Why, Why, Why?

The Christian church was first introduced to Word Faith teachings through Kenneth E. Hagin, also known as "Dad" Hagin by those who admire him. He got his doctrines from E.W. Kenyon, an individual who was greatly influenced by the metaphysical mind science cults such as Christian Science, Unity School of Christianity, and Church of Religious Science. Kenyon's interest in the metaphysical cults was intense. In fact, "his knowledge of the origins and teachings of these groups was extensive." This is sometimes called the "Kenyon Connection".

Hagin often refers to Kenyon as a great teacher, but what many Word Faith followers do not know is that "Dad" actually plagiarized much of what Kenyon wrote. In other words, to take someone else's material and publish it as one's own, either in whole or substantial part, Hagin copied what Kenyon wrote without giving him proper credit. It is nearly impossible to find one instance where Hagin credits Kenyon for material copied (often verbatim, or word-for-word). This certainly challenges Hagin's integrity and status as a trustworthy man of God.

God's people always have been, and always will be, plagued by false teachers and false prophets (2 Corinthians 11:13; Galations 2:4; 2 Peter 2:1-3). Jesus Himself said, "Beware of false prophets which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves(Matthew 7:14).

Paul the Apostle, during his farewell address to the Ephesian church warned of two kinds of "wolves" in sheep's clothing: those who attack the church from the outside; and those who poison it from the inside. "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He has purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in amongst you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them" (Acts 20:28-30).

Although the Word Faith movement is devouring many with false doctrines those still faithful to the pure Gospel need not fear nor be discouraged (2 Peter 2:1-3). (from Walter Martin)

The deception in some of these churches may be so cleverly disguised that you don't even know you are attending one because the sign over the door doesn't say Word Faith movement. I know for a fact that Victory Churches International will deny being part of the Word Faith movement but their teachings are identical. It's just a variation on a theme with the emphasis slightly shifted to a belief in the existence of modern day apostles which has no basis in Scripture.

There are a few different ways to know for sure if you are currently attending a Word Faith movement church. If your teachers claim that any of the following are authorities or sources of information, they are probably promoting "Faith Movement doctrine": Kenneth/Gloria Copeland, Kenneth E. Hagin, Oral/Richard Roberts, Benny Hinn, John Avanzini, Essek William Kenyon, Frederick K.C. Price, Robert Tilton, Marilyn Hickey, Paul Yonggi Cho (David Cho), Charles Capps, Jerry Savelle, Morris Cerullo, Paul Crouch -- unfortunately, there are a host of others too numerous to mention.

If your group admires or promotes in a positive light the teachings of the Faith Movement or any kind of "prosperity doctrine," you will find the following books helpful: Christianity in Crisis by Hank Hanegraaff, (Harvest House); Counterfeit Revival by Hank Hanegraaff (Word Publishing); A Different Gospel by D. R. McConnell (Hendrickson). (from Mary Alice Chrnalogar)

What should I do now? If you are convinced that you have been unknowingly attending a Word Faith movement church, you need to get rid of some things that you may have in your house that you have purchased through your church or through the Word Faith organizations, You need to dispose of any materials, books, tapes or CDs which originate from Rhema Bible Training Center at Oral Roberts University, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA as well as any materials received from Canada Christian College in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. These are the two main sources of the Word Faith teaching in North America.

Another trademark of the Word Faith movement is the "health and wealth" gospel. If your church is teaching this, you can be sure that you are in a Word Faith movement church. You need to leave forthwith!!