Probably we are all aware of the Political Despots of this world, that have continually emerged through ancient and recent history - repeatedly in Africa – Uganda, Zimbabwe; the Middle East – Iraq etc; the Baltic region; and of course Hitler, Stalin and Mussolini in times past. Their murderous rule and reign has left devastation, unspeakable death and destruction with incredible misery and untold inhuman suffering to their countries and peoples.
But recently in Auckland, New Zealand, media attention has been drawn to the emergence of another type of Despot – the religious variety.
And the evolution towards the status of a Cult.
In particular – Destiny 'Church' and its self-appointed 'Bishop' – Brian Tamaki, and his wife Hannah. Recently, 700 of his followers swore a 'Covenant oath' of loyalty, and were given a covenant ring to wear on their right hands.
A church document entitled 'Protocols and Requirements between Spiritual Father and His Spiritual Sons' describes the covenant as 'a solemn oath of commitment that is binding, enduring and unbreakable – irrevocable, undissolvable'
Among the 1300 word detailed requirements are :
to give Mr Tamaki obedience and honour
to always speak of Mr Tamaki in a favourable and positive light
to guard, protect and watch out for him and Pastor Hannah
to not start talking or gesturing while Bishop is speaking
to never openly disagree with Mr Tamaki in front of others
to stand when Mr Tamaki enters a room, and only sit after the Tamaki's are seated
to wait until he has started eating before they start eating
to sit in the front seats, and to be vocal during his preaching with 'amen' and 'thats right' with clapping, shouting and laughing
“His dress code is your dress code”
to find out Mr Tamaki's speaking itinerary and travel to other churches to support him
to never tolerate anyone speaking or talking critically of Mr Tamaki or his wife, family, or the church
to give gifts at times to Mr Tamaki and/or Pastor Hannah
(reportedly approx NZ$500,000 on top of a lavish salary)
to be protective of Mr Tamaki and his family
to be prepared to defend against any problems arising out of his mistakes
to tell others of their love for Mr Tamaki
(interesting to note that the women don't get a mention !)
The world's media can spot such a blatant religious Despot, no matter what the guise, and have correctly in my view unmasked him as such.
One media researcher noted the fact that at a recent Destiny meeting, God was mentioned but twice, while the 'bishop' Brian Tamaki was mentioned over 100 times!
A telling, revealing and ominous statistic indeed!
My eye caught the article by New Zealand Herald columnist Garth George 29.10.09 and his comments
“ Religious totalitarianism is not new. There are many churches in the United States, and quite a few in New Zealand – particularly in Auckland – that are led by 'pastors' who operate in similar dictatorial fashion. But most of them are not nearly so blatant about it.”
And that is precisely what has stirred my agreement.
My observation of the Auckland scene (over a 2 year period of my personally visiting 'leading' local Pentecostal churches) endorses his comment and that observation.
It would seem that in the Pentecostal scene particularly, charismatic leaders emerge, and start off being used by God, then end up using Him - for their own ends
start off building Gods kingdom, then shift to building their own personal Kingdom and Empire instead
begin in 'the Spirit' (of God), end up in the 'natural'
still use the obsolete Old Testament Tithe to rise funds
(but have dropped the Sabbath, circumcision, and animal sacrifices !)
