Is Hillsong a religion?

[ltwin]

Beliefs are both Evangelical and Pentecostal. There is some prosperity gospel, but that has been toned down in response to criticism. Tongues and baptism of the Holy Spirit (along with basic Evangelical beliefs) are the main points of emphasis, along with the really good music. Small groups of 10-20 people are the main source of growth- spiritually and numerically.

Is this entirely accurate? I always got the impression that, while Hillsong is Pentecostal, like many Assemblies of God churches in both Australia and the United States it has toned down the emphasis of these doctrines. I’m not saying that they don’t teach it or believe it, but they aren’t the first things I think of when I think about the doctrinal character of Hillsong.

 

[Monergistic]

Is this entirely accurate? I always got the impression that, while Hillsong is Pentecostal, like many Assemblies of God churches in both Australia and the United States it has toned down the emphasis of these doctrines. I’m not saying that they don’t teach it or believe it, but they aren’t the first things I think of when I think about the doctrinal character of Hillsong.

I can’t really give any more than my impression, either. But my impression is that when you’re seeker-sensitive like that, first impressions just wind up being interesting, fun, and comfortable without anything in the way of doctrine. Then later on, when you do get into it- or, more to the point, when Hillsong people get with Evangelicals and/or Pentecostals for some doctrinal discussion and formal statements- that seems to be the way they align themselves, even though it also seems like doctrine has virtually no role in getting people in the door.

 

[ltwin]

I can’t really give any more than my impression, either. But my impression is that when you’re seeker-sensitive like that, first impressions just wind up being interesting, fun, and comfortable without anything in the way of doctrine. Then later on, when you do get into it- or, more to the point, when Hillsong people get with Evangelicals and/or Pentecostals for some doctrinal discussion and formal statements- that seems to be the way they align themselves, even though it also seems like doctrine has virtually no role in getting people in the door.

You know what, this makes a lot sense. This actually describes some of what I’ve seen as well in evangelical and Pentecostal circles. Though I’ve never actually put it into words like that.

 

[Aaron780]

Wow I didnt even know it started in Australia and I live here lol, I thought this started in the US for some reason, I still thinks its bizarre though, and it looks like some sort of cult to me, Ive been knocked and criticised about Catholicism yet you have this lot around, yeh ok

 

[Monergistic]

You know what, this makes a lot sense. This actually describes some of what I’ve seen as well in evangelical and Pentecostal circles. Though I’ve never actually put it into words like that.

Thank you for that! I appreciate it.

 

[Monergistic]

Wow I didnt even know it started in Australia and I live here lol, I thought this started in the US for some reason, I still thinks its bizarre though, and it looks like some sort of cult to me, Ive been knocked and criticised about Catholicism yet you have this lot around, yeh ok

That amazes me. I know their music is popular in the US (which is here for me) but I didn’t realize that…wow. By playing it on our radio stations and using it in American church services, that makes it seem like it originated here to the rest of the world? It makes sense, but I never really thought of that. And something else just occurred to me- I can’t recall listening to a Hillsong song that was sung by someone with a voice that instantly made me think “That is a distinctly Australian voice.” I wasn’t really looking for it, but all the times I’ve listened to all these songs, I never once heard one that made me sit up and realize this is an Australian thing and not an American thing. I’ll have to see if there’s something I’m missing.

By the way, do you follow the Australian Idol show at all? I don’t know specifics, but I’ve heard that some Hillsong members have done ok on there. And there’s been some issues with how the voting works, some semi-organized church support that has maybe allowed members to stay on a little extra. I don’t really know how serious that was, or even how much Hillsong is linked to that show.

 

[ltwin]

Doing charitable work doesn’t legitimize muddying the Gospel. Bill Gates has a charitable institution, and he’s not a church.

The Prosperity Gospel is not the Gospel of Christ.

No it is not. But I think you and Indifferently are missing my point. When people make statements like “No group which teaches it can be called Christian” as Indifferently did in post number 18, IMHO they are speaking out of ignorance.

I grew up in a church that taught prosperity gospel. But that is not the only thing it taught. It taught me that I was a sinner in need of a savior. It taught about God and how he loved us so much that he sent his son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins and give everlasting life to those who believe and repent. They taught me how to pray without ceasing and the importance of holiness and working out my salvation with fear and trembling. They taught me the importance of loving my neighbors as myself with the love of God. And while they taught me that I could rely on the promises of God’s word and that obedience brought blessing, they also taught me to put God first and to make these words my heart’s cry, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him” (Job 13:15).

So given the fact that I became a Christian in a “prosperity gospel” church, and God first met me there and I gained a love for him and his word was instilled in me there, I do take issue with the way some people can be dismissive of churches like this. No, I don’t agree with all their theology, and I would not recommend that a prosperity gospel church be anyone’s first choice for a church home. However, just because a church teaches prosperity theology does not mean that they are devoid of the Gospel of Christ.

I am grieved that the church I was raised in places an excessive amount of emphasis on money and materialism. I am grieved that their prayers often fall into a “name it, claim it” mold. I am grieved that the leadership of these churches often lack accountability. Yet, I thank God that I was born into a church that actually took Holy Scripture seriously and believed that all should know Jesus as savior. When I think about all the churches that deny basic Christian doctrine and have lost all fear of God that I might have been reared in, I can find reason to thank God that I was brought up in the church that I was brought up in.

 

[Aaron780]

By the way, do you follow the Australian Idol show at all? I don’t know specifics, but I’ve heard that some Hillsong members have done ok on there. And there’s been some issues with how the voting works, some semi-organized church support that has maybe allowed members to stay on a little extra. I don’t really know how serious that was, or even how much Hillsong is linked to that show.

To be honest mate I dont really know, I never watch Australian Idol or any shows like that, but I have heard of some Hillsong people doing well in it though, I still cant believe this Hillsong stuff started under my nose and I didnt even know it

 

[cargills112]

Hillsong is pentecostal megachurch situated in Sydney, Australia. It has approximately 12 extension services in Sydney.