Mockery was a common response to Jesus’ and the apostles’ ministry and continued into the early church era as the radical claims of a Christian minority confronted the pagan world. In many parts of the world today, a Christian minority is mocked and persecuted for its faith in the face of opposition. In America, where Christianity is considered the “majority religion,” mockery takes a different flavor.

Rarely are American Christians mocked for their claims of the divinity of Christ (e.g. 4th century bishop Athanasius) or salvation through faith alone (e.g. Martin Luther). No one pokes fun at us for our commitment to nonviolence (e.g. MLK Jr.) or refusal to curry favor with a political movement (e.g. the prophet Daniel). When was the last time American evangelicals were criticized for not bowing to the idols of this age—consumerism, celebrity worship and greed (e.g. the Amish)? In my view, these are worth being mocked for.

But today, we are mocked for things like this:

Todd Bentley recently began conducting “Outpouring Services” at Morningstar Ministries, where he has been undergoing “restoration” under Rick Joyner.

Several weeks ago, Bob Jones, a leader in the prophetic movement—and dead ringer for Cotton Hill—says he had a trance in which God instructed him to break off the “curse” that had been put on Todd by “well-meaning” but “disgruntled” Christians. These curses, Jones noted, have left Todd open to being “assassinated” and also affect those who “protected” Todd.

The “curses”, of course, are the criticisms of those who questioned the legitimacy of Todd’s ministry during the Lakeland revival and were concerned when he left his wife and children for a young intern on his staff.

Before laying hands on Todd and praying that God will give him a “clear conscience” and an even greater “anointing” than he had before, Jones warns listeners that the curses leveled on Todd could come back on those who spoke ill against him.

I find it interesting that the same people who would probably question the authority of the Pope have set up for themselves authority structures that rival the Catholic Church—and are often just as lacking in accountability. Lately, this crowd has been castigating Charisma editor Lee Grady for questioning the “restoration” process of evangelist Todd Bentley.

Bentley left his wife and children last August amid admissions of alcohol abuse and infidelity, married the family’s nanny and is now on his way to reentering ministry under the restoration of prophetic minister Rick Joyner and associates. Lee questioned the speed and effectiveness of Bentley’s restoration, calling it “greasy grace” in one of his columns. Joyner fired back in an online video, suggesting that Lee was pharisaical and questioning what ministry a “journalist” like Lee had ever built that would give him the legitimacy to criticize Joyner.

Joyner’s defense consistently returned to the issue of authority—who has authority to correct, who has authority to restore, who has authority to question authority, etc. According to Joyner, only those who have big ministries and a following should have a voice in these matters–they’ve earned the right to speak. For Joyner, it is the clerical elite–although he calls them elders, apostles, prophets, etc.–who are in charge of the church.

I used to almost agree with this premise–that there were authorities in the church who had to be obeyed–pastors, teachers, other leaders. Now, I don’t. My study of the New Testament has led me to believe that the early church had essentially no authority but the Holy Spirit as he worked in the hearts of believers. The church was flat–in contrast to the hierarchical pagan religions of the Near East at that time, and in contrast to the church as it developed in later centuries. Paul advocated mutual submission, James called for corporate correction of the erring, and for Peter it was Jesus, no mere man, who was the head of the church.

How far we’ve come. Now, I hear pastors instruct their sheep to faithfully attend each service, to be sure to tithe, not to question the man with the vision. I dread to think that when Jesus returns it may be to rescue his Bride from the rapacious businessmen and hirelings who have usurped His position as head of the household.

[[UPDATE: For my revised perspective on this topic, click here.]]