Beyond the Toronto Blessing and its Offspring by Brian Rensford

2008 Update
It has been more than 13 years since I wrote the original paper (after Rodney Howard Browne ushered the Toronto Blessing into Australia, through an invitation from Phil Pringle). Since then, the spirit behind the Toronto Blessing has spawned several second-generation "children", each differing in secondary emphases, but (in my opinion) not moving far from the primary fruits of the root system laid out here in the following pages. I have in places incorporated some newer evidence that supports my basic argument - that the seminal root system underlying the variegated new "move of God" (or "River of God", as it has come to be more known as since 1995), is essentially a counterfeit, deceiving, religious spirit. Nothing has arisen to alter my basic original view. Further material has been added looking at the startling similarities many Toronto Blessing elements share with the kriyas (manifestations) that arise from the shaktipat (transfer / rising) of the kundalini (coiled serpent energy/power) - [footnote #1]

Having stated that, however, I must add that I am not saying God hasn't been present, or blessed anyone around the Toronto Blessing system. He meets people who reach out to Him in faith, wherever they are located. In the 1970's many Catholics (wrongly) presumed that because many were being genuinely baptised in the Holy Spirit, while remaining in the Catholic Church system, this was proof that the Catholic system itself was validated by God. In the same way, God meeting and blessing many people who have reached out to Him in a Toronto Blessing environment, with living faith in Christ, does not of itself validate the overall system of the Toronto Blessing and its subsequent streams.

I have weathered much opposition from various quarters for publishing this material (understandably, when a colleague commented on how could this Blessing stream be wrong when some 90% of Australian Pentecostal churches embraced some form of it). But interestingly, in every single instance of criticism, not once has anyone taken the time to challenge fact by fact, or Scriptural argument by argument, the evidence I have presented here. Yet this material, for the major part, is verifiable, arguable, and mostly on the public record. Instead, it has been a matter of personal criticism, especially comments on what potential damage this article might do to someone's ministry, church, personal ministerial career aspirations, etc. The TRUTH that may be present in this material doesn't seem to be a major issue!

On a more technical note - this material was originally published in a booklet. The numerous footnotes have been retained here for their factual anecdotal value. Placing this material on the Web makes it much easier to cross-link to other valuable information. We will continually improve this side of the publication as time allows.

Finally, on a personal note. I know it's easy to assume from the tone of this publication that I spend my life in some form of jihad against the Toronto Blessing and its proponents. The reality is that most of my daily life is spent in developing evangelism (including my own witness for Christ amongst my unsaved friends), running a Ministry Development College, interchurch ministry in our district, going regularly into Zimbabwe and Mozambique with our church's missions' group, riding my mountain bike while training for the occasional (ultra) marathon (64 completed so far - just ahead of my age!), following the Sydney Swans AFL (I'm a member), enjoying the richness of 40 years of fulfilling marriage, and the blessing of being in a loving, "real" local church. Not to mention enjoying the changes that growing old brings! (I turned 60 while in Zimbabwe in 2005). Having said that, the direction of our spiritual life as members of Christ's body on Earth does stir passion in me (even more than the AFL!!….). So, at the risk of sounding like a one-track bigot, I have chosen to leave this publication in the public arena for discussion, criticism, and refinement.

Many, many people have responded to this over the past 13 years (about 90% in thanks, 5% critically disagreeing, and 5% abusive).

ORIGINAL Preface [to THE 1995 Publication]
Making public statements on the Toronto Blessing is probably the quickest method, currently, by which a minister can lose their credibility. I have worked hard over many years at establishing credibility with my word. Yet, here I am about to do the very thing most dangerous to it. This is a "lose / lose" situation! So why bother? A few details of my personal background may help explain this apparent kamikaze streak.... It's impossible to come to this kind of topic with a pure objective analysis while evaluating such an experience orientated phenomenon. Therefore I state my prejudices up front, and why!

Above all - I LOVE THE CHURCH of JESUS CHRIST, and it grieves me to see its affections turned aside in the manner of 2 Cor 11:2-4. I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him. But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough." Paul knew it was quite possible for spirit filled Christians to actually receive another spirit (note: as in 'demon', not 'attitude') through the ministry of so-called "super-apostles" (11:13-15). And as we will see later, the Corinthians too had the 'usual' follow-on problems later of schisms and excessive sexual immorality.

I see the arrival of the Toronto Blessing as being entirely consistent with the root system that underlies the parent 'tree' that has produced it. Without doubt, many people have been blessed by God in the midst of what is happening. I believe, however, we must be careful not to make the mistake of taking individual blessing as a sign of God’s approval of a whole sphere of influence - no more than the Catholic Renewal movement could be taken as a sign of God’s approval of the Catholic Church as a whole. He blesses people who have faith, as individuals, wherever they are, when they reach out to Him, and sometimes despite the group they are associated with!

Like all who know God’s word, I am afraid of attributing something God is doing, to the enemy. This is at the heart of what Jesus called the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. However, this fear must never be allowed to stifle genuine debate amongst believers concerning the origins of spiritual awakenings. In fact, one of the marks of religious spirits (in cultic groups) is to stifle such constructive debate!

Many people are judging what is happening by the immediate effects of encounter with the 'Blessing'. However, I believe it is even more important for genuine seekers of truth to be conversant with the root system (both the doctrinal emphasis, and historical development) that has produced what is possibly the most powerful and quickest spreading spiritual phenomenon in forty years of Western Christianity.

So with trepidation I have endeavoured to sort out some of the seminal root influences that lie behind the current wave of activity that is causing such interest. The more I have worked on this, the less satisfied I am at the result. For every element included, I have excluded other material that could be relevant too.

The views expressed here are my own; they don’t reflect those necessarily of my own Church. They are, by very definition, subjective and controversial. But my prayer is that enough data is presented here to provoke thoughtful, biblical debate amongst the proverbial 'Bereans' hopefully still out there with unbowed knees!

Personal Background
I was baptised in the Holy Spirit in 1966, having been converted six months earlier in a Baptist Church, in Auckland, NZ. I was mid-way through a Commerce degree at Auckland University. Unbeknown to me at the time, the minister who prayed with me was a member of the Latter Rain movement of churches. Like so many others, I mistakenly assumed if one encountered God through a movement, then God was behind everything there! I uncritically began to devour the fresh 'revelations', starting with the tabernacle types teaching, then on to the teaching separating the wider church (some 30), from the Pentecostal/Charismatics (some 60), from the 'bride' (some 100!), who would be married to Christ on the Day of Atonement, before the Great Tribulation. After that came the manifested sons of God heresy, and the mysterious manchild...

Upon completing my degree, I attended Calvary Bible College (Melbourne), run by Ray Jackson Snr, the original bringer of Latter Rain teaching to Australasia in 1950. Ray told us of the amazing things that happened in Nth Battleford, Canada, in 1948, and how the Latter Rain swept through Nth America in a short time. [footnote #2] Over the years, I regularly received 'revelations in the spirit', and functioned as a minister in it for 14 years up till 1980.

All this time, I was troubled by the ethics of the group - its highest ethic being self-preservation. Latter Rain churches are notorious for their lack of genuine evangelism, growing almost entirely by cultivation of gullible Christians, from other "less enlightened" churches, into their esoteric 'higher understanding' of God's purposes.

The movement is a diverse one, using many names, but behind most of it, we found continual use of cult-type control techniques. For years, I was equally guilty of these practices (we called it, "the anointing!").

I was unaware at the time, that there was a trail of evil sexual misconduct and abuse, which went right to the very top leadership. The moral problems that follow a deceiving religious movement are rarely taught on anywhere... [footnote #3]

My wife and I renounced the Latter Rain movement, and exited in 1980, amidst great turmoil and harassment. Looking back, it's clear that the real danger was in the underlying attitude of elitism - the inner-chosen-group mentality that feeds the ego of so many who come from rejection backgrounds with unrealisable ambitions. James 3:16 says, "for where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice".. Elitist pride is still the great killer!

In mid-2008, the respected ABC investigative program Four Corners, caught up with the modern incarnation of Immanuel / Christian Fellowships and critically examined their increasing drive towards "messianic madness" (= "we know what's best for you!")... including the choice of a (re)marriage partner, and who should be the "spiritual mother" of someone's children, if the mother has expressed a questioning attitude towards "God's anointed leaders".... [footnote 3A]

I consider myself a traditional Pentecostal doctrinally and experientially - believing the baptism of the Holy Spirit to be a one-off experience of receiving power to witness, subsequent to the 'receiving' at conversion [as in John 20:22 / Acts 2:1-4, Acts 8, and Acts 18 & 19], which is continually updated in the (daily) lives of ordinary Christians by repeated fillings of the Holy Spirit, via the means set forth in the NT [eg Eph 5:17-20 (singing, praise, quoting the Word) and Acts 4:24-31 (corporate prayer and thanksgiving), and above all – a daily devotional discipline, especially including praying in the Spirit - tongues].

Basic Difficulties in Accepting the Toronto Blessing
My difficulties in accepting the Toronto Movement are primarily not on the grounds of the extreme manifestations, 'horror' anecdotal evidence, etc. Every religious movement has its share of 'edge' examples that may, or may not, adequately reflect the essence of its nature. My reservations come from a different basis, the principal ones being,

1) the underlying doctrinal assumptions, which subtly undercut some of the major teachings of the NT -- foundational doctrines -- and consequently endanger the fundamental security of believers. Especially in the area of the 'it-ness' of the person of the Holy Spirit, and the associated definitions of the "Anointing", which "comes, falls, blows, overpowers" established believers; in short – unbiblical pneumatology.

2) the incipient sense of a "chosen vehicle" mindset that is emerging around it. I detail this updating of the fundamental flaws of the Latter Rain message more specifically later in the second section, "Historical Root System".

3) the VERY suspect 'bloodlines' revealed by a careful examination of the coalescing root system behind the 'sudden outpouring' at Toronto. People who would baulk at following Copeland, Hinn, Kuhlman, Latter Rain, Branham, Paul Cain, or even Clark Taylor, and Jill Austin, seem to have less problems when their emphases are filtered through the laid back, non-bombastic style of Vineyard and similar type groups, or the influence of Peter Wagner. As a friend preached recently, we're living in an age when style is more important than substance....

Basic Stance in Writing
The fundamental root source of the Toronto Blessing has been debated by almost everybody in the Western Hemisphere, it would seem! Even 60 Minutes (properly) narrowed down the possible root to three basic sources.

1) A sovereign work of God, to refresh His people;
2) A mixture of emotionally charged, fleshly, and manipulated responses - ie. an essentially psychologically based phenomenon;
3) A truly spiritual phenomenon, which is the work of a deceiving, demonic, religious, prince power.

To my mind, the sheer power of the manifestations, and the overpowering of the self-control of people I personally know, makes the possibility of its origins being psychological most unlikely. With great trepidation, knowing the admonition of Scripture regarding attributing a work of the Holy Spirit to Satan, I have to stand up and say, "this is not of God". Even allowing for the ever-present overlap of all three areas in any religious move, by my own definition, this leaves only one other root source -- it is a deceiving, religious, angel of light, which has at its disposal a whole host of assistants in heavenly places. My reasons for this judgment (there! I've used the dreaded 'j' word!) make up the bulk of this publication.

Reasons for Writing
Historical Development
My disappointment has continued from the initial poor quality response to Hunt's "Seduction of Christianity" (1985), and "Beyond Seduction" (1987) from people representing movements I considered traditional, orthodox Pentecostals. Hunt originally wrote the books after he noticed that his research for "the gods of the New Age" was turning up remarkable similarities between the Hindu roots of the New Age Movement and practices gaining widespread acceptance in various streams of the body of Christ. It seemed that few were prepared to systematically debate (let alone disprove) his copious source notes and quotations from the writings of the leading exponents of the practices in question. In the fine tradition of the worst of Middle Ages' Roman Catholicism, some Pentecostal groups effectively banned it - because he touched some Pentecostal icons (the Hindus would say, sacred cows!).

Over the last 20 years, I have studied extensively the link between (root) Hinduism and New Age concepts (firstly through questions I faced as a Minister about the involvement of Christians in such activities as martial arts and alternative healing methods). The experiences of Kundalini power, in an environment of lowered intellectual awareness, are strikingly similar to the powerful manifestations I have heard of, seen at meetings attended, and watched on various videos involving the Toronto Blessing .

In 1989-90, my wife and I took a three month sabbatical to North America, which included an extensive look at the Vineyard movement; after being excited at reports we'd heard in Australia. We were initially impressed by what we saw. But, later we became greatly alarmed at the underlying, mostly unspoken attitudes and sense of 'chosen-ness' (More on this in the chapter on the Vineyard Movement). Our concerns were later confirmed by the preface to Hank Hanegraaff's book, "Counterfeit Revival", contributed by Tom Stipe, a former member of Vineyard's North American central leadership. Stipe relates exactly the same elitist mentality from an insider's viewpoint (click here for full article).

Following our return home, we saw the emergence of the 'Prophetic Movement', in the 1990's, as a precursor to something "off the wall" that would bring large sections of the body of Christ into dangerous waters. It had all the hallmarks of the old Latter Rain errors tarted up in fresh drag. Shipwrecking many people's faith was seen as a possibility. (Others have done detailed statistical studies of the number of failed (and therefore, false) prophecies given by the spearheads of the Prophetic Movement) [footnote #4].

A friend wryly noted that the Toronto Blessing is the third wave from the Third Wave, and the other two (the power ministry and the prophetic movement) have already both caused no end of distress in the wider body of Christ.

Lack of Willingness to 'Search the Scriptures'
I have been more and more alarmed at the inability, and / or unwillingness, of many Christians (including leaders) to open the Scriptures and examine these current things in the light of the foundational truths and practices of the NT. Has there been a subtle change in the way we view Scripture regarding its relevance to normative practices described, as well as applying the test of consistency of teachings with apostolic doctrine? My alarm has been heightened by the lack of interest in even discussing the Scriptural basis for events that are anything but minor in their impact on large sections of the body of Christ.

Prior to the (Australian) arrival of the Toronto Blessing, we became increasingly alarmed at the massive inroads that the heresies of the so-called Faith Movement had been making into some groups that exert considerable influence in the Pentecostal / Charismatic stream. The attitude seems to be (after a long spiritual drought), "if it puts backsides on seats, and money in the plate, don't ask any hard questions..." [footnote #5]. 2005-Update: The teachings of the Faith Movement have been even more firmly entrenched since this was originally written. Faith / Possibility preachers now hold senior executive positions in several larger Australian movements... movements that would never have countenanced their doctrines in former generations.

No one Seems Willing to Speak Out!
The mouths of the teachers and preachers have been stopped! Just as Rodney Howard-Browne (RHB) sarcastically stated on his testimony video, after the 'anointing' had reduced several ministers to a catatonic trance-like condition.... A mature-age AOG scholar rang me upon discovering the Australian National Executive had given the whole of their 1995 National Conference over to RHB. His distress was that he had been unable to find a single AOG minister of influence prepared to stand up and protest. [footnote #6] Southern Cross Bible College, the national ministry training college of the Australian AoG went all the way with "Southern Fire" in mid 1995 (refer the Aug and Sept issues of the Evangel (official publication of the AoG) [footnote #7].

Summary - Fruits Come from Roots
Much of the discussion concerning the Toronto Blessing focuses on the manifestations; how the meetings are conducted, etc. Most people seem to happily believe 'it fell' sovereignly at Toronto - almost without precedent or warning. Nothing could be further from the truth.

All religious movements, godly or demonic, take time to develop their root systems, before they spring forth into the public eye. The Toronto Blessing is no exception. If we fail to look as widely as possible at its complex root structure, we will fail to catch the significance of statements, attitudes, and activities that would otherwise pass as of little consequence.

2. the individuals and movements that lie behind the Toronto Blessing and its offspring .

An Overview
Several streams have coalesced to produce the Toronto Blessing phenomenon. It has definitely NOT come from 'nowhere' sovereignly!! Lengthy studies have been done on the actual emergence of the Toronto Blessing from Toronto Airport Vineyard [Now called Toronto Christian Fellowship, after their expulsion from the Vineyard movement in Dec 1996.]. Not so equally well documented are the other parallel developments perhaps best described in a root table (as follows)

I will attempt to provide reasonable detail on each, referring to the already extensive research done by others - much of it now available via the Internet. However, the root system needs to be divided into;

A] the doctrinal developments that had to be in place before a generation would even look at what is now being accepted as orthodox, and
B] the historical development of the people and groups that have been influential.

A] Over-realised Eschatology
Jacob Prasch makes a strong argument on the dangers of having an "over-realised eschatology" (ie. believing the kingdom realities Jesus will fully restore at His Second Coming, are already here in fullness, by faith!). All "Dominion" teaching essentially stems from this error. It is Restoration beyond the Word's boundaries. The Montanists did the same in the early Church days. This leads, ia. to over-realised perfectionism. Latter Rain teaching has its perfected bride, and the Faith teachers their 'little gods' who speak living faith words.

B] Power of the Prophetic over the Written Word
In Church history, this emphasis ends up being coupled with an elevated view of the prophetic word - "the word is becoming flesh in us!" Like all heresy - this is partly true! But over time, there's a subtle shift of emphasis away from the Bible to the 'rhema' word for NOW!

Examples:
1] David Wilkerson makes the point there has never been a genuine revival in Church history that was not preceded by a time of deep repentance and loathing over sin, before an outpouring of the Spirit came [Ezek 36:17-38]. Yet in the current 'new move of God', he notes, these two elements are almost entirely ignored! But the abundance of confirming prophetic word seems to have closed many minds to this obvious departure from a fundamental principle of Scripture.

2] People attending ministry meetings are repeatedly told to "let go", "turn your mind off, and judge from your heart", "don't pray; empty yourself and receive", etc. Involuntary actions, spasms, shrieking regularly break out. People are told they're leaving 'religion' behind, getting drunk at Joel's bar, etc, - that it's all a fruit of the Spirit. Yet... Scripture has been turned on its head. eg. now lack of self-control is regarded as a fruit of the Spirit! cf. Gal 5:23 1 Cor 9:25-27 and the repeated warnings (both OT and NT) against this (eg Prov 25:28 Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control. - ie. he's open to alien invasion at his point of loss of self-control! This tactic is common world-wide in the occult).

C] Reduction of the Person of the Spirit to a "Force"
A common definition of magic, (as against true Christianity) revolves around the use / manipulation of spiritual power in an impersonal way. Always the Holy Spirit is personality. Every time someone yells, "There it is!" they are declaring fundamental Christian heresy! Coupled with this is the equally heretical notion that the Spirit is at our hand to do our bidding. This again, is an essential of magic. The ancient world was full of incantations to "invoke the gods to do our bidding". Dave Hunt quite thoroughly described the drift into magic concepts, in some modern Christian circles, in his "Seduction" books. As the yogi said to Luke Skywalker, in Star Wars, "Let go and let the Force take over".

These general elements are amplified in the following study material, which are extracts from other studies I have done on the New Age Gospel.

1] the New Spirituality
In the last 30 years the western world has experienced a heightening interest in spirituality. The New Age movement has described this as part of the ushering in of the (new) Age of Aquarius. On an individual level, people are to be initiated into the developing spiritual consciousness through a "Luciferic Initiation experience". [footnote #8] Lucifer (= light bringer) is regarded as a good angel of illumination; the 'Great Invocation' prayer, widely used around the world, is directed to him.

The process of initiation is expected to begin with people where they are at, and draw them into a deeper / higher plane of spirituality. In his (anti-charismatic) video on the Toronto Blessing, Alan Morrison says he contacted Benjamin Creme, well known New Age guru and spokesman for the coming "Christ", Lord Metraiya, asking Creme what he thought of the spiritual outbreak in the UK. Creme replied that the whole world is at present moving into a higher level on consciousness, and that "people are reacting to new energies entering our planet. As these energies daily increase in their potency, more people will find themselves responding in either subtle or obvious ways. How their response manifests will depend on their personal views. If they have a fundamental view of life, politics, or religion, then these energies will enhance their views" (Interview late 1994). He added these energies are emanating from the Christ (ie. Lord Metraiya), and dissipate doubts and fears, leaving a sense of peace and equilibrium which is all part of the purification of the world.

The question arises then -- how do we discern the difference between a genuine spiritual move of God, and a counterfeit authored by deceiving religious spirits? The process can be sketched as follows;

Are the experiences real? ie. Are they not imagined, trickery, or auto-suggestive?
YES ê	NO è	Rejected as unreal
Are they consistent with the apostolic faith, ie. the normative teachings and practices of the apostolic church as described in the NT?
YES ê	NO è	Rejected as real but unauthenticated
Accepted as real and authentic from God

The 1990's saw an increasing emphasis on laying hands on people, and directional prophesying (cf.. the 'edifying, exhorting, comforting' gift of prophecy described in 1 Cor 14). The power of impartation , by these means, is commonly recognised by genuine and occultic disciplines. Therefore, it is important that Christians are familiar with safety guidelines in these areas [footnote #9].

One compelling reason for this is to be found in 2 Cor 11:2-5, 12-15. But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 4 For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough... .v12-15 And I will keep on doing what I am doing in order to cut the ground from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things they boast about. 13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 15 It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.

Paul is quite plainly stating that by being exposed to the "super-apostles'" preaching another version of Jesus, Christians can receive a different spirit from the Holy Spirit! Anyone who has ministered in the area of deliverance from religious cult spirits knows the awful reality of this - in the lives of otherwise-sincere believers who have been snared into sociological control cults operating within the framework of basic Christian doctrinal orthodoxy. Jesus' statement regarding not receiving a 'stone', when asking for bread, must be read in context, ie. a promise that those who persistently seek God for good things, will be rewarded [Luke 11:1-13]. It is not a catch-all guarantee that a Christian can expose themselves to another spirit and be sure they will be unaffected I believe, therefore, we must be careful who we allow to minister to us, and into our spirit [footnote #10]..

2] Force / Energy / Power Emphasis
This is a constant primary emphasis in New Age religion. It is essentially impersonal. Unlike the New Age, Christianity emphasises the person of the Holy Spirit. NEVER in the NT is there a primary emphasis on power, etc. It is always the byproduct of a dedicated relationship with God, through Jesus Christ. The 12 apostles, and the early Christians were not taught techniques how to operate in the power of God. In fact, this was the trademark of the 'magic schools' (especially at Ephesus - See Arnold's book 'Power and Magic at Ephesus'). Some of the modern advertisements for Christian ministry training colleges feature concepts more at home in these schools of magic, than in the training of the NT - with its influence on the basis for effective ministry being a broken, humble, and crucified life.

The essential definition of magic revolves around learning techniques to manipulate spiritual force(s) for good, or evil (white or black magic). It places the individual at the centre, not the force. To what degree are some modern teachings on the 'anointing' - what 'it' is, and how to operate in 'it' so different from the magic concepts?

the New 'Power' Gospel: New Age theory holds that only 10% of our human potential is realised (the iceberg theory). Scientologists use Einstein's comment to promote this idea. This 90% under-the-surface potential is often referred to in 'psychic' terms, with psychic being defined as human rather than from the realm of the spirit world. People are promised through a maze of programs that they can improve their lot in life, love, power, money, etc, etc, by learning techniques that will release this hidden potential. One teacher said recently, "there is greater interest today in control rather than relationship, in the exercise of power rather than love. And the difference is meekness."

The danger is that it is through our human spirit we tap into the dimension of the spirit realm (good or evil). We have defined magic as the learning and application of techniques that manipulate the force / energy / power in the spirit realm. This was also called sorcery.

Simon, Magic, and the Gospel: In Acts 8:9-24 Luke records the influence of Simon Magus (the Magician / Sorcerer of Samaria). Magic comes from the Persian word for a priest, and came into Greek as mega (= great). So the mega great one Simon amazed (astounded) them with his exercise of spiritual power.

He believed, was baptised, came into the developing Church, but had no idea of repentance [8:24]. He saw the Church as a power trip with no emphasis on anointing through a "right heart" [8:21]. Church history records Simon as the father of Gnosticism, the early heresy that continually troubled the Church's orthodoxy.

It's interesting that today, the parts of the Church that emphasise power ministry are, by and large, well known for their lack of emphasis on the doctrine of repentance also. Nor for much emphasis on humility and weakness. Similarly, an underlying theme of Ephesians is the exercise of God's power on a different basis than what they have learned at the Ephesian schools of power and magic.

3] The Power of Music to Teach Doctrine
We pick up doctrine through the transmission of ideas. Music has always played an important role in that transmission. Among other reasons is that music makes words more easily remembered. The Church (including the Catholic, Evangelical, Charismatic and Pentecostal elements) has been influenced by a wave of music since c1980 that is up tempo, has catchy melodies, and many having highly questionable lyrics! [footnote #11].

Much modern Western music has a heavy rhythm base that has developed from African demonic trance-inducing origins. The devotees are taken over after a period of losing their self-control in monotonous extended rhythmic music [Rave parties are a modern secular equivalent of this environment]. Corroborees, Native American ritual, etc, are essentially the same. In a trance state, conscious self control is lowered; the mind and will are subordinated and an entry point is opened for demonic intrusion. No wonder there is such a strong emphasis in the NT on self-control and keeping an alert, sound mind.

I don't want to sound like the old "all modern music is of the devil!" school (being a guitarist who is still a fan of Dire Straits, I can't!), but it's still prudent to watch the use of excessive rhythm, or repetitious music. Especially if the lyrics are doctrinally unacceptable. Just as singing hymns, Psalms, and spiritual songs is a means to being (continually re-) filled with the Holy Spirit, so other types of music can similarly be the means of establishing contact with demonic spirits.

The Greek word for 'a sound mind' comes from sophron - to be moderate in opinion or passion....

4] Changes to the Doctrine and Experience of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit
In the NT there is only one (initial) filling of a believer, followed by many refillings. ONLY at the initial baptism of the Christians did the Holy Spirit 'fall on them' [Acts 8:16 10:44]. [epipipto = to embrace (with affection), seize (with more or less violence) lit. or fig.]. Interestingly, there is no specific record of the Spirit 'falling' on the Day of Pentecost (the tongues of fire 'sat' on them - literally came to settle, [permanently] dwell in them).

Many modern songs emphasise the FALLING of power / energy / force not on new converts, but on established believers This is RANK HERESY!! Similarly the OT types of wind / fire / oil are applied in a distinctly anti NT manner. Jesus' and the Epistles' fundamental message is that, after Calvary, the Spirit has come permanently to indwell, and never to 'come and go' again! "Come Holy Spirit, fall afresh on me. Fill me with your power; satisfy my need" - four heretical ideas in four short lines!

But as long as it has a catchy 'feel', who cares nowadays what it's teaching God's people - especially young Christians!?!? Modern songbooks are heavily infected by this false concept of power and the 'coming and going' of the "IT" Holy Spirit.

What Expectations does this Produce?: Many people in churches are being conditioned to wait for "something from the outside"- to "move upon them". The fire fell on the meeting, through the preacher; we long for the wind of the Spirit to blow, fire to fall, to see the glory fall all around us, etc., etc [footnote #12].

But just what or who are people waiting for ..... magic??? Someone to deliver the goods - demonstrating their power in the unseen realm?.... That can do 'signs and wonders' (but not real healings or deliverances)...??? And why do so many of these songs have such little emphasis on what have been the basics of the Christian faith for 2000 years? - the blood, repentance, sin, the cross, living the crucified, dying-to-our-own-desires life? What has happened to the foundations???

In Summary: Where there is an absence of the essentials of the basic gospel, people may still experience a 'power' encounter; they may have an emotional experience with real spiritual impact. Cosmic New Age experiences can also be encountered - but at what cost? And how long will the benefit last. Will the magic "law of compensation" kick in later (ie. yes, you get a blessing / benefit now, but there is always a pound of flesh to be extracted later).

Songs today are bringing into the sanctuary concepts that are "foreign gods" to NT apostolic Christianity. Whole congregations are being softened up to unbiblical teachings through their song material. Young people and children especially are prone to pick up their doctrinal stance from songs.

These are weighty issues, but they need to be clearly understood in this day of heightened spirituality as the Age of Aquarius is ushered in by the Angel of Light, in opposition to the Kingdom Age being ushered in by the King of Glory!

5] We All Fall Down!
12 times in the OT the phrase "fall(ing, en) upon" occurs. In every case it is used in a negative sense of judgment, terror, a curse, etc. Gen 9:2 Gen 35:5 Exo 15:16 Deu 29:20 Deu 31:29 Judg 8:11 2 Sam 3:29 2 Sam 24:17 1 Chr 21:17 2 Chr 14:14 Psa 140:10 Isa 47:11.

Falling down in the NT is either at Jesus' feet or on one's knees, or face down (all in worshipful devotion), or falling down under demonic influence; eg., Mat 17:6 Mat 26:39 Mark 3:11 Mark 5:6 Mark 9:20 Luke 5:8 John 11:32 1 Cor 10:12 1 Cor 14:23-26 Acts 10:10 Acts 16:29 Acts 26:14 Rev 1:17 Rev 5:8 Rev 7:11 Rev 22:8-9. Not once is it anything but sovereign. No minister touched them to cause them to fall. There were no catchers either!

Overshadowing of 'The Anointing': The falling down phenomenon is linked strongly with the teaching of 'The Anointing'. Benny Hinn's 1993 book of the same name was the biggest selling Christian book of the year - causing reviewers to shudder at the theological bankruptcy of some sections of the modern Church (refer to On Being's review 3/93 - copies available).

There are NT references to the Presence of God being around / over a person. 'Overshadow' = 1982. Episkiazo; to cast a shade upon, ie. (by anal.) to envelop in a haze of brilliancy; fig. to invest with preternatural influence:--overshadow [Luke 1:35 Mat 17:5 Mark 9:7 Luke 9:34 Acts 5:15]. Note though, that these are the only times the idea of the 'glory cloud' of the Holy Spirit's anointed presence is mentioned in the entire NT. The context is;

1) to bring God incarnate to birth;
2) around Jesus in His unique, glorified, Sonship on the transfiguration Mount;
3) Peter's shadow with its power to heal (note the 'falling' here applies to a literal shadow).

Not once is it mentioned as part of normative church life for the believer. And not once in the entire NT is there a reference to the Spirit / Presence of God "falling" on or around Christians, individually or corporately. Not even on the Day of Pentecost, at the Church's inauguration into the (new) Age of the Spirit does Luke record that the fire "fell". The tongues of fire "settled, permanently dwelt, rested, sat down" on them. This is a vital issue in the current climate of what constitutes a valid, existential, spiritual experience.

An element of confusion seems to be present here among English speaking believers because of the close phonetic word association between 'fall / fell' and 'fill', which comes from an entirely different Greek root (to alight c/f. to cram).

The NT idea of being freshly filled with the Holy Spirit, after initial baptism / infilling is never in a context of someone / something falling on them. It is in context of an increase from the inside, out of the well / river already present, manifesting further fruit of the Spirit. The references to being "filled" in initial, ongoing, and emotional experiences are, Acts 2:4 Acts 2:28 Acts 4:8 Acts 4:31 Acts 9:17 Acts 13:9 Acts 13:52 Acts 16:34 Rom 15:13 Eph 3:19 Eph 5:18 Phil 1:9-11 Col 1:9 1 Pet 1:8.

In the same vein, the recent theme in songs and prophecies of the "fire of God falling afresh on the Church / individual believers" is quite foreign to the NT experience. [footnote #13] The nearest is Paul's admonition to "fan into flame" his grace gifting. [2 Tim 1:6]. Timothy had allowed his gift to 'smoulder' (through fear), but, again, it's already within. There is no fresh anointing of fire / oil from outside, 'on high', etc. Timothy has to stir it (the already resident fire) up from within.

This is the great demarcation point from the Old Covenant, where God 'came and went'. The blood of Christ has enabled a permanent drawing near to occur, through which we are permanently indwelt by the Holy Spirit. The apostolic church knew of no further "falling / fire / fresh anointing / wind of the Spirit / wave of God", etc.

In Summary
The concept of the Holy Spirit "falling" upon believers, after they have been converted and filled with the Holy Spirit, is wholly alien to the NT. It undercuts one of the great foundational truths of the New Covenant - after Calvary, the presence of God, in the person of the Holy Spirit, would come and abide / remain forever - permanently! He has come to dwell in His real Temple - the Church - the Body of Christ - corporately, and Christians individually [John 14].

The notion that Christians still have to "wait for Him (or worse, "It") to come" as they congregate in a meeting is quite foreign to the apostolic gospel (let alone the "here/there it is!" phenomenon that has swept large sections of the Church) [footnote #14].

What then is going on? My fundamental point, for this entire article, is that....

False teaching opens the door for false
(as in 'counterfeit but real') religious, spiritual experiences.

If the falling down / trance like / 'winds of the "there it is / here it comes" Spirit cannot be substantiated from the NT apostolic tradition, we are left with two other alternatives;

1] It's psychological, soulish, fleshly; or,
2] It's demonic - coming from a religious, deceiving, counterfeit angel-of-light source.

If it's the second, its purpose will be always to undercut the foundation of God's Word from the believer(s), from the Church. In order that later, the Church will enter into even more extreme syncretistic activity. This was the reality in Jezebel's day. It never happens overnight! Ed Murphy's quote is appropriate; he is commenting on Israel's ongoing battle with the deception of the 'no-gods' of the surrounding cultures. "In Joshua 24, God’s man, Joshua, knows he will soon die and leave the fickle nation he has led since the death of Moses. He knows these people too well. He knows they are still sensual, worldly, and wide open to religious spirits which deceive their followers by first meeting most of their selfish physical and emotional needs." (Handbook for Spiritual Warfare P237).

Leaders introduce Baal worship, from the top down. People follow what leaders emphasise. Other studies we have done trace the long-term consequences of infiltration of foreign religious ideas/forms of syncretistic worship into mainstream religious life in Israel and Judah in the Ninth Century BC. The Northern Kingdom was infiltrated first through the (political alliance) marriage of King Omri's son, Ahab, to Jezebel. Jezebel's concept of religious worship focussed on Baal, the Canaanite supreme (storm) god of power. She convinced the lukewarm Israelites they needed the power god's blessing to be fruitful and grow. Through leadership of the nation she was able to syncretise her false religious notions with worship of the LORD. The people's hearts were already lukewarm enough not to discern the creeping change, except for Elijah. The prophets and priests were silent in the face of persecution and loss of personal and financial security.

How much has a 'foreign god' concept crept into the Church, and especially the Pentecostal / Charismatic Church through the side door of the Faith Movement teachings - a concept that depersonalises the Holy Spirit and makes Him (It?) an instrument of our manipulation - to bring abundance and to make us feel good?

Perhaps the Church has fallen for something in a way not expected by the majority. Is she falling away, as the tangents now in operation become more extreme and more removed from biblical apostolic Christianity [literally, apostasy means to step away from (truth)]? Time will tell….

The second half of this evaluation looks at the historical root system behind the Toronto Blessing. Of the various main streams of influence, there are three I will emphasise. Each come, by different routes, from the same fountainhead - the concept of 'revelation knowledge' being available to 'spiritual' people, and the ensuing seduction into elitist thinking; ie. that there are 'higher' (and therefore, by implication, also 'lower') levels of spirituality within Christ's body, the Church. These are;

Each of these really could do with a separate publication of their own. How such seemingly diverse movements could share such fundamental commonality at this juncture of Church history is really quite fascinating. Rather than trying to duplicate the work effectively done already by others, I will mention other resources already available, and add some personal observations. Copies of other reference works mentioned are available upon request.

A schematic view of the root system follows. The point to be drawn is that certain teachings, attitudes, and influences, central to the existence of fringe heretical groups - that would have previously been rejected out-of-hand by orthodox groups - have been 'filtered' through a more 'laid back user-friendly' movement, the Vineyard Movement, without altering their fundamental errors. They have, by this middle filter, slipped into the mainstream of much orthodox Christianity. The consequence of this (which could only happen in a generation when style is more important than substance, and anecdotal evidence more important than written Scripture) is that mainstream Christianity is in the process of a powerful seduction, a la that already described in the first section.

1] The Latter Rain Movement
This is the one, as mentioned earlier in Personal background, I am most familiar with. The outbreak of the first 'Canadian Blessing' in 1948 was prophetically declared to be a harbinger of the Second Coming, and a preparation move to usher in the "manifested sons of God" who would "harvest the grain". Behind it was the belief in the literal perfection of (some) Christians [footnote #15]. This perfected class of overcomers would be the key to the last great revival.

Interestingly, as the Toronto Blessing unfolded, much stronger echoes of this were heard from the Vineyard movement. Riss makes direct reference to the Toronto Blessing having to originate from Canada, as the fulfilment of an early prediction in 1948, and that the second wave of latter rain (the 'second Pentecost') would later emerge from Canada.

Quoting from Tricia Tillin's article
James Watt writes: "In a sense, the fulfilment of the Feast of Tabernacles came forth with the blowing of trumpets from North Battleford ... the time of restitution of all things is about to take place. According to Paul Yonggi Cho of Korea and twenty other prophets, the last great move of the Spirit will originate IN CANADA, and, by seventy Canadian cities, will be brought to the 210 nations of the earth before Jesus returns.

Marc Dupont, of the Toronto Vineyard, writes that he sees Toronto as one of the major wellsprings for world revival. He claims to have received a significant prophecy in May 1992 and June 1993 of a mighty wave starting in Toronto and flowing powerfully out eastwards across Canada. He likens the present renewal to the John the Baptist ministry, heralding the coming of Christ, and believes that it will lead to major revival, in the Western nations between the years 2000 and 2005, (Reports in Mantle of Praise article and Alpha magazine September 1994.).

Then he makes this intriguing statement: "This move of the Spirit in 1994 is not just a Charismatic and Pentecostal experience, concerning power or gifting. It is one thing to be clothed with power; it is another to be indwelt with the Person of God".

The First Pentecost caused believers to be "clothed with power from on high". The Second Pentecost is about the Incarnation of Christ into His Body. To spiritualise the scriptures, as all Latter Rain teachers do, it is about the return of the Ark to the Temple! The Coming of Christ (invisibly) into his Living Temple, the Church. This takes place, according to the doctrine, at the "Feast of Tabernacles"- which celebrates the Lord dwelling with His people. When this happens, no longer will it be the Head (Jesus Christ) in Heaven and the Body (believers) on earth - but One Perfect Man filling both heaven and earth. This is what Latter Rain teachers said we must expect in the final Outpouring of the Church age! [Copies of the full article are available]

Since the first publication of this booklet, Latter Rain influences have continued to spread widely through the Charismatic/Pentecostal movement.

2] The Howard-Browne / Faith Movement Connection
Rodney Howard-Browne (RHB), far and away, has been the principal agent for spreading the influence of the "Blessing". The outbreak at Toronto Airport Vineyard can be traced back to involvement of the Arnotts with people influenced by Howard-Browne (as well as their long-term association with another [former] Toronto resident, Benny Hinn). In his personal testimony, Howard-Browne makes much of his encounter with the Holy Spirit in South Africa some years ago, and his reception of the ability to knock people down as a result of this power encounter.

However, Howard-Browne's connections with the Rhema / Hagin / Copeland movement are much less publicised. Little attention seems to be paid to Howard-Browne's upbringing in the Faith Movement (One source told me his father had been active in pastoral ministry in it), attendance at Rhema Bible College, or the critical connecting of Arnotts, Randy Clark, and RHB through their common contact with Kenneth Copeland's ministry at Forth Worth, Texas.

The 'father - guru' figure of Copeland looms powerfully behind RHB in the 35 minute video extract on Alan Morrison's critique, "The Toronto Blessing - is it?" [footnote #16]. Richard Riss has written a fairly extensive biography of RHB as part of his publication, "The Nth American Revival of 1994" (posted on the Internet). He positively reviews recent events, but again, omits the Copeland connection.

Howard-Browne visited Sydney first in February 95. His meetings culminated in powerful spiritual manifestations, with him touching people, and yelling, "FILL!", and "MORE!" over them. No mention of Jesus was made at this stage of proceedings. He insisted people don't pray, just receive!

My wife and I were personally repulsed by the showmanship Browne exhibited (I called his ministry a "demonstration sport worthy of the Sydney Olympics"), as well as the clever use of rhetoric to build mesmerism into his audience - eg. stories of what happened last time he did it...; invention of a hypothetical onlooking critic who gets labelled a "Pharisee", followed by sarcastic references to him to get the audience on side, encouragement to "not judge this with your mind, but with your heart", chasing his catchers up the aisle until they were caught and floored, etc.

His second visit, three months later, was with the full blessing of the AOG national Executive, who invited him to be their (only) National Conference speaker in Brisbane. A friend in ministry, who attended, became convinced RHB, the Toronto Blessing, et al, were authentic after RHB blew over his section of the congregation (audience?) and he actually felt a wind blow past him (he was up the back among some 8000 people).

Interestingly, as Jacob Prasch states in his series, "What is happening to the AOG?" (copies available), the Australian AOG are now wholeheartedly embracing the essence of the Latter Rain movement, which they declared heretical in 1950. He says that "over-realised eschatology (which is at the core of the triumphalist Faith Movement heretical teachings) has found its way into the mainstream Pentecostal movement". Promises previously taught as awaiting the Second Coming of Jesus before they could be fully realised, are now totally available for those with the faith to step out and believe [footnote #17].

3] The Vineyard Connection
Vineyard is a unique movement, by any standards. It is commonly perceived to be a 'laid back', gentle spirited, inclusive (as against 'exclusive') stream. I have heard this description used several times, as a commendation of John Arnott and his teachings (as recently as October 99, from people who attended his Catch the Fire campaign at Waverly CF in Melbourne). As noted previously, style, rather than substance, is the criteria of our post-modern religious culture, as well as in our surrounding secular culture.

I regard the first three as primary and the last two as secondary in importance.

1] What is the "Third Wave"?
Peter Wagner coined the term to describe a post-Pentecostal, post-Charismatic move of the Holy Spirit that emphasises signs and wonders accompanying the (evangelical) gospel [refer footnote #18 for a full, formal definition]. The Pentecostal teaching of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, as a subsequent experience to conversion, is denied. The place of tongues, as evidence of the inner experience, is downplayed. Refer to the extract written by Wimber, from Kevin Springer's book, The Third Wave, which highlights these differences. I am constantly surprised by the number of Pentecostal leaders who (wrongly) think Vineyard is essentially a Pentecostal (or Charismatic) Movement. It is definitely NOT, and neither are its offspring when it comes to replacing the believer's reception of the Holy Spirit baptism with receptions of the "Blessing", which are neither permanent, nor once for all, nor primarily accompanied by the normative NT evidence of speaking in tongues (which is replaced by manifestations more at home in Kundalini energy [Kriya] transmissions).

2] the Prophetic Influence
The Toronto Blessing is not the first major influence Vineyard had on the wider body of Christ, but rather the third. The first was the use of the power of the Spirit in witness and healing. The second was the role of the prophetic ministry. The influence of the ‘school of the prophets’ (including Jones, Cain, etc.) on their Movement, has been widely acknowledged by Vineyard leaders.

Bob Jones, from Kansas Metro Vineyard, was reported to regularly receive visits from Jesus in person. He was later disciplined in 1991 for sexual misconduct and manipulation [footnote #19].

Paul Cain exercised great influence over Vineyard’s direction. His guru-type status was plainly evident in the Sydney 1990 Spiritual Warfare convention. An air of mystique has surrounded his role as a revelator of Jesus’ will. I personally heard Wimber declare to his Anaheim congregation (a.m. service 31/12/89) that Jesus had appeared to Paul Cain, and told him He had chosen Vineyard as His vehicle for the restoration of apostles and prophets to the last days church. Wimber presented this with appropriate awe, and the effect on the congregation was indeed awesome!

David Pytches biography of Cain, Some Say It Thundered contains enlightening detail re the origin of Cain’s prophetic gift. Pytches relates the familial nature of the gift of seeing - his mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother all had it too! [footnote #20] And he had it, including angelic visitations, from a young age. Such hereditary transmission of gifts and/or ministries of the Spirit is unknown in the NT. However anyone who has dealt with deliverance from clairvoyant or psychic spirits knows that they are usually transmitted through hereditary lines (normally in the female line). Similarly Pytches description of Jesus appearing to Cain in a hooded monk’s cowl expressing His displeasure in Cain wanting to get married (and sharing his affections) is plainly outside the NT limits. Singleness is chosen; "forbidding to marry" is called a work of deceiving spirits [see 1 Tim 4:1-3].

3] Perceptions of Vineyard’s Endtime Rôle
These are covered under 2] above. A strong sense of ‘chosenness’ exists. The Third Wave is on the cutting edge of the new thing God is doing. Incipient elitism is, by far, the enemy’s most dangerous tool to destroy a movement.

An excellent Insider's account of this appeared as a Preface in Hank Hanegraaff's book (published in 1997), Counterfeit Revival, by Tom Stipe, a former member of the Nth American Vineyard leadership [A copy of Stipe's comments are accessible on a separate file]. His comments express in detail much of what we wrote here (in 1995). He also adds an Insider's view on the control mechanisms at work in the National Vineyard structure, and the descent into spirit guidance that occurs when there is a misuse of the prophetic realm for direction and identification of (future) ministry placement. (My own wry observation is that like past-lives mediumship, the Prophetic seems to invariably overstate the importance the recipient of the prophecies is going to have in the last great move of God! We can't all be called to be apostles or prophets or stronghold-breakers… Surely, some are called to be regular, effective local church members….) [footnote #21].

4] Wimber’s Origins in the Quaker Movement
John Wimber was converted in 1963. He fellowshipped in the Quaker Movement until 1975, serving as co-pastor of Yorba Linda Friends Church for five years. His emphasis on the power of the Spirit through signs and wonders became widespread through his association with Peter Wagner’s course at Fuller Seminary.

Quakerism (so named not because of shaking, but their call for magistrates to tremble at the word of God) began as a reaction to the experientially-dead Biblicism of the Puritans (the conservative evangelicals of the 1600’s). Fox and others asserted the validity of the inner experience of the work and illumination of the Holy Spirit for every believer.

Interestingly (and sadly), both Quakerism and the Shakers (mentioned below) later succumbed to a tendency to drift into spiritualism (ie. seduction by deceiving religious spirits / angels of light), through their emphasis on the inspirational side of the Christian life which later overrode the rôle and authority of the written Scriptures. The Quaker Movement in Australia is nowadays nothing more than a spiritualist group. This has effectively removed it from the orthodox Christian church and has seen it become more of a peace movement. However, apparently the Quaker Churches in the USA have not degenerated this far.

The relevance here is noting the strong similarities between the seminal Quaker emphasis on the inner principle of guidance and the Vineyard’s emphasis on the place of the prophetic word. I believe both are proper in their place, but that the historical decline of Quakerism towards deceiving spirits is always a possibility in such an environment, and must be continually guarded against by a proper view of the rôle and authority of Scripture, by which all prophetic utterings are judged.

5] the Role of Fuller Seminary
During my three-month sabbatical in Nth America in 1989/90, I regularly heard the criticism from pastors, "Vineyard doesn’t mix". I was told several times that one of the perceived differences between Vineyard and conventional Pentecostal churches was their view of the Scriptures - ie. The word of God is in the Bible, but the whole Bible is not necessarily the Word of God. I found this hard to validate. Some evidences of this arose through personal contact with Seattle Vineyard leadership, who, for instance, attributed Adam and Eve to symbolic myth.

Dan Tappeiner (a PhD graduate of Fuller’s Theology course) told me in an interview, that Fuller’s view of the Scriptures had been white-anted by staff appointments who held the "God’s word is in the Bible, but the Scriptures are not necessarily all God’s word" view. Just how far this influence in emphasis goes, I am unable to say, but sloppy use of biblical exegesis by the Vineyard Movement's so-called theologians is not a healthy sign for the future of the Movement and its offspring. In fact, they have returned to the classic Latter Rain trick of eisagesis, rather than exegesis. This, of course, is entirely justified by the concept of revelation knowledge commented on previously. God "quickened" a word, and then we go hunt up some Scripture verses (usually way out of context) to back up what we have already made up our minds about!! [footnote #22]

Vineyard Worldwide
John Wimber announced (in December 94) God had told him to set up a world wide network of Vineyard churches - after earlier refusals to do so (under the guidance of the same Holy Spirit....). The popularity of the Blessing should see a rapid growth after this turnaround in direction, despite the fact that Wimber himself, after a long fight with cancer, is now confined to a wheelchair since being crippled by a stroke in January 95. [2004 update - after announcing that God had told him he would not die, but would live to see the ushering in of the last great endtime revival (reported by NZ Challenge newspaper), John Wimber died in 1997]. He was very, very wrong.... He was deceived....

2004 Update: Vineyard commenced in Australia in 1995. After an initial rapid addition of various churches and leaders (some well-known), the movement seems to have fallen foul of one of the historical problems associated with Latter Rain mentioned earlier - continual division over all kinds of issues. Many of the leaders and churches have since pulled out. An educated "outsider's" guess would be that Vineyard International's highly centralised control structure doesn't sit well with the cultural Australian distaste for excessive authority either.

The continued growing influence of Wagner (and his personal prophetess, Cindy Jacobs) needs to be added now to the first three. Wagner's ability to disseminate ideas (mostly not his own, but he is a master of communication skills) has made him a powerful figure in recent developments from the Third Wave / Prophetic movement.

We have been quite amazed at the influence Cindy Jacobs and her Generals of Intercession have exercised in various countries we have visited. Zimbabwe, New Zealand have received national prophecies from her of becoming the "centre of everything" (we call it 'Mouse that Roared' inferiority complex of little groups / nations). It's scary to listen to Wagner's description of his self-declared apostleship that resulted from her prophesying over him at breakfast one morning (Brisbane Prophetic conference Feb 2000 - copy available); he describes a classic case of an altered state of consciousness (ASC) - eyes rolling back, altered voice, etc - before she prophesies over him (in an unchurched, non-judged, unbiblical manner....).

The Shakers' Heritage
There are similarities between the Toronto Blessing and certain aspects of the Shaker Movement that grew out of Quakerism in the 1700’s, under Mother Ann Lee. The Shakers had a strong emphasis on realized eschatology (including millennial perfectionism), elitism, strong physical manifestations that included shaking, animal noises, tongues, visions, and healing gifts.

New Age and Hinduism - Kundalini Energy / Power
New Age similarities and Hinduistic associations are rife in the "flowing of the River". These have been amply covered by other researchers who have published on the Internet, (URL's available on request). The rising of the Kundalini power, and its associated supernatural, ecstatic manifestations, are of considerable interest in the present discussion. Kriyas (manifestations) experienced as the Kundalini serpent power moves upward within the recipient of the shakti-pat (touch of the guru's hand), can overwhelm the recipient with ecstasy, violent shakings and noises, etc. [footnote #23] As mentioned earlier, Dave Hunt has already covered the startling similarities between certain branches of Hinduism and the "new move of God". [footnote #24]

Jill Austin
The Blessing (as it’s come to be called) did not start in Toronto. Waves of similar manifestations preceded it in New Zealand (and from there into Australia) in 1993. These too had their genesis in Vineyard USA, via Jill Austin. She ministered throughout COC churches in Australia. Reports of similar manifestations accompanied her ministry here. [footnote #25]

Benny Hinn
Guy Chevreau mentions in his book, Catch the Fire, the significant impact on John and Carol Arnott, senior ministers of Airport Vineyard, of Kathryn Kuhlman and later on, Benny Hinn - Hinn began in Toronto (p21). He says John Arnott has been a friend of Hinn for several years, "longing for a similar kind of empowerment...." (p22). The practice of ‘falling under the power’ happened to the Arnotts, after an Argentinian AOG minister prayed for them. He, in turn, had returned from a Benny Hinn meeting.

Christian critics, have roundly condemned Benny Hinn's theology of the Holy Spirit after the publication of his book, the Anointing. Again, the concept of the person of the Holy Spirit is overtaken by the view that a Christian can take "it" (ie. the "Anointing"), and use "it" for expressions of power gifting, including making people fall down. Hinn was reported in New Day magazine as having repented publicly of his heretical views, but that later reports indicated he was still preaching them. [footnote #26]

(2004 Update) Benny Hinn's influence has grown enormously since I first published this booklet. The Australian AoG brought him to Australia as their bi-annual National Conference speaker in 1997. His masterly television productions are gaining increasing influence among The Blessing followers. His ability to stun and slay very genuine people seems to over-ride the fact that no one actually gets healed or delivered on camera. The reports seem to be always of what happened off camera. The orchestrated nature of Hinn's performances shows through in such things as the fact that he is invariably the only one on stage in a white suit, while all his myriad support crew always wear dark colours. So Benny really stands out! They are surrounded by wheelchairs that you didn't see anyone get out of, etc.

Other writers have published critiques of Hinn's well-publicised visit to Kuhlman's grave where he soaked up the anointing from her bones. He has also been accused of necromancy after his description of her spirit visiting him after her death. [footnote #27]

Poor Quality Exegesis
We mentioned this relating to the Vineyard Movement. The poor quality exegesis of so-called proof texts and Jonathan Edwards' writings needs further scholarship. The possibility of deliberate out-of-context references has been raised by some scholars. Eisagetical use of bible texts was a common feature during our own involvement in Latter Rain. It works on the underlying idea that 'revelation knowledge' is more important than study, and provides the keys to interpret the written word (hence the frequent appeal to types and shadows). You work backwards for your 'proofs'.

· Pensacola / AoG
I have not directly addressed the Pensacola offspring (the AoG's own Toronto Blessing). A video of the initial Fathers' Day "outpouring" given to me by a very excited New Life minister was enough. Steve Hill got hit at Holy Trinity in London (the main Toronto Blessing centre in the UK), came to Pensacola and transferred the Blessing.. He laboured for an hour with extreme intensity before the Blessing started jumping people. Catatonic trances, spastic actions, hysterical laughter and shrieks were all present. [footnote #28]

There has been more preached word than in Vineyard circles - along with "spiritual releases" as the shofar horn is blown… But a reading of PORTAL IN PENSACOLA, by Renee DeLoriea, editor of Feast of Fire, the magazine of revival published by Brownsville AoG, is more than sufficient to show the same root system underneath this variant of the Toronto Blessing (in her book she joyfully relates how she'd halved her Prozac intake with the help of the Blessing!! - and has abusively resented my mentioning this on this webpage - even though she published the information in her book!).

In Australia, since the advent of the Blessing in the mid-90's (particularly through David Cartledge and Southern Cross College), the AoG has opened their doors to all kinds of "prophetic" ministries that have shifted the old AoG emphasis on the Scriptures to a success-focussed gospel that bears little resemblance to the New Testament model of ministry and church life (especially the place of suffering). Since Cho's impact in the early 80's, the Australian AoG has been deeply influenced by church growth goals - regardless of Cho's use of Eastern meditation, visualisation, and Korean cultic-control techniques, The numbers attracted justify the change... [footnote #29]

2008 update - David Cartledge "force-fed" the Blessing into the main AoG Australian Ministers' College during his term as Principal. Then, he left for the USA where he founded Cartledge Ministries International. Then in 2005 he unexpectedly died of brain cancer (refer comments we published 10 years earlier under 'Predictions"....). I have been attacked for even referring to this - of course, it is a very unpleasant area to raise - but it must be raised. The damaging extent of the consequences of Cartledge's capitulation to the Toronto Blessing are impossible to estimate.

Control of the Anointing
Another remarkable aspect of the Toronto Blessing and its offspring is that leaders of the movement seem to be able to dictate when and where it will occur.

At the AoG Bi-annual Australian Leaders' Conference in the late 90's in Brisbane, Benny Hinn announced that the Holy Spirit would enter the auditorium in five minutes through a particular (pointed out) door, and in five minutes people near that aisle start manifesting, swooning, etc, as He / It arrives. My AoG pastor friend said he literally "felt" the wind as the "Spirit" entered down that aisle, and he became convinced God was in the Blessing and Hinn, against his own scepticism, because of this supernatural wonder (I asked at the time, "The Holy Spirit needs a "door" and an "aisle" to enter a building"???!!!). In the early 90's, Clark Taylor announced to the Australian Pentecostal Conference I attended (at Frank Houston's CLC, Sydney) that the "anointing" was on one particular spot up the front, and if we would run to that spot, we would receive the anointing. One man sprinted up the aisle and was violently poleaxed onto his back as he arrived on the spot. (Taylor was subsequently dismissed from COC leadership for adulteries that were ongoing even while he was ministering this "anointing" at that Conference - again, one must ask, if there was some kind of supernatural phenomena at work, what was its source??).

I visited Hills CLC (now Hillsong church) in January 96 for their final meeting of four for the Sunday. People were spilling out from the third, at which the emphasis had been on their famous upbeat music. My query is, "if this is really our Sovereign Lord at work....

1) how come He 'falls' at one meeting out of four in the same Church on the same day? And not at the other three?....

2) why don't the leaders (and people) want the 'refreshing' to overtake the whole church program - even if only for a short period? The reasons proffered to explain this all seem to put the sovereignty in men's hands, not God's. [footnote #30]

Derek Prince, in 'Uproar in the Church' (1994) comments, "Witchcraft is the attempt to control people and get them to do what you want by the use of any spirit that is not the Holy Spirit. And if anyone has a spirit he can USE, it is not the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is God, and NO ONE uses God."

Loss of Self-Control
There have been frequent reports of cataleptic, involuntary actions accompanying some of the manifestations. I have read extensively the writings claiming to authenticate these scripturally. To me, they are poorly exegeted attempts to 'shoehorn' various texts. There is little evidence in the NT. to validate involuntary or cataleptic states. The work of the New Covenant revolves around the cooperation between the Holy Spirit and the will of the believer. I have heard of verified accounts where people have had their necks and backs put out by spastic jerking they couldn’t stop. [footnote #31] Nowhere in the NT is there an account of numbers of ordinary believers being laid out, going into a trance-like state, or losing their self-control.

This is another area where poor handling of the Scriptures has turned a fruit of the Spirit 180^O around; now a LOSS of self-control is a quality to be sought after… (unlike Galatians 5:23 and Titus 2:11-12). During my trips to Africa, I have noticed the local ministers who are dealing with catatonic demonic trance situations, without exception, place the Blessing manifestations in the realm of the demonic. [footnote #32]

Long Term Proofs of the Holy Spirit's Work
Charismatic phenomena of themselves are not necessarily proofs of the Holy Spirit origin of a movement in the spiritual realm. . This includes genuine healings and accurate prophecies. [footnote #33] Mikhael Nader recounts the amazing healings recorded by a pioneer evangelist of the Mormon Church (New Day March 95). In my view, three criteria together verify the origins of a spiritual movement;

Why Do Some People Accept This And Others Don't?
Here are some anecdotal observations (very subjective) gathered over the past ten years. They are not true in every case, but indicate some common threads that may help answer the question, "why do some Christians accept this and others do not?"

Gnostic 'flashes' of revelation divine spark experiences ê						*Other Significant Influences*
New Thought Metaphysics ê
E. W. Kenyon revelation knowledge ê
Kenneth Hagin Rhema Word-Faith Movement ê		Latter Rain revelationary ministry ê		Revelationary knowledge some personal appearings of Jesus ê
Kenneth Copeland ê		William Branham ê		Bob Jones ê		Kathryn Kuhlman ê		Quakerism Fuller College ê
Rodney Howard Browne ê		Paul Cain ê		Kansas City Prophets ê		Benny Hinn ê		Peter Wagner John Wimber (died 1997) ê
These all have had some influence into the Toronto Blessing , and its variegated offspring and significant influence, through it into,
ê Traditional Pentecostal - Elim (UK, NZ), AOG (Australia), Apostolic.	ê Latter Rain origin Pentecostal - Waverley C/F, Some NLC's		ê Independent Pentecostal - via 'Prophetic' emphasis		ê 'Faith' emphasis Pentecostal - COC, CLC, CCC, Rhema Churches		ê Charismatic Mainline - some Anglican, Baptist, Churches of Christ, etc.		ê Some Conservative Evangelicals - Churches of Christ, Baptist, Independent