Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Spiritual snakeoil?


When I saw this picture in the latest issue of Christianity Today, I couldn't resist the urge to scan and upload it here. If I had Photoshop, I'd slightly alter this image by replacing the dove above Benny Hinn's head in this billboard with a pigeon. Doing this would succintly express my opinion about Mr. Hinn and his ilk, if you get what I mean, and I don't mean because it would bring him good luck. This billboard, which describes him as a "world-renowned healing evangelist," is slightly misleading. Hinn may be known worldwide, but he is hardly world renowned.

In fact, he is a controversial figure, attracting negative coverage in both the mainstream and Christian media. His critics charge that rather than genuinely delivering people from illnesses or physical infirmities, his healing crusades are actually conducted to raise money for his organisation. Since it appears that no one has ever actually experienced genuine healing at one of these crusades, it's questionable whether these funds are used to benefit others, or to finance Hinn's opulent lifestyle.

4 comments:

Neil Cameron (One Salient Oversight) said...

The image of the Dove coming from Hinn is borderline blasphemy since it sort of suggests that the Holy Spirit proceeds from Hinn (instead of the Father and the Son as the Nicene creed affirms).

Hinn made some false prophecies in the late 1980s - one suggesting that before the year 2000 a "short man" will come forth as the antichrist.

Hinn also taught that there are nine persons in the Godhead.

Prophecies don't come true... theology is heretical... what conclusion can you come to?

Ross said...

Salient, thanks for sharing your views. The image suggsted to me that Hinn is claiming to be specially anointed and sanctioned by the Holy Spirit. If what you say about him is true, then all the more reason not to watch his TV show or give money to his organisation.

Belinda said...

Ross, I absolutely agree with you. Although, instead of a pigeon to replace the dove, I would suggest a flying-cow with diarrhea ... now that would be some kind of payback :) Apologies for my slightly crude comment, but that Hinn character really yanks at my chain ...

Ross said...

Now that would be a sight to see, wouldn't it? If that happened, Mr Hinn would need to get his spiffy grey suit dry-cleaned. What really makes my blood boil is the millions of people, especially those with chronic illnesses, who get duped by this man.