Our loyal readers remember our series on the Prosperity Preachers just last month, and we intended to keep them informed should any  “breaking news” occur. 

One week ago today, such news occurred.  Check out this headline and excerpt from the Christianity Today blog (http://blog.christianitytoday.com/ctliveblog/archives/2010/02/suzanne_hinn_fi.html)

Suzanne Hinn Files for Divorce

“On February 1st Suzanne Hinn, wife of famous televangelist Benny Hinn, filed divorce papers in a southern California court. The documents cite irreconcilable differences as grounds for the legal action. News of the divorce has rocked Hinn`s worldwide following and has already been used as fodder for critics of the controversial healer`s ministry.”

Don Price, senior advisor to Mr. Hinn, stated in a Press release that “Pastor Benny Hinn and his immediate family were shocked and saddened to learn of this news. The couple has been married for more than 30 years, and although Pastor Hinn has faithfully endeavored to bring healing to their relationship, those efforts failed and were met with the petition for divorce that was filed without notice.”

“Suzanne Hinn is being represented by Sorrell Trope, a legendary figure in divorce litigation. His previous clients include Cary Grant, Rod Steiger, Nicole Kidman and Elin Nordegren, wife of Tiger Woods. Mrs. Hinn was unavailable for comment. The couple was married in 1979 and have four children.”

We are saddened by the news of this family split, and our heart goes out to the Hinn’s son and three daughters whose lives will be deeply affected by this break-up. Even though we strongly disagree with Benny Hinn’s ministry, we would NEVER desire that he and his wife divorce. 

Here is the official statement on the ministry website regarding this breaking news: 

 http://www.bennyhinn.org/articles/articledesc.cfm?id=6982

“Pastor Benny Hinn and his immediate family were shocked and saddened to learn of this news on February 17 without any previous notice. The couple has been married for more than 30 years, and although Pastor Hinn has faithfully endeavored to bring healing to their relationship, those efforts failed and were met with the petition for divorce that was filed without notice.”

The statement adds: “Both Pastor Hinn and the board of directors of the church ask for the prayers of ministry partners and friends as the Hinn family walks through this difficult season. Pastor Hinn also wants everyone to know that he remains firmly and unquestionably committed to God’s calling—as he continues in his thirty-sixth year of ministry—to take the life-saving and miracle-working Gospel of Jesus Christ to the nations through crusades, broadcasts, and mission outreaches.”

If you’d like to read the two articles we wrote here at The Wartburg Watch about Benny Hinn, just follow these links:

 http://thewartburgwatch.com/2009/12/30/benny-hinn-liar-charlatan-and-false-prophet/

 http://thewartburgwatch.com/2009/12/31/hinn-does-not-heal-%e2%80%93-liar-liar-pants-on-fire/

Side note:  Dee wrote these articles just prior to her knee replacement surgery, which took place in late December, and I (Deb) posted them on our new blog.   

Believe it or not, here’s what one commenter on the Christianity Today blog had to say:

“I’ve never even HEARD of Benny Hinn! Sounds like I’m better off for it!”

Of course, there are the Benny Hinn sycophants who will staunchly defend him, as this commenter did on one of the links we checked out:

“Benny Hinn IS NOT a wolf in sheep’s clothing. He was my pastor for years and was a good and honest man. Marriages are hard enough to keep together in the best of circumstances. The Hinn’s had so much time apart and so much interference with people against them plus four children to raise and the weight of the world on their shoulders, trying to minister and win the lost, it’s no wonder they couldn’t make it. Marriage is hard enough in the best of circumstances.”

We leave you with Dee’s comments as we wrapped up our series on the Health and Wealth “False” Gospel.  Please pay close attention to the last sentence and pray that God will give each and every one of us the opportunity to witness to those who have been caught up in the prosperity gospel and are now disillusioned with this latest development.

 http://thewartburgwatch.com/2010/01/29/musings-on-the-word-of-faith-movement/

“What’s the bottom line? Quite simply, there is very little in the Word of Faith or the Health Wealth Gospel that appears to be based on sound Biblical doctrine. As such, concerned Christians should avoid this movement like the plague and condemn its excesses. Compassion must be shown to those who have been deceived by prosperity pimps. Eventually, most people who buy this nonsense will get hurt. They will become neither rich nor healthy. They will also note that the only ones getting rich are the guys up front.  When the blinders come off, it will be up to us as Christians to lead these folks to the true Gospel of Jesus Christ.”