WOF?
Hi Aineo,
I suppose you are touching on one of my main concerns: you are more or less characterizing a "movement" with the evidently odd teaching of one man (in this case Benny Hinn). Now - I personally don't know if what you are saying about Hinn is accurate, but for the sake of discussion let's assume you are correct and our brother is wildly off base. Let's furthermore assume that your characterization of the "movement" itself is mostly on target (i.e. that most of its leaders are similarly off in the Land of Oz).
What has that got to do with Brother Hagin?
He was not a "movement" - he was a minister of the gospel, and, as such, deserves at least a fair hearing.
I take issue with your judgment of the man's heart and find it unscriptural: brethren do not have the scriptural or moral authority to pass judgment on the intent of another brother's heart! You and I are surely called to "take heed what we hear", and to judge the fruits of a tree, but that does not include judging the heart of a brother (that is the Lord's business).
By what authority do you claim that Hagin deliberately tried to manipulate brothers and sisters for whom Jesus died simply for the sake of financial gain? That is an extremely serious charge.
I only attended two meetings of Hagins in my life - probably 10 years apart - and I saw nothing even remotely resembling manipulation: especially not concerning finances. Furthermore, I once attended a small church that was trying to get established. The pastor was a kind man who had graduated from Rhema (Hagin's school). To make a long story short the church didn't succeed and had to close its doors, but one thing that both my wife and I admired was the grace with which that pastor handled money. We *never* ever felt pressured in any way to give - he was extremely gentle, peaceful and upright in that area.
You see - let's assume that Hagin prayed for someone's checkbook somewhere. Now - you may find that offensive, and let's assume for the sake of discussion that you are correct and such an act is ungodly. This still doesn't give you the authority to claim "Hagin likes to pray over checkbooks and cast out demons of poverty so people will donate more money."
PS: Just for clarity, all my comments about "Hagin" refer to Kenneth Hagin Sr., not his son (I'm sure Hagin Jr. is a good man, but I'm not familiar with his ministry).