Faith on Trial podcast: 10 rules in Hillsong’s bible revealed

This is what’s inside megachurch Hillsong’s bible given to its members, with everything from relationships to donations to church given to new followers. See the list.

Their services are uplifting, engaging and optimistic.

The music is so modern, it could easily be mistaken for what’s currently on the radio.

But a copy of megachurch Hillsong’s bible reveals it has traditional, strict, conservative Christian teachings.

The church hands out bibles to newcomers at its services called The Word.

The small, white book contains 348 pages of New Testament readings, as well a question and answer sections on Hillsong’s teachings.

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Here’s the 10 things you may not know about Hillsong’s rules.

“BEING GAY IS A SIN”

The church poses the question, What God says about homosexuality, on page 203 of The Word. “Saying that homosexuality is wrong is extremely unpopular in our culture. Yet God is not concerned with what’s popular. Just because homosexuality is viewed as an acceptable lifestyle does not mean it is not a sin?.”

FOLLOWERS TO BE “GENEROUS” WITH THE CHURCH

Hillsong has raked in as much as $100 million a year at its peak. On page 225 of The Word, it asks: “How generous do you need to be?” The answer is very generous. “Our checkbooks (sic) tend to reflect what’s in our hearts. Remember, you can never out-give God.”

“THE BIBLE IS SCIENTIFICALLY ACCURATE”

Hillsong acknowledges there may be questions about the history of the bible. But it says “Archaeological findings support many of the complex historical passages found in the Bible. In addition, the Bible has greater documented accuracy than any other ancient literary work.”

Hillsong’s bible – The Word, and its New Testament. Picture: Supplied

HELL IS “EVERLASTING AGONY”

Hillsong deals with the concept of Hell on page 267 of The Word. It says: “In hell, nonbelievers will be doomed to exist in unending torment with the devil and his demons. Jesus described the torment they will endure as an eternal fire.” Hillsong teaches that those who attend its church are saved. “Those who know Christ have much to gain. Those who do not know Christ have everything to lose.”

“KEEP THAT FIRE OF LOVE BURNING”

Hillsong warns that “tragically, many people today do not take marriage seriously.” It urges followers to “walk with God” in their marriage. The Word also states on page 298 that married people need to “take practical steps to keep that fire of love burning.”

Another page from Hillsong’s bible. Picture: Supplied

THE DEVIL IS IN YOUR THOUGHTS

Hillsong warns on page 304 of The Word that “Satan recognises the value of getting a foothold in our thoughts.” It adds: “Our thought patterns can lead us to sinful actions if we’re not careful to guard against his influence.”

DIVORCE IS NOT PART OF GOD’S PLAN

Hillsong encourages followers to stick with their marriage vows. “God’s will is that married couples stay together,” the church says on page 52 of The Word. Hillsong then quotes a British wartime prime minister to back up its point. “Winston Churchill astutely observed: “Wars are not won by evacuation.”

A page from Hillsong’s bible – The Word. Picture: Supplied

“SIN COMES FROM INSIDE US”

Hillsong says sin is the fault of humans, according to page 48 of The Word. “We say sin is by chance; God says it’s a choice.” The church adds: “What defiles us comes not from the outside, like the foods we choose to eat, but from the inside – within a person’s heart.”

SATAN USES “FALSE MOVEMENTS” TO ENSNARE PEOPLE

Hillsong warns that Satan has tricks to corrupt people. On page 18 of The Word, it says to watch out for people falsely spreading Jesus’ teachings. “In fact, whenever the church has experienced a great revival, a false movement has grown up by its side proclaiming half-truths and deceptions.”

SUCCESS IN BUSINESS IS NO SIN

Hillsong says greed is a grey area. “Greed is a tricky sin,” it teaches on page 85 of The Word. “It’s no sin to want to succeed in business or ministry. But when we become obsessed with the idea of success and are willing to do whatever it takes to get it, when it becomes the most important thing in life, then it has effectively taken the place of God in our lives.”

Originally published as Faith on Trial podcast: 10 rules in Hillsong’s bible revealed