False Preachers/Teachers

[BeckyJ]

There will be a variety of opinions on who is and isn't, but that's ok.

According to the Bible, a false teacher is someone who teaches doctrines that contradict the core message of the gospel and the teachings of Jesus Christ, often disguised as a genuine follower of Christ. A wolf in sheep's clothing.
A key characteristic is that their teachings do not align with the sound instructions of Jesus and the Bible. They promote a different doctrine that leads to ungodliness.
Ultimately, they are identified by their fruit and they lead people away from the truth of God and the Bible.

There are many false preachers/teachers in the world. For the well known ones, who all do you see as false teachers?

Some that come to mind for me are: Benny Hinn, Paula Cain, Ben Creamer, Joel Osteen.

 

[Gregory Thompson]

A good exercise for this is to first listen to the bible on autorepeat a few times. Listen to the sermon. Then repeat the first step.

This is important since local congregations are just as guilty for false teachers as the big names.

 

[timothyu]

A key characteristic is that their teachings do not align with the sound instructions of Jesus and the Bible. They promote a different doctrine

Jesus' only gospel was the Gospel of the Kingdom/governance of the Father. I guess when the religion abandoned the Kingdom to join the world Jesus rejected, that it was obvious false teachers would thrive to justify the change. One could say it was not a matter of just false teachers, but a false religion that no longer taught Jesus' Gospel/instructions, but transformed it, demanding allegiance to the religion over the Kingdom.

 

[timf]

A child trusts others to tell him what is true and what is not. Maturity brings discernment and understanding.

Eph 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
Eph 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

 

[2PhiloVoid]

There will be a variety of opinions on who is and isn't, but that's ok.

According to the Bible, a false teacher is someone who teaches doctrines that contradict the core message of the gospel and the teachings of Jesus Christ, often disguised as a genuine follower of Christ. A wolf in sheep's clothing.
A key characteristic is that their teachings do not align with the sound instructions of Jesus and the Bible. They promote a different doctrine that leads to ungodliness.
Ultimately, they are identified by their fruit and they lead people away from the truth of God and the Bible.

There are many false preachers/teachers in the world. For the well known ones, who all do you see as false teachers?

Some that come to mind for me are: Benny Hinn, Paula Cain, Ben Creamer, Joel Osteen.

Philosophically speaking, I don't so much look at folks as being 'true' or 'false' teachers from a theological point of view. Rather, I look to see what praxis (i.e. theory and method) of interpretation of the Christian Faith a person brings to the table for our consideration.

I generally try to be gracious and offer other Christians a reasonable latitude in how, and how well, they pick up the Bible and preach or teach others with it. I expect, at times, to hear things preached, or to encounter interpretations, I may disagree with.

But like you, I've seen and heard certain extremes that seem to me to be 'less' full of the Holy Spirit and more full of a person's own hot-air. We know them by their Fruits. We also know them, at times, by their less than aromatic (and unjustified) toots.

 

[BeckyJ]

Wow. So far in the 4 replies received there is a total ignoring of the post question, or advice..that wasn't asked for nor applicable, or assumptions made that are false, or a tip toeing around the post question, indirectly answering.
Interesting.
I listed some I see as false preachers/teachers in my post.
But following the Bible's lead on doing this is what I'm looking for in seeing who you think are false preachers/teachers that are well known to most.
Exposing those who stray from the truth and naming them is done in the New Testament, in fact the apostle Paul and even John himself named a few of them in their epistles:
- Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme. ~ 1 Timothy 1:20
- This you know, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me, of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes. ~ 2 Timothy 1:15
- And their word will eat as does a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus, who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. ~ 2 Timothy 2: 17-18
- Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. ~ 2 Timothy 2: 3:8
- For Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. ~ 2 Timothy 4:10
- Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: of whom be you ware also; for he has greatly withstood our words. ~ 2 Timothy 4:14-15
- I wrote to the church: but Diotrephes, who love to have the preeminence among them, receive us not. Why, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he does, prating us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither he himself receive the brothers, and forbids them that would, and cast them out of the church. ~ 3 John 1:9-10
- Woe to them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. ~ Jude 1:11

So there is nothing wrong with naming names of false preachers/teachers. Christians are supposed to warn others of those who are false preachers/teachers. There is nothing unBiblical about doing so. You aren't judging them as in their value as a fellow human being.....you are discerning whether they are false preachers/teachers leading people astray.
So maybe some will reply to the actual point of the post in sharing some names of those they see as false preachers/teachers.

 

[2PhiloVoid]

Wow. So far in the 4 replies received there is a total ignoring of the post question, or advice..that wasn't asked for nor applicable, or assumptions made that are false, or a tip toeing around the post question, indirectly answering.
Interesting.
I listed some I see as false preachers/teachers in my post.
But following the Bible's lead on doing this is what I'm looking for in seeing who you think are false preachers/teachers that are well known to most.
Exposing those who stray from the truth and naming them is done in the New Testament, in fact the apostle Paul and even John himself named a few of them in their epistles:
- Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme. ~ 1 Timothy 1:20
- This you know, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me, of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes. ~ 2 Timothy 1:15
- And their word will eat as does a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus, who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. ~ 2 Timothy 2: 17-18
- Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. ~ 2 Timothy 2: 3:8
- For Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. ~ 2 Timothy 4:10
- Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: of whom be you ware also; for he has greatly withstood our words. ~ 2 Timothy 4:14-15
- I wrote to the church: but Diotrephes, who love to have the preeminence among them, receive us not. Why, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he does, prating us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither he himself receive the brothers, and forbids them that would, and cast them out of the church. ~ 3 John 1:9-10
- Woe to them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. ~ Jude 1:11

So there is nothing wrong with naming names of false preachers/teachers. Christians are supposed to warn others of those who are false preachers/teachers. There is nothing unBiblical about doing so. You aren't judging them as in their value as a fellow human being.....you are discerning whether they are false preachers/teachers leading people astray.
So maybe some will reply to the actual point of the post in sharing some names of those they see as false preachers/teachers.

As a philosopher, I'm not actually 'skirting' the issue by trying not to "name drop" false teachers. The reason I try to refrain from doing so, and only do so if and when I've researched the overall background of a particular teacher, is because I begin with an interdisciplinary approach to both Metaphysics and World Religions on the whole, using criteria of Hermeneutics and Critical Studies to every topic or teaching (or biblical book or alleged "tradition") I encounter. I don't start from the same practical position that you do a priori, but I might end with a similar theological evaluation as you do a posteriori.

That, and the fact that I'm not able to read minds and know the hearts of those certain individuals who claim to be called to stand in front of everyone else and preach to them; however, I can reasonably and analytically screen their interpretations and the overt ways in which they attempt to apply those interpretations on the world stage.

Obviously, some folks make my critical screening all too easy and I can generally concur with you, Becky, that some people have shown mostly false evidences of having a faith that otherwise resembles what we would expect to see after gleaning from our collective reading of the New Testament.

 

[Sir Joseph]

Wow. So far in the 4 replies received there is a total ignoring of the post question, or advice..that wasn't asked for nor applicable, or assumptions made that are false, or a tip toeing around the post question, indirectly answering.
Interesting.
I listed some I see as false preachers/teachers in my post.
But following the Bible's lead on doing this is what I'm looking for in seeing who you think are false preachers/teachers that are well known to most.
Exposing those who stray from the truth and naming them is done in the New Testament, in fact the apostle Paul and even John himself named a few of them in their epistles:
- Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme. ~ 1 Timothy 1:20
- This you know, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me, of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes. ~ 2 Timothy 1:15
- And their word will eat as does a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus, who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. ~ 2 Timothy 2: 17-18
- Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. ~ 2 Timothy 2: 3:8
- For Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. ~ 2 Timothy 4:10
- Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: of whom be you ware also; for he has greatly withstood our words. ~ 2 Timothy 4:14-15
- I wrote to the church: but Diotrephes, who love to have the preeminence among them, receive us not. Why, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he does, prating us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither he himself receive the brothers, and forbids them that would, and cast them out of the church. ~ 3 John 1:9-10
- Woe to them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. ~ Jude 1:11

So there is nothing wrong with naming names of false preachers/teachers. Christians are supposed to warn others of those who are false preachers/teachers. There is nothing unBiblical about doing so. You aren't judging them as in their value as a fellow human being.....you are discerning whether they are false preachers/teachers leading people astray.
So maybe some will reply to the actual point of the post in sharing some names of those they see as false preachers/teachers.

People are just being nice and avoiding confrontation - understandable but not helpful. I personally have a list of 30 false teachers/preachers that's growing constantly as I watch or read something. There's too much for me to share here and now but let's add one of the biggest, worst, most offensive ones of all:

Keneth Copeland - an influential, arrogant televangelist that has become very rich through his church givings while preaching strange, heretical views about Jesus, Adam, and his being a god himself. My evidence? Just search his name on YouTube and you'll find many legitimate critics with video clips of his shameful character, views, and sermons.

 

[Hentenza]

Jim Bakker and his wife Tammy, John, Joel, Paul and Victoria Osteen, Peter Popoff, Jesse Duplantis, and John Gray come to mind.

 

[timothyu]

These people are salesmen first and will always find a willing buyer. Such is life when religion combines with free enterprise. What they are selling has been twisted almost from the beginning of Christianity, and the resulting theology leaves lots of room for diverse products.

That wouldn’t have happened had they stuck to the origin movement of putting God’s will ahead of ours thus loving all as self, acting in servitude to Father and each other in need. Not much room for manipulation there. It said it all and what God’ kept saying since the Garden . All the rest is backstory.

 

[com7fy8]

who you think are false preachers/teachers that are well known to most.

If I remember right, I signed an agreement when I become a member of Christian Forums, that I will obey the rules of the forums. And I recall that one rule as that we are not to call anyone a fake Christian or false teacher and things like this.

However, what we may do is give a specific quote of someone and discuss if it is Biblical or not, and why. And we may discuss verified actions, as to if they are Biblical or not.

And I would say, make sure you are up-to-date. I have seen a person get a lot of criticism about something the person said maybe twenty or more years ago, and now that person is showing a lot of learning and growing since then. Now it could be fair and correct to point out that thing of the past, as being wrong; but do not claim it still represents the person, today . . . unless you can provide an up-to-date quote and source.

 

[bèlla]

People are just being nice and avoiding confrontation - understandable but not helpful.

Most people avoid the teachings they find questionable or don’t resonate with their spirit. Ferreting out false christians isn’t their past time nor are they making lists. They leave them alone and focus on the ones who are edifying.

And there’s a question of maturity. I can listen to someone who doesn’t align with my beliefs and get a nugget nonetheless and discard the rest. I’ve gleaned a few from Joel and I don’t listen to him it all. But I read a few books to see what the fuss was about.

I don’t readily embrace anything I hear irrespective of their reputation or prominence. No one’s above testing and scrutiny and I do it all the time. Threads like this can quickly veer into slander and are best avoided.

~bella

 

[CerebralCherub]

There will be a variety of opinions on who is and isn't, but that's ok.

According to the Bible, a false teacher is someone who teaches doctrines that contradict the core message of the gospel and the teachings of Jesus Christ, often disguised as a genuine follower of Christ. A wolf in sheep's clothing.
A key characteristic is that their teachings do not align with the sound instructions of Jesus and the Bible. They promote a different doctrine that leads to ungodliness.
Ultimately, they are identified by their fruit and they lead people away from the truth of God and the Bible.

There are many false preachers/teachers in the world. For the well known ones, who all do you see as false teachers?

Some that come to mind for me are: Benny Hinn, Paula Cain, Ben Creamer, Joel Osteen.

I don't know who Paula and Ben are and I'm only vaguely aware of Joel. But, I was raised with Benny Hinn and the whole TBN crew and, looking back, I'm appalled at what they were 'teaching' and their 'teachings' still instruct my family (mostly my mother) to this day.

 

[Delvianna]

Kathryn Krick - She is actually pretty scary... I watched a clip once of her birthday party with her sitting in a chair on a raised platform and people would come and give her gifts, cry and worship her. I'm not even joking... She touts herself as a prophet and healer when there is no evidence of either. I watched another video of her declaring healing over a child with autism and when it didn't work she just said "keep doing it". You could see the father wanted to cry. Her teachings are dangerous and she in particular is dangerous.

 

[timothyu]

Narcissism in the pulpit

 

[bèlla]

There’s a prophecy underway concerning Christ’s return that’s ensnared a lot of believers. The expected time is this month and I hope they don’t take drastic measures in preparation for their departure. It’s really sad.

~belka

 

[Delvianna]

There’s a prophecy underway concerning Christ’s return that’s ensnared a lot of believers. The expected time is this month and I hope they don’t take drastic measures in preparation for their departure. It’s really sad.

~belka

I agree.... I've actually had people in the past consider quitting their jobs. I really really hope people continue their lives, don't get swept up in this new rapture date, and stay sober on Gods word.

 

[2PhiloVoid]

There’s a prophecy underway concerning Christ’s return that’s ensnared a lot of believers. The expected time is this month and I hope they don’t take drastic measures in preparation for their departure. It’s really sad.

~belka

..... ah, but IF it did happen later this month, I can't say that I'd mind.

 

[timothyu]

People are so presumptuous, not only it is time, but that they themselves will be going anywhere

 

[bèlla]

The larger issue with the rapture hoax and why many are believing it is related to fatigue. They’re weary and tired of suffering. The prophecy provides a sense of hope for people longing to leave. I started seeing posts along those lines last year. Well before it occurred. The economy was the tipping point and as things worsen many feel no reason to continue. It’s pretty bleak.

~bella