Hillsong on ABC’s Australian Story
Garth gives a heads up to something that might be worth a watch – Hillsong on ABC’s Australian Story
In the Australian today…An ABC TV Australian story will air next Monday night figuring Brian and Bobby Houston pastors from Hillsong. It promises to be an insight into their lives, their home and their church.
March 15th, 2006 at 1:16 pm
Burnt lance…Steve gotcha!
March 15th, 2006 at 3:06 pm
If you say you’re a Christian, then you’re under the authority of Christ……AND whichever leaders follow the example of Christ….UP TO the point that those leaders vary from the teachings and mission of Christ.
Brian Houston varies sufficiently from the teachings and mission of Christ, that he is not a spiritual authority.
I’m SURE the Hillsong cult members disagree with that…because being in cult means that you agree with false teaching and false authority.
I’m not deeply shocked..you know..that Brian says’ jump’..and Steve says ‘how high O Master.’
And on the subject of Steve listening to different ’spiritual authorities’…it’s very hard to hear a pin drop..when you’re standing next to a chain saw.
March 15th, 2006 at 3:09 pm
BTW, I heard from a reliable source last night, that Andrew Beel has quit as a minister in the Anglican church….over ‘immorality’ in the church (I believe it’s related to the Anglican Dean of Perth’s dodgy beliefs) and is meeting with a smaller breakaway congregation at a community hall in Hillarys.
March 15th, 2006 at 3:14 pm
Now, as someone who has independent and critical views of Hillsong, feel free Steve to damage and destroy me, as is the Hillsong way.
March 15th, 2006 at 3:35 pm
Well the Anglican church will miss him dearly - it’;s a shame actually
March 15th, 2006 at 3:57 pm
“Without going into a Hillsong-bashing diatribe, here are a few thoughts:
1. We were made to feel particularly unwelcome by the ushers who directed us over to the far end of the theatre where we were then told there were no seats available. When we tried to sit in some free seats we were told they “are not opening this section” and then directed to the back of the church where we originated. Three plastic chairs were then set up for us behind the back row.
2. The relentless positivity and focus on “overcoming” everything makes me think that it would be a difficult church to attend if life was ever less than perfect. There didn’t seem to be much acknowledgement of the struggles and trials of the Christian walk. Prayer requests were referred to, but only stories of miraculous healing were shared in detail. Of course, the same can be said for just about any mainstream Australian church - mine included.”
From http://aropaxnation.blogspot.com/2006/03/tale-of-two-churches.html
March 15th, 2006 at 4:26 pm
just saw an ad for a Hillsongs story on tonight’s Today Tonight on channel 7… no doubt that will be quality reporting…
March 15th, 2006 at 4:36 pm
I’m told there might be a story tonight on ‘Today Tonight’ (Channel 7) about mega churches becoming big businesses or something. Apparently there was a promo about it on the box this arvo.
March 15th, 2006 at 5:11 pm
Lance,
‘Now, as someone who has independent and critical views of Hillsong, feel free Steve to damage and destroy me, as is the Hillsong way.’
Don’t play rough and then complain when you get hurt mate. My jokes were a mere shade of the sort of thing you dish out. If I have offended you, please let me know, and I am happy to withdraw my statements and refrain from doing so again. I know some people can joke at this level, others can not, and I thought you’d be able to cope because you seem to dish out a lot.
‘Brian Houston varies sufficiently from the teachings and mission of Christ, that he is not a spiritual authority.’
This is your opinion. And you are correct that I disagree with it.
‘We were made to feel particularly unwelcome by the ushers who directed us over to the far end of the theatre where we were then told there were no seats available’
This is hardly a suitable critique of a church. I have been to half a dozen churches where the welcome was paltry at best.
‘There didn’t seem to be much acknowledgement of the struggles and trials of the Christian walk.’
I agree and I think this is a very valid point. This happens too little in many Christian circles.
March 15th, 2006 at 5:19 pm
Tonight: Hillsong is going to be on Today tonight, channel 7, 6.30pm. I just saw an ad for it…
March 15th, 2006 at 5:20 pm
“The Hillsong church has come under fire over how much money it makes.
Do you belong to the Hillsong Church? Tell us about your experiences.”
This was on their website
March 15th, 2006 at 5:23 pm
“‘We were made to feel particularly unwelcome by the ushers who directed us over to the far end of the theatre where we were then told there were no seats available’
This is hardly a suitable critique of a church. I have been to half a dozen churches where the welcome was paltry at best.
So your defence of Hillsong is essentially……’well…other churches are just as bad as us’.
You’re playing with your dick Steve.
March 15th, 2006 at 5:30 pm
“You’re playing with your dick Steve.”
Your girlfriend won’t mind if I watch…BTW?
March 15th, 2006 at 6:03 pm
I mean…you’re not feeling all claustrophobic Stevie……because a homer-sexural has brushed by you.
Like…..you’ll still keep up that Hillsong smile…and be my bestest friend…won’t you…because that’s what you Hillsong people do….you’re blessed to be a blessing to others.
So…you’ll bless this little fag boy…won’t you?
You won’t snob me like those other Hillsong people have done when gay people have shown up…
Would you…?
March 15th, 2006 at 6:27 pm
The homer-sexurals are coming to take over your sons and daughters and pets…..and they’ll do it one straight Hillsonger at a time….. and all us gays will impose our laws and you’ll be force fed Queer Eye and Dancing with the Stars (now there’s a gay show).. and all the hetra-sexurals will be shipped to Phillip Island to breed (and watch the penguins come ashore at sunset…….awwwww….) …and all your churches (except for the churches of christ which are always poorly decorated…you can have them) will be OURS.
Muahahahhhhaaaahhaaaaaa …….cough…cough…hack………oh shit..my dentures fell out…..
March 15th, 2006 at 6:27 pm
Lance, Can I ask a very real and honest question? - please dont get offended. Is Jesus your Lord? I am not asking if you go to church and take communion or anything like that. I just want to know if in your heart you know that Jesus is Lord? Is God your father?
March 15th, 2006 at 6:38 pm
I’ve been told several times by Christians that Satan is my father….so because Christians are never wrong…..they must be right.
Who am I to question Christians?
March 15th, 2006 at 6:38 pm
the reason I ask, is because you speak to people on this blog in a way that is totally contrary to what you yourself have defined as an ideal church.
March 15th, 2006 at 6:59 pm
Many of the people who post here are Pharisees…
I have no problem treating them with the same contempt that Jesus treated the Pharisees.
And it’s not actually possible for Jesus to be my Lord and Saviour as I’m gay.
If you believe it should be possible for someone to be gay and Christian…then you would need to speak to your pastors about that ..and see if something can be worked out.
So ..any discussion about me being a ‘Christian’..as you define it…is irrelevant, because I can’t be..under your current ‘Christian’ system.
March 15th, 2006 at 7:05 pm
Are you suggesting that people are noticing what I have to say here?
I find that a bit hard to believe…….because I was in your Pharisee Clubs for years..and no-one took the slightest bit of notice of what I had to say..so I find it hard to believe that anything I say now is being noticed.
Hmmmm….are you suggesting that if I yell and provoke and push……..that that is the only way to be heard by ‘Christians’?
I might have to do a bit more of that….because talking nicely certainly wasn’t being heard by ‘Christians’..
Thanks for confirming that my strategy is the only way to be heard by ‘Christians’.
March 15th, 2006 at 7:09 pm
Sorry Danny Boy……..I played the game your way..and it didn’t work.
‘Christians’ don’t take the slightest bit of notice if you don’t rock their comfortable little boat.
March 15th, 2006 at 7:14 pm
I see homosexuality as a sin, exactly like most other sins. One who looks at pornography in private, or watches pirated dvds (stealing) is as much a sinner as one who has homosexual preferences.
So if someone who watches pirated dvd’s or watches pornography can come to God and repent and then fall into the same sin over and over again, and still say that they are christian - there is no difference to homosexuals (i believe).
We are all sinners in need of Gods love and grace. What is the unforgiveable sin? It is not being gay or stealing.
But humbly knowing that we are sinners in need of grace, we need to repent and ask us to change us. During that changing process - we are still Christians.
March 15th, 2006 at 7:27 pm
Does every thread at signposts eventually turn to Hillsong and homosexuality?
Why would God care who’s gay, bi, hetero or too old for any of that?
March 15th, 2006 at 7:33 pm
You’ll get in trouble……another thread descending into a discussion about filthy homosexuals.
March 15th, 2006 at 7:54 pm
Lance,
‘So your defence of Hillsong is essentially……’well…other churches are just as bad as us’.’
So, after reading all of my comments, this is your summary of my defense of Hillsong, despite it only being in my last post? This is not the interpretive skills required for a journalist. Your quest for the truth is surely not so narrow.
As for your sexuality, the standard Christian lines that homosexuality is a sin, that can be forgiven, is this so hard for you to grasp? Surely you have struggled long enough with this issue to understand the heart of Christians, that you would know statements like ‘And it’s not actually possible for Jesus to be my Lord and Saviour as I’m gay’ do not reflect the beliefs of Christian?
What exactly is your beef Lance, that you speak so poisonously? Have you ever tried to conduct business or friendships with this attitude?
March 15th, 2006 at 8:23 pm
Lance said that Homosexuals were out to take over our children and pets… I gladly donate my wifes cat. Do with him as you wish.
March 15th, 2006 at 8:24 pm
I think my dog is already gay.
March 15th, 2006 at 8:37 pm
Dan/Phil
Can people posting create their own new threads ?
I would like a thread on any books/movies etc that people have read that have changed their views about their faith . And can we please make it a Hillsong free zone ?
March 15th, 2006 at 8:59 pm
“As for your sexuality, the standard Christian lines that homosexuality is a sin, that can be forgiven, is this so hard for you to grasp?
I can grasp it, quite easily.
But ‘pastors’ can’t. Entire churches can’t. Gay Hillsong attendee and former pastor Anthony Venn-Brown is in protracted negotiations on that very issue with AOG figures including Brian Houston right now.
The negotiations are secret so I’m unaware of how they’re progressing, but the outcome is obvious, the message of forgiveness is not one they could ever openly sell to their pious sheltered congregations. I have had thousands of conversations now with Christians and pastors about this, and that is the exact point where ‘Christians’ and ‘pastors’ who believe that homosexuality (the act and/or the orientation is sin) can go no further: when the question is directly put to them….”have you forgiven homosexuals for what they do?”. They CANNOT answer that question. They clam up. And there’s a reason why they cannot answer that question. Because they haven’t forgiven homosexuals for what they do….and that…in the church…is the dominant mindset.
Why do you think Pat Mesiti is getting the red carpet ride back into ministry at Hillsong, and Tony Venn-Brown isn’t?
“Surely you have struggled long enough with this issue to understand the heart of Christians, that you would know statements like ‘And it’s not actually possible for Jesus to be my Lord and Saviour as I’m gay’ do not reflect the beliefs of Christian?”
But they do reflect the beliefs…of…I would estimate…. 80% of ‘Christians’ over the age of 30…..the people who run..and set the agenda of churches….from youth pastors, to home group leaders, to worship leaders, to the girl at the reception desk…to the women who make those lovely cucumber sandwiches.
And if you’re so confident about what the heart of Christians is towards gay people…..tell your mates at Hillsong that you’re gay…..and see what kind of reception you get…….but you won’t because you’re a gutless fucking wonder like the rest of your Hillsong buddies who just go with the flow…..because the flow has already been designed to reflect your conservative middle-class heterosexual sheltered mindset.
March 15th, 2006 at 9:13 pm
Lance,
‘They CANNOT answer that question. They clam up.’
Probably because they’re struggling to explain that they can forgive the action but can’t in anyway be seen to be condoning or accepting it.
‘But they do reflect the beliefs…of…I would estimate…. 80% of ‘Christians’ over the age of 30…’
I appreciate your assessment of great hostility towards homosexuality and the church, and I concur the mainstream is quite homophobic. However, I think you are twisting the views to something more negative than they really are. You are speaking like a wounded, bitter man.
‘you’re a gutless fucking wonder like the rest of your Hillsong buddies’
Interesting. I would point out that you have called the majority of the church Pharisetical. And yet, you do not know me, and you have come to this conclusion.
You might notice I have not made any conclusive statements about you anywhere. This is because I acknowledge that I do not know your story, I do not know your pains, and it is not appropriate for me to judge or condemn you. Being a self-confessed homosexual makes no difference to that.