speculation, and supersti- —MKG tion. It unites the elements of numerology and astrology to offer a theology for the nature of God, the origin of the universe, and the destiny of man. MORMONS CONTINUE TO Madonna became devoted to the mystical derivative of Judaism after becoming pregnant with her first child in BAPTIZE DECEASED JEWS 1997. Others from America’s entertainment aristocracy, Nearly a decade ago, Jewish officials objected when the including Britney Spears, Demi Moore, Barbra Streisand, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was posthu- Roseanne Barr, Elizabeth Taylor, and Courtney Love have mously proxy baptizing Jews. In 1995, the Mormon expressed interest in this form of mystical spirituality. church said it was removing thousands of names from its —MKG International Genealogical Index and pledged that it would no longer baptize deceased Jews. However, Mormons continued to submit names of deceased Jews — many of whom were Holocaust victims EMMERICH HEADED — to be baptized in the LDS temple ceremony. In FOR SAINTHOOD December 2002, after seven years of continued proxy baptisms, the LDS renewed its promise at a meeting with The 19th-century passion mystic and visionary Anne Holocaust survivor Ernest Michel. Michel, current chair- Catherine Emmerich was beatified during a ceremony on man of the World Gathering of (Jewish) Holocaust Oct. 3. Last summer, Pope John Paul II sanctioned the Survivors, said LDS church officials issued a memoran- official order for her beatification. According to Roman dum pledging that Jewish names would be eliminated Catholic belief, beatification is the near-final step in the from the Mormon data base. process that eventually leads to canonization. Canoniza- While this agreement was developed, LDS church Elder tion is the official declaration by the Roman Catholic D. Todd Christofferson hinted at the difficulty of the Church that a person is a saint in heaven. (continues on page 22)

October-December 2004 The Quarterly Journal · 3 King James Version? New King those who castigate anyone using the preserved, perfect, and pure Word James Version? New International another translation. Not all within this of God until 1611. Those holding this Version? New American Standard camp are militant, but the militant point of view confuse inspiration and Bible? The use of a specific English voices receive the most attention. translation. Another serious drawback translation of the Scriptures is a mat- for Ruckman is his use of inappropri- ter of personal preference, as the LAY OF THE LAND ate and foul language when referring following survey of senior pastors King James Onlyism is not a unified to his opposition.4 reveals: camp. There are at least six basic 2. The Received Text position. This positions: ‘‘The poll, conducted by Ellison position argues that the best and Research, found the NIV was 1. The reinspiration position. This almost — if not completely — infal- chosen as the personal favorite view says that the 1611 edition of the lible text is the 1624 Greek revision of by 31 percent of the ministers, King James Bible is superior to the Roman Catholic priest Erasmus. After followed by the King James Ver- Greek and Hebrew texts. They a number of revisions, this text was sion (23 percent), the New Re- wrongly believe that the translators dubbed the Textus Receptus. Why it is vised Standard (14 percent), the were almost, if not actually, inspired so esteemed is difficult to fathom. New King James (13 percent) and to write this version in English. The Though earlier editions of the Eras- the New American Standard (10 primary proponent of this position is mus text (and other sources as well) percent).’’1 Peter Ruckman.2 The biggest hurdle were used to compile the KJV, the of all for those aligning with Ruck- Based upon the survey, 77% of so-called Received Text was not born man is: ‘‘Which King James Version?,’’ American ministers apparently do not until 13 years after the KJV was because it has come through major favor the King James Bible. A tiny completed and contains numerous revisions since 1611. The original 1611 minority of those who prefer the KJV differences from the one used by the King James Version contained the 5 would, if they had their way, burn all KJV translators. Apocrypha, as well as listings of other versions. However, few of them Church feasts including the Virgin Names associated with this position probably are familiar with the origins Mary’s feast days. We presently use are David Otis Fuller, Edward Hills, of their position. an 18th-century revision, minus the and Donald Waite. The so-called Tex- One of the best-kept secrets of the Apocrypha. The simple facts are: tus Receptus, though different in religious world is the cultic roots of places from the KJV, is still held to be ‘‘The 1762 revision, undertaken the modern King James Version Only the superior text. A.T. Robertson re- by Dr. Thomas Paris of Trinity (KJVO) camp. To speak of ‘‘King fers to this view as ‘‘a fictitious College, Cambridge and the 1769 James Only’’ or ‘‘King James Only- worship of the letter of Erasmus’s last edition, revised by Dr. Benjamin 6 ism’’ is to refer to those who believe edition.’’ Those holding this position Blayney of Hertford College in the King James Version is superior to can, at times, be very strident and in Oxford, brought us to the text of all other versions. Its supporters run fact obnoxiously militant as they con- our present day beloved KJV.’’3 the gamut from those who simply fuse inspiration and preservation. prefer it and think it is superior We may firmly conclude from the 3. The rigid tradition position. This because of its style and longevity, to reinspiration position that no one had (continues on page 10)

4 · The Quarterly Journal October-December 2004 One novelty available in magic concentrate on the good? Don’t you caster Bob Hammond told Chick stores is a light bulb that appears to think you are being a tad bit critical that China was won to Commu- be illuminated with no apparent con- here?’’ Most people would trash the nism through cartoon booklets. nection to electricity. The bulb, of bagel and never go near the vendor Chick decided to use the same course, is not an ordinary bulb, but again. method for Christ. In other one rigged with a small battery. When words, Chick tracts are a Com- Some Bible teachers are like the mie plot.’’2 the base of the bulb touches a tiny New York bagel vendor. Error can piece of metallic fabric or foil in the creep into a person’s teaching even if Most of Chick’s tracts, in and of performer’s hand, ‘‘Abracadabra — let the teacher says some good things. themselves, are not too bad. However, there be light!’’ When it comes to the contemporary his work cannot be endorsed for a There are real bulbs and there are Church’s ‘‘Hall of Shame’’ of flaky variety of significant reasons. trick ones. Aberrational doctrine is and tainted teachings, one man’s bust GRAND ‘‘FLAKES’’ like the trick bulb: it only appears to looms large: Jack T. Chick. Chick, be legitimate. now in his 80s, is probably best Over the past three decades, Chick has gained notoriety for endorsing, Apologist Robert Bowman issued an known for his small comic book promoting, and selling resources for alert over a decade ago: format evangelistic tracts or booklets. heretics, charlatans, and known cons ‘‘The church today is plagued, Chick was converted to Christ in and criminals. Over the years, Chick’s not only by heresies and aberra- 1948 after listening to Charles E. message has been unchanged — a tions, but by doctrines which I Fuller’s Old Fashion Revival Hour radio secret cabal plotting to undermine the would characterize as ‘junk-food broadcast. During the 1950s, he Church and kill Christians. And while doctrine.’ Junk food won’t kill worked as an aerospace illustrator. In the plot line never changes, the fac- you, unless that’s all you eat — 1958, with the help of his wife, Chick tion behind this plot has. Since the in which case poor nutrition will created an evangelistic flip chart spin- 1970s, the Illuminati, the Roman eventually catch up with you. off of the radio program, This Is Your Catholic Church, Satanists and Junk-food doctrine is not good, Life. Chick’s version, which later be- witches have all, at times, been the nor is it really bad. One might came known as ‘‘This Was Your Life,’’ principal characters of Chick’s con- call it ‘flaky’ doctrine.’’1 portrayed an unconverted soul who spiracy theories. dies and faces judgment. His life is Last year a radio news item told of then replayed to him on a heavenly Chick first paved the way for John a food vendor on the streets of New movie screen. His flip chart was Todd, who claimed to be an ex-Grand York City who sold a bagel and cream initially used to evangelize prisoners, Druid and a former high-ranking cheese sandwich with a cockroach in and later became his most popular member of the Illuminati.3 Todd it. No one in his right mind would and enduring witnessing tract. gained prominence through Chick’s argue, ‘‘It’s not that grave a concern. full-length comic books, Angel of Light One Chick critic notes: Just think of all the good cream and Spellbound. He said he was privy cheese in that sandwich. Can’t you ‘‘TWYL was converted to tract to the identity of the Antichrist. A sort the bagel from the cockroach and form after missionary broad- thorough investigation of Todd and

October-December 2004 The Quarterly Journal · 5 his claims revealed a history of di- claimed to have literally married Sa- ideas of Wilkinson. As such, they are verse conversion stories, multiple tan and jetted around the world as his 50 or more years behind the times as marriages, deception, and other un- international agent, Brown pretended far as current Bible manuscript stud- Christian behavior.4 Todd was not the to know all the secrets of the satanic ies. For example, the ‘‘P’’ fragments conspiratorial whistle-blower Chick organization.10 As Todd’s and Al- (many dating virtually to the made him out to be, but rather a berto’s stories succumbed to apathy Apostles) have recently acquired great psychotic con man who, in 1988, and the critic’s pen, Brown became distinction within the Bible translation received a 30-year prison sentence for the darling of Chick Publications. arena and have nothing to do with raping a graduate student in South Wescott and Hort, who are classified Carolina.5 Chick gave even greater distinction by those in the KJVO camp as the to the message and testimony of perpetrators ultimately responsible for Chick then moved to promoting a Rebecca and Elaine. Rather than con- the modern day evil versions.14 bogus Roman Catholic priest named fining their tales to comic book for- Alberto Rivera. Rivera described him- mat, Chick published two full-length So Chick’s track record is indeed self as a former Jesuit who was a books, He Came to Set the Captives Free appalling. That in itself makes us secret agent of the Catholic Church and Prepare for War.11 leery of anything he produces. Chick with a mission to infiltrate and de- seems to lack discernment. The regret- stroy Protestant denominations. Riv- Chick regarded the evidence of all table aspect of all this is that he of Brown’s past drug forays and legal era, like Todd, was publicized in a wields influence over many young troubles with disdain, indifference, pair of Chick comic books, Alberto and and untaught believers. and denial. As he did when respond- Double Cross. Rivera claimed he was ing to refutations of Todd and Rivera, Chick’s latest promotion is a 78- not alone in his mission. He alleged he said the evidence had been set minute audio-visual production other Vatican-ordained colleagues forth by a vast satanic conspiracy (available on either DVD or VHS whose mission was to wreak havoc established to destroy their divine video) called The Light of the World.It and destruction within Protestantism missions. is advertised as giving the whole included Kathryn Kuhlman and Jim story from creation to Christ’s resur- Jones. Both Catholics and Protestants Today, even apart from Chick, rection with narration and more than discounted and refuted Alberto’s alle- Brown continues in a far-out state of 360 images of oil paintings. A bro- 6 gations. paranoia. She says PFO wields great chure touts: control over churches and Christian One Australian-based ministry pro- publishing. The members of PFO are, ‘‘In a day when many Christians vided details of Rivera’s personal according to Brown, ‘‘agents of Satan’’ are producing watered-down, history. Concerned Christians Growth and she calls for Christians to pray politically-correct films, The Light Ministries published statements from and ask God to expunge the ministry of the World provides exactly several people who knew Rivera as a of PFO.12 what you would expect from young man. Their testimony included Jack Chick — a straightforward, details of his membership in an evan- Chick also is enamored with a Peter biblically accurate, no-punches- gelical church in the Canary Islands, Ruckman-style King James Version pulled presentation of the gospel his study at an evangelical seminary Only teaching. This belief contends with a compelling salvation ap- in Costa Rica, and the average social that only the King James Version of peal.’’ status of his family. The magazine the Bible contains the unadulterated even printed a 1953 photograph taken Word of God. As such, he brands all How much light is in The Light of the in Las Palmas, Canary Islands, show- other versions or translations of Scrip- World, and how much is an illusion is ing Rivera as part of a young men’s ture — including the New King James the question. Obviously there are church group.7 These particulars all Version — as perversions. some things that are correct in Chick’s presentation, but it also contains undermined the claim by Rivera (in It also appears that Chick is un- the Alberto comic book) that during issues not clearly explained and aware that the King James Version points described very poorly. Those his youth, ‘‘In Spain alone, I helped Only teaching was born out of heresy, 8 ambiguous statements can tend destroy at least 19 churches,’’ and the having its recent roots in a Seventh- depiction that his family was of toward heresy. Perhaps the Chick day Adventist teacher, Benjamin G. pamphlet unwittingly admits the un- prominent position.9 13 Wilkinson. Wilkinson loved the mistakable when it pitched that the Chick, who never openly repudi- King James Version for one reason production ‘‘provides exactly what ated the slanderous hoaxes of Todd alone. He believed that it taught and you would expect from Jack Chick.’’ and Rivera, and who apparently defended the false doctrine of soul never learned from his mistakes, went sleep, a key tenet within Adventist — QUICK-CHANGE GOD? and Jehovah’s Witness — theology. on to endorse former drug-addicted Chick’s production lacks precision. physician Ruth Bailey, who went un- When one surveys the landscape of For example, the presentation com- der the alias of Rebecca Brown, M.D. all KJVO exponents, it is obvious that mences with Creation, and God is Along with her sidekick, Elaine, who they are merely regurgitating the described:

6 · The Quarterly Journal October-December 2004 ‘‘There are three parts to God: son. This was being taught from the This is a dangerous pronouncement God the Father, God the Son, and times of the Apostles. God is not just on two fronts: first because it is false God the Holy Spirit. And these one, which is modalism. Neither is He and unbiblical, and second because it three are one. The true and living just three, which is tritheism. Chick’s aids the theology of the Word Faith God. All three are separate, yet view seems to be an interbred version camp. Many prominent Word Faith all three are one.’’ of both. Chick confuses the concepts leaders teach that Adam surrendered of nature and person. the legal rights of the world to This, at first, could sound orthodox Satan.17 Chick teaches the same con- to the untrained ear, but the statement Athanasius declared: cept, but places Satan’s takeover ear- could well be embraced by Oneness ’’... we worship one God in lier. Chick offers no Scripture because Pentecostals. It definitely sounds Trinity, and Trinity in Unity; there is none. No man knows when within the confines of a modalistic (or Neither confounding the Persons; the fall of Lucifer and angels oc- non-Trinitarian) view of God, which nor dividing the Substance. For curred. We do know, however, that is a grave theological anomaly of there is one Person of the Father, Satan never owned the earth. Oneness Pentecostals. This view is another of the Son, and another known as the heresy of Sabellianism. This belief robs God of His omnipo- of the Holy Ghost. But the God- tence and flies in the face of verses It is not being captious to insist that head of the Father, of the Son, such as Psalm 24:1, ‘‘The earth is the a pilot make sure the plane’s instru- and of the Holy Ghost, is all one: LORD’s, and all its fullness,’’ and ments are working. We do not want the Glory Equal, the Majesty Psalm 50:12 where the Lord says, to end up in Mexico when we were Coeternal. Such as the Father is, ‘‘For the world is Mine.’’ The world is heading for Michigan. Definition and such is the Son: and such is the either God’s or Satan’s. It makes a precision are equally — if not more — Holy Ghost. The Father uncreate, world of difference. important when it comes to spiritual the Son uncreate: and the Holy Chick further suggests that Adam Ghost uncreate. ... The Father matters. intruded into Satan’s domain, stating eternal, the Son eternal: and the Satan’s ‘‘territory had been invaded Christian History magazine says of Holy Ghost eternal. And yet they by a new creation called man.’’ Scrip- the term ‘‘Trinity’’: are not three Eternals: but one ture, however, speaks of no such Eternal. ... So likewise the Father ‘‘We owe the word ‘Trinity’ to invasion. Genesis is clear that Adam the African theologian and is Almighty, the Son Almighty: was placed on God’s earth — an earth apologist Quintus Septimius Flo- and the Holy Ghost Almighty. He had just created. God did not give rens Tertullian (ca. 160 - ca. 225). And yet there are not three His earth away, and Adam could not. Tertullian used the word for the Almighties but one Almighty. So Therefore earth never was Satan’s concept that appears everywhere the Father is God, the Son is domain. A domain is defined as a in the Bible but is never explicitly God: and the Holy Ghost is God. ‘‘region under a single sovereign.’’18 named. He coined it in an argu- And yet they are not three Gods: God is the only Sovereign. Later, the 16 ment with a teacher who pro- but one God.” narrator will say that, ‘‘Before the moted modalism — the view that Chick truly lacks precision in defin- devil moves against someone, he the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit ing this fundamental truth of the must first get permission from God are not distinct persons but mere Christian faith. Although the produc- the Father in heaven.’’ So here we appearances (modes) or roles tion is promoted as ‘‘the whole have mixed signals at the very least. played by a single God.’’15 story,’’ the viewer will have to fill in SATAN NEVER The Trinity was not invented by the some blanks. One can only wonder LOOKED SO SILLY early Church because it was ‘‘every- how an unbeliever (the primary target where in the Bible.’’ It was recog- of the presentation) will do so. One Throughout the presentation we see nized, not originated, by Tertullian. also might wonder if this lack of not only simplistic portrayals of Tertullian and other early Church definition is a lack of discernment, or things, but renderings and images Fathers are no more responsible for a move to more widely market the that, for far too long, the Church has ‘‘inventing’’ the doctrine of the Trinity product. tried to abandon. Satan is shown in than Isaac Newton is responsible for typical Chick tract fashion with horns, SOVEREIGN SATAN? ‘‘inventing’’ the law of gravity. fangs, a red suit, tail, and long dag- As the program continues, the nar- gers for nails. At times, Satan is Down through history, the Church ration states: pictured as half-animal with cloven has held to the Athanasian Creed, hooves. These are really nothing more which is a synopsis of the biblical ‘‘God threw Lucifer and all the than caricatures. Scripture makes clear material on the Godhead. As with rebellious angels out of heaven. that Satan is not like this. Even the Tertullian, this creed did not invent These fallen angels became devils world mocks this representation. The the doctrine, but codified, clarified, and Lucifer became Satan. They inspired Apostle Paul stated, ‘‘Satan and explained that God is one in settled around planet Earth, himself transforms himself into an essence and nature, but three in per- which became Satan’s domain.’’ angel of light. Therefore it is no great

October-December 2004 The Quarterly Journal · 7 thing if his ministers also transform The death of Jesus was sovereignly take Pilate’s responsibility, which they themselves into ministers of righteous- designed by God, yet Scripture as- could not anyway. Hardship and dev- ness’’ (2 Corinthians 11:14-15). It may signs human culpability. The human astation came automatically to that not have occurred to Chick, but Satan factor loomed large as Peter charged, generation because the rejection of may well be pleased at this portrayal. ‘‘Him ... you have taken by lawless Jesus has links to the later destruction Chick seems to be preoccupied with hands, have crucified, and put to of Jerusalem and its Temple by the Satan and gives him far too much death’’ (Acts 2:23). Likewise, Paul Romans. This Jesus prophesied in does not lay blame at the feet of Satan Luke 19:41-44. We know, too, that credit. In a scene depicting Satan with directly, but says, ‘‘Which none of the according to the first half of the book clawed hands upon Caesar’s shoul- rulers of this age knew; for had they of Acts, thousands of Jews were saved. ders, Chick says, ‘‘Satan moved Cae- known they would not have crucified We cannot dismiss the fact that suffer- sar Augustus in Rome to tax the the Lord of glory’’ (1 Corinthians 2:8). ing is a part of life and many nations whole world.’’ Here he is guilty of have suffered for various reasons. eisegesis at worst or an overactive It seems to be more man’s revenge Suffering is a consequence of the fall. imagination at best. Luke simply than Satan’s. wrote, ‘‘And it came to pass in those Secondly, no respectable exegete Some of the other items mentioned days that a decree went out from would lay the verse on unborn gen- on the presentation concerning the Caesar Augustus that all the world erations. It is not reasonable to say, crucifixion are of little consequence, should be registered’’ (Luke 2:1). but remain wrong. The video says, ‘‘They have suffered ever since.’’ The New Geneva Study Bible offers this Additionally, Chick, who condemns “the soldiers made a crown of poison- contemporary Bible translations, cre- ous thorns.’’ If this were true, Jesus commentary: ates his own ‘‘revised Chick para- probably would not have survived to ‘‘When Pilate seemed reluctant to phrase,’’ adding Satan to the birth the cross. The Bible simply says, ‘‘the act, the people were not afraid to narrative of Jesus. One could far soldiers twisted a crown of thorns say they would take the respon- better argue that a Sovereign God and put it on His head’’ (John 19:2). sibility themselves. Their guilt, moved things in this direction. Prov- THOSE JEWS! Pilate’s guilt, and Judas’s, is not erbs 21:1 reminds us, ‘‘The king’s determined by them but by God heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like There is also an anti-Semitic sugges- (cf. Acts 4:27). According to rivers of water; He turns it wherever tion added to the statement of the Ezekiel, descendants do not He wishes.’’ Similarly, Proverbs 16:4 crowd at the crucifixion when they share the guilt of their parents instructs, ‘‘The LORD has made all for said, ‘‘His blood be on us and on our unless they cooperate in their Himself, Yes, even the wicked for the children’’ (Matthew 27:25). This is sins (Ezek. 18:20; cf. Acts 2:23, day of doom.’’ Perhaps unaware, interpreted by Chick to mean that the 39).’’21 Chick ultimately denies the true sov- Jewish suffering through history is ereignty of God in that he continues the result of their first century rejec- ETHEREAL BLOOD? to ascribe to Satan the sovereign tion. Citing the Matthew passage, the Chick also says that ‘‘the blood that prerogatives which belong only to narrator then offers, ‘‘God took them Jesus shed on the cross that terrible God. It was not too difficult for God at their words. They have suffered day was not human blood; it was to move the heart of the pagan King ever since.’’ As much as Chick de- God’s precious blood.’’ This leads to Cyrus to help the Jews return to spises the Roman Catholic Church, he all sorts of philosophical and theologi- Jerusalem from Persia. picks up one of the ideas it uses to cal concerns: Since God is Spirit, how Chick compounds the strangeness support centuries of anti-Semitism. could God have blood? What is God’s and satanic obsession by saying that Roman Catholic author James Car- blood? Does God need blood to exist? the crucifixion was ‘‘the devil’s mo- roll admits that, especially from the Was Jesus really less than human ment for revenge.’’ Scripture describes time of Constantine forward, ‘‘For with supernatural God blood? Be- the crucifixion in many ways, but Jews, the cross became the symbol of cause Christ’s blood was shed, never as Satan’s revenge. the ultimate cul de sac.’’19 The Cru- poured out, where did the blood of sades of the Middle Ages were fueled God end up since all of God is The crucifixion is described as an by anti-Semitism and anti-Islamicism. immortal? Again Chick adds to the ‘‘offering’’ throughout the book of It is documented that a ‘‘Jewish man Bible. Hebrews. Paul describes it as a was stabbed five times by a group of ‘‘righteous act’’ in Romans 5:18. This Certainly this idea could not be Crusaders ‘in memory of the wounds was not Satan’s handiwork, but rather derived from the Bible. Although the suffered by Jesus.’’’20 Jesus being ‘‘delivered by the deter- Chick video does not specifically state mined purpose and foreknowledge of In exegeting this Gospel passage, it, perhaps he has misconstrued the God,’’ as Acts 2:23 declares. The we must first consider the statement Acts 20:28 statement of Paul when he people of Jesus’ day, being fallen in Matthew 27:25 came out of the says, ‘‘shepherd the church of God sinners, were only doing what they ignorance of the people at Pilate’s which He purchased with His own desired to do in crucifying Jesus. hall. It simply means that they would blood.’’ The words ‘‘of God’’ clearly

8 · The Quarterly Journal October-December 2004 refer to (or modify) the word BUT THERE IS SOME GOOD Rebecca Brown. The greater part of these ‘‘Church’’ and not the word ‘‘blood.’’ reports have been collected and published No doubt, Chick’s supporters will by PFO under the title, Drugs, Demons and The blood in the verse is clearly the Delusions - An Investigation of the Testi- blood of Jesus. Hebrews 2:14 makes argue that the ‘‘plan of salvation’’ is presented and so that justifies all the mony, Claims and Doctrine of Rebecca Brown, abundantly clear that Jesus’ humanity errors and quirks. But again we need MD. This 54-page booklet is available and His identification with us is from PFO (Saint Louis). recall the illustration of the bagel. based on the fact that He shared 11. Chick Publications was responsible for Jesus clearly emphasized not only human flesh and blood (minus sin of the initial printings of these volumes. In evangelism, but discipleship, in the the late 1980s, Brown’s relationships with course). So without being a partaker Great Commission. We are to ‘‘teach both sidekick Elaine and publisher Jack of our true humanity (flesh and everything’’ He commanded and Chick ended. However, these splits did blood), which He ‘‘shared’’ as the teach them to observe or obey (Mat- not cause the books or their fabricated writer of Hebrews says, He would not thew 28:19-20). If this video presenta- contents to cease. Whitaker House pub- lishers now reprints these earlier volumes have been truly the God/man or tion brings converts, it is possible that adequate Savior. There are also ad- as well as Brown’s current eccentric offer- they arrive in the bizarre and con- ings. equate alternate renderings of the spiratorial world of Jack Chick, with 12. For further reports on the deluded Acts 20:28 passage that read, ‘‘the its dubious cast of characters. rambling of charges by Brown against Church of the Lord,’’ which certainly PFO, see ‘‘Rebecca Brown’s Axis of Evil,’’ fit the context more readily.22 The Light of the World does not The Quarterly Journal, Vol. 23, No. 1, pp. 2, explain important issues fully or 21; and ‘‘Rebecca in Fantasyland,’’ The The bottom line is that the Bible clearly. Others are pictured poorly Quarterly Journal, Vol. 23, No. 4, pp. 3, would not mislead us. If Christ’s and some lean toward heresy. The 21-23. blood — which at times is literal and verbal additions to the Word of God 13. See further the article, ‘‘The Cultic at other times a metaphor for His are a cultic practice and are not just Root System of David Otis Fuller & King dying or sacrificing His life — was James Onlyism’’ by G. Richard Fisher in explanation or application. The Light of this issue of The Quarterly Journal. Also something other than blood, the writ- the World is really less of a light and see, Roy E. Beacham and Kevin T. Bauder, ers of the New Testament would have more of a hindrance to the untaught. General Editors, One Bible Only? Grand come up with another word and not Rapids, Mich.: Kregal Publications, 2001, Endnotes: confuse us. They constantly used the pp. 44-45. word haima, which would not and 1. Robert M. Bowman, Jr., Orthodoxy and 14. See further, Phillip Wesley Comfort, The Quest for the Original Text of the New could not be taken in any other way Heresy. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Books, 1992, pg. 54. Testament. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker than human blood. Whether he real- 2. Robert B. Fowler, The History of the Book House, 1992. izes it or not, Chick is denying the World According to Jack T Chick. San 15. ‘‘Did You Know?’’, Christian History, essential humanity of Christ and giv- Leandro, Calif.: self-published, 2000, pg. Issue 80, Vol. XXII, No. 4, pg. 3. ing untaught Christians something to 1-6. 16. Gordon Melton, American Religious quarrel over. 3. For more information on the Illuminati, Creeds. New York: Triumph Books, 1991, see G. Richard Fisher, ‘‘The Present-Day Vol. 1, pg. 2. Moreover, Chick’s verbiage is un- Illuminati Theory: The Real or Illusionary 17. See further, Hank Hanegraaff, Chris- forgivably misleading and mystical. Threat of a Secret Worldwide Con- tianity in Crisis. Eugene, Ore.: Harvest D.A. Carson warns against the kind of spiracy,’’ The Quarterly Journal, Vol. 18, House Publishers, 1993, pp. 129-135. 18. The Complete Christian Dictionary for superstitious literalism that makes a No. 1, pp. 5-9. 4. See further, Darryl E. Hicks and David Home and School. Ventura, Calif.: Gospel fetish out of the blood of Jesus: A. Lewis, The Todd Phenomenon - Ex-Grand Light, 1990, ‘‘domain,’’ pg. 192. 19. James Carroll, Constantine’s Sword, The ‘‘[the] blood of Jesus refers to Druid vs. the Illuminati - Fact or Phantasy? Harrison, Ark.: New Leaf Press, 1979. Church and the Jews. New York: Houghton Jesus’ violent, sacrificial death. In 5. See further, G. Richard Fisher, ‘‘Comic Mifflin Co., 2001, pg. 289. general, the blessings that the Book Hero to Convict - The Incredible 20. David Rausch, A Legacy of Hatred. Scriptures show to be accom- Saga of John Todd,’’ The Quarterly Journal, Chicago: Moody Press, 1984, pg. 28. plished or achieved by the blood Vol. 14, No. 2, pp. 4, 8-10. 21. New Geneva Study Bible. Nashville: of Jesus are equally said to be 6. See further, M. Kurt Goedelman, ‘‘The Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1995, pg. 1553, Alberto Phenomenon,’’ The Journal of Pas- study note on Matthew 27:25. accomplished or achieved by the toral Practice, (Phillipsburg, N.J.: Presbyte- 22. See further, Adam Clarke, The New death of Jesus (e.g., justification, rian and Reformed Publishing), Vol. V, Testament of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Rom. 3:21-26; 5:6-9; redemption, No. 2, pp. 83-88. Christ. New York: Abingdon Press, nd, Rom. 3:24; Eph. 1:7; Rev. 5:9).’’23 7. ‘‘A Shock for Rivera,’’ Take a Closer Look, Vol. 5, pp. 854-855. Concerned Christian Growth Ministries, 23. D.A. Carson, Exegetical Fallacies. Grand The liturgical exercises of the Ro- Vol. 9, No. 3, April 1988, pp. 12-18. Rapids, Mich.: Baker Book House, 1984, man Catholic system make a magic 8. Jack T. Chick, Alberto. Chino, Calif.: pg. 34, italics in original. For a larger fetish out of Jesus’ blood, as it does to Chick Publications, 1979, pg. 20. presentation of the history and nuances in the cross and His ‘‘Sacred Heart.’’ 9. Ibid., pp. 4-5. The Rivera household blood mysticism, see G. Richard Fisher was depicted as a large home with several and M. Kurt Goedelman, The Confusing Chick’s declaration does not appear servants. World of Benny Hinn, (Saint Louis: Per- too far removed from the metaphysi- 10. Since 1989, PFO has written and sonal Freedom Outreach, 2002), pp. 145- cal blood of Catholicism. published several investigative reports on 154. g October-December 2004 The Quarterly Journal · 9 KING JAMES ONLYISM They confuse inspiration with esthet- tions were developed from the under- (continued from page 4) ics. standings and cultic mindset of Sev- 5. The reasoned eclecticism posi- enth-day Adventist Benjamin Wilkin- position, which first was championed tion. This, at times, is also referred to son. Doug Kutilek explains: by Dean Burgon in his volume, The as the “right to be considered” posi- ‘‘In the realm of King-James- Revision Revised, held that Church tion of Harry Sturz. Sturz argued that Version-Onlyism, just such a ge- tradition alone made the final call. the Byzantine family of texts (forerun- nealogy of error can easily be Because a group of manuscripts called traced. All writers who embrace the ‘‘Byzantine text-type’’ or ‘‘Major- ners of the KJV and designated as the the KJV-only position have de- ity Text’’ had been preserved by the Majority Text-type) are independent rived their views ultimately from Greek Orthodox Church since the of other text types. Seventh-day Adventist mission- fourth century and was the underly- As well, it is claimed, they are equal ary, theology professor and col- ing text for Erasmus and the KJV to them, having a right to stand on lege president, Benjamin G. translators, it was to be preferred. their own and be considered as equal Added was the fact that the Anglican Wilkinson (d. 1968), through one witnesses with all other text-types. of two or three of his spiritual Church had used the KJV for a These, it is said, are not superior or number of centuries, so in Burgon’s descendants. In 1930, he wrote inferior, but inherently authoritative view that tradition dictated the day. Our Authorized Bible Vindi- enough to be taken seriously. Burgon said, ‘‘the test of Catholic cated, a book of several hundred Antiquity. ... I decline to recognise any However, it is tough sledding for pages which attracted almost no other criterion of Truth.’’7 Sturz because of the paucity of unam- attention in its day (no doubt chiefly because it was awash in a vast ocean of error).’’8 Although Wilkinson escaped the notice of most, and his book was Although Wilkinson escaped the largely ignored, some understand that he is the real ‘‘father’’ of the modern notice of most, and his book was King-James-Onlyism viewpoint. It would be brought into evangelicalism largely ignored, some understand that by stealth. he is the real “father” of the modern WHOLESALE BORROWING The foremost promoter of Wilkin- King-James-Onlyism viewpoint. son was David Otis Fuller in the 1970s through his book, Which Bible? Fuller deceptively hid the Adventist background of Wilkinson and simply The case was closed for Burgon, biguous Byzantine readings before said, ‘‘here is a scholar of the first even though this text-type could not A.D. 350. There is no confusion of rank with a thorough knowledge of be dated earlier than A.D. 350. Many inspiration here, but rather simply an the subjects about which he wrote. Dr. today opt for the superiority of the absence of any hard evidence for his Wilkinson taught for many years in a Byzantine text-type simply on faith. A position. small and obscure Eastern college.’’9 Fuller had to know that Wilkinson, more recent promoter of this view is 6. The rummage and pick position. who converted to Adventism in 1891, Zane Hodges, though he leans more This view is simply a mix-and-match studied for ministry under the Sev- toward the Byzantine text-type, not conviction. Take any or all of the enth-day Adventists, served as an because of tradition, but being supe- above and combine them any way Adventist missionary in Haiti, was rior in its own right. With Burgon you wish. Without clarity or sense, there was a confusion of inspiration some weave in and out of numbers Dean of Theology at Adventist Wash- and tradition. one through four, never stopping to ington Missionary College, and even- tually became its president. Wilkinson 4. The readable and reverence posi- fine-tune any one of them. It is a subjective stew. Christian-witnessing was an active Adventist leader and tion. Some hold to the KJV, citing promoter for 56 years. grandeur of language and out of tract entrepreneur Jack Chick seems to reverence for Elizabethan English. be a model of this. This is a confusion Just in case it has been forgotten Within this position many simply of inspiration and argumentation. what Adventists taught during prefer it and are a bit more tolerant. ENTER THE Wilkinson’s time, they believed Ellen The ‘‘thees’’ and ‘‘thous,’’ they say, MAIN PERPETRATOR G. White was a prophetess and her are more respectful of God. They visions and commands to keep the prefer the flow of the translation. The bulk of the present KJVO posi- Sabbath as an essential part of the

10 · The Quarterly Journal October-December 2004 Christian life were straight from God. tion by deleting footnote refer- ignorant of or oblivious to Church They legislated dietary regulations ences to the writings of Adven- history. Erasmus used the Vulgate and believed that upon death even tist prophetess Ellen G. White, and even used those Latin readings believers went into a kind of soul although he left the quotes them- for his Greek text. Fuller has helped sleep. They believed that going to selves in the text. Fuller also us by inserting most of Wilkinson’s church on Sunday was the mark of deleted other statements in chapters in his Which Bible? Wilkin- the beast and that Satan would bear Wilkinson’s book that would son’s assertion is this: have immediately disclosed the sins of the world as he wandered ‘‘When we come to Origen, we Wilkinson’s Adventism.’’12 the earth during the millennium as speak the name of him who did the true scapegoat of Leviticus 16. Wilkinson’s work is full of error on the most of all to create and give Add to that the teaching that Jesus its own and it was not entirely direction to the forces of apostasy entered into some heavenly compart- unknown as to who he was. Kutilek down through the centuries. It ment on Oct. 8, 1844, to begin to do additionally offers: was he who mightily influenced an ‘‘investigative judgment’’ as to Jerome, the editor of the Latin ‘‘That book, Our Authorized Bible Bible known as the Vulgate.’’15 who was in and who was out of the Vindicated, was written by Sev- Kingdom. It was necessary for Christ enth-Day Adventist missionary, So he is claiming that Jerome was to finish His atoning work in this educator, and theologian Ben- infatuated with Origen, a heretic, and way, despite the fact that He said, ‘‘it jamin G. Wilkinson (1872-1968). the only conclusion was that neither is finished’’ on the cross.10 That Wilkinson was an Adventist Jerome nor his work could be trusted. Offshoot Adventists today are try- was not widely known (and was However, the translators of the King ing to move toward a more ‘‘evangeli- not announced by those that James Version constantly praised Jer- cal’’ position, but the Adventism of knew it). The book was little ome, whom they refer to as ‘‘Saint,’’ Wilkinson’s era was monolithic and noticed when it was first released throughout their long Preface to the unbending. It definitely had many and for good reason. It was full Authorized Version, which was con- marks of a cult. of misinformation, inaccuracies, tained in the first editions of their defective reasoning and distor- work. Consider the following: Dale Ratzlaff was a fourth-gener- tion. Wilkinson, for example, was ation Seventh-day Adventist and was the first person to assert that the ‘‘This moved St. Jerome, a most educated in SDA schools from first Old Latin version, instead of the learned Father, and the best lin- grade through seminary. He taught Vulgate, was the Bible of the guist without controversy of his their doctrine in an SDA high school medieval Waldensians and that age, or of any that went before for seven years and was pastor at two the Old Latin corresponds textu- him, to undertake the translating SDA churches. As a former Adventist ally with the Greek Textus Re- of the Old Testament out of the he reminds us: ceptus, both of which assertions very fountains themselves; which are demonstrably false.’’13 he performed with that evidence ‘‘SDAs believe the writings of of great learning, judgment, in- Ellen G. White (EGW) are in- Kutilek continues outlining the fa- dustry, and faithfulness, that he spired on the same level as the mous firsts: hath for ever bound the Church Bible. Because she is the later ‘‘He was the first person to unto him in a debt of special inspired writer, many SDAs hold demonize Wescott and Hort, remembrance and thankful- that her interpretation of the 16 making them the ‘bogey men’ in ness.’’ Bible is to be preferred.’’11 the text and translation debate According to Wilkinson, we cannot DECEPTION BY ELIMINATION often by distorting their words. trust Origin or Jerome, but somehow Wilkinson was also the first per- Erasmus — whose text is used for the If Fuller did not know Wilkinson’s son to misapply Psalm 12:6-7 as KJV — is fine even though Erasmus background, his research abilities and though it were a promise of the revered both Jerome and Origen. scholarship are extremely poor. If he preservation of the KJV.’’14 did know — and many that know say ‘‘Between that year [1516] and he did, but concealed it — he is guilty Truth be known, any translation 1518 Erasmus also published a of outright deception. On that count other than the KJV robbed Wilkinson nine-volume edition of the works alone he needs to be rejected. It is of ammunition for his cultic beliefs. of Jerome, Erasmus’s favorite fairly evident that Fuller knew and Adventists make much of KJV read- church father. Less ambitious worked at disguising Wilkinson’s ings to ‘‘prove’’ soul sleep and their editions of other fathers includ- SDA background. Doug Kutilek fur- denial of hell, for instance, when ing Irenaeus, Augustine, Chry- ther observed that when quoting long punishment is referred to as destruc- sostom, and Origen followed in passages of Wilkinson: tion. the succeeding eighteen years.’’17 ‘‘Fuller carefully concealed Wilkinson’s hatred of the Vulgate is Wilkinson promotes a wild sugges- Wilkinson’s theological orienta- clear in his writing. He either is tion and slanders Bishop Brooke Foss

October-December 2004 The Quarterly Journal · 11 Wescott (translator of the Revised Leo, with a request to be allowed to 1611 but did not supplant the Version of 1881) by calling him a dedicate his labours to him.’’24 Geneva Bible until fifty years Gnostic because of Wescott’s use of later. The Pilgrims and Puritans the phrase ‘‘age of the ages’’ rather In the Life and Letters of Erasmus, carried the Geneva Bible to the than ‘‘forever and ever.’’ Wilkinson Wilkinson’s nemesis Origen is clearly shores of the new world. Ameri- 25 26 says this refers to Gnostic aeons.18 praised, celibacy is upheld, the can colonists were reared on the 27 Aeons, according to the Gnostics, were worship of St. Anne is advocated, as Geneva Bible. They read it, stud- emanations somewhat like angels: well as repeated endorsements of the ied it, and sought to live by its 28 Roman Catholic Church expressed. light.’’34 ‘‘The aeons were attributes Erasmus also affirmed confession,29 thought of as personal, and took and transubstantiation.30 The Puritans resisted the KJV and the place of the abstract ideas of embraced the Geneva Bible because of Greek philosophy.’’19 A.T. Robertson is right when he its more Calvinistic note system. They concluded that the Erasmus text had used it and preferred it for at least a These emanations or aeons do not become ‘‘almost an object of worship hundred years into our country’s even come close to the word age. Yet, for some,’’ even though ‘‘no two founding. Further, we know the no matter what dissatisfaction one editions are precisely alike.’’31 Geneva Bible was loved by many, yet might have with Anglicans such as despised by others: Wescott, they are not Gnostics.20 SHELL GAME WITH THE BIBLE ‘‘The key factor was the Geneva In defense of Wescott, Stewart If it were not so serious, it would be almost laughable to read Wilkinson notes. The marginal comments Custer produced two pages of quotes designed to explain the text to from Wescott’s commentaries show- rhapsodize about the Pilgrims in a flight of sheer fantasy: the reader were strongly anti- ing the absolute commitment to all monarchy, anti-Anglican, and the fundamental and foundational ‘‘The Authorized Version was anti-Catholic. Those Protestant doctrines of the Christian faith. translated in 1611, just before the notes further emphasized indi- Wescott was committed to the deity Puritans departed from England, vidual soul liberty, predestina- of Jesus, as well as the pre-existence so that they carried it with them tion, and ecclesiastical separation and virgin birth of Christ. He ex- across stormy seas to lay the from apostate religion. The pressed faith in Jesus’ resurrection foundation of one of the greatest Geneva Bible with its notes and as well to His sinlessness and governments the world has ever achieved widespread acceptance sacrificial blood atonement for our known. The Authorized Version among the laity in the sixteenth sins.21 of God’s Holy Word had much century much like the Scofield to do with the laying of the If it is true that as Wilkinson writes, Reference Bible with its notes has foundation of our great coun- ‘‘The first stream which carried the impacted believers in the twenti- try.’’32 Received Text in Hebrew and Greek, eth century. ... It was noteworthy began with the apostolic churches,’’22 The Authorized Version is, of to find that even some of the then why are there not abundant course, the King James Version. How- Anglican bishops used the readings of this text in extant manu- ever, the Puritans were firmly com- Geneva Bible in their sermons scripts from A.D. 100 to A.D. 300? mitted to the Geneva Bible, which, from 1611 to 1630. The Pilgrims They just are not there. Then, the according to F. F. Bruce, ‘‘was pro- took the Geneva Bible, not the massive blunder of Wilkinson to say duced by English Protestants who King James Bible, with them on the ‘‘Received Text in Hebrew,’’ is sought refuge at Geneva during the the Mayflower in 1620, and it was mind-boggling. The Received Text is reign of Mary Tudor (1553-58); it was popular in the New England 35 Greek and the Hebrew texts used for issued with a dedication to Eliza- colonies for many years.’’ 33 the King James Version are from the beth.’’ It can be shown that the Anglican tenth-century A.D. Masoretic text. Numerous historical sources verify translators of the KJV dropped a bias or two into their translation. Their Since Wilkinson is so anti-Catholic that the Puritans and Pilgrims sailed refusal to translate the word ‘‘bap- and anti-papal, it is puzzling that he to the new world with the Geneva tism’’ and simply transliterate it is is not upset that the Received Text — Bible. The Geneva Bible was the first telling. Their use of ‘‘bishop’’ for the which he says ‘‘was the true apostolic version to include verses and pre- simple Greek word episkopos, which Bible’’23 — was composed by a Catho- ceded the KJV by 50 years, as R.C. Sproul explains: merely means ‘‘overseer,’’ likewise lic Priest and authorized by a Pope. reveals a bias for their hierarchy. Erasmus saw his work as a continua- ‘‘The Geneva Bible dominated tion of Jerome’s and, in fact, called his the English-speaking world for a It is hard to understand why one text his Jerome. He longed for the hundred years. It was the Bible would insist we read a 400-year-old approval of Pope Leo X, and peti- used by Shakespeare. The King translation with words such as tioned to lay his work ‘‘at the feet of James Bible was published in ‘‘bolled,’’ ‘‘ouches,’’ ‘‘eared,’’ ‘‘days-

12 · The Quarterly Journal October-December 2004 man,’’ ‘‘neesings,’’ ‘‘abjects,’’ ‘‘anon,’’ The KJVO advocates cannot demon- 10. For more information on Seventh-day ‘‘bestead,’’ ‘‘eschew,’’ ‘‘trow’’ and strate decisively with textual evidence Adventists see, Seventh-day Adventism: The ‘‘ghost.’’36 Spirit Behind the Church, (Phoenix: Grace that their text type is anywhere near Upon Grace Productions, 1998, 50-minute the first-century originals. Presently CULT OR NOT? — THAT’S video); and D.M. Canright, Seventh-day there is a gap of at least 300 years Adventism Refuted In a Nutshell, (Grand THE QUESTION from the original autographs, which is Rapids, Mich.: Baker Book House, 1962). Cultic roots bring forth cultic fruits. devastating to their position. To trust 11. Dale Ratzlaff, The Truth About Seventh- a cult leader — namely Benjamin day Adventist ‘‘Truth.’’ Glendale, Ariz.: Life Kutilek is on target when he writes: Assurance Ministries, 2000, pg. 6. Wilkinson — is to lean on a broken 12. Doug Kutilek in Roy E. Beacham and ‘‘The King James-Only move- reed. KJVO advocates can only span ment has been more destructive Kevin T. Bauder, General Editors, One the 300-year gap by wishing or bully- Bible Only? Grand Rapids, Mich.: Kregal and distractive among Baptists ing others into believing it is not there Publications, 2001, pp. 45-46. than any controversy since the or use a cult leader to bolster their 13. Ibid., pg. 44. Campbellite heresy of the nine- case. Cults base their teaching on their 14. Ibid. teenth century. This modern 15. Which Bible?, op. cit., pg. 109. founders and — setting aside the hard movement may well exceed the 16. ‘‘The Translators to the Reader,’’ North evidence — exercise implicit faith in Campbellites in its overall evil Australia: Covenanter Press, 1984, pp. 8-9. his word. Like father, like son — or effects.’’37 This reproduction of “The Preface to the rather like Wilkinson (and Fuller), like Authorized Version” has been updated Cultic fruits do not please God. offspring. with modernized spelling. James says that the wisdom from 17. J.D. Douglas, Editor, Who’s Who in Endnotes: Christian History. Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale above is marked by gentleness, peace, House Publishers, 1992, pg. 235. good fruit, and a willingness to yield 1. ‘‘Protestant pastors reveal Bible prefer- 18. See Which Bible?, op. cit., pp. 101-102. to others (3:17). Where there is com- ences,’’ World Net Daily, May 5, 2004. 19. Everett Harrison, Editor, Baker’s motion and evil fruit, James says it is Document available at: www.wnd.com/ Dictionary of Theology. Grand Rapids, news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=38339. Mich.: Baker Book House, 1973, pg. 238. from the world, the flesh, and the The complete survey is available on Elli- devil (3:16). 20. See further, Norman L. Geisler, Baker son Research’s web site: http://ellison Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics. Grand research.com/ERPS%20II/release Rapids, Mich.: Baker Book House, 1999, That one could believe that God has %209%20versions.htm. given an infallible Bible only to En- ‘‘Gnosticism,’’ pp. 273-275. 2. See further, G. Richard Fisher, ‘‘Ruck- 21. Stewart Custer, The Truth About the glish-speaking people is the height of manism or Wreckmanism — The Teaching King James Controversy. Greenville, S.C.: arrogance and a staggering display of That K.J.V. Translators Were Inspired Is Bob Jones University Press, 1981, pp. cultural and biblical ignorance. Dangerous,’’ PFO Newsletter, April-June 26-27. 1982, pp. 1, 5. 22. Which Bible?, op. cit., pg. 104. Perhaps we can make exceptions for 3. James B. Williams, Editor, From the 23. Ibid., pg. 114. positions 4 and 5. As for the rest, our Mind of God to the Mind of Man. Greenville, 24. J.A. Froude, Life and Letters of Erasmus. only conclusion is that they are cultic S.C.: Ambassador-Emerald International, New York: Charles Scribners and Son, 1999, pg. 159. at best, and a full-blown cult at worst. 1899, pg. 184. 4. For additional information on Peter 25. Ibid., pg. 87. Here is a modern movement that Ruckman, see James R. White, The King 26. Ibid., pg. 121. has its roots in cultism and fruits that James Only Controversy, (Minneapolis: Be- 27. Ibid., pg. 80. thany House Publishers, 1995, pp. 6-7, 28. Ibid., pp. 253-254, 267, 272, 332, 356- display cultism. Since the Textus Re- 109-121), and Stewart Custer, The Truth ceptus only dates to the 17th century 357. About the King James Controversy, (Green- 29. Ibid., pg. 351. and the Byzantine line of texts only to ville, S.C.: Bob Jones University Press, 30. Ibid., pg. 376. the 4th century, the whole KJVO 1981). 31. Studies in the Text of the New Testament, position is ultimately a faith position. 5. See further, Robert A. Joyner, King James op. cit., pg. 48. Some of that faith is squarely on the Only? Newport, N.C.: self-published, 2000, 32. Which Bible?, op. cit., pg. 233. pg. 35. man Benjamin Wilkinson. 33. F.F. Bruce, The Canon of Scripture. 6. A.T. Robertson, Studies in the Text of the Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press, There are text-types, such as the “P” New Testament. New York: George H. 1988, pg. 107. manuscripts, which go virtually to the Doran and Company, 1969, pg. 47. 34. R.C. Sproul in the New Geneva Study 7. Dean Burgon, The Revision Revised. Apostles’ doorstep and are used in Bible. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publish- Paradise, Penna.: Conservative Classics, ers, 1995, pg. IV. translating the more modern versions. nd, pg. XXV, italics in original. 35. From the Mind of God to the Mind of These were undiscovered at the time 8. Doug Kutilek, ‘‘‘Roots’ of the KJV Man, op. cit., pg. 121. the KJV translators did their work Controversy - The Unlearned Men: The 36. See further, G. Christian Weiss, What and were still unknown in the time of True Genealogy and Genesis of King- You Should Know About Bible Translations. Wescott and Hort. The “P” fragments James-Version-Onlyism.’’ Document avail- Lincoln, Neb.: Back to the Bible, 1977. able at: www.tegart.com/brian/bible/ have since helped us fine-tune our 37. One Bible Only?, op. cit., pg. 49. kjvonly/doug/kjvoroots.html. 38. See further, Philip Wesley Comfort, text in minor areas and are in no way 9. David Otis Fuller, Which Bible? Grand The Quest for the Original Text of the New decisive to doctrine. These have been Rapids, Mich.: Grand Rapids International Testament. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker recovered in the 20th century.38 Publications, 1971, pg. 91. Book House, 1992. g October-December 2004 The Quarterly Journal · 13 THE LEAVEN OF LAKEWOOD promises out loud. Say them to kidneys were not properly clear- (continued from page 1) yourself! Say them to the devil! ing the toxins out of his body as Say them to the sickness! Say they are designed to do. He had Osteen served the Lord Jesus them to your mountain of a heart catheterization in August Christ as pastor, evangelist, au- trouble! Confess them in the face that determined all was well thor, and teacher for sixty years. of all contrary evidence! Say with his heart at that time. Ordained as a Southern Baptist, them while the pain is there!! Say Nearly three weeks ago, doctors he received the baptism in the them while you are so sick you performed surgery to put in a Holy Ghost in 1958, an experi- can hardly think!! God is smiling pacemaker for his heart as the ence which revolutionized his down on you. He delights for upper and lower chambers were ministry into a worldwide out- you to ‘put Him in remembrance’ not in synch, and his heart rate reach for Jesus Christ.’’3 of His Word. The Lord will was low.’’8 surely make His promises come Apparently, John Osteen could not In a time of racial division, John true in your life. When we SAY tell his body how to feel. However, Osteen opened wide the doors of his and CONFESS His Word, He as the truth was being revealed, the church to all people, and all shades brings the miracle to pass!!’’5 and classes of people came. Although situation grew worse: John Osteen rejected Southern Baptist A few pages later in the same ‘‘The past two weeks or so Pastor theology — he received a Master’s publication, he wrote: Osteen has experienced excruci- degree from Northern Baptist Semi- ‘‘In your heart of hearts, picture ating pain in his chest. Doctors nary — he never lost sight of the need yourself completely delivered said it could be caused by the for foreign missions and his congrega- from sickness, suffering and all dialysis, or possibly a degener- tion still supports a great deal of trouble. YOU ARE!!! Now, take ated disc in his neck, but that mission work. At the time of his God’s promises without fear and they had to do more extensive death in 1999, Lakewood Church boldly confess them day and tests this week to determine the claimed 6,000 members.4 night. When people ask you how cause of the chest pain.’’9 Those who may have had the op- you feel, don’t tell them. TELL The complications mounted: portunity to survey the ministry and THEM WHAT GOD SAYS legacy of the late Osteen probably ABOUT YOUR CASE!!! TELL ‘‘Now doctors believe that will agree that he appeared to have a THEM ABOUT THE PROMISES smaller arteries feeding into the genuine pastor’s heart and a desire to OF GOD!!! TELL THEM YOU larger arteries of the heart are see people come to a saving faith in DON’T GO BY FEELING BUT blocked and constricted. A new Jesus Christ. Perhaps it was his legiti- BY WHAT GOD SAYS!!!’’6 procedure will be available in mate seminary education that helped SAD CONSEQUENCES mid-February to do balloon sur- gery on the smaller arteries, keep Osteen from espousing some of OF BAD THEOLOGY the more heretical doctrines common which they feel he may be a among Word Faith teachers today. It’s impossible to know if the late candidate for. Yesterday Pastor Osteen was deceived by, or know- Osteen had a nuclear test done BEWARE OF THE LEAVEN ingly forged the ‘‘health and wealth’’ on his heart, and the test results We should never fall under the message. In any case, he was no showed his heart was greatly 10 illusion regarding the Word Faith poster boy for his message. Charisma weakened.’’ ‘‘leaven’’ that he propagated, and magazine reported, ‘‘In January 1999 Clearly, John Osteen was dying. which is being magnified through his John Osteen wound up in the hospital Perhaps God was giving him time to with kidney trouble.’’7 He could not son Joel, who assumed pastoral re- repent and renounce his false positive speak himself well, but resorted to sponsibilities at Lakewood upon his confession error, but he did not relent. medical help. father’s death. The elder Osteen was a He continued to give himself and leading crusader for the erroneous But it was more than kidney others false hope: doctrine of positive confession: the trouble. On Jan. 18, 1999, Lakewood ‘‘Pastor Osteen asks that you idea that we can speak our desires Church began a frantic attempt to ‘wait’ on the Lord with him, and into existence. This is also known as ‘‘confess’’ John Osteen well. The agree with him for a creative the ‘‘health and wealth gospel.’’ This church sent, via e-mail, what it called miracle for the kidneys and the metaphysical belief deludes many, a ‘‘RED ALERT PRAYER REQUEST.’’ functions of the heart to be nor- convincing them that they can either The e-mailed prayer request revealed mal. He is believing God for new create or change their reality by the the grave nature (which had a hereto- kidneys, a new heart and circula- power of their words. For example, fore unrevealed history) and the ter- tory system, and that he will John stated the following: minal condition of John Osteen: have an appetite for food. He ‘‘The miracle is in YOUR ‘‘Pastor Osteen began kidney di- also needs strength in his body. MOUTH. Dare to speak those alysis last Fall 1998 because his Pastor Osteen’s faith is strong.

14 · The Quarterly Journal October-December 2004 His confession is strong. He is TIVE THINGS. You may say, perpetuates them by his silence and not asking for prayer out of ‘How long do I have to confess the sale of his father’s books. desperation. He is a man of it?’ All of your life.’’14 faith.’’11 THE MASTER Additionally, John Osteen is on OF MARKETEERING Even more tragic was John Osteen’s record as fully endorsing the errant failure as a prophet. The e-mail went Word Faith concepts surrounding fi- Joel Osteen had no biblical training on to state what were said to be nancial prosperity: or experience to be a pastor, which divine promises for John Osteen and seems to be more the rule than the his staff, which would go unfulfilled: ‘‘I look at the great truths of exception within the Charismatic Almighty God and with the sixth camp. Its pulpits are filled with men ‘‘He knows God has promised sense in my spirit-man, I believe and women who ‘‘feel called’’ to the him that he will be preaching and I have a consciousness that pastorate. They attempt to build con- into his early 90’s, and he is only they are mine. I see and believe gregations on the ‘‘strength’’ of their 77 now. God gave him a vision salvation is mine. Healing is calling. Some Charismatic leaders for ‘Seven Years of Harvest’, and mine. Prosperity is mine. All of may go on to an unaccredited ‘‘Bible we are just beginning our 6th God’s blessings are mine. On the School’’ for a year or two, such as year of this special thrust for basis of this information from the Rhema Bible Training Center started world evangelism. God has sixth sense of faith, I can confi- by the late Kenneth Hagin. However, promised our staff that He will dently say, ‘I am healed! I am for the majority of Word Faith minis- bring our pastor’s kidneys on a blessed! I am redeemed! I am ters, schooling at a legitimate semi- platter of praise.’’12 prosperous!’’’15 nary would be an anomaly. John and the staff were grossly In the citation above, he summed Few people would allow a surgeon misled. Less than a week later, John up the ‘‘health and wealth gospel’’ in to operate because he ‘‘felt called’’ to Osteen died. No new kidneys, no just a few short sentences. So despite be a surgeon as a child, but never preaching into his early 90s. He never the good things that John Osteen did went to medical school. Nor would even made it to his 78th birthday. as a pastor, he was ensnared by the many allow someone to build a house When the announcement for ‘‘Pastor subtlety of false teaching and ended who firmly believed God had Osteen’s Memorial service’’ was up misleading many before his death. ‘‘called’’ him to be an architect, yet made, it closed with: Jesus warned His disciples: had never gone to a college or univer- sity to study architectural design. ‘‘The Osteen family and Lake- ‘‘‘Take heed and beware of the wood Church will continue to leaven of the Pharisees and the Yet, thousands upon thousands of serve humbly and faithfully, as Sadducees.’ ... ‘How is it you do professing Christians are more than we believe to see more miracles, not understand that I did not willing to follow a man or woman healings, and the greater works speak to you concerning bread? who professes a divine calling, but of Jesus.’’13 — but to beware of the leaven of has never studied Church history, the Pharisees and Sadducees.’ hermeneutics, systematic theology, The ailing ‘‘healer’’ was unable to and Greek and Hebrew. They claim to speak himself or be spoken into Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the hear directly from God. This is espe- health. He was living proof of the cially true for the sign-gift pastors.17 fallacy of his own teaching. leaven of bread, but of the doc- trine of the Pharisees and Saddu- Consider Joel Osteen’s own words IT’S MINE FOR THE ASKING cees’’ (Matthew 16:6, 11-12). to Charisma: John Osteen also believed he had Even though it seems to us that His ‘‘‘Make church relevant,’ he says. the power to make his children what disciples were, at times, a little slow ‘Give them something to be able he wanted through his positive con- on the uptake, Jesus made His point to take away. I find today people fession. Many would wish child-rear- clear. He was warning them to ‘‘be- are not looking for theology. There’s ing were as easy as he made it out to ware,’’16 to be on guard against the a place for it. [But] in your be: danger of doctrinal errors, which everyday life you need to know Jesus likens to leaven in bread. Jesus 18 ‘‘I am the sum total of what I how to live.’’’ knew that if left unchecked, like have been confessing through the leaven in bread, doctrinal error would While Joel Osteen acknowledges years. My children are the best spread. The leaven of false doctrine, there’s a place for theology, we must children that ever lived on the inquire where it is. Theology is the which John Osteen instilled in his son face of the earth. They are study of God, His attributes, His Joel, is now expanding and mislead- blessed of God. They are the sum character, and His works. We surely ing more people than the elder Osteen total of what Dodie and I have need to know those things in our could have ever imagined. confessed and loved them into everyday life, lest we follow false being. CONFESS THE WORD Sadly, Joel Osteen has never de- gods. The minimizing of theology by OF GOD INSTEAD OF NEGA- nounced the errors of his father, but Joel Osteen makes way for his clearly

October-December 2004 The Quarterly Journal · 15 humanistic message loaded with theology.’’ That fact is quite obvious, Nearly every parent who has a child seeker-sensitive buzzwords. because if they were, they would have who does not like to eat vegetables THE UPBEAT GOES ON to look elsewhere. Although he did will, with regularity, make the child not reveal to Charisma’s readers where eat the vegetables. As good parents, Charisma describes Osteen with hav- he derived this astonishing fact, it they know that eating vegetables is ing an “upbeat style.” Of course his appears the folks he shepherds have beneficial and necessary. ‘‘style’’ is “upbeat.” It is safe to say he no interest in theology. really believes much of the Word The same is true for every man who Faith elements his father cultivated in Lest you think such a criticism a bit stands behind a pulpit. Jesus told him all his life. Add to this whatever harsh, it is helpful to remember that Peter, ‘‘feed My sheep’’ (John 21:16). offbeat spirituality Joel Osteen may theology simply means ‘‘the knowl- He said, ‘‘feed’’ the sheep, not ‘‘enter- have gleaned from his two years at edge of God.’’ In essence, Joel Osteen tain’’ them! Pastors are to give them Oral Roberts University, where he has said that people are really not the Word of God in its totality. In studied television production and interested in learning about God. Per- Jesus’ last commission, He told them marketing. And he is authentic: what haps, due to his lack of biblical to teach ‘‘all’’ that He commanded you see is what you get. Joel Osteen is education, he has made a distinction (Matthew 28:20). Any pastor can fall a man without any biblical education, between knowing the God of the into the trap of becoming a people- but an admitted talent for marketing Bible through sound biblical theology pleaser. This is why Paul, through the and with a definite stage presence. and knowing “how to live.’’ The truth Holy Spirit, warned young Timothy: is, without a true knowledge of God, To be a success in marketing, one we really cannot know ‘‘how to live.’’ ‘‘I charge you therefore before has to know where people itch and To separate doctrine from duty is a God and the Lord Jesus Christ, how to scratch it. Or, one has to create major error addressed all through the who will judge the living and the a hunger for something they currently book of Titus. Likewise, an important dead at His appearing and His do not have, nor formerly knew they issue addressed by the Apostle Peter kingdom: Preach the word! Be needed. is that true doctrine and holy living ready in season and out of sea- So to become a megachurch, a are inseparably linked: son. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teach- pastor has to make church relevant. ‘‘His divine power has given to ing’’ (2 Timothy 4:1-2). He has to give the people what they us all things that pertain to life want, something that soothes that and godliness, through the Timothy was warned to be steadfast spiritual itch. In order to be a ‘‘suc- knowledge of Him who called us in his proclamation of the Gospel, to cess’’ (many in attendance and lots of by glory and virtue’’ (2 Peter be ready to do so at all times (i.e., ‘‘in money), pastors must preach unchal- 1:3). season and out of season’’), and in his lenging messages that uplift rather Peter then adds: preaching to: 1) convince (or reprove), than convict. He must pander to the 2) rebuke, and 3) exhort the people lowest common denominator and ‘‘But also for this very reason, according to the Scriptures. A minis- make sure that whatever is taught giving all diligence, add to your ter is to preach with all long-suffering does not offend anyone at anytime. faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, because preaching with sound teach- This is simply a fulfillment of Paul’s to knowledge self-control, to self- warning to Timothy: ing or doctrine is unpleasant to control perseverance, to perse- people’s carnal nature. This is in ‘‘For the time will come when verance godliness, to godliness spite of the hue and cry of seeker- brotherly kindness, and to broth- they will not endure sound doc- sensitive pundits who lament, ‘‘Oh erly kindness love. For if these trine, but according to their own come now, surely you know preach- things are yours and abound, desires, because they have itch- ing doctrinal messages is passé?’’ Yet you will be neither barren nor ing ears, they will heap up for Joel Osteen would do well to heed the themselves teachers; and they unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he word of the Lord from a genuine will turn their ears away from prophet who stated: the truth, and be turned aside to who lacks these things is short- fables’’ (2 Timothy 4:3-4). sighted, even to blindness, and ‘‘Son of man, prophesy against has forgotten that he was the shepherds of Israel, prophesy This is exactly where multitudes of cleansed from his old sins” (2 Pe- and say to them, ‘Thus says the people are spiritually today. The ter 1:5-9). LORD God to the shepherds: above text also helps explain the ‘‘Woe to the shepherds of Israel phenomena of people like Robert GROWTH FROM who feed themselves! Should not Schuller, Rod Parsley, Joyce Meyer, TRUE KNOWLEDGE the shepherds feed the flocks? Paul Crouch, Benny Hinn, Robert Scripture repeatedly declares that You eat the fat and clothe your- Tilton, and now Joel Osteen. the more accurately one understands selves with the wool; you slaugh- Recall Joel Osteen’s statement, ‘‘I God, within the biblical context, the ter the fatlings, but you do not find today people are not looking for better life one will live before Him. feed the flock’’’’’ (Ezekiel 34:2-3).

16 · The Quarterly Journal October-December 2004 There are many biblical themes ‘I just got up there and told stories. ‘‘Joel Osteen says he does not which are very unpopular and even I was so glad when it was over. I preach theology. According to politically incorrect, yet the faithful said, ‘‘I’ll never do this again in the dictionary, ‘theology’ is the pastor-teacher will illuminate these my life.’’ Well, that was the last study of God, His nature, at- topics so that the flock under his care Sunday of my dad’s life.’’’22 tributes and His relationship is receiving a balanced spiritual diet That was the beginning of his pub- with man and the universe. Con- and is able to walk in the full light of lic ministry: he just got up and ‘‘told sidering the above definition, God’s Word, and not in the shadows. stories.’’ Joel Osteen has been telling what is the message coming from 26 Joel Osteen’s ascent to the pulpit of stories that have been tickling the ears his pulpit at Lakewood?’’ this large congregation was an un- of the multitudes ever since. Consider ‘‘His ‘relevant’ sermons are all usual one. He did not take a tradi- these descriptions of his preaching about individualism and con- tional path to pastoral work, but style: sumption. The implication is, ‘If I perhaps his training was ideal for just do the right things or pray modern, media-oriented Christendom: ‘‘Everyone agrees Osteen’s preaching is a key ingredient. the right way, God will give me ‘‘Meanwhile, son Joel, one of six Descriptors of his style include happiness — especially as it re- children, was learning the busi- ‘simple,’ ‘down-to-earth,’ ‘practi- lates to finances.’’’27 ness of television ... ‘Growing up, cal,’ ‘relatable,’ ‘easy,’ ‘folksy,’ ‘‘I just finished reading about I knew what I wanted to do. I 23 ‘humble.’’’ Joel Osteen and Lakewood wanted to be involved in TV Church. I am more convinced production,’ he says. ‘That was ‘‘The appealing style of Osteen’s than ever that pragmatism domi- just my passion.’ In 1981 he came personality in the pulpit is un- nates the church of Jesus Christ. home from Oral Roberts Univer- mistakable. It is part of the rea- Lakewood and pastor Osteen sity (ORU) to start the Lakewood son for Lakewood’s current level 24 clearly embrace a Word-Faith TV ministry. ‘I did that for 17 of success.’’ theology that is not based on years, working behind the ‘‘It’s 10 a.m. when he begins his scenes,’ Osteen says. ‘My dad, he sound doctrine but rather repre- sermon. The theme is practical as sents the spirit of this age.’’28 always wanted me to preach. It he gives example after example just wasn’t in my heart.’’’19 of the importance of following LET ME ENTERTAIN YOU God’s timing rather than one’s Thus, for 17 years, Joel Osteen was It should also concern the discern- own. He keeps the tone cheerful, behind the scenes, handling all the ing Christian when a pastor can make optimistic. ‘God doesn’t want television and marketing aspects of the statement that God does not want anybody walking out of here his father’s ministry. The Charisma anybody walking out of here ‘‘heavy- today heavy-hearted and down- article further reveals the impact of hearted.’’ In contrast, Scripture de- cast,’ Osteen says.’’25 the abilities of this father-son team: clares, ‘‘godly sorrow worketh repen- ‘‘The younger Osteen’s televi- Some may object and say, ‘‘Well, tance’’ (2 Corinthians 7:10). At times, sion-marketing talents and his Jesus told stories.’’ Yes, He did. How- God may well want us to walk out of dad’s preaching skills resulted ever, the notable distinction is that a service ‘‘heavy-hearted’’ if we have eventually in the church’s ser- Jesus told stories to teach doctrine been sinning. We should allow the vices being aired on stations na- and theology. Word, when properly expounded, tionwide and in more than 100 Indeed, Joel Osteen is charismatic in and the Spirit, when genuinely 20 countries.’’ his personality. His delivery is as present, to break us and to convict us of sinful attitudes and practices. James No doubt, the combined talents of non-threatening as the positive mes- concurs and states that, at times, we this dynamic-duo of folksy preaching- sages he delivers. Considering an teaching and television-marketing agglomeration of Joel Osteen’s state- must humble ourselves and even was a chief cause for the growth of ments — with his emphasis on being weep and mourn (James 4:7-10). Lakewood Church into megachurch ‘‘practical’’ — it is a logical conclusion However, if all one hears is ‘‘up- status.21 that perhaps he believes teaching beat,’’ ‘‘cheerful,’’ and ‘‘optimistic’’ TELLING TALES theology is somehow ‘‘impractical.’’ messages, there is little opportunity His words to Charisma, ‘‘I find today for the Holy Spirit to work conviction As John Osteen lay sick and dying people are not looking for theology,’’ in the hearts of the hearers. This in the hospital, he asked his son to loudly resonate. In reality, ‘‘practical’’ folksy, down-home, non-confronta- preach for him on Sunday. Initially, means he tells story after story, uses tional type of message also goes a Joel Osteen said, ‘‘No.’’ He then numerous anecdotes, and then tries to long way in explaining the large use a proof text to bolster his point. relented and described for Charisma’s crowds that gather to be entertained. readers his preaching efforts that day: Surprisingly, some of Charisma’s Read the Old Testament prophets. ‘‘‘I spoke for him that Sunday for readers picked up on and negatively They thundered, but did not tickle the first time in my life,’ he says. responded to these issues: ears. They did not entertain.

October-December 2004 The Quarterly Journal · 17 Lakewood Church’s music is an ‘‘Amazing Grace,’’ contemporary ‘‘Oh, that’s my brother Justin. important factor in drawing crowds. songs and choruses rule the day. He’s real smart. He’s president of Once Joel Osteen took command after Sadly, the Charismatic movement’s Justin Osteen and Associates, Inc. the death of his father, he began to brand of music has infiltrated many They’re the guys who set the expand the musical talent as well: evangelical congregations, leading to ‘independent reasonable com- an abandonment of the use of the ‘‘Four years ago, when Cindy pensation’ limits for many of historic hymns. It could be that Cruse-Ratcliff — former member today’s top televangelists and hymns are, in fact, rhymed theology. of the Dove Award-winning preachers. I don’t really under- It is not uncommon for seeker-sensi- Cruse Family gospel group — stand it myself, but it has to do tive churches to utilize songs and became Lakewood’s minister of with tax stuff. For instance, I choruses that originated from the music, the church had only one know he got the IRS to approve Toronto Revival or the Vineyard Sunday morning service. ... Soon an annual compensation package movement, which are two examples of $1.75 million for Archbishop after Cruse-Ratcliff arrived, Lake- of some of the wildest expressions of wood expanded when two Sun- Robert Tilton and his current extremism within the Charismatic wife, even though Mr. Tilton day morning services were renewal movement. added and, eight months later, a doesn’t really do anything but sit Saturday night worship service. Musically speaking, there is a around Miami eating stone crabs, ... ‘The growth was extremely method to the madness at Lakewood re-running his old programs and rapid,’ says Cruse-Ratcliff, who and other megachurches. They work mining his mailing list. He 32 still serves on the 200-member hard to cut all ties with traditional doesn’t even have a church!’’ Lakewood staff.’’29 Christianity. The classic, highly theo- Even though the interview was logical hymns and hymnals virtually ‘‘Star power’’ brings people to fictitious, The Door’s publisher, Ole scream out the dreaded word ‘‘tradi- Anthony, told PFO that the informa- churches as well, especially musical 31 stars, and Joel Osteen, with his televi- tional.’’ tion regarding the company operated sion-marketing training, is not igno- THE KEY TO SUCCESS? by Justin Osteen was factual. The rant of this fact. Ms. Cruse-Ratcliff magazine’s lampoon was based on knows people in the contemporary Joel Osteen is probably the leading actual interviews and documented music scene and, as Lakewood’s min- example of a Word Faith adherent fact. who has combined the successful ister of music, she no doubt helps add Of further concern is that one hears marketing techniques of the seeker- to the musical strength of this mega- little, if any, Law and Gospel pro- sensitive megachurches with a posi- church by bringing in some more claimed at Lakewood Church. The tive confession, health and wealth musical talent. According to Charisma: reality is that 30,000 people are not message. The blend becomes a potent ‘‘Helping to spice up that mix are being fed a biblically balanced spiri- hybrid that appeals to both sign-gift two of the most prominent tual diet which will promote true believers (sort of ‘‘Charismatic lite’’) names in worship music. Marcos growth in their lives. What one hears and baby-boomer seekers. Witt, who fills stadiums in Latin is a synthesis of Word Faith concepts America for worship concerts, The message that God wants to wrapped up in a seeker-friendly envi- was tapped in 2002 to pastor bless His children with complete ronment by a young man with a Lakewood’s 3,000-member His- physical health, give them great finan- winsome smile. One can preach grace, panic congregation. Also adding cial wealth, and demands little of but if only grace is preached, it diversity to the Lakewood staff is them in return regarding their spiri- becomes something else, as Jude 4 Israel Houghton, whose soulful tual life is a highly appealing mes- indicates. worship anthems are sung sage. Also combining popular Gospel 30 IF YOU BUILD IT, around the world.’’ singers with highly orchestrated praise THEY WILL COME The music at Lakewood is exces- and worship teams creates a decid- sively contemporary. They have musi- edly non-church atmosphere which Lastly, we cannot lose sight of the cal stars who appeal to Hispanic appeals to an even wider audience. fact that a certain synergy builds with (Witt), African-American (Houghton), Additionally, marketing strategies any church when it begins to reach and Caucasian members (Cruse-Rat- and their successes seem to run in the such a size. People who have no solid cliff). The musical team writes many Osteen family. Smuggled within the doctrinal foundation will want to of their own songs, yet the Charisma confines of a recent parody of Joel attend the place where ‘‘something’’ is happening. So adding a coffee bar, article never mentions hymns. Osteen in the satirical The Door Maga- marketplace, and gym to the church This is not surprising when one zine, was the revelation of a firm facility will be a dynamic for such a considers that the rule among Word operated by Joel’s brother, Justin. The bustling fellowship. Charisma reports: Faith and seeker-sensitive congrega- publication, in its spoof-interview of tions is the absence of hymnals. Apart Joel Osteen and his feel-good gospel ‘‘Lakewood’s new International from the occasional singing of message, disclosed: Center allows the church to ex-

18 · The Quarterly Journal October-December 2004 pand its ministries even more. • His father’s legacy and an already 14. John Osteen, The ABC’s of Faith. An ice rink and a basketball gym existing megachurch. Houston: A John Osteen Publication, 1981, are available for use by families pp. 31-32, bold and upper case in original. 15. John Osteen, The 6th Sense ...Faith. and city sports leagues. The • His own honed marketing abili- ties. Houston: A John Osteen Publication, 1972, church hosts concerts, sporting pp. 14-15. events, family conferences, con- • A biblically errant, but hugely 16. The Greek word, prosecho (‘‘beware’’), ventions, business workshops, re- popular message which appeals to is defined ‘‘to be in a continuous state of ceptions and seminars. Plans for the masses seeking to have their readiness to learn of any future danger, the future include a fitness cen- ears tickled and experience a ‘‘good need, or error, and to respond appropri- ter, and a dining and retail ately - ‘to pay attention to, to keep on the time’’ in church. lookout for, to be alert for, to be on one’s plaza.’’33 Please pray for Joel Osteen. He has guard against’’’ (Johannes P. Louw and Eugene A. Nida, editors, Greek-English In America, bigger is better. After a tremendous impact on many people. Lexicon of the New Testament based on all, many presume, if Joel Osteen was Pray the Lord opens his eyes to not being used of the Lord, then why Semantic Domains, from Bible Windows 5.0. biblical truth and that he may take as Cedar Hill, Texas: Silver Mountain Soft- would God allow all these people to bold a stand to expose error — ware, 1997, version 5.0). come to Lakewood Church? The rub whether his father’s or others. Paul 17. The term sign-gift has been used in is that the same logic could be applied instructed to ‘‘purge out the old place of Charismatic, because all Christians to the Latter-day Saint (Mormon) leaven’’ (1 Corinthians 5:7). It is our are ‘‘charismatic’’ believers in that each church, Islam (with its more than a one of us have been gifted with some gift prayer that the leaven of Lakewood or gifts from the Holy Spirit (see 1 Corin- billion adherents), or any other fast- will be exposed and done away with. growing cult. The previously cited thians 12:7). It should also be noted that Endnotes: most ‘‘seeker-sensitive churches’’ are led Charisma reader hit the nail on the by individuals who are seminary edu- head with his comment, ‘‘I am more 1. ‘‘A Tribute to Pastor John Osteen.’’ cated. convinced than ever that pragmatism Document available at: www.lakewood.cc 18. ‘‘How a BIG Church Grew Bigger,’’ dominates the church of Jesus Christ.’’ /john_osteen_tribute.htm. op. cit., pp. 44-45, emphasis added, brack- 2. John Osteen, How to Release the Power of ets in original. In reality, could this, in fact, be a God. Houston: A John Osteen Publication, 19. Ibid., pg. 44. sign of God’s judgment on His people 1968, pp. 44-45. 20. Ibid. who have forsaken His ways? We 3. ‘‘A Tribute to Pastor John Osteen,’’ op. 21. Yet, the discerning reader has to often think of God’s judgment as cit. wonder if Charismatic preachers stretch some divine catastrophe. Yet repeat- 4. Ernest Herndon, ‘‘How a BIG Church reports of membership figures purposely. edly — and just as catastrophic — is Grew Bigger,’’ Charisma, June 2004, pg. 44. Lakewood Church, as earlier noted in Elsewhere in the article, a figure of 8,000 when He simply allows people to endnote 4, reported figures ranging from members for 1999 is given. It is of further 6,000 members and 8,000 members (both have their own way. God gave the interest to note that in 1985, Charisma in 1999), to attendance of 12,000 (in 1985), Israelites their desire, but sent lean- reported that ‘‘more than 12,000 people to membership of 20,000 (in 1988). ness to their souls (Psalm 106:15). The attend [Lakewood Church] each Sunday’’ 22. ‘‘How a BIG Church Grew Bigger,’’ words of the Old Testament prophet (see Charisma, August 1985, pg. 132). Also, op. cit., pg. 44, emphasis added. Jeremiah are applicable to many in the 1988 edition of the Dictionary of 23. Ibid., pg. 45. the Church today: Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements, cit- 24. Ibid., pg. 46. ing the 1985 Charisma magazine as its 25. Ibid., pg. 50, emphasis added. ‘‘‘Be astonished, O heavens, at source, claimed ‘‘a membership of 20,000’’ 26. ‘‘Letters,’’ Charisma, August 2004, pg. this, And be horribly afraid; Be for Lakewood Church (pg. 656). 8. very desolate,’ says the LORD. 5. John Osteen, There is a Miracle in Your 27. Ibid. ‘For My people have committed Mouth. Houston: A John Osteen Publica- 28. Ibid. tion, 1972, pp. 6-7, upper case in original. two evils: They have forsaken 29. ‘‘How a BIG Church Grew Bigger,’’ 6. Ibid., pp. 17-18, upper case in original. op. cit., pg. 44. Me, the fountain of living waters, 7. ‘‘How a BIG Church Grew Bigger,’’ op. 30. ‘‘A Little Piece of Heaven,’’ Charisma, And hewn themselves cisterns; cit., pg. 44. June 2004, pg. 46. broken cisterns that can hold no 8. Document sent to ‘‘Lakewood Church 31. It is interesting that as hard as mega- water’’’ (Jeremiah 2:12-13). E-List’’ from Renee Branson (Pastor’s Sec- churches have tried to distance themselves retary), Monday, January 18, 1999, under from established ‘‘traditional’’ forms of A pastor who was into gimmicky the subject heading of ‘‘Prayer request for Christian worship, they have created their church-growth philosophy once pro- Pastor John Osteen.’’ Copy on file. own liturgies of a sort. Many have ban- posed, ‘‘If you can run a McDonald’s, 9. Ibid. ners which are marched around, and/or you can grow a church — it is not 10. Ibid. have praise dancers. They have altar calls, much different than hamburgers.’’ As 11. Ibid. and other aspects which have become much as Joel Osteen believes the 12. Ibid. standard practices, and thus traditions. 13. Document sent to ‘‘Lakewood Church growth they’ve experienced is due to 32. Chris Whitehead, ‘‘If You’re Happy E-List,’’ dated Sunday, January 24, 1999, and You Know It...,’’ The Door Magazine, the blessing of God, it really boils and sent Monday, January 25, 1999, under July/August 2004, pg. 37. down to three simple things, which the subject heading of ‘‘Pastor Osteen’s 33. ‘‘How a BIG Church Grew Bigger,’’ have nothing at all to do with God: Memorial service.’’ Copy on file. op. cit., pg. 50. g October-December 2004 The Quarterly Journal · 19 EDITORIALS different from its role in our world. For us a word is a (continued from page 2) commitment, for them it is an ornament’’ (cited in Arafat’s War, pg. 125). Seminar 2004). If there were the hundreds being healed Even Moody Bible College is getting in on the act. Last at each meeting as Oral Roberts, Kathryn Kuhlman, January, college president Joseph Stowell sent a letter to Benny Hinn, and others have claimed since the 1940s, Moody supporters promoting the appearance of Henry there would be millions verifiably well. Blackaby at its Founder’s Week saying, ‘‘Henry Blackaby Paula White added to the silliness proclaiming that initiated one of the most significant spiritual awakenings 2004 is the year of the greatest outpouring of God’s glory in recent times with ‘Experiencing God.’’’ Brownsville and supernatural visitation. It would be, she said, Benny Assembly of God in Pensacola, Fla., was making that Hinn’s “best year” (This Is Your Day, Jan. 6, 2004). Hinn’s same claim for its ‘‘revival’’ meetings a few years prior 2004 campaigns were nothing more than carbon copies of — as were others before that. previous years’ shows. Heaven is not earth, as Romans 8 A look at the moral and spiritual state of our country, makes very clear. Sanctification is not glorification, no and even the Church, will lead most to the conclusion matter how often these evangelists proclaim it. that Stowell is either naive or disingenuous. The top Hinn is also trying hard to get people to buy the echelons of the Christian world get materially richer message of restorationism and that spiritual utopia is on while the grassroots get spiritually poorer. The average its way. Within a few weeks of Paula White’s prophecy, Christian has become a casualty for the top dogs and Hinn featured Kenneth Copeland on his broadcast with, their marketers. more or less, the same message: 2004 — The Year of One healer, one event, one apostle, one orchestrated Fullness. Signs, wonders, and miracles are all on their way. ‘‘2004 will be the fullest year of your life,’’ revival, one or even two outlandishly unsupported Copeland said. The skewing of salvation, sanctification, claims will not complete life’s puzzle for us. Think of and glorification is spiritually criminal, but these purvey- someone in heaven proudly saying, ‘‘I did ‘40 Days of ors of fantasy continue to get away with it. Purpose’’’ and Moses saying, ‘‘I did 40 years of purpose.’’ Any program is only a tiny piece of life, a passing thing, If we can just hold on another year, these prophets will a blip on life’s radar screen. usher in a brave new world filled with the glory of God as the waters cover the sea. And, yes, don’t forget to Then think of another saying with pride, ‘‘I prayed the send money. Copeland prophesies that the ‘‘overflow’’ prayer of Jabez!’’ and Jesus stepping up and saying, coming in 2005 ‘‘depends on how much you sow toward ‘‘Yes, and I did bloody sweats in a garden. And, oh, I did it in 2004’’ (This Is Your Day, Jan. 28, 2004). the cross.’’ Dutch Sheets’ claim that by praying in each state in the Another says, ‘‘I paid $100 for a Benny Hinn Bible, did United States he can singlehandedly shift each region all the Blackaby seminars, and devoured a whole shelf of into God’s purpose is a lie out of his wild imagination Watchman Nee books’’ and Isaiah answered, ‘‘I was (Charisma, February 2004, pg. 16). sawn in two.’’ C. Peter Wagner is considered a top demon chaser and Some programs help us make turns and adjustments modern day apostle by many Charismatics. Because he and may be good, but they only turn us toward new has asserted that he is among modern apostles and areas of growth and achievement. Unfortunately, their prophets, similar to the original twelve, even the marketers often overstate their value. Assemblies of God have turned their back on him. For all Others are into what can be labeled ‘‘celebrity- Wagner’s bluster about his power of healing and demon by-contact.’’ They believe it really matters whose meeting busting, Charisma magazine revealed that Wagner has one attends. Another might say, ‘‘Hey there, I went to a diabetes and his wife has debilitating arthritis (February Promise Keepers meeting and sat in a stadium in the hot 2004, pg. 52). He is a lousy poster boy for his message. sun. I even stood in a bathroom line next to Coach It can be argued that many of the extremist healer McCartney.’’ Paul would say, ‘‘I really didn’t know types have imagined themselves to be something they anybody famous except Jesus. I was stoned and beaten are not. They then become what they have imagined and over the years and toward the end I still believed I had a actually believe themselves to be what they have created way to go and so I pressed on and finished my course.’’ in their fantasies. Anyone can make unverifiable claims Many boasted — and may have even paid for — a of shifting the powers in unseen realms, or of being an picture with Jim and Tammy Bakker or Jimmy Swaggart. apostle. Some may now want to burn even the negatives. Jerry Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres made an interest- Falwell has sold opportunities to be photographed with ing comment on the difference between the way Arabs him for $10. Falwell also has hawked credit cards that use words and the Israelis use them. His observation would return a cash award to his school. Many in his equally applies perfectly to true Bible students and community see him as a businessman who preaches on televangelists, ‘‘The role of the word in the Arab world is Sunday.

20 · The Quarterly Journal October-December 2004 Just to show how sinful and perverted people can be, The word ‘‘revival’’ is used only twice in the New and how far they can take celebrity status, we only need Testament; once of sin being revived and the other of the look back to the Middle Ages to the concept of beneficent physical body of Jesus being revived. Revivals are hyped contagion. The idea was that if some people had extreme all the time, yet never were commanded by Jesus and the holiness and the powers of healing, these attributes never Apostles. left them, even when they died. Somehow the ‘‘powers’’ Jesus commanded a discipleship model of the Christian still resided in their dead carcass. If others could then get near their moldering bodies they could be affected and life (Matthew 28:16-20), not a revivalistic model. If God is somehow tap into, or draw off the imagined miracle pleased to sovereignly heighten the process and give residue. Even standing by the grave or tomb, or touching more converts and disciples, it just means we disciple shreds of old clothes or pieces of the dead body (called more vigorously. Revival is God’s business, not ours. relics), was enough. Discipleship is our paradigm and pursuit. Revival is a word that is worthless to describe or define anything. As ghastly, ghoulish, and ghostly as beneficent conta- Things forbidden by Paul in 1 Corinthians 14 are passed gion sounds, some Roman Catholics, as well as Benny off as revival when the inspired Apostle calls them Hinn, Jewish sects, and Muslim fundamentalists are still madness. great believers in carcass contagion. Visitations to graves have merit in their view. Iain Murray in Pentecost-Today? warns: Some would give a fortune just to be flailed by Benny ‘‘If we suppose that blessing on the scale of revival Hinn’s suit jacket, yet would laugh at a Roman Catholic is the only blessing worth looking for, and if we pass seeking a papal blessing. Even ‘‘Protestant Popes’’ are all over the normal out of desire to see the extraordi- leaky umbrellas at best. nary, we are wrong and will be disappointed. Sometimes Christians who have been through reviv- If some of the Christian ‘‘celebrities’’ help us at all by als have fallen into just such disappointment. They chance, or in some tiny way teach us something, it is were tempted to think that there could be no real only because they happened to use the Word and happiness unless times of revival continued. ... The provided only a very tiny piece of a very big puzzle. authenticity of any alleged revival is to be judged by Red notebooks, fads, rallies, video feeds, and big name the same tests by which the genuiness of all speakers do not make mature Christians. A life of Christianity is to be tested. ... revivals consist of more struggle, obedience, and consistency only barely begins of what Christians already possess’’ (pp. 29, 31, to qualify a believer for his ‘‘stripes’’ or rewards. We italics in original). need to brush off Luke 17:10, ‘‘So likewise you, when Instead of tending to discipleship and faithfulness day you have done all those things which you are com- by day, some try to ‘‘make things happen,’’ and when it manded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have does not happen they fall into despair and despise the done what was our duty to do.’’’ normal. Discipleship is denigrated. Yes, good books and good authors can help us for Do not listen to the cults or televangelists who say that small areas of our life and may help to contribute a few life should be one constant event or spiritual high. Don’t pieces to our puzzle. Consistent Bible study keeps adding despise the normal and ordinary, since God works in even more pieces — or allows the existing pieces to come those. Don’t despise the means of grace as they are major together more readily. As life cycles and changes, and pieces of life’s puzzle. Discipleship is a puzzle-making the years roll on, new biblical portions must be put into process. Don’t believe that a self-proclaimed miracle place. worker will bring heaven on earth this year or any year One can read the book of Acts and wrongly think that soon. It will take Jesus to fit in the last pieces of a big Paul’s life was one series of spiritual highlights occurring puzzle. at breakneck speed. However, Acts chronicles Paul’s life Review the words of J.C. Ryle from his book Holiness: from the standpoint of some of the events with no report of the time spans between these events. Paul spent two ‘‘At our best we shall find in ourselves daily cause years in a Caesarea prison with nothing recorded. He for humiliation, and discover that we are needy spent months on the sea traveling from place to place. debtors to mercy and grace every hour. The more Many of those days had to be dull, boring, and mundane light we have, the more we shall see our own with perhaps seasickness thrown into the mix. Second imperfection. Sinners we were when we began, Corinthians is a glimpse into the awful disheartened sinners we shall find ourselves as we go; renewed, states of Paul. Additionally, the Psalms are down- pardoned, justified — yet sinners to the very last. to-earth, revealing David’s roller-coaster days. Our absolute perfection is yet to come, and the expectation of it is one reason why we should long Life is not just one big event. Every event is just a tiny for heaven’’ (pg. 32). puzzle piece. The bigger pieces may well be those days when we gutted it out, obeyed, and demonstrated fruit of Remember the puzzle. the Spirit — even in mundane places. —GRF

October-December 2004 The Quarterly Journal · 21 NEWS UPDATES do a school where there could be a solid biblical basis for (continued from page 3) both the models and the theology behind healing and power evangelism’’ (August 2004, pg. 27). The term project. ‘‘Removing the names of Holocaust victims and ‘‘power evangelism’’ was coined by the late John other known Jews from a data base containing hundreds Wimber, who gained fame with the Association of of millions of deceased persons is an ongoing, labor- Vineyard Churches. It is defined as evangelism being intensive process requiring name-by-name research,’’ he demonstrated by healings, signs, wonders, and exor- said. In addition to Holocaust victims, the names of other cisms. prominent Jews were found: Gilda Radner, Menachem Clark is currently criss-crossing the United States Begin, David Ben-Gurion, and Albert Einstein. According conducting four-day healing schools. The schools, ac- to a December 2002 news report, 380,000 names of cording to Clark, were established to correct false Holocaust victims were in the church’s data base in 1995, doctrine and train Christians in the healing ministry. with around 20,000 showing up after the proxy baptisms According to the Charisma news report, Clark further were supposed to have been discontinued. stated, ‘‘People like the models I learned in the Vineyard Baptism for the dead originally was meant for non- and the balance, so I do expect that there will be a Mormon relatives of LDS church members. The closest multiplication of healing in churches, communities and living relative of the deceased can sanction the proxy nations as a result of our healing schools.’’ baptism. According to the May 9, 2004, edition of The —MKG Hawk Eye, Jack Renouf, LDS director of public affairs in Nauvoo, Ill., said, ‘‘It’s an offer for the dead to be able to choose to be saved or not.’’ Renouf also indicated that, ‘‘the temple in Nauvoo was not involved in the practice,” MOON SHINE but added that “not all Jews are opposed to the idea.’’ U.S. government lawmakers, including senators and While proxy baptism for deceased Jews may not be representatives from both major parties, were part of a taking place at the current Nauvoo temple, the practice of reception last spring that honored about 100 people for baptizing for dead Mormon relatives first took place their efforts on behalf of local, national, and world peace. during the 1840s at the original Nauvoo temple. Renouf However, the ‘‘Crown of Peace’’ ceremony held on also stated, ‘‘The church has 117 temples operating Capitol Hill turned out to be an awards event honoring worldwide, so you can imagine how difficult it is to track the Rev. Sun Myung Moon, founder and leader of The all the names and who is involved.’’ Unification Church. The World Gathering of (Jewish) Holocaust Survivors Afterward, some of the elected officials said they were has asked Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., to assist deceived about the true purpose of the gathering. ‘‘There in speeding up the process of stopping the proxy was no indication Moon would be there,’’ a staff person baptisms and has also met with Sen. Orrin Hatch, for Sen. Mark Drayton, D-Minn., said. Another, Rep. R-Utah. No statement was issued after the meeting. Roscoe Bartlett, R-Md., maintained he ‘‘had no idea —AMG Moon would receive an award and deliver a speech.’’ However, George A. Stallings, who helped organize the ceremony, said the invitation sent to officials announced THERE THEY GO AGAIN that Moon and his wife would be honored during the event. The Washington Times Foundation was among the Last year Benny Hinn teamed with End-Time Hand- sponsors of the reception. The Washington Times, owned maidens founder Gwen Shaw to prophesy that ‘‘the by Moon, is a conservative newspaper in the nation’s greatest revival of the Spirit’’ would start in Germany capitol. The reception was held at the Dirksen Senate and spread across Europe. That forecast, like countless Office Building, which would require the approval of a similar predictions beforehand, went unfulfilled. senator. According to Stallings, the name of the senator is ‘‘shrouded in mystery.’’ The latest prophet of promise is Randy Clark, the former St. Louis Vineyard pastor who is recognized as During the ceremony, a crown was placed on Moon’s the catalyst of the Toronto Blessing. In 1993, Clark, at the head. Rep. Danny K. Davis, D-Ill., donning white gloves, request of Toronto Vineyard Fellowship pastor John carried the crown on a pillow to Moon. Davis said that Arnott, imparted the anointing he earlier received at a while he was a Methodist who ‘‘disagreed with many of series of Rodney Howard-Browne meetings. Clark later Moon’s religious teachings,’’ he nevertheless ‘‘praised resigned from the Vineyard movement to begin an Moon’s efforts on behalf of world peace,’’ according to apostolic missions network. The Washington Post. Clark has told Charisma magazine, ‘‘I believe that we At the gala event, Moon delivered a lengthy address. are going to see another healing revival, so I wanted to According to the Post, Moon was quoted as saying that

22 · The Quarterly Journal October-December 2004 he was ‘‘sent to Earth ... to save the world’s six billion ences, footnotes, and the index. However, a seven-page people,’’ and that ‘‘Emperors, kings and presidents ... ‘‘Reference Guide’’ will be added to acquaint the reader have declared to all Heaven and Earth that Reverend Sun unfamiliar with the intent of the Mormon scripture. Myung Moon is none other than humanity’s Savior, According to Elder Henry B. Eyring, who serves on the Messiah, Returning Lord and True Parent.’’ church’s Scripture Committee and is a member of the Moon and his Unification Church have a long history Quorum of Twelve Apostles, the Doubleday edition is of wooing and entertaining respected evangelical and not aimed at LDS church members. ‘‘However, many political leaders in an effort to gain legitimacy for his members may feel that this new edition would be an message and ambitions. ideal gift for friends who are not members of the —MKG Church,’’ he said. The volume will be the first official trade edition of the LDS scripture. Since first being published in 1830, more than 120 million copies of The Book of Mormon have been BOOK OF MORMON printed and distributed by the LDS church, with over GOES COMMERCIAL five million copies in 2002 alone. The typical method of distribution has been through the church’s missionaries, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has members, and other distribution outlets such as visitors found a new channel for its most conspicuous scripture centers at its temples and historical sites. The Doubleday to be made available: Doubleday Publishing. The New edition is hoped to increase distribution through avenues York-based publisher will release to bookstores on Nov. such as retail shops, airport bookstores, and Internet 16, a hardcover edition of The Book of Mormon. It will sell outlets. for $24.95. According to an LDS church news release, Michelle Doubleday and Mormon church officials have jointly Rapkin, Religion Division Vice President for Doubleday, worked on the project for more than a year. While the new edition is said to ‘‘reflect design changes introduced said, ‘‘The Mormon faith has become one of the largest in by Doubleday to make the volume more easily read and America. We’re proud to be the first publisher to bring understood by a non-Mormon audience,’’ church leaders this vitally important work to bookstores across the promise that the text will remain faithful to the editions country and to add it to our outstanding library of published by the LDS church and used by its members. authorized religious texts.’’ The style changes will eliminate exhaustive cross refer- —MKG

Personal Freedom Outreach — Statement of Belief I. The Bible as the divinely inspired, inerrant Word of God: It is in its entirety the sole authority for all matters of Christian belief and practice. II. The one true God. In the one true God there exist three persons, being: The Father, The Son Jesus Christ, and The Holy Spirit. III. Jesus Christ: His deity, humanity, virgin birth, sinlessness, death and bodily resurrection; who will personally and visibly return again to earth. IV. The personality and deity of the Holy Spirit. V. The existence and personality of Satan, his total opposition to God, and his power over the unregenerate. VI. The complete and total depravity of all men which makes them hopelessly lost without the new birth obtainable through faith in Jesus Christ. VII. The final estate of man: for the saved, everlasting life in the presence of God and for the unsaved, everlasting punishment because of their unbelief. VIII. The Gospel by which we are saved being summed in the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. IX. The Church being the Body of Christ, united in the Holy Spirit, consisting of those who have received Jesus Christ as Savior. A local church is an organized assembly of believers united for the purpose of carrying out the Great Commission of Christ. X. The Great Commission of Christ being to preach the Gospel to all men, baptizing and discipling those who have believed.

October-December 2004 The Quarterly Journal · 23 because of what may seem overwhelming ‘‘scientific’’ evidence against biblical creationism. This book helps believers acquire the information and confidence to respond. It is a must, must read. THE 10 THINGS YOU —GRF SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE CREATION VS. THE TRUTH BEHIND EVOLUTION DEBATE THE DAVINCI CODE by Ron Rhodes by Richard Abanes Harvest House Publishers, 192 pages, $9.99 Harvest House Publishers, 96 pages, $6.99 Ron Rhodes has a knack for making difficult concepts easy to read and grasp. Not only does his book bring us This is a tremendous book. It is fact-filled and the right up-to-date in terms of the creationist-evolutionist smaller text gives much more reading than what its size debate, but it equips believers to respond to those who suggests. question a creation by God. Abanes is a careful researcher and has done his The style and intellectual depth of this volume can be homework as he refutes the Gnostic viewpoints of Dan grasped by most any level of reader from junior high Brown and his runaway best-seller, The Da Vinci Code. school and up. This is a very critical factor, considering Brown, in his blockbuster novel, has not only rewritten the onslaught of evolutionary teaching directly confront- Church history, but has twisted and distorted it with lie ing our young people today. The book contains the upon lie. Abanes painstakingly corrects the lies with essentials to help the student, or for parents wanting to biblical and historical truth. assist their child. Christian home-schoolers — while Was Jesus married to Mary Magdalene? What is the directly shielded from evolutionism — will also find it a Holy Grail? Did the Church invent the deity of Jesus at tremendous resource. the Nicene Council? Were the books of the Bible agreed Rhodes introduces us to the intelligent design move- upon by very close vote centuries after the time of the ment which is spearheaded by even non-Christians. His Apostles? What are the Gnostic Gospels? Did the Church book places us on the cutting edge of the modern suppress woman and goddess worship and substitute a controversy. Few may know or even realize that there are patriarchal rule? Did Da Vinci have secret codes imbed- different kinds of evolutionary thought. Chapter one ded in his writing and art? Are there really lost books of covers that. Likewise, Rhodes sets the stage with ‘‘Why the Bible that have emerged? What is the Gospel of This Debate Really Matters,’’ also covered in his opening Thomas? These are just some of the issues examined and chapter. answered by Abanes. What about ‘‘ape-men’’ discoveries? Chapter 5 informs Point by point, in a very readable format, Abanes us on that. Is the ‘‘big bang’’ theory compatible with deciphers and unshrouds the fabricated ‘‘codes’’ of The special creation? Chapter 10 answers the question. Da Vinci Code. He goes headlong into the fiction and Rhodes even tackles the question of the ‘‘gap theory’’ — fantasy world of Dan Brown and clears away the thorns the teaching that God created the world billions of years and thickets of fables and myths. This book is not ago — a view held by some reputable Christian teachers. pedantic and ‘‘heavy,’’ but written at a level all can He succinctly lays forth the biblical objections to this grasp. It is inexpensive enough to be able to purchase in theory. Also examined — and responded to — are the quantity for friends and acquaintances who have hopped diverse views of progressive evolution and theistic on The Da Vinci Code bandwagon. It is an informative evolution. resource — a needed ‘‘crash course’’ into the basic Christians — young and old — need an intelligent and foundation of Church history. robust faith. They need not cower or remain silent —GRF

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