Benny Hinn is bad for Christian PR and people's faith, and now some have suggested that his shenanigans be stopped on legal grounds.
Archbishop comments on lure of unscrupulous evangelists
In the wake of publicity associated with a "crusade" to be led by American tele-evangelist Benny Hinn in Brisbane later this month, the city's Archbishop John Bathersby has said he is "disappointed" by people attracted by signs and wonders holding unreal expectations.
This question about whether Judas partook of Christ’s flesh at the Last Supper has bearing on the current Eucharistic politicla controversy.
Question from Mary on 05-27-2004:
Dear Father Why did Jesus allow Judas to receive Communion at the last Supper? Was’nt he in mortal sin at that time or was it still at the stage of being a venial sin? Thanks Mary
Divided we fall.
Putting aside the actual "meat" of the denial of Eucharist issue, it is quite disturbing and somewhat frightening to see such a division among U.S. Bishops. What kind of message does in-fighting and lack of pastoral harmony send? The Church is in a precarious position right now, due to scandals, dwindling numbers of faithful, rampant heterodoxy, and hostile secularism. We, the members of the Church militant, the body of Christ on earth, need strong, unified leadership. A decision needs to be reached soon, one way or another.
Communion issue causing split amongst US bishops
The New York Times is interpreting recent signs from the Vatican as dismay over the dissention amongst US Bishops on denying communion to politicians.
I forgot to mention something yesterday. Marty Minto‘s been on a bit of an anti-Catholic tirade for the last week. One of his listeners wrote in to ask if anyone who truly loved Jesus could go to Hell, even Catholics. I sent the following as part of an email to him during his broadcast.
“I was saved when Christ died for man’s sins.
I am being saved as I attempt carry my cross daily.
I hope to be saved when I face final judgment.
I love Jesus. He is my Lord and Savior. I know you feel the same way. We should work with each other, not against each other.”
He responded by saying he doesn’t think I’m saved! He said that those who are truly born again in the Spirit have assurance of salvation and to think otherwise suggests a lack of rebirth. I sent the following as a rebuttal, but he didn’t respond to all of it on-air.
Paul spoke of running a race (1 Cor 9:24), working out salvation with fear trembling (Phil 2:12), and completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions (Col 1:24). Obviously, endurance is called for.
When I say that I was saved, I mean that Christ’s sacrificial act redeemed mankind. Through baptism by the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we are buried with Christ and are entitled to rise with Him. Salvation is a gift. In order to be saved, however, we must actively accept that gift. Furthermore, that gift is not irrevocable. If we accept Christ one day and reject Him the next, we cannot possibly expect to be saved.
When I say that I am being saved, I mean that every day is a struggle and I know I can be led astray, lose hope, and lose faith.
When I say that I hope to be saved at the last judgment, I mean that I hope to persevere in Christ until the day I die. I pray that I will be counted among the sheep, rather than the goats. Not all who say “Lord, Lord” shall be allowed into the wedding banquet of Heaven.” I pray to be one who is.
Do I have any Evangelical Protestant readers who’d like to comment on this exchange? Anybody of any denomination want to chime in? What part of what I said is incompatible with “mere” Christianity (c.f. C.S. Lewis)?
It seems many of the world’s Anglican nations have their heads screwed on straighter
than America’s. Since it seems the bad guys are unlikely to shape up or ship ship
out, I’ll just pray the good guys join either the Catholic Church or the Eastern
Orthodox Church.
Anglican Leaders Applaud Primates for Bold Stand Against ECUSA
By Jim Brown
June 1, 2004
(AgapePress) – Overseas Anglican leaders are being praised for issuing a statement that calls on the leadership of the Episcopal Church USA to repent within three months or face expulsion from the worldwide Anglican Communion.