6-Characteristics of progressive, liberal Christian-humanist churches and fake Bible teachers
1. Moralistic Therapeutic Deism is their core belief
Moralistic Therapeutic Deism (or MTD) defines God as a “cosmic therapist” who wants us to be good and happy. They believe God watches over us to ensure we live a happy life, devoid of heartaches, and go to heaven.
MTD contradicts what Jesus taught; in this life, you will have troubles and tribulations. Oprah and superstar pastor Osteen promote “positivism,” which is another fancy “new-age” word for it.
2 Timothy 4:3
“They will follow their desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.“
→ Should Christians listen to Hillsong music?
2. Much of their preaching centers on “more blessings”
These preachers are focused on the gift instead of the giver. Yes, the Lord desires to bless us financially, but our calling is to live simple and humble lives.
Many of these teachers use catchphrases like “name it, claim it!” If you do this, think, and act this way, God will bless you.
“Superficial Christianity made a lot of money and elevated a lot of charlatans,” apologist John MacArthur. However, MacArthur himself is criticized for his family’s wealth.
Preachers, authors, and Bible teachers active in social media, who are associated with faulty preaching:
Ann Voskamp (500K followers)
Beth Moore (1 Million followers)
Bill Johnson (600K followers)
Christine Caine (1 Million followers)
Jen Hatmaker (1 Million followers)
Joel Osteen (25 Million followers)
Joseph Prince (4 Million followers)
Joyce Meyers (13 Million followers)
Kay Arthur (500K followers)
Lisa Bevere (1 Million followers)
Lysa TerKeurst (1.5 Million followers)
Priscilla Shirer (1 Million followers)
Sarah Young (1 Million followers)
Steven Furtick (5 Million followers)
Matthew 6:19
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.”
→ What makes Prosperity Gospel not Christian.
3. Ecumenism and social activism is important to them
They are impassioned with supporting social activism: world peace, gay freedom, transgender rights, and even the demonic BLM. Today, there’s a lot of talk about embracing imperfection, culture, and belief.
Sounds noble, but political moves like Pope Francis’ “one world peace” are feelers of the one-world government yet to come. There can never be an ecumenism between an idolatrous religion and the true body of Christ.
4. They usually come from mega-churches filled with dazzling lights, sounds, and multiple cameras for optimum visual effects
Pop Christian churches push an emotional experience. People are moved by the melody, even if the lyrics are more about us than God. In short, they’ve turned the church into entertainment.
Most of these “pitch-black worship” have false teachers who say little or none about repentance and sanctification. Some don’t even quote Bible verses. Instead, these superstar pastors preach “be yourself” rather than “die to self.”
John 12:46
“I have come into the world as light so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. “
→ Why you should avoid Bethel church music.
5. They embrace equality and diversity
Equality and diversity is God’s original idea. Today, Satan has twisted it to mean everything is permissible. Thus, some pastors justify same-sex marriage as an acceptable covenant before God.
They call it an acceptable holy union between two same sexes and even ordain transgender pastors.
→ Why gender equality is demonic.
6. Their connection with God is like pulling strings from the air
Many preachers like Beth Moore “listen” to voices and assume it’s God. She claims Jesus calls her “honey” or “babe and what fun and happy fellowship we can have with a loving God.
Moore levels God like she’s talking to a playmate—after all, what a friend we have in Jesus, right? No wonder Bible scholar John MacArthur preaches against a new phenomenon, “God told me.”
