Televangelist Benny Hinn says he’s changing his theology. Benny Hinn made the announcement on Monday in a live stream on his ministry’s social media page.
“I’m sorry to say that prosperity has gone a little crazy, and I’m correcting my own theology, and you all need to know it. Because when I read the Bible now I don’t see the Bible in the same eyes I saw the Bible 20 years ago.”
Hinn says that he has many friends in ministry who won’t agree with his about-face, but that he no longer believes the message he used to preach when it comes to financial prosperity.
“I think it’s an offence to the Lord, it’s an offence to say give $1,000. I think it’s an offence to the Holy Spirit to place a price on the Gospel. I’m done with it. I will never again ask you to give $1,000 or whatever amount because I think the Holy Ghost is just fed up with it … I think it hurts the Gospel.”
The message starts at 1 hour and 21 minutes into the program. Hinn claims that his views have been changing for some time but that he had worried about coming forward with them.
“I think giving has become such a gimmick it’s making me sick to my stomach. And I’ve been sick for a while too, I just couldn’t say it. Now, the lid is off. I think it’s time we say it like it is: the Gospel is not for sale; the blessings of God are not for sale; miracles are not for sale; prosperity is not for sale.”
Hinn’s own nephew, Costi W. Hinn, has been an outspoken critic of his in the past. Costi released a book earlier this year called God, Greed, and the (Prosperity) Gospel, in which he puts many of the prosperity Gospel’s claims to the test against Scripture.
In regards to his uncle’s announcement this week Costi showed cautious optimism.
“I’m encouraged to see him express a refutation of prosperity theology, and even admit to wrong teachings on that topic,” Costi says. “Now, pray for undeniable, lasting fruit that exemplifies genuine repentance. Truth & time go hand in hand (Psalm 51:17; Luke 19:1-10; Luke 3:8).”
Watch the video below:
