EDITORIAL: 'Charisma' out of control?

by Laura Franklin, editor | 31st October 2009

Brian Tamaki's self-proclaimed elevation to the rank of Bishop, or even King, is disturbing - not because of any judgment as to whether his form of religion is more "right" than anybody else's, but because the doctrine and rulebook being espoused by the Destiny Church so totally discourage independent thought.

When followers are forbidden to question their leaders - and especially when that fealty is combined with the emotional buy-in to a promise of "salvation" - they are vulnerable to being led astray or taken advantage of.

Faith, by its very nature, calls for a deep level of trust. But when that trust is blind, and is vested in a mere mortal, the scene is set for something far from spiritual, and all too human in its potential for abuse.

Mr Tamaki's canon, issued to those 700 men who have taken his "covenant oath" and now wear his ring, includes edicts calling for the faithful to always speak well of "Bishop", never to question him or point out his faults, always to back any cause or opinion he supports, always to appear happy and positive around him, to applaud and shout in affirmation when he preaches, and to take notes of his words.

Some instructions - to stand when he enters the room, never speak while he is speaking, never eat before he does - can be seen as ordinary, if relatively extreme, expressions of esteem.

But other requirements of the oath - to surprise Mr Tamaki with gifts as a sign of love and respect, for example - might stir alarm bells, especially since his Pentecostal organisation embraces the religious belief of "prosperity theology".

Common in the doctrine of many overseas television evangelists, prosperity theology links God's blessings with worldly wealth and implies that those who He favours will become wealthy, and also that those who give large donations will be rewarded, spiritually and materially.

One well-known proponent of prosperity theology is televangelist Benny Hinn whose organisation in 2006 mailed his followers asking for donations toward a new Gulfstream G4SP jet worth US$36 million.

People may find meaning and comfort in following the religious leaders of their choice, but when a movement begins to focus on the leader's personality and empire rather than the spiritual message, the charismatic effect may have gone too far.