Random Apostasies and Heresies

The big news last week was the Ken Ham and Bill Nye debate.  If you haven’t seen it, the full debate is available to watch on youtube.  Albert Mohler has an excellent commentary about how the debate was really an examination and exposure of clashing worldviews.  Rick Phillips at Reformation 21 has a good, short commentary worth your while also.
There are some really good analyses of the debate, and I can provide some links if requested.

I’ve read several interesting things about the Mormons the past week or so, a few of which really need to be shared with my audience.
A lawsuit has been filed in England against the LDS president, for fraudulent teachings which led to the loss of money from an adherent of the faith.  It will be very interesting to see how this plays out.
This situation was first brought to my attention through a link to a site I’ve never seen before, but which I think is a good one to follow regarding news about the LDS; it’s called, The Mormon Curtain.  Mormon Coffee has posted part 2 of their article exposing Joseph Smith as the founder of racism in the Mormon church.

Recovering Grace, a web site by former followers of Bill Gothard, which exposes the teachings and practices of Gothard’s organization, had as a six-part series the testimony of a young lady who was being groomed by Gothard to be his bride - unbeknownst to her.  It is a good exposure of the sort of sexual harassment that was apparently common with Bill.  Part one will take you to part two, and so forth.
After you’ve read that one, take a look at Charlotte’s Story for an example of just how far Gothard would go.

Long ago I learned of the origin and teachings behind Alcoholics Anonymous, and why it is something Christians should not be a part of.  Lighthouse Trails Research has a new booklet about AA, and this article sums up what the booklet exposes.
(I’d like to point out that the founder of AA coined the word “Alcoholic” so as to take away the responsibility of the drunk, and the psychology and psychiatry industry turned “alcoholism” into a “disease,” which is total nonsense.)

One site I have never previously read is that of Rolling Stone Magazine; that sort of material is just not my cup of tea.  However, I was given a link last week to an article on the site, about the International House of Prayer cult.  It is a very interesting viewpoint from a secular publication, but they seem to have hit the proverbial nail on the head in their assessment.  And I would say they describe a lot of demonic activity! Of course, as with any cult, followers have joined in the comment section making claims against the article - but my personal research confirms what the article says.  It is sad that cult followers are so deluded in the defense of their particular cult.

Donald Miller, author of Blue Like Jazz, continues his slide into total apostasy.

One of the things which has always bothered me is the teaching that Christians pay a “tithe” to the Church.  This is a 100% false teaching!  The tithe (meaning 10%) was something Israel was required to give (as one of many required offerings).  Christians have no minimum amount for giving, rather we are told to just give as our heart directs us, without grudging or compulsion.  Some people say 10% is a good place to start, but I think that depends on one’s financial condition - sometimes that 10% can be the difference between eating or not eating.  
Elizabeth Prata has a good article on this subject.

I thought Larry King’s interview with Joel Osteen took place a few years back, but this link makes it appear to be recent.  So is this a new one?  I don’t know, but the interview is 100% proof positive why Joel Osteen should not be in any pastoral position.  It is difficult to even conceive of him being saved, since he never really seems to understand the Gospel.  I think, again, that Elizabeth Prata has a better handle on Osteen’s teachings than do most Christians - “doctrines of demons.”

I’ve previously addressed Michael Brown’s book, “Authentic Fire,” and how confused it is with reality.  Another article about the subject, which I think is worth your perusal, is over at the Cripplegate.  Meanwhile, Phil Johnson addresses Brown’s association, and defense of, arch-heretic Benny Hinn.

Then we have “The Circle Makers,” which exposes many who are teaching some really bad doctrines.  Mark Batterson isn’t alone in this convoluted idea; Rick Warren and Ed Young are right in there with him, albeit with a difference.

We’ve heard a lot over the years about all the “Holy Laughter” in so many false revivals, but the real “Holy Laughter” is from God.

Lastly, this video sums up a lot of current “worship” styles.