Thanks to a link which I had to a Seven network interview with Brian Houston, lots of people were dropping through here today looking for A Current Affair’s story on Hillsong Church.
I can’t embed the video of the Current Affair story here, but the presenter of the story certainly had a point they wanted to make.
If you click-through and watch, see if you can count the number of times the word ‘tax’ or ‘tax-free’ are used in the piece.
A lot of the time it’s mentioned a helpful stamp image and sound effect will appear on the screen just so you don’t miss it.
I’m surprised the images of Houston weren’t photo shopped to include horns and a pitchfork.
I’m not a huge fan of Hillsong, but as an expose I don’t think it added a single new piece of information to the public domain.
Anyway, if you’ve clicked through this far, here’s a link to the Current Affair story.
mgpcpastor's blog
reports, reviews, thoughts, news (and fun) posted by Gary Ware
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February 19, 2013 at 1:10 am
U should be a fan if Hillsong!!!
They have changed the face of the church on the planet for the better!!!
February 20, 2013 at 12:53 pm
The issue is not “Tax or not to Tax”, the issue is their lack of genuine concern for the poor and downcast. Of the millions that pass through their hand a few coins end up anywhere close to philanthropic endeavours for Christ.
Their CAUSE is not people, but is to amass wealth and property as an end in itself. It is a kingdom of their own making! They have made the house of God a den of thieves…..
February 20, 2013 at 1:20 pm
Hi Lance,
I think I recognise your name from lurking around the comment threads at Signposts back in the day.
I do take your comments at face value and share the concern.
If your concern was the emphasis of the ACA piece and their research had backed their point that would be helpful.
I’m not entirely sure even how to relate concerns over Hillsong and apply them to a small provincial local congregation.
The ACA piece conflates your concern with other issues. Even if they paid ‘tax’ to the satisfaction of ACA, I don’t think that would meet the concern you raise.
Nathan Campbell at St. Eutychus has tried to write a balanced response that doesn’t let either party off the hook.
February 20, 2013 at 7:20 pm
Hi Gary,
Thanks for your comments. I think Philip Powell knows you.
It would be good if we could encourage you to make a comment on the articles on HELL$ONG http://www.cwm.org.au – HellSong see CETF # 56, # 57 and # 58 – http://www.cwm.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=358:hellsong&catid=82:issue-56-july-2011&Itemid=41 http://www.cwm.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=389:hellsong-the-music-of-hillsong&catid=83:issue-57-september-2011&Itemid=41 http://www.cwm.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=412:hellsong-the-music-of-hillsong-part-3&catid=84:issue-58-december-2011&Itemid=41 Or if you wish to place these as links to your website/blog.
Kind regards
Sent from my iPad
March 9, 2013 at 5:28 pm
Gary – just wanted to touch base and don’t know how apart from this. I liked your approach to Hillsong etc. Check our web site out. CWM publishes the international magazine for which Lance Goodall wrote the various articles you have seen.
Please contact me. Chanel 9 wanted me to comment on the Hillsong programme, but I was out of the country. I have featured previously on such programmes.