Broken bones, cancer... even dyslexia! "Pastor Marie" and her "divine-healing technicians" will take it all on with "aggressive prayer techniques.
Plus, the Gospel is optional. NOTE: divine-healing, worked by technicians employing techniques. This is God-as-Tool, God-as-Force. Plus, a profound misunderstanding of prayer. What God says is first (1 Corinthians 2:2; 15:3) is made optional. (Challenge: find the Gospel on this page.) In fact, they assure any and all, "We are ...not trying to teach, change anybody's doctrines, enlist them in any church or movement, or promote any unusual, controversial doctrines."
No controversial doctrines? Well, that certainly excludes the Gospel (1 Corinthians 1:18-25).
No controversial doctrines? Well, that certainly excludes the Gospel (1 Corinthians 1:18-25).
The "healing room" linked above is in New Zealand. My compatriots may think, "Ah, those nutty Kiwis." Not so fast, friend. Like so many baleful movements, this has roots in the US. Now, reportedly, there are "5 Healing Rooms in New Zealand and 649 Healing Rooms located in 31 nations."
Their own web page contains this: "Remember: Healing is a sign to the unbeliever! Hebrews 2:4." How's that working out? Are mighty, undeniable, apostolic-caliber miracles leaving unbelievers without rational evasions?
Not quite. But they do have one local observer marveling at the high healing-rate of placebos.
Not quite. But they do have one local observer marveling at the high healing-rate of placebos.
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6 comments:
Isn't this where Christian Science...
which is neither Christian nor Science... came from?
"GP and former New Zealand Medical Council chairwoman Pippa MacKay said the claims about curing cancer were 'mischievous'... and '[give] people the wrong kind of hope.'"
No argument there.
Just another progression of humanistic "best life now" thought. Suddenly "God" is handing out health and wealth... no gospel necessary.
Can we call this the "Health and Wealth, NO Gospel?"
You are so negative Dan. Do you not want these people to get up from their wheelchairs?
Surely Marie is a true prophetess and not a con artist.
Twenty years ago, I spent several years in the Charismatic Movement, and I observed and participated in several apparent healings. Although most of the alleged healings I saw or heard about were largely based on wishful thinking, a number of them could not be so easily explained away. However, none of the apparently "real" healings I saw gave any glory to anyone besides the people who laid hands on the ones who were healed. Although lip service was paid to our Lord, it seemed that pretty much 100% of the attention and excitement was given to the allegedly gifed one.
It's not enough that a "divine healing" be beyond medical explanation.
It also has to bring all the glory to Christ alone. Although I saw some apparently miraculous stuff happen, not once did Christ receive all the glory, so I must conclude that these healings were not God's work. If a healing ministry doesn't give priority to the Gospel, I would also conclude that any alleged miracles that occur are not the work of God.
hmm...Obama's plan on one side heretical charismatic plan on the other. Tough choice.
inscrutable:
Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works?
Sir Aaron,
That's a most relevant Scripture passage to be sure. Our Lord delights in those who bear witness to his Gospel, not in those who claim mighty spiritual gifts and reserve all the glory for themselves.
Dave
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