The Message on Trial - Part 1: Difference between revisions

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===Critical Flaw #3: The Isaac Noriega Hypocrisy===

====THE CLAIM==== Francis states in this video that he agrees with some criticisms from anti-Branham sites because some Message churches “idolize brother Branham” and engage in “cultish behavior.” He claims: “I am the hardest on message people. I don't even speak against denominational people or other religions as much as I go against people in the message who I feel are stepping out of line.” He specifically criticizes extreme legalism such as members having to ask the pastor permission on what color to paint their house, which car to buy, and how to handle their finances. He condemns churches that excommunicate people and treat them “like vermin or like they have leprosy.”

====THE CLAIM====

Francis states in this video that he agrees with some criticisms from anti-Branham sites because some Message churches “idolize brother Branham” and engage in “cultish behavior.” He claims: “I am the hardest on message people. I don't even speak against denominational people or other religions as much as I go against people in the message who I feel are stepping out of line.” He specifically criticizes extreme legalism such as members having to ask the pastor permission on what color to paint their house, which car to buy, and how to handle their finances. He condemns churches that excommunicate people and treat them “like vermin or like they have leprosy.”

====THE PROBLEM==== This claim of being “hard on Message churches” and opposing cultish behavior is directly contradicted by his close personal relationship with Pastor Isaac Noriega of Golden Dawn Tabernacle – one of the most extreme legalistic pastors in the Message movement, whose church has made front-page news multiple times for alarming abuse cases, and who practices exactly the kind of controlling behavior Francis claims to oppose.

====THE PROBLEM====

This claim of being “hard on Message churches” and opposing cultish behavior is directly contradicted by his close personal relationship with Pastor Isaac Noriega of Golden Dawn Tabernacle – one of the most extreme legalistic pastors in the Message movement, whose church has made front-page news multiple times for alarming abuse cases, and who practices exactly the kind of controlling behavior Francis claims to oppose.

'''The Documentary Evidence:''' In a published tribute, Allistair Francis wrote about Isaac Noriega: “Brother Isaac, you may never know how much you mean to me. You and Dad have been to me the Word made flesh. I have never met Brother Branham to believe what he said was the truth! I have never known Christ, but through the two of you. I only believe that living the life of this message is worth the while, because of you and Dad. You and Dad have made this Word real to me. Please hold on my brother! The world needs more men like you. Without you the standard of the Word will cease on this earth.”

@@ Line 72: / Line 72: @@
 ===Critical Flaw #3: The Isaac Noriega Hypocrisy===
-====THE CLAIM==== Francis states in this video that he agrees with some criticisms from anti-Branham sites because some Message churches “idolize brother Branham” and engage in “cultish behavior.” He claims: “I am the hardest on message people. I don't even speak against denominational people or other religions as much as I go against people in the message who I feel are stepping out of line.” He specifically criticizes extreme legalism such as members having to ask the pastor permission on what color to paint their house, which car to buy, and how to handle their finances. He condemns churches that excommunicate people and treat them “like vermin or like they have leprosy.”
+====THE CLAIM====
+Francis states in this video that he agrees with some criticisms from anti-Branham sites because some Message churches “idolize brother Branham” and engage in “cultish behavior.” He claims: “I am the hardest on message people. I don't even speak against denominational people or other religions as much as I go against people in the message who I feel are stepping out of line.” He specifically criticizes extreme legalism such as members having to ask the pastor permission on what color to paint their house, which car to buy, and how to handle their finances. He condemns churches that excommunicate people and treat them “like vermin or like they have leprosy.”
-====THE PROBLEM==== This claim of being “hard on Message churches” and opposing cultish behavior is directly contradicted by his close personal relationship with Pastor Isaac Noriega of Golden Dawn Tabernacle – one of the most extreme legalistic pastors in the Message movement, whose church has made front-page news multiple times for alarming abuse cases, and who practices exactly the kind of controlling behavior Francis claims to oppose.
+====THE PROBLEM====
+This claim of being “hard on Message churches” and opposing cultish behavior is directly contradicted by his close personal relationship with Pastor Isaac Noriega of Golden Dawn Tabernacle – one of the most extreme legalistic pastors in the Message movement, whose church has made front-page news multiple times for alarming abuse cases, and who practices exactly the kind of controlling behavior Francis claims to oppose.
 '''The Documentary Evidence:''' In a published tribute, Allistair Francis wrote about Isaac Noriega: “Brother Isaac, you may never know how much you mean to me. You and Dad have been to me the Word made flesh. I have never met Brother Branham to believe what he said was the truth! I have never known Christ, but through the two of you. I only believe that living the life of this message is worth the while, because of you and Dad. You and Dad have made this Word real to me. Please hold on my brother! The world needs more men like you. Without you the standard of the Word will cease on this earth.”