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To: JFK_Lib
The power of faith is incredible, and if this Hinn guy is evoking it to 'cure' psychosomatic or even near psychosomatic conditions, then it *could* possibly be, however remote, that the guy is sincere and not the typical faith-healer fraud.

That's the fly in the ointment. I believe that some of the healings are authentic, ie. not superficial and transient. But great harm can be caused by false promises backed up not by spiritual authority but by an imperfect but fanatical faith, which appropriates selected Biblical passages for its own purposes (ie. money). People like Hinn can be sincere on the surface, yet more interested in the worldly aspects of the enterprise than the spiritual. To me, a real healing saint should live in a cave, or small house, forsaking all personal worldly gain. Like the real saints of the Bible. How many of these faith healers are willing to sit motionless in the desert, waiting for God's ultimate revelation? Or to fast even 3 days, let alone 40 days?

I guess I should explain that my suspicions are pretty well confirmed by an experience long ago with an obscure faith healing cult. My initial enthusiasm turned to skepticism, then to bewilderment and disbelief. Years later, I learned through contacts with old members that the two leaders of the cult were sexual predators, used drugs routinely, and had a secret 'getaway' retreat none of us ordinary members know about. All this while professing celebacy, vows of poverty and bragging about all the young people they had saved from a life of drugs and booze. Yet even in that hypocritical setting which damaged so many lives, there were some authentic healings, I believe. But I am 'gun shy' of organized religions as a result. Show me a wizened renunciate on the mountaintop who truly forsakes the world for the Lord and I may be willing to listen.

309 posted on 02/04/2005 4:00:19 PM PST by ARepublicanForAllReasons (Don't worry. My suit is triple-flameproof)
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To: ARepublicanForAllReasons

Rough experience.

Many who use the gospel for personal gain or manipulation cause a lot of harm.

But it is still a testimony to the power of the Gospel that it *can* be so used.

I hope you do eventually find a flock to gather with - they are priceless when you do find them and they are out there.


310 posted on 02/05/2005 8:49:07 PM PST by JFK_Lib
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