Posted on 01/17/2005 8:48:26 AM PST by missyme
Bangalore, Jan 16: The proposed ‘Pray for India’ programme later this week by American evangelist, Mr Benny Hinn has sparked a controversy with the Bharatiya Janata Party and Sangh parivar organisations up in arms against it, dubbing it as one that’s intended to promote religious conversion.
The Florida-based pastor, who claims to have the power to heal the sick and dying, is slated to attend the three-day prayer meeting from January 21 at Jakkur Airfield here which has been touted by the organisers as a big show, saying lakhs of people from across the country are expected to attend it.
The event has drawn strong opposition from the BJP, the Bajrang Dal and the Hindu Jagarana Vedike who see it as a conspiracy to convert the poor and vulnerable sections to Christianity.
The Bajrang Dal has already announced that 10,000 people would stage a demonstration at the venue. Vedike activists yesterday burnt publicity material of the proposed congregation. In fact, hoardings, banners and posters are now dotting various parts of the city.
Speaking to reporters here today, the Opposition BJP Leader in the legislative assembly, Mr B S Yediyurappa sought to take the state government to task for granting permission to hold the event at Jakkur Airfield, which is “sensitive” from the defence and security viewpoint.
Mr Yediyurappa termed as “unpardonable crime” and “insult to Hindus”, the circulation of pamphlets by organisers of the event criticising idol worship.
“Is the event not a conspiracy to convert people?,” he asked.
Accusing the organisers of promoting “wrong propaganda” that Mr Hinn is a “godman”, Mr Yediyurappa asked the government to reconsider its permission to the prayer meeting at Jakkur.
He said Hindus would voluntarily protest the event.
The Chief Minister, Mr N Dharam Singh has already stated that the government would not take any step to stop the programme, saying the administration cannot interfere with religious events.
Defending the convention, the organisers have said it is being conducted with “noble intention”. During his previous visit to Mumbai last year he did not speak anything about conversion or anything that affects the people’s religious sentiments, they said.
There are reports that Chief Ministers of some Congress-ruled states are likely to attend the meet. Mr Yediyurappa said while the government did not allow conduct of certain rituals at the Hindu-Muslim shrine at Bababudangiri Hills in Chikmagalur district late last year and amassed police force to enforce its decision, it’s now “organising and arranging” Mr Hinn’s programme.
Renowned Kannada litterateur and Jnanapeeth award winner, U R Ananthamurthy has cautioned Mr Dharam Singh against associating himself with the prayer meeting.
“The Chief Minister should not identify himself with this mass hysteria. We should not encourage this (mass hysteria),” Ananthamurthy said.
The police have said they have made elaborate security arrangements for the event.
I seriously question anyone who would have "fun" mocking another. At least put the whole quote up for everyone to see what was said in its entirety so that they may discern it for themselves.
And to further clarify for you, I neither watch what he does, nor do I listen to what he says.
I have two TV channels banned in my home: MTV and TBN.
Did you say this?
It was fun pretending that you did.
Considering that Hinn takes money from thousands of people and won't open the books to them, I would say he disagrees with your policy.
Hinn also makes money off of his books, tapes, etc. If his fortune is derived from his personal labor as an author (yes, he has had a few best sellers) and his salary as a minister why should anyone care? He earned it. His ministry is audited annually BTW by an outside firm.
Oh? And just how would one deal seriously with the strange teaching that Adam took trips to the moon? Or that women were designed to give birth from their side? Perhaps we should give Hinn respect for his education? Do you know where he got his theological education? Maybe we should respect him because of his great intellect? Or maybe because Paul Crouch likes him? I, for one, admire his vow of poverty.
I though it interesting that you believe there will possibly be mass healings in the future. I've never heard that position before.
Okay Tommy. Peace. I don't really know that Hinn demands payment, it's just what I'd heard.
I know he used to have his ministry here in Orlando.
Why anyone would care is irrelevant. If he owned a tavern, it wouldn't matter. But he is a minister. The Bible declares that he should be "above reproach". That means no hiding. There is no theological justification for hiding the books. There is, however, theological justification for opening them.
You believe that garbage? Have you seen his Rolls, jewelry and talored suits?
Amen to that.
I was being sarcastic. There is nothing admirable about Hinn. Not even his haircut.
As a matter of it is.
Your own statement proves that his reputation far exceed his
true abilities.
Next stop Iraq, then on to Saudi Arabia. He might need a military escort though.
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