Bethel Church, Bethel Music and Jesus Culture: A Warning

The city of Redding in California is the source of some of today's most popular Christian music. The non-denominational charismatic megachurch known as Bethel Church, based in Redding and pastured by Bill and Beni Johnson, is the fountain from which two groups, Bethel Music and Jesus Culture, have sprung. Their influence and popularity has grown considerably in recent years and has spread far beyond the confines of northern California, now sitting alongside the likes of Hillsong in terms of popular appeal. Northern Ireland is no exception to this, with either Bethel Music or Jesus Culture having held concerts or other events here over the past few years; Mandela Hall at Queens University, Whitewell Metropolitian Tabernacle and especially Journey Community Church in Antrim among those who have facilitated them. As part of their current UK tour they will be playing once again in Belfast, this time on 9th October at Whitewell Metropolitan Tabernacle.

Should an increasing Muslim population cause concern?

As the result of a sermon preached by Pastor James McConnell the Northern Ireland headlines over the last couple of weeks have been dominated by the issue of Islam. In the sermon preached at Whitewell Metropolitan Tabernacle Pastor McConnell described Islam as heathen, satanic and 'a doctrine spawned in hell'. Pastor McConnell also made the comment that he did not trust Muslims because of their devotion to Sharia Law. Many hours of news, television and radio debate have focused on this controversy, with politicians and church leaders giving views both for and against Pastor McConnell's statements, some defending the right to free speech and the exposure of false doctrine, others denouncing it as a hate crime. The greatest debate and outcry has been caused by the references to whether Muslims can be trusted, comments which some have construed as inciting religious and racial hatred. 

Whitewell guest speaker's acceptance of homosexuals

From 22nd to 29th September Whitewell Metropolitan Tabernacle in Belfast in holding its 'Alive Belfast' mission. The guest speaker at this event will be Jay Lowder of Jay Lowder Harvest Ministries in Texas, USA. Several Christian websites have made reference to the fact that during this mission he will be addressing the issue of suicide and how he suffered with the same feelings himself yet found a reason to live through Jesus Christ. Considering the high suicide rate in the Belfast area, and amongst young people in particular, no fault can be found with Whitewell for undertaking such a venture. Where there is cause for concern however is in their guest speaker's views on homosexuality, and how he believes the church should react to it.