I don't know Benny personally, nor do I follow his ministry. Some of my close friends, however, know him very well, and they assure me that he is quite sincere and devoted to Jesus and certainly not a charlatan. His style may be offensive to some and at times his teaching has raised eyebrows, but that is a far cry from being a charlatan.
In any case, you should not read too much into a passing comment made by me in a message, either positive or negative, and with regard to Benny Hinn and other leaders, wherever possible, believe the best about them unless you have firsthand information to the contrary.
So unless we've met Mr. Hinn, and thouroughly investigated his life and ministry, we cannot raise questions and concerns about him. However, this person could speak favorably because they heard from a friend that he's alright. Could this be a double standard?
I have his site in there for two reasons. One is because he is God's
friend. I know people who know him and he's a remarkable man. Two,
because there is a certain pleasure in annoying people who get their
opinions of other believers from 20/20.
If only 20/20 were alone in bringing factual accusations. But the 20/20 report was a summary of information already gleaned from organizations like the Trinity Foundation. Also, CRM has spent years investigating Benny's ministry and teachings and what they have found wouldn't make me excited to endorse him.
And Mr. Hinn has never responded to many of these valid accusations.
what do you guys think? should we give guys like Benny the benefit of the doubt?
Bottom line with me is that no matter how many Christian words someone uses, they must (and I must too) show Christ in the way I live. From what I know of Benny Hinn (ie. the mansions, cars, teachings, actual evidence of healings, etc) its not Jesus that I see.
On another note, I grew in the Charismatic movement of the 70's and 80's (I'm 33) with a charismatic pastor for a father. My father is a Godly man who loves Jesus. However, it was only 5 years or so ago where my father and I had a discussion as to whether Benny Hinn's ministry is Godly or false. My father was still convinced that he must be Godly because Mr. Hinn had healing ministry. All this to say that I've noticed that many charismatics (not all) check their thinking caps at the door and assume individuals have Godly ministries because there are purported signs and wonders and the person sounds Christian.
I'm not sure if these individuals who gave endorsement fit the same mold as my father, but to me, I would be lovingly cautious with someone who endorses another like Hinn.
Honestly, it was this attitude that made me leary of charismatic stuff in the past.
Dave