Several months ago, the mini-Expositor commented on the interview reported in Christianity Today (October 28, 1992), with popular TV evangelist and pastor of Orlando Christian Center, Benny Hinn. When Mr. Hinn produced his best selling book "Good Morning Holy Spirit", he suddenly came under scrutiny of scholars and discernment ministries. Several heretical teachings were detected and the publishers, Thomas Nelson, reprinted a second edition with some of the major heresies changed.
Hinn admitted that he began to associate with the "word faith" theology camp which followed the teachings of E.W. Kenyon, Kenneth Hagan, Kenneth Copeland, and others.
The Christianity Today (CT) article wrote, "evangelical apologetics ministries have long criticized the 'word-faith' movement on several points, including the teaching that Jesus (lost) His divinity before dying physically on the cross...Christ was united with Satan in nature, and, like believers today, had to be born again...advocates of this doctrine have (stated) that human beings are of the same essence as Jesus Christ ("little gods").
Hinn publically responded to his critics rather violently in formats like Paul Crouch's TBN television show. He said things like, "I've looked for one verse in the Bible - I just can't seem to find it - one verse that said if you don't like them, kill them...I wish God would give me a Holy Ghost machine gun - I'll blow your head off!"
Hinn told CT that he regrets making those types of statements and "would be willing to meet with his critics, such as Bud Press of Watchman Fellowship who has spent more time than anyone else compiling research on Hinn."
Hinn also stated that he had repudiated many of his earlier heretical statements, and "the entire direction of his ministry is in a state of fundamental reform." Hinn said, "I really no longer believe the faith message. I don't think it adds up."
Charismatic theologian J. Rodman Williams of Regent University, who studied Hinn's first edition of Good Morning Holy Spirit and found it full of serious theological errors, commented that "he feels apologetics ministries deserve credit for calling attention to deficient theology."
Did Hinn tell the truth? Did he keep his word? No, and that is only a small part of the story. The CT article only alluded to but did not specify the degree of Hinn's heresy, lies, and false prophecies.
Watchman's Budd Press sent a certified letter to Hinn, called him, and what response did we receive? We received a letter from Hinn's attorney threatening a lawsuit. Where is that found in Matthew 18?
Mr. Hinn has plenty of reason to be defensive. He reneged on everything he said only days after the CT interview. We have documented everything Hinn has done, including the serious errors in his second book, The Anointing.
Now Christianity Today has returned with a significant follow-up article, "Same Old Benny Hinn, Critics Say" (October 5, 1992, p.51-54).
To date, Mr. Hinn is continuing with the same horrible faith teaching, false prophecy, and gross theological error. Noted charismatic theologian J. Rodman Williams repeats his warning that "Hinn is prone to exaggeration and extremism...[his[ exegesis is frequently unsound and unbiblical", and after attending some of Hinn's services writes that in those meetings "psychological techniques are mixed in with the spiritual."
For a documentation pack on the specific issues of the errors of Hinn and the "faith message", let us know and please include a donation to help us with the postage and handling costs.
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