Who is Zac Poonen????

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CFC Bangalore has a very large web development team. Check it here:
[cfcindia.com/web/ma(name removed by moderator)ages/contact_us.php](http://www.cfcindia.com/web/ma(name removed by moderator)ages/contact_us.php)

I wonder why they are needed in such droves? Knowing the paranoia that used to exist and perhaps still does out there (bear in mind that no evangelist has emerged from that church, as far as I know, contrary to what we read from the gospels) and the degree of control they exert, I wonder if some of the posters at this forum belong to the CFC web development team.

From my experience, I would not put it past the CFC. As soon as a you tube video of Zac’s message is posted, the immediate comments are so …“Wow.”

Any attack on Zac Poonen is immediately countered by …“I met Zac recently…or I heard him speak last week…”

One forum poster immediately replied that he heard Zac emphatically state that there was no specifically christian nation on earth (in reply to my post). All recently. And how convenient. Or maybe, what a coincidence!!!

It could be that the web team keeps track of online criticisms and Zac’s sermons (I am not sure if Jesus approves of this term “sermon,” acording to the Gospel of Zac) are accordingly tailored to protect his image.

I have personally seen and heard lies, gossip and rumors propagated in that church, where, people are run down for not living up to Zac’s perfection standards. I find this to be a trait common to all of his followers, everywhere. Judgemental and insensitive remarks, envy, malice and lies are the order of the day. Maybe, this is how they see themselves perfect, or remind themselves that they are more perfect, against others. All in their make-belief world.

Well, Zac’s supporters may come in here and fight the “good fight.” I don’t see them quoting bible verses and I wonder if they need such verses to be interpreted by Zac before even broaching them. That is the degree of control at the CFC.

Only four gospels recounted Jesus life in the present tense. The others touched on Peter, Paul, Barnabas etc.

CFC Bangalore has Poonen, Poonen, Poonen. I don’t think Zac trusts anyone and his carefully cultivated image might be destroyed if some CFC believer branched out to serve God independently or if such a person, in Zac’s eyes, starts believing in another Jesus (virtually all other Christians according to the Gospel of Zac).

I look at the fruits and the truths i have personally witnessed before adding my thoughts here.
 
I amused by the fairy tales of Zac Poonen being a war hero, of him destined to be India’s Naval Chief of Staff and other old wives tales. He distinctly disliked the un-Christian nature of his fellow crewmen and Navy life (drinking, smoking and vulgar language etc typical of army life. Sailors do swear the most).

To portray Zac Poonen as a super patriot now is misleading and he has never had anything good to say of India, at least to my knowledge. Those who have seen this in print, kindly post a link. Even Jesus reminded the Samaritans, “Salvation comes from the Jews.” He also reminded those present that they should follow carefully what the Pharisees and Teachers of the Law say, but never to emulate them, esp their actions.

Zac Poonen can invent some praises of India now to put a spin on things.

In the prusuit of truth, I’d like to give Poonen’s admirers the benefit of doubt that he was indeed enrolled in a Navy officer’s program but I’d like to know whether he was the National Defence Academy’s topper for his batch. Those who claim such should state it here.
 
Notice how Poonen’s mind slaves come in to post:
  1. They recently met Zac Poonen and so can attest to his attainment of perfection (ok. maybe, his sincerity and richness of depth…) or
  2. Their relatives recently met Zac Poonen or attended CFC Bangalore. They were blessed and he is truly a man of God.
  3. During that recent meeting, they magically got the answer to counter a fact recently stated here.
  4. How people with such chance encounters (mainly recent) are defending their demi-god.
Maybe, they should concentrate on defending the Gospel of their Savior, instead of defending man.

But that is the Poonen world for you. I hope none of the CFC team are resorting to being false witnesses here.

Anyway, I hope none comes in here with an outrageous remark and thus force the moderator to cancel out this thread. I wouldn’t put this past the CFC team.

This is perhaps the only thread which has an ongoing criticism of Zac. The other internet links are all gone (with the exception of one brethren link). But Zac claims many are blaspheming his name and thus it is time to rejoice. (Matthew 5:11-12)

Many? Yet, we should rejoice when Zac and his brood does everything that verse says and accuses us of believing another Jesus, among other things.
 
aloejamb said:
There is a church in Ohio that my brother in law belongs to. In this church, he claims that the community of brothers walk in the spirit and not in the flesh, therefore they do not hardly ever sin… (BTW this is not listed on the website but according to BIL, this is their belief) They do not call themselves Protestants, or Fundamentalist…only Bible christians who have found the path few will find. The church’s website is this www.thechurchatkent.org but looks like it is under some construction. There is an offshoot of this church in the Michigan area that my BIL will attend and their website is www.forsakeall.com . Read the link about “what a christian is…”
Zac Poonen is someone who my BIL and his wife constantly refer to (and I believe my BIL called him “apostle-like”.) . Is anyone familiar with this man’s teachings? Info and thoughts please?!
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hi went to the first website. looks like their book what is the true church, alludes vaugely to the Catholic Church being a visible false church that brought in pagan beliefs. looks like the same tired fundamentalist arguments that have been debunked time and again. oh well, also it seems they want to be a cross between the mennonites and sda. is your bil a sabbatarian? this was the church i found on these web sites. plz correct me if im wrong. looks to me like just another bible church going up. to add to the already long lists of denominations. Love in Christ:)
 
For the record

I am not his mindslave
I do not belong to ‘his Brood’ or ‘web team’
I do not blindly believe any man… Zac poonen included
I am not a liar ‘spinning fairytales’ either

I just happened to google Zac when i was surfing the net… and came across this thread with some virulent remarks about him… and since i happened to know him, even though i don’t belong to or attend his church, i felt i should speak up and say what i know about him.

Zarqun you don’t know me and yet you make assumptions/accusations against me… which is not called for.
 
benidict said:
hi went to the first website. looks like their book what is the true church, alludes vaugely to the Catholic Church being a visible false church that brought in pagan beliefs. looks like the same tired fundamentalist arguments that have been debunked time and again. oh well, also it seems they want to be a cross between the mennonites and sda. is your bil a sabbatarian? this was the church i found on these web sites. plz correct me if im wrong. looks to me like just another bible church going up. to add to the already long lists of denominations. Love in Christ:)
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Benedict,

You said it! Thank you!!

I have a feeling that a number of these folks have simply joined this forum to either bash or defend a man. Take for instance, “zarqun”, who seems to take the most interest in keeping this thread alive. S/He joined the Forum a few months ago, seemingly with the express purpose of slandering “Zac Poonen.” Here’s a list of all posts by “zarqun”:
forums.catholic-questions.org/search.php?do=finduser&u=159512
and every single one of them are on this thread (“Who is Zac Poonen???”)!

I seriously doubt that s/he or many of the others on this particular thread are truly Catholic. Not that we don’t love our Protestant friends; it’s just that when you bring your dirty laundry here, it gives your religion a horrible reputation. And for all the talk about supposed judgmentalism in Mr. Zach Poonen and his church, some of the slanderous posts on here have spewed far worse than judgmentalism, I’ll say.

I suspect “zarqun” and others are merely an aggrieved party trying to get back at Mr. Poonen for some personal slight, and others on here feel the need to defend Poonen in return. Today’s internet age makes this public back and forth all too easy – and consequently, dangerous. Instead, if only they’d stay and explore the wealth of Catholic information in the other more useful Forum threads.

I feel like paraphrasing St. Vianney: “If people would do for God what they do in… fighting petty earthly causes… what a great number of Christians would go to Heaven!”

Soli Dei Gratia
 
This thread is called “Who is Zac Poonen?” and I was posting responses in line with the topic. Many are curious about Zac Poonen,** including Catholics **and its best answered by those who met the man.

The best greetings and smiles I have seen are those presented by Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses who kock on your door.

Pax
J.
 
Dei Gratia,

The line I posted a little earlier – The best greetings and smiles I have seen are those presented by Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses who kock on your door.
– was in response to this:
Anyway, my friend visited Zac Poonen’s church in Banglore a while back just to try to see him in person. Poonen wasn’t present that Sunday, but my friend said he was pleasantly surprised at how warmly welcomed he was as a visitor, and how spiritually enriched he felt by being there – like no other non-Catholic church he’d ever been to.
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Normally, when I hear all kinds of accusations about someone like this, I find that there’s probably something valuable there that the Evil One doesn’t want me to find out. I haven’t yet purchased the Zac Poonen CD, but I might just have to do that now. Anyone have good or bad to say about the CD itself?
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Just as you solicit opinions on the “good or bad” about the CD, everyone in this forum has the right to answer that question: “Who is Zac Poonen?”

I read your posts too. One had the familiar pants vs skirts debate which I was familiar with in Zac’s circles. Jeans and pants were banned by Zac’s community. Only newcomers could wear them for a hort while.

I totally agree with your views on this matter. Anyway, I do not want to digress from the thrust of this thread.
 
zarqun, thanks for your replies! I apologize, but the direction of this thread just seems to bring out the “public defender” in me – call it taking my work home with me, I guess. I can’t recall ever seeing a similar thread on this forum, though, in terms of sheer vilification of one man!

I’m still a little unclear as to your association with this man Poonen, and what your motivation is for specifically joining this Forum solely to post negatively about him, as seems to be the case. This is quite different from the intention that a regular poster like aloejamb originally had in seeking guidance with her BILs church group.

I disagree with your statement that questions about the man are best answered by “those who met the man.” The legal opinion would accept that that’s sometimes the case, but not always. And, the fact that you’ve only posted on this thread, leaves me somewhat skeptical. I can’t trust your perspective as an objective one. I’d actually rather accept the perspective of, say, the other Catholics who have posted earlier on this thread, who have listened to Poonen’s messages and have, by their own account, been blessed by that teaching. Instead, it sounds too much like you have an agenda with joining this Forum, and the stuff you write sounds too much like something a jilted lover would write. (Not that I’m saying that’s who you are.) 😉

I did glean that you apparently lived near Poonen at some point many years ago, perhaps (?), but other than that, you’ve been vague or completely silent regarding your direct interactions with him, resorting instead to citing how Poonen supposedly administered his congregation.

Are you a Catholic? Are you from India? Did you ever attend his church? Have you ever met him personally? If so, what was that interaction like? Are you his ex-wife? (Okay, ignore that last one.) 😃

You know, there are plenty of Protestant pastors whose darkness you and I could curse all night long – about whether their church people come across as “hyper-judgmental”, what they say about Catholics, whether they wear jeans or short-sleeved shirts, etc., etc. But, first, I’d rather light a candle. And, second, if I ever had the opportunity to meet any of these Protestant pastors, I’d be more interested in seeing whether their life has the aura of our Lord Jesus Christ about them. And, it’s on that basis alone that I would form my opinion of them – irrespective of any doctrinal disagreements.

So, the bottom line is that I’m actually more interested in discussing God, no matter what the thread. And if the thread topic happens to be about a man, our conversation can still be centered around God and His Word. Only then is it profitable!

Soli Dei Gratia

P.S. Regarding my query about Poonen’s CD, I actually found it available online for free, and decided to try to listen to it myself to form my own opinion. I haven’t gotten around to actually doing that yet, though.
 
Sorry for the delayed reply. Was engaged in so many things. In reply to your question, you can also judge a man by his works - literally.

BTW, I am probably not as familar with Catholic canon as you are but can you shed some light on this statement:
History tells us that Nimrod’s wife, Semiramis, sensing that she was now in danger of losing her power over the people, did something very clever. Being an immoral woman, she had a child through someone. When the child was born, she told people that it was Nimrod re-incarnated (come back to life again). Thus began the worship of the “mother and son”, which in later centuries, became the worship of “Mary and the infant Jesus”. There were images of “the mother and son”, around the world, hundreds of years before Christ was born. These were the images of Semiramis and her son.
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Is Zac Poonen referring to the Catholic Church here? Is the book Final Triumph about the Catholic Church? What is the Vatican’s stance on this?

I was quoting Zac’s teaching earlier on female attire, wedding cultures etc. The different Jesuses for Americans and Indians. There were books of his I had quoted and so did others. Maybe, you should read them and get back to us.

But before that, please let us know your take on that book passage.
 
Also, when Zac Poonen is termed as a war hero, don’t you think the flock should check it out? There was a question “Who is Zac Poonen?” and i replied to that question. I am basing my answers on his works, his sermons and meetings with him and his church.

Not because, someone said something somewhere. These are the Last Days. Many can claim they follow a war hero who could have made it as chief of naval staff for the Indian Navy. Substantiate?

if i was a jilted lover, as you infer, then maybe i should post my replies ASAP, and not check on this thread after a month. You see, I too would like to know “Who is Zac Poonen??” If I got him wrong, then someone could have corrected me:-)

I am not getting my answers. Instead, I am getting hearsay and ridiculous myths about Zac Poonen. If I got my answers, you think I’d persist?

Can you shed some light on who is “Zac Poonen?”

You know the current Pope was accused of being a Nazi sympathizer and an SS volunteer. It was debunked by scholars and researchers; not by those who refer to the Pope’s ability to greet people warmly on Sundays, and not by those who claim they know someone who knows someone who met the Pope briefly blah, blah blah.

You can read about the Pope on wikipedia. There are details there. If I need details on the Pope or Catholic dogmas, there are three or four superb libraries nearby.

Same can’t be said of Zac Poonen. So, I relate what i know, and I have:-)
 
zarqun,

As I’ve indicated before, one thing is clear: this thread is the only reason that you’ve “joined” our Catholic Answers Forum. I think you’re now trying to justify your agenda for the sake of this context by digging out something from Poonen’s writings about the Catholic faith. I doubt that you are Catholic at all, but I suspect that because a question was asked about the man on here, it’s provided you with an opportunity to spew out some deep-seated hatred you have for him.

That said, I do like the direction that your posts are taking. You’re actually discussing Catholic doctrine, and that will do us all a whole lot more spiritual good than a mud-slinging “gossip column.” So, when you say that you are “looking for answers”, I hope you’re looking for the kind that will help you grow in faith, rather than feed any resentment that is weighing down your heart.

Based on the quote that you found, it seems that Poonen is against Catholic tradition, and possibly believes that the Catholic Church is deceived. At least he doesn’t seem obsessed with it as many Protestant preachers seem to be, since I didn’t pick it up in the few writings that I browsed.

One final word (since I don’t see much worth in extending this thread)… if your slandering the man proved to us that he is against Catholic tradition, thanks! So, Zac Poonen is a Protestant – surprise, surprise! But, was it worth it to you?

Take a look at what the Holy Scriptures teach us about this:
Proverbs 26:22-28: The words of a whisperer are like dainty morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts of the body. Like an earthen vessel overlaid with silver dross are burning lips and a wicked heart. He who hates disguises it with his lips, but he lays up deceit in his heart. When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for there are seven abominations in his heart. Though his hatred covers itself with guile, his wickedness will be revealed before the assembly. He who digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone, it will come back on him. A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth works ruin.
Proverbs 10:12,18: Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all transgressions. He who conceals hatred has lying lips, and he who spreads slander is a fool.

Far, far greater than doctrinal error, is carrying the weight of resentment in the heart and letting that overflow through the tongue. I know from having fallen into that trap for many years in my personal life, that that stuff will only damage your spiritual growth, and worse, will be judged severely by God. It was the grace of God that set me free from carrying hatred for even one person in the world. I hope you will come to experience that freedom as well.

Soli Dei Gratia
 
Zarqun,

What is your motivation and ultimate reason for harpooning Poonen?
Are you familiar with the 10 commandments? more specifically the second one? Do you think you are practicing it right now?

I do not know Mr. Poonen but have heard him speak. He does not preach any of the things you accuse him of. Have you listened to him lately?

Another question for you… since 20 years ago, do you think you’ve changed for the better?
 
What is your motivation and ultimate reason for harpooning Poonen?
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Many fantastic claims are still being made about him. Zac Ponen who could have made **chief of India’s naval staff etc etc? I have heard other purported qualities of Zac Poonen. In my opinion, nothing has changed.

You think I am not concerned by hero worship and the mythologizing of individuals? Why does this continue to occur?

Have you heard of the 9th Commandment? How many come in here as real individuals stating real facts. Or even opinions?

Anyway, if you know Zac Poonen, kindly let us know “Who is Zac Poonen?” I am tired of responding to those who knows someone who knows someone else who knows Zac Poonen or who has stumbled upon his CDs. It is part of the same theme I come across on the net.

Too many internet postings are done by those who know someone who knows someone who knows Zac Poonen on the net. And they pounce on the defensive or an attack over Zac Poonen. There seems to be a full-time promotional team ready to market Zac Poonen.

That is why, this is the only thread that is a free quest to unearth answers to the question: “Who is Zac Poonen?” I doubt a non-Catholic thread would have withstood the countless complaints and lobbying by aforesaid ones who know Zac Poonen by umpteenth degree linkages.

I think I have posted enough material in here to state what I know or have experienced personally. I have not posted all and will not.

I have posted contradictions in Poonenism and defended Zac Poonen against any association with Mormonism. Check the thread. If I was not seeking the truth, I would have let that association slip by conveniently. (Zac Poonen’s teachings on female dressing i.e. jeans, head scarf etc and his church’s rigid views on other family-related issues may have contributed to this error. There seems to be another Jesus for Americans and another for Indians).

His condemnation of other Christians at one time did not result in a public repentance. On the other hand, he can easily explain away his association with Smith’s Friend’s. How did he allow these people to preach at the centre? I tell you nobody dared question his authority, that’s why! Then as well as now. His self-imposed notions of perfection may not allow it.

If Zac Poonen can correct (and rightly so) an apocalyptic message from David Wilkerson, why not someone correct all the her-worship swirling around Zac Poonen?

Anyway, I have not got my answers to the question: "who is Zac Poonen?’ and will cease my posts.

Zac Poonen’s minions, however, can fill this thread with Poonen panegyrics henceforth. They have a free will…

BTW, in my 30 years (20 years since the association ended) I had to repent, not change for the better.**
 
I just feel sad that this thread ended abruptly. I think Zarqun had something to tell us all. I find Zac Poonen to be extremely secretive, and secrecy is the mark of cultish groups. ZP has been attacked by the Brethren; and none of the Bakht Singh groups seem to relish him either. I know that long ago, 20 years ago, ZP had a great deal of influence on young minds regarding love, marriage, etc. He had written some book on the subject and seemed to exercise some kind of unhealthy cultish hold over newly-married people or to- be-married ones. 😦
 
Hello,

In the last hour I have read Through this whole post.

I am a 16year old boy from Australia.

Let no one despise your youth, but be an example of the believers, in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12

All throughtout this post our Bro zarqun has been asking for someone who knows Zac Poonen. I have know “Uncle Zac” since I was a Little Child. I have never been to a CFC meeting. But have meet him many times in Australia. I have listen to over 200 of his messages, I have had the opertunity to talk with him personally on many occations. I don’t agree with all his doctrines but agree with him on many points.

I became a Christian in 2005, but I was still a wretched sinner. Infact when I was in my 14’s and 15’s I had a great battle with Pornography and Lust. It’s was throught listening to Zac’s messages that I began to have a hatred for sin. He lead me into a personal relation ship with Jesus, and today through the grace of God I have overcome in the area of pronography. I am still no one in the bodly of christ.

In my oppinion this man is genuine he is living for Christ. none of us are perfect :

…for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, Rom 3:23

and all of us make mistakes.

Please Forgive me if I have made any spelling mistakes or offended any body.

Please brothers and sisters, Don’t just listen to what the man says but listen to his spirit, evan someone who does miricals and seems to live of Jesus can go to hell: Matthew 7:20-23.

Please Live only for Jesus

Your Brother in Jesus

Paul
 
Dear Brothers,

I second brother Paul’s thoughts because I too have gone through similar experiences and Bro Zac’s messages helped and encouraged me to hate sin and made me understand what true repentance is, i.e. it’s not just about feeling sorry but to turn around 180 degress from sin and follow Jesus for He’s our forerunner.

I’m so grateful to God for servants of God like him.

Regards.
 
zac poonen was an officer in the Indian navy.he resigned his commission, while still young, in 1966, to serve the lord full time.he has been involved in a church planting ministry in India for over 25 years and has spiritual oversight over about 40 churches now. he was a great guy.
 
I started this thread in 2005. This was a time where I had many questions about my faith and was being tested on my knowledge of catholicism. This thread has now been resurrected after all these years.

I want to mention too that BIL has come a long way since 2005 as far as his anti-catholic rhetoric. It was a trying time in our family. Because of BIL, I learned what my faith taught. BIL asked me to question everything and I did. The result is that I understood for the first time what Truth is. I was looking for something to be wrong in my catholic faith. Quite the opposite happened. I now know the riches of my Catholic faith. My BIL is one of the biggest blessings in my life. If it weren’t for him, I do not know where I would be on this journey we all life. Many graces came from that crazy time in my life. I will not have them belittled here.
I do not know ZP or his teachings. But I do know that BIL is fond of him.
I came here to my christian brethren to tap into their knowledge because mine, at the time, was so insufficient. This thread was never intended as a means to speak ill of anyone. It was simply a means to understand. While I believe in healthy debate, this thread has become something I never intended for it to become. I would kindly ask for you to start your own thread if you want to continue to discuss ZP.

I love my BIL dearly despite our differences. I have found that this thread would not promote family peace. I ask the moderators to please close this thread out of respect for my BIL.

May the peace of Christ be with you all,

Aloe
 
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