One of the things I find disturbing about this whole thing is that I find my struggling with the idea of ‘being against the idea of a movement dedicated to earnest prayer.’ Yet it’s clear that the Prophetic Prayer Movement has systemic structural problems that lead to abuse! OBTW, I like the term for it that you seem to have coined here; “The Prophetic Prayer Movement.” I think it’s helpful.
Brad B. Here is my understanding of why Bickle et al are so wrong. The last section of the Sermon on the Mount (everything after the golden rule) is a single warning. Jesus ends by saying a wise builder who build on a good foundation is a person or keeps and teaches these commands (ie the SOTM.) The example Jesus gives of a fool is a preacher who does miracles and prophecies in Jesus' name. Weird that Jesus would use this as his "foolish" builder. It is because it is so deceptive. A community's distinctives should not be "we have special knowledge and special role". BUT, we are a meek egalitarian loving giving people. Learning to put into practice real ego deflation and real gentleness is foundational.
One of the things I find disturbing about this whole thing is that I find my struggling with the idea of ‘being against the idea of a movement dedicated to earnest prayer.’ Yet it’s clear that the Prophetic Prayer Movement has systemic structural problems that lead to abuse! OBTW, I like the term for it that you seem to have coined here; “The Prophetic Prayer Movement.” I think it’s helpful.
Brad B. Here is my understanding of why Bickle et al are so wrong. The last section of the Sermon on the Mount (everything after the golden rule) is a single warning. Jesus ends by saying a wise builder who build on a good foundation is a person or keeps and teaches these commands (ie the SOTM.) The example Jesus gives of a fool is a preacher who does miracles and prophecies in Jesus' name. Weird that Jesus would use this as his "foolish" builder. It is because it is so deceptive. A community's distinctives should not be "we have special knowledge and special role". BUT, we are a meek egalitarian loving giving people. Learning to put into practice real ego deflation and real gentleness is foundational.
Lack of humility in church leaders is an immediate red flag for me.
Insightful and well written!