Mar 23, 2022·edited Mar 23, 2022Liked by David Farrier
Back in the 80-90's Hillsong was hugely influential in the New Zealand Pentecostal scene - they even had their own branded church in Auckland (which later became independent and re-branded as LIFE). However, the concert-style light-rock singing, the elimination of "pentecostal" manifestations, and un-preachy preaching was widely accepted - and is still pretty much the default setting now. Image was very important (mind you, the Pentecostals really did need a modern look). However, the importance of image meant image-control (or damage control, as the case may be), and things like transparency and accountability were often sacrificed as a consequence. It was during and soon after this period that the New Zealand Pentecostal churches had their own spate of sex scandals involving the senior pastors of large churches. I remember being called on to help a church in such a situation; and it was then that I learned that these churches and movements had very few protocols for seriously dealing with professional sexual abuse (which is what most of these cases are). And there appeared to be zero knowledge or best-practice in working with the victims of the abuse. Professional sexual abuse is, of course, found in many professions - not just religion - but I discovered that the medical, legal, psychiatric, educational and other professional organisations were decades ahead of the Pentecostals in having proper processes for achieving best possible outcomes for victims and appropriate disciplinary procedures for the errant professional. In reading the "news" release from Hillsong this week, and your transcript of their staff meeting, it is obvious (and tragic) that very little appears to have changed - image wins.
After reading this excellent piece, it’s crystal clear to me that these people at aren’t Christians at all. As you said, David, they’re grifters with zero self-reflection. I’m an atheist, but I don’t hate Christianity and Christians. I know there are those who identify as Christians and live their values, instead of just claiming they do. My next door neighbors of 18+ years are a prime examples. I have my own deep-seated skepticism regarding organized religion in general, but Hillsong goes beyond that. Way beyond.
This isn't Christian, but frustratingly appears to be a reoccurring issue for people calling themselves Christian. There is really clear provision and instruction in the Bible for confession, for apologizing, for making amends, for calling out false prophets etc etc etc. Good journalism man... it was horrible to read. I got angry reading it, I imagine it was pretty infuriating viewing it.
This reminds me of the Prince Andrew interview. No concern for the victims. Not sorry for what what done. Only sorry their reputation is in a ‘crisis’. As an ex-Christian sadly none of the waffle at this meeting surprised me.
Mar 23, 2022·edited Mar 23, 2022Liked by David Farrier
The underlying problem is that in many churches you are not encouraged to think for yourself. You're encouraged to follow the leadership and bible. Questioning outside that doctrine is not permitted or, at least, frowned upon. Everything is black and white - no grey. You are going to heaven or you're going to hell. It can therefore attract people who don't want to think for themselves for some reason. It can be largely based on fear unfortunately - hard to talk about the possibility of going to hell for it not to be. I know because I have come out of the church (a variety of them - formal, evangelical etc) and it can be like coming out of a cult depending on the church. Of course you don't realise this until you leave - until that point you're completely oblivious. As it's your belief system you don't realise how many parts of your life it permeates. So to leave then you may have to change your entire way of thinking, which is incredibly challenging and terrifying for most people. So why would those at Hillsong think for themselves now? They are having the very thing they have based their ENTIRE lives around challenged. They will have to change their belief system, which may lead them to decide that Hillsong is not what they thought it was, or find some way to correlate it with what has happened and justify it, which is I suspect what they are doing now. The fact they can't even address the problem directly and name it and instead seem to be praising the very people that have harmed so many is kind of an indication they are struggling to process or looking for a way to make it make sense and fit their belief system. I hasten to add not all churches or attendees necessarily fall into this category, but Hillsong obviously does.
The language is interesting. It’s the same as the language used by new age of alternative health grifters. It’s spiritual bypassing. I’m beginning to loathe ‘gratitude’. Gratitude is morally neutral. Choose coffee, indeed
The fallout from The Prosperity Gospel will never be contained. When religion is this intertwined with business, everything Christ ever preached goes right out the window.
Having been involved in this church in the early 90s, I believe it is fair to say that these individuals are in crisis. They have built their belief system, their friendships, their lives around this group. They will as humans, be very confused and alarmed to have the bottom fall out of it. Some will scramble to reset it all in their minds in a way that is makes sense so that they don’t have to overturn their whole life and give up their livelihood . Some may leave. Some may be stuck and leave later when they find a path. Leaving a cult is not easy. As to these guys ‘not being Christian’ , I don’t see much difference in this church to anyone other belief system. Not so different to the millions of Catholics in denial about child abuse. We all scramble to protect ideas we have built our lives on. It was a painful and scarey process for me to move on from this group. I hope this is a catalyst for some to get out of this damaging belief system.
Thanks so much David - grifters is the best description I've heard for this lot, as are the Destiny Church lot and all their similar ilk. The Christian religion (as are most religions) is predominantly male lead and male dominated - hence anyone who is considered to be fodder by the kinds of males that like to 'use' people for their own ends will be fair game. It stands to reason that this type of religion - any type of male dominated religion - is going to attract the type of abusers who are often found in positions of power. It isn't anything to do with God per se - it is just male dominated organisations, corporations, societies generally. So it would seem that those very insightful words Let Us Prey is the catchphrase of the patriarchy. Because sadly, that is what they tend do. Victims aren't mentioned because, well, they were not important before they were abused, which is why they were abused, and they are not important afterwards. All that matters is the bloke, and the blokey God. Makes me sick to my damn stomach. No wonder I am an Atheist.
Who "honours" their boss that much even when they do good things?? Weird. These are overpaid apologists for bad human beings. Never mind the Bible quotes.
I don't think I could have watched that till the end.
Using prayer as deflection and distraction. What a shitshow. I really hope the church leaderships reaction to these events gets some people thinking and they choose truth, and honesty and action. And then they choose to leave. No good can come of being exposed to this kind of manipulative control. Choose better.
Again thanks David, and especially for sitting through this nonsense. With this piece I think you've helped me better understand my rage. There is a little kid inside me that really did believe in, and love, the teachings of Jesus. And although I have now grown up and evolved to not believe in the sky fairies who can "see my thoughts", I have retained many of the teachings in my work and broader life as a core values. Care for others, kindness, truth, empathy, character & community are important. To watch people claim the title of "christian" and yet be so self-serving and wilfully ignore telling the truth in order to engage in self-protection and denial feels, as you said, just maddening. Over and over again they face no consequences, while simultaneously claiming the moral high ground. Just yuck.
I just can't stomach the "obey/obedience" at all costs mantra. We went to a JW wedding a few years ago for my step brother in law who is firmly entrenched in that. While I'm so happy he has found a very sweet wife I couldn't help but feel sick at how many times they bring up "you will obey your husband then God above all" throughout the ceremony. Yuck.
Back in the 80-90's Hillsong was hugely influential in the New Zealand Pentecostal scene - they even had their own branded church in Auckland (which later became independent and re-branded as LIFE). However, the concert-style light-rock singing, the elimination of "pentecostal" manifestations, and un-preachy preaching was widely accepted - and is still pretty much the default setting now. Image was very important (mind you, the Pentecostals really did need a modern look). However, the importance of image meant image-control (or damage control, as the case may be), and things like transparency and accountability were often sacrificed as a consequence. It was during and soon after this period that the New Zealand Pentecostal churches had their own spate of sex scandals involving the senior pastors of large churches. I remember being called on to help a church in such a situation; and it was then that I learned that these churches and movements had very few protocols for seriously dealing with professional sexual abuse (which is what most of these cases are). And there appeared to be zero knowledge or best-practice in working with the victims of the abuse. Professional sexual abuse is, of course, found in many professions - not just religion - but I discovered that the medical, legal, psychiatric, educational and other professional organisations were decades ahead of the Pentecostals in having proper processes for achieving best possible outcomes for victims and appropriate disciplinary procedures for the errant professional. In reading the "news" release from Hillsong this week, and your transcript of their staff meeting, it is obvious (and tragic) that very little appears to have changed - image wins.
After reading this excellent piece, it’s crystal clear to me that these people at aren’t Christians at all. As you said, David, they’re grifters with zero self-reflection. I’m an atheist, but I don’t hate Christianity and Christians. I know there are those who identify as Christians and live their values, instead of just claiming they do. My next door neighbors of 18+ years are a prime examples. I have my own deep-seated skepticism regarding organized religion in general, but Hillsong goes beyond that. Way beyond.
This isn't Christian, but frustratingly appears to be a reoccurring issue for people calling themselves Christian. There is really clear provision and instruction in the Bible for confession, for apologizing, for making amends, for calling out false prophets etc etc etc. Good journalism man... it was horrible to read. I got angry reading it, I imagine it was pretty infuriating viewing it.
They talk about God like they're trying to reach the word count in an essay
This reminds me of the Prince Andrew interview. No concern for the victims. Not sorry for what what done. Only sorry their reputation is in a ‘crisis’. As an ex-Christian sadly none of the waffle at this meeting surprised me.
The underlying problem is that in many churches you are not encouraged to think for yourself. You're encouraged to follow the leadership and bible. Questioning outside that doctrine is not permitted or, at least, frowned upon. Everything is black and white - no grey. You are going to heaven or you're going to hell. It can therefore attract people who don't want to think for themselves for some reason. It can be largely based on fear unfortunately - hard to talk about the possibility of going to hell for it not to be. I know because I have come out of the church (a variety of them - formal, evangelical etc) and it can be like coming out of a cult depending on the church. Of course you don't realise this until you leave - until that point you're completely oblivious. As it's your belief system you don't realise how many parts of your life it permeates. So to leave then you may have to change your entire way of thinking, which is incredibly challenging and terrifying for most people. So why would those at Hillsong think for themselves now? They are having the very thing they have based their ENTIRE lives around challenged. They will have to change their belief system, which may lead them to decide that Hillsong is not what they thought it was, or find some way to correlate it with what has happened and justify it, which is I suspect what they are doing now. The fact they can't even address the problem directly and name it and instead seem to be praising the very people that have harmed so many is kind of an indication they are struggling to process or looking for a way to make it make sense and fit their belief system. I hasten to add not all churches or attendees necessarily fall into this category, but Hillsong obviously does.
Maybe “I choose coffee” is code for “I choose to ignore the victims of my sex pest father”? Someone consult the glossary.
The language is interesting. It’s the same as the language used by new age of alternative health grifters. It’s spiritual bypassing. I’m beginning to loathe ‘gratitude’. Gratitude is morally neutral. Choose coffee, indeed
The fallout from The Prosperity Gospel will never be contained. When religion is this intertwined with business, everything Christ ever preached goes right out the window.
They are grifters. Agreed.
Having been involved in this church in the early 90s, I believe it is fair to say that these individuals are in crisis. They have built their belief system, their friendships, their lives around this group. They will as humans, be very confused and alarmed to have the bottom fall out of it. Some will scramble to reset it all in their minds in a way that is makes sense so that they don’t have to overturn their whole life and give up their livelihood . Some may leave. Some may be stuck and leave later when they find a path. Leaving a cult is not easy. As to these guys ‘not being Christian’ , I don’t see much difference in this church to anyone other belief system. Not so different to the millions of Catholics in denial about child abuse. We all scramble to protect ideas we have built our lives on. It was a painful and scarey process for me to move on from this group. I hope this is a catalyst for some to get out of this damaging belief system.
Thanks so much David - grifters is the best description I've heard for this lot, as are the Destiny Church lot and all their similar ilk. The Christian religion (as are most religions) is predominantly male lead and male dominated - hence anyone who is considered to be fodder by the kinds of males that like to 'use' people for their own ends will be fair game. It stands to reason that this type of religion - any type of male dominated religion - is going to attract the type of abusers who are often found in positions of power. It isn't anything to do with God per se - it is just male dominated organisations, corporations, societies generally. So it would seem that those very insightful words Let Us Prey is the catchphrase of the patriarchy. Because sadly, that is what they tend do. Victims aren't mentioned because, well, they were not important before they were abused, which is why they were abused, and they are not important afterwards. All that matters is the bloke, and the blokey God. Makes me sick to my damn stomach. No wonder I am an Atheist.
Who "honours" their boss that much even when they do good things?? Weird. These are overpaid apologists for bad human beings. Never mind the Bible quotes.
I don't think I could have watched that till the end.
Using prayer as deflection and distraction. What a shitshow. I really hope the church leaderships reaction to these events gets some people thinking and they choose truth, and honesty and action. And then they choose to leave. No good can come of being exposed to this kind of manipulative control. Choose better.
Again thanks David, and especially for sitting through this nonsense. With this piece I think you've helped me better understand my rage. There is a little kid inside me that really did believe in, and love, the teachings of Jesus. And although I have now grown up and evolved to not believe in the sky fairies who can "see my thoughts", I have retained many of the teachings in my work and broader life as a core values. Care for others, kindness, truth, empathy, character & community are important. To watch people claim the title of "christian" and yet be so self-serving and wilfully ignore telling the truth in order to engage in self-protection and denial feels, as you said, just maddening. Over and over again they face no consequences, while simultaneously claiming the moral high ground. Just yuck.
I just can't stomach the "obey/obedience" at all costs mantra. We went to a JW wedding a few years ago for my step brother in law who is firmly entrenched in that. While I'm so happy he has found a very sweet wife I couldn't help but feel sick at how many times they bring up "you will obey your husband then God above all" throughout the ceremony. Yuck.