A sub-culture that, for some, is reality as well.
Interestingly,
cult apologists Massimo Introvigne and
J. Gordon Melton participate in and promote ''vampire parties.''
The Van Til Institute for Apologetics is our center for the reasoned defense of the historic Christian faith. Named for a ground-breaking 20th century apologist, Cornelius Van Til, this center provides some of the finest cutting edge scholarship in the world. This center serves an international community with the highest caliber of thoughtful apologetic studies and resources.
This institute is part of CAPO
Australia-based cult. Led by Joan Phillips and Marie Steinke. The movement promotes bizarre diets.
Founded in 1967 in Los Angeles, California, by Sonny Arguinzoni, an ordained Assemblies of God minister, Victory Outreach is a ministry that reaches out primarily to drug addicts, gang members, and ex-inmates.
This entry is keyed grey because of persistent reports of
spiritual abuse, as well as for it's habit of having
word-faith preachers adress its conferences.
Regarding Spiritual Abuse
AI had also keyed this entry orange "for VO's close affiliation with prominent
Word-Faith teachers (such as
Morris Cerullo, John Avanzini, and
Marilyn Hickey."
We have removed the orange key, as VO representatives emphatically state they do not teach, nor approve of, Word-Faith theology. However, we do
not accept VO's
justifications for giving prominent Word-Faith teachers a platform at its conferences. For example,
Morris Cerullo addressed the 1998 Victory Outreach European International Conference in Amsterdam. Those familiar with Cerullo's
heretical doctrines and questionable actions (from his manner of fundraising to ill-advised actions that directly led to Israel proposing anti-proselytizing laws) will wonder what possible reason Victory Outreach could have for legitimizing this man's "ministry." Cerullo's word-faith teachings are well-documented in Hank Hanegraaf's
Christianity In Crisis - a book B.J. Oropeza (author of VO's response) contributed to as a researcher while working with CRI.
Regarding Spiritual Abuse
Peter Belaustegui, a former Victory Outreach pastor, in his
article quotes Ken Blue, as saying, "The pastors of Victory Outreach are total dictators." Peter says the statement was made while discussing a VO teaching tape he sent to Ken. Ken states that since the publication of his book
Healing Spiritual Abuse lots of people contact him for advice on these kind of issues. However, while Ken remembers talking with Peter Belaustegui, he says that he does not remember what was discussed. Too, Ken says he has no direct knowledge of Victory Outreach, and could thus not have made the above statement. As the statement is not documented, and can not be verified it should be disregarded.
Regarding VO's Response
Various parties who have been contacted personally, including myself, have noticed an unusual level of defensiveness, an unwillingness to address certain, specific issues, and a glossing over of certain facts (e.g. regarding the use of Word-Faith teachers).
A Former Victory Outreach Pastor's Testimony Apologetics Index invited B.J. Oropeza to provide a
Victory Outreach Response for publication here.
All American Network Victory Outreach's Television Network. Caution: Affiliated with
TBN - a major promoter of
word-faith and other
heretical theologies.
One Couple's Reasons For Leaving A former leader and his wife write Victory Outreach Pastor Sonny Arguinzoni
Victory Outreach International Official Site
Victory Outreach Survivors Homepage Collection of articles on Victory Outreach, as well as on
spiritual abuse.
Searchable dictionary cross-references to Easton's Bible Dictionary, Nave's Topical Bible, and Torrey's New Topical Textbook.
Also known as: Vineyard Movement or Vineyard Christian Fellowships.
Founded by John Wimber (died 1997)
Todd Hunter as the National Director of AVC-USA.
History of the Jesus People (site) Dave DiSabatino's excellent essay includes some information about the birth of the Vineyard Movement (Specifically in Chapters 3 and 7)
Vineyard Position Papers Collection of responses to criticism of Vineyard teachings and practices.
Meditation group which claims millions of followers worldwide. Led by Ong Tam.
Animistic religion derived from African ancestor Worship.
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» Religion News Blog RNB logs current and archived news about religious cults, sects, alternative religions and related issues.
Database of archived news items on this subject
(Includes items added between Oct. 25, 1999 and Jan. 31, 2002. See
about this database)
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Religion News Blog
Dutch organization that promotes the teachings of
William Branham
The Dark Side of James Van Praagh, Part 1: The Method by David Bloomberg. Part 2: The Message
See