Benny Hinn’s Book “Good Morning, Holy Spirit!” in the Light of the Dogmatic Teaching of the Orthodox Church

Abstract

This article deals with Triadology, Christology, and the ascetical theology of the Charismatic Pentecostals according to Benny Hinn's book "Good Morning, Holy Spirit!" The purpose of this article is not to defame or in any way denigrate the Charismatic movement, but simply to examine the creed of this religious group from the point of view of Orthodox dogmatics. In the Triadology of Benny Hinn, two main theses have been identified. First, the differences between the Persons of the Most Holy Trinity are not limited to the hypostatic properties and what they entail. Second, the author implies that the natural connection between the Son and the Father is not accompanied by direct communication, but that it is the Holy Spirit who carries out the mutual relationship between the Father and the Son. In the Christology of Benny Hinn, three main theses have also been identified. First, his doctrine is characterized by a certain separation of two natures in Jesus, reminiscent of Nestorianism. Second, according to the author's teaching, the Holy Spirit is also "the Father" of Jesus Christ. Third, Jesus Christ was capable of sin. Finally, in Benny Hinn's ascetical theology, two theses were highlighted. First, the victory over sin is not a joint action of man and God but a gift of the Holy Spirit, with no need for human spiritual struggle. Second, to be Christian means not to follow Christ but the Spirit. Undoubtedly, this teaching in no way corresponds to the teaching of the Orthodox Church and may thus be considered heretical from the Orthodox point of view.