Holly Pivec and Dr. R. Douglas Geivett discuss their book 'Counterfeit Kingdom' on the dangers of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) movement. They explore topics such as the attraction to certain beliefs, problems with the Passion Translation, influence of Nar-inspired music, tactics used by NAR leaders, and emotional attachment and manipulation in religion.
The New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) movement presents potential dangers and abuses by emphasizing modern-day apostles and prophets with new revelations from God and exclusive obedience to their teachings.
Failed prophecies within the NAR movement, such as those surrounding the US presidential election, damage the church's reputation and call for discernment and critical evaluation of prophetic claims.
The NAR movement has a significant potential for spiritual abuse, with control over major life decisions, excessive demands on members, and the distortion of authority, highlighting the importance of critical thinking and evaluating claims.
Deep dives
The Dangers of New Apostolic Reformation
The podcast episode explores the dangers and potential abuses associated with the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) movement. NAR emphasizes the presence of modern-day apostles and prophets who claim to have new revelations from God. These leaders assert their authority over believers and advocate for exclusive obedience to their teachings. The episode investigates the control and power dynamics within NAR, including the authority claimed by NAR apostles and prophets over pastors and church leaders. It also delves into the controversies surrounding NAR practices such as the activation of supernatural gifts, prayers of declaration, and the focus on flashy miracles. The potential for spiritual abuse within the NAR movement is examined, highlighting instances of name-calling, fear-based manipulation, and the discouragement of critical thinking. The episode concludes with a discussion on how counterfeit NAR revival claims tend to focus on flashy displays of miracles rather than the biblical emphasis on confession of sin and the proclamation of the word of God.
The Impact and Fallout of Failed Prophecies
The episode delves into the impact and fallout of failed prophecies associated with the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR). It examines the significance of failed prophecies made during the recent US presidential election, where numerous prophets within NAR prophesied that Donald Trump would be reelected. The discussion emphasizes the damaging effect of these failed prophecies on the reputation of the church, as they become fodder for mockery and skepticism from non-believers. The episode also explores how some NAR leaders try to reconcile failed prophecies by downplaying their significance or claiming that their intentions were sincere despite the inaccuracies. The potential harm caused by failed prophecies and the erosion of trust are examined, as well as the need for discernment and critical evaluation of prophetic claims.
Spiritual Abuse and Distorted Views of Authority
The episode sheds light on the issue of spiritual abuse within the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) movement. It examines the potential for abuse of power within churches that emphasize the authority of apostles and prophets. The discussion highlights specific examples of spiritual abuse, such as control over major life decisions, excessive demands on members' time and resources, and the use of name-calling to silence critics. The episode also explores the distortion of authority within NAR, where apostles and prophets claim levels of authority over pastors, church leaders, and individuals. The harmful consequences of an unbalanced power dynamic and the fear-based culture that can be fostered within NAR churches are examined, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and the appropriate evaluation of claims.
Counterfeit NAR Revival Claims
The episode focuses on counterfeit revival claims within the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) movement. It contrasts the true biblical understanding of revival, characterized by confession of sin and the proclamation of the word of God, with the flashy manifestations and emphasis on apostolic rulership often seen within NAR. The discussion includes 13 signs of counterfeit NAR revival, such as the de-emphasis on teaching scripture and the heavy reliance on ministry time and prophetic words. The episode also explores the obsession with new strategies and revelations from apostles and prophets, such as the seven mountain mandate, which seeks to gain control of societal institutions. The superficiality and lack of biblical foundation in NAR revival claims are highlighted, encouraging listeners to discern and evaluate the authenticity of revival movements within the NAR context.
Controversies and Practices of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR)
The podcast discusses the controversies and practices associated with the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR). One key aspect highlighted is the extensive use of prayer, declarations, and prophetic acts in NAR revival. These acts are believed to engage with territorial spirits and cast them out. The emphasis on encounters with angels is also mentioned, with NAR leaders promoting courses and books on how to have such encounters. The podcast also questions the lack of scriptural support for these practices and highlights the danger of basing beliefs solely on personal encounters instead of scripture.
The Problems with the Passion Translation
The podcast delves into the issues surrounding the Passion Translation, a popular translation of the Bible associated with NAR Apostle Brian Simmons. Simmons claims to have been visited by Jesus, who commissioned him to write a new translation and gave him the spirit of revelation. The translation has been endorsed by influential NAR leaders. The criticisms of the Passion Translation include Simmons' lack of qualifications as a scholar of biblical languages, the addition of concepts not found in Hebrew and Greek manuscripts, and the potential for it to smuggle in NAR teachings, misleading readers into thinking NAR practices are supported by Scripture. Scholars have expressed concerns and called for caution in interpreting this translation.
Counterfeit Kingdom with Holly Pivec and R. Douglas Geivett
Back in 2017 (Episode 179) apologetics researcher Holly Pivec was our guest to talk about the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), a movement that claims new revelation from God and new apostolic authority that is binding on followers of Jesus everywhere. In this episode of the podcast we catch up with Holly and her co-author, Dr. R. Douglas Geivett, via a discussion of their latest book on the NAR, Counterfeit Kingdom: The Dangers of New Revelation, New Prophets, and New Age Practices in the Church. Currently on sale!! Please click the book's link.
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