When a person’s “image” starts to be bought into question through their own conduct, it’s not uncommon for that person to automatically kick into damage control mode. Brian Houston is doing just this over the recent A Current Affair report.
Hillsong: The multi-million dollar “crazy cult”
As a result of this report, Hillsong published a very lethal statement lambasting the media and even political figure Nick Xenophon. Houston retweeted the article from Hillsong:
RT @hillsong: Statement by Hillsong Church on A Current Affair story: http://hil.so/qzpw Source: Brian Houston, Twitter, https://twitter.com/BrianCHouston/status/590987698384560128, 2:17 PM – 22 Apr 2015. (Accessed 23/04/2015.)
The statement and our analysis of it can be read here:
Which “tabloid trash” do you believe?
The problem with Brian Houston’s damage control is that it actually is doing more harm than good. For instance, the more he says, the more easier it is to spot his hypocrisy online. For example, Brian Houston tweeted the following:
Leaders goal: Lead with grace, even in the face of opposition. Lead with love, even when under attack! Source: Brian Houston, Twitter, https://twitter.com/BrianCHouston/status/590964263788761088, 12:43 PM – 22 Apr 2015. (Accessed 23/04/2015.)
Love is a very compelling argument!! Source: Brian Houston, Twitter, https://twitter.com/BrianCHouston/status/590964263788761088, 12:43 PM – 22 Apr 2015. (Accessed 23/04/2015.)
However, Brian Houston seems to think that when he throws words around like “love”, “grace” and “leaders goal”, it means Mr Houston can be justified to say things like this:
When A Current Affair lie and malign @hillsong (which they have done regularly) they insult the intelligence of the thousands who attend. Source: Brian Houston, Twitter, https://twitter.com/BrianCHouston/status/590990488259420160, 2:28 PM – 22 Apr 2015. (Accessed 23/04/2015.)
It’s sad seeing Tim Costello become involved by aligning not only himself but World Vision in this story as well.
I’ve personally witnessed the generosity of @hillsong-partnering with @WorldVisionAus after Typhoon Haiyan @BrianCHouston #hillsongchurch Source: Tim Costello, Twitter, https://twitter.com/TimCostello/status/590738654601093120, 2:28 PM – 22 Apr 2015. (Accessed 23/04/2015.)
In closing, there’s an important question still to be asked.
Why didn’t Brian Houston call out Reverend Bill Crews for his strong statements against Hillsong during his interview on the ACA segment?
Rick Xenophon has been quite vocal for years about addressing cults and religious movements and their impact on families. What is the difference between Rick Xenophon and Reverend Bill Crews in their appeal for truthfulness from these ministries making mega millions of their “flocks” while their leaders lead lives of luxury and comfort in a very rarified atmosphere?
Did the Reverend Bill Crews miss out on an attack from Brian Houston because he (Brian Houston) operates under the false teaching of “not touching the Lord’s anointed” (Reverend Bill Crews)?
It’s a mystery yet to be answered.
