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.
What is actual christianity similar too.?.
A religion of some sort.?.
Which one.?.
Why?
I don't know this man personally and I doubt anyone on FR knows him or has been to dinner at his house. If he is spreading the ministry of Jesus giving the people Holy Bibles to 3rd world and Muslim Countries how is this a bad thing?
I have never heard him claim to be a Rev Moon type he gives all credit to Jesus Christ
And remember Jesus showed many people miracles through his Physical Healings. I think people are pretty selfish meaning someone who would not go to a church to listen to the Gospel about Jesus Christ might go to a crusade to be healed and by being there just might want to explore who Jesus Christ is after they leave...
Yeah, right.
Who knows, maybe he'll perform his first LEGITIMATE healing?
(And maybe all my hair will grow back.)
Dan
It's difficult to spend such precious time speaking about eternity when he's too busy strutting on stage and begging for money.
(Those multiple mansions cost a fortune to maintain, ya know.)
I am aware of the accounts of healing in the Bible, and believe them. But there is no reason to believe that Benny Hinn can actually heal anyone.
Preach it, brother (because Hinn certainly doesn't).
Benny Hinn is a charlatan of the worst sort, and I condemn him in the strongest possible terms. Pray for anyone who takes him seriously.
The word "actual" is an adjective that modifies "Christianity" in the sentence in question. It means: "Being or reflecting the essential or genuine character of something." By "actual Christianity" I meant genuine Christianity. Yes, it does exist. One can read about it in the New Testament. Most of what passes for Christianity today hardly resembles it.
That's what I am saying he DOES NOT claim to heal anyone.
He gives all credit to Jesus, if he did he would be a cult.
Good point, especially seeing how those who do are probably worse off than those whom Hinn tries to "convert."
And does Jesus get the credit for the disgusting begging for money and lavish living that Hinn enjoys?
What preacher, church does not ask for money? they all do?
My point is that no actual healing takes place at Hinn's hand whether he takes credit or not. In the early church certain people, such as the apostles, were empowered to perform miracles. Hinn has no such power. His only ability is to fool large numbers of gullible people. If he actually had the "gift of healing" all he would need to do to prove it is to go to the nearest hospital and send everyone home well.
I'm not a fan of Benny Hinned, but Deception in the Church failed my litmus test by including the Catholic Church as a false teacher.
Well, I guess that means your faith just isn't strong enough. ;-)
I trust by now you read through the TWO fairly thorough links PresbyRev gave you?
That being the case, how can you ask these questions?
If you haven't read through them, get back to me after you have, please.
Dan
I have NEVER EVER heard Hinn make that claim. I have ALWAYS heard him say that it is JESUS that heals.
When I watch Hinn on TV healing people, my first thought is not "Look what Jesus did". It's look what Benny did. I doubt I am the only one. Benny is not making a mint doing the work of Jesus. Thousands of people are doing that. Benny is selling Benny.
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