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Some people still may be skeptical about Pringle’s connections to New Thought/Occult influences. Here is another article that explores these associations. Pringle gets a casual mention alongside other problematic preachers and non-Christian teachers.
We have Herescope’s permission to reproduce this article.
Herescope writes,
HIS BELIEFS, HIS ASSOCIATIONS, HIS MISSION
When I finished my online E-booklet, My Life in “The Way”, exposing the Buddhist/Taoist/New Age roots of the martial arts,[1] I also documented the inseparable relationship to its Western point man, Chuck Norris.[2] Norris is a martial artist, actor, author, political activist—and professing Christian—which necessitates the need for discerning Christians influenced by his celebrity to weigh his beliefs, his associations, and his mission with the Bible.
CHUCK NORRIS: HIS BELIEFS
Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them
(Rom. 16:17)
As I documented in My Life in “The Way”, Mr. Norris kept his 1988 autobiography, The Secret of Inner Strength: My Story, very secular. While there is no mention of a Christian conversion or belief in the Lord Jesus Christ, he admits to being influenced by New Thought/Human Potential gurus, Napoleon Hill and Dr. Joseph Murphy.[3] Mr. Norris routinely utilizes and affirms the use of visualization techniques throughout his book while recounting famous karate matches with other notable martial artists. Commenting on this practice I wrote:
Much could be said concerning the occult/metaphysical nature of the human potential movement, but suffice it to say, it is NOT Christian. Napoleon Hill was given his formula of success—the “Supreme Secret”—from unseen visitors on the astral plane calling themselves “The Venerable Brotherhood of Ancient India.” They taught Hill the power of visualization and his famous maxim, “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” His most popular book, Think and Grow Rich, influenced millions. This demonic philosophy is behind such motivational teachings of the late Norman Vincent Peale, Robert Schuller, and Rhonda Byrne, author of The Secret.[4]
With prompting and inspiration from his second wife, Gena,[5] Norris wrote a second “Christian” autobiography, Against All Odds, in 2004. In it, Mr. Norris says that he trusted Christ as his Savior at age 12 (sometime in 1952), while making a commitment to Him sometime later after going forward at a Billy Graham Crusade.[6] Despite this public profession of faith, Mr. Norris fails to recant neither his New Thought/Mind-Science techniques nor the core philosophies of the martial arts—teachings and practices that are completely incompatible with true Christianity.[7] Also troubling is an underlying “might makes right” attitude inherent in the fighting arts. On page 30, Mr. Norris records this story:
The ambushers beat him up badly [an Air Force policeman] and robbed him. [He] was a black belt in tang soo do. When the slicky boys found this out, they were so horrified at the potential reprisal they might suffer, they printed an apology in the local paper. It did them no good. When somebody messes with one black belt, he or she is challenging the whole organization. One of our members tracked down several of the attackers. He killed one and injured two. The police arrested him, and he was sentenced to three years in prison. He was back out on the street in two weeks. The lesson was clear: Mess with one member of our group, and your messing with all.[8]
The Bible says that murder is wrong and that vengeance belongs to the LORD.[9]
On the contrary, Mr. Norris has retained this unbiblical mixture of beliefs and practices and has made them a primary part of his life’s work. I documented his most disturbing belief (and teaching) in my E-booklet:
Forty-four years after his professed conversion, and in between his two autobiographies, Chuck Norris published another book in 1996 entitled: The Secret Power Within: Zen Solutions to Real Problems. This book is a real problem for Christians. The reader discovers the “secret power within” on pages 127-130: “Ki: The Universal Power.” “The fact is that everyone has ki, which is really little more than a technique of visualization allowing one to utilize the internal energy that we all have and letting it flow through the body…”[10]
On page 36 of My Life in “The Way”, I made this observation followed by a probing question:
By now, the Christian reader is rightfully confused regarding the source of Mr. Norris’ “secret inner strength,” and “secret power within.” Has he made the same deleterious leap as Michael Chen and Rev. Jordan in equating the impersonal “ki” force (kundalini power) with the Holy Spirit of the Living God—the third person of the triune godhead? Has he unwittingly become a de facto false teacher of Far Eastern mysticism in woolen garb like this author did before fully repenting—and renouncing the martial arts? Let the evidence speak.
CHUCK NORRIS: HIS ASSOCIATIONS
For there must also be factions among you, in order that those who are approved may have become evident among you
(1 Cor. 11:19)
It has already been established that Mr. Norris’ faith is a heady mix of Christianity, New Thought and Zen Buddhism. A closer inspection reveals that his peculiar brand of Christianity is strictly of the charismatic Word-Faith variety. He has been a motivational speaker for T.D. Jakes Ministries and the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN),[11] as well as Ed Cole Ministries. He will be a featured speaker at the 2010 Lion’s Roar Global Men’s Summit in Dallas in November,[12] a ministry of the Christian Men’s Network (CMN) begun by the late Cole.[13] Dr. Cole was nurtured under the ministry of Aimee Semple McPherson, becoming an Assemblies of God pastor within two years of his conversion.[14] He later became a men’s motivational lecturer and the inspiration for Promise Keepers.[15] Cole has mentored many influential men including Bill McCartney, John Maxwell, Pat Robertson, Kenneth Copeland, Oliver North, Kong Hee, Sunday Adelaja… and Chuck Norris.[16] Adelaja, a key New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) apostle and 7 Mountain/Sphere Mandate promoter, has led teaching seminars with Norris, ex-New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Mel Gibson.[17] Among many Word-Faith notables, Norris will share the Lion’s Roar Summit platform with Mike Hayes, Kong Hee, Brian Houston, Jack Hayford, Eddie Long, Phil Pringle, and Jim Garlow,[18] Christian right activist and chair of Newt Gingrich’s ReAL (Renewing American Leadership).[19]
Norris endorsed Joel Osteen’s 2004 book, Your Best Life Now,[20] and in the introduction to his latest book, Black Belt Patriotism, Mr. Norris commends Rick Warren’s Purpose Driven Life.[21] Mr. Norris received an honorary doctorate from Liberty University in 2008,[22] the same school that hosted the “Awakening 2010 Conference” in April that featured prominent Dominionists,[23] and that invited Mormon Glenn Beck to deliver its 2010 Commencement Address.[24]
Chuck Norris, along with his wife Gena, is also on the Board of Directors of the National Council on Bible Curriculum in Public Schools (NCBCPS),[25] which appears to be a commendable organization until a closer examination is made. The vice president of this council is (Ret.) Col. Jim Ammerman, an apostle in C. Peter Wagner’s International Coalition of Apostles (ICA), a component of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), and personal friend to John Hagee and Kenneth Copeland.[26] Among the luminaries on the NCBCPS Advisory Board, is Janet Folger Porter, the May Day Event organizer who lost her Faith2Action radio program on VCY America after Herescope posted a series of articles exposing her ties to Dominonism.[27] Porter, like Norris, also writes a column for WorldNetDaily.[28]
Also noted is NCBCPS Advisory Board member, David Barton, a patriotic Dominionist and historical revisionist,[29] who has influenced not only the NCBCPS curriculum, but Fox News host Glenn Beck[30] and the Texas State Board of Education.[31] Barton’s version of history is also a prominent feature of Norris’ latest book, Black Belt Patriotism, How To Reawaken America.[32]
Todd DuBord, Chuck Norris’ chaplain (TopKick Productions) and researcher,[33] was interviewed on Wallbuilders Live! (Barton’s radio program) in March of 2009 by Rick Green, a former Texas legislator marked by ethical improprieties who failed an attempt at becoming a Texas Supreme Court Judge in April 2010—despite glowing endorsements from David Barton… and Chuck Norris.[34] In the radio interview, DuBord referred to Black Belt Patriotism as a “Christian Cultural Manifesto,”
…A hardcore look at what our Founders believed and a way to reawaken America and to get back to that vision—very similar to what Wallbuilders is all about. In fact, we [Chuck and Todd] use many, many resources from Wallbuilders and always appreciate your guy’s ministry.[35]
David Barton also has strong ties to former House Speaker, Newt Gingrich, founder of Renewing American Leadership (ReAL),[36] and possible presidential candidate in 2012[37] —who also has a working relationship with Chuck Norris. In 2008, Norris appeared in drilling ads for Gingrich’s American Solutions for Winning the Future campaign.[38] In May, Norris was a featured speaker at the National NRA Convention in Charlotte, N.C., alongside Gingrich, Sarah Palin, U.S. Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind., Lt. Col. Oliver North, and Glenn Beck,[39] who frequently features Barton on his TV/radio program[40], and related special events.[41]
Chuck Norris has not only thrown his celebrity behind a famous Word-Faith author (Osteen), a Texas Supreme Court judge hopeful (Rick Green), but also endorsed former Republican Arkansas Governor and Fox News host Mike Huckabee for president in 2007-2008.[42] Incredibly, Huckabee appeared in an ad with money preacher, Kenneth Copeland, in the December 2007 issue of Charisma magazine and spent a week on Copeland’s TV daily broadcast, the Believers Voice of Victory—at the same time that the Senate Finance Committee launched an investigation into the Copelands (and several other multimillion-dollar Word-Faith ministry moguls).[43] Instead of distancing himself from Copeland, Huckabee accepted a $29,000 personal donation from Copeland, held a fundraiser at the Copeland estate raising upwards of $100,000[44] —and even appeared in a live webcast pastor’s conference sponsored by Kenneth Copeland Ministries requesting emergency funds. One report says that following Huckabee’s plea, $111,000 in cash was raised for Huckabee, with an additional unspecified amount given in campaign pledges presumed to be in excess of a million dollars.[45]
As mentioned previously, Chuck Norris is a columnist for WorldNetDaily (WND),[46] a conservative online news source founded by Joseph Farah, a Dominionist sympathizer[47] with radical right views.[48] Farah just re-released his Dominionist-leaning 2005 book, Taking America Back: A Radical Plan to Revive Freedom, Morality, and Justice, as well introducing his latest work, The Tea Party Manifesto: A Vision for an American Rebirth earlier this year.[49] In September, WND and Farah will host the “Taking America Back Convention,” in Miami, FL. Speakers will include author, political commentator, and syndicated columnist Ann Coulter, Rep. Michele Bachmann R-Minn., constitutional lawyer Michael Farris, Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA), Alan Keyes, Christian right political activist, and Bible teacher Chuck Missler (Koinonia House).[50]
CHUCK NORRIS: HIS MISSION
Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior the Lord Jesus Christ
Despite the personal notoriety, Chuck Norris considers his life’s mission to be KickStartKids, a martial arts program for at-risk school children that former President H.W. Bush helped him start in 1992.[51] Norris has said, “martial arts training provides them [at-risk children] with the core values and philosophies associated with leading a productive and healthy life…”[52] According to Norris, those “core values and philosophies,” taught in the KickStart program, square with the Bible. “The martial arts is a philosophy that is pretty much the principles in the Bible. Even though we can’t talk about Jesus, we can talk about what Jesus talks about in the Bible—love, loving your neighbor, being good people.”[53]
It has previously been established that the root philosophies and underlying values of the martial arts are completely at odds with the Bible.[54] Nevertheless, Mr. Norris has a vision to establish this program in every school in America, growing his nearly 7,000 students into 24,000,000 and beyond.[55] All the proceeds from Norris’ book sales and projects like his World Combat League, airing on the Versus Channel, go to KickStartKids.[56] In 2009, Norris received the McLane Leadership in Business Award by President Bush Sr., “for his service to America’s youth.”[57] Accepting the award, Norris told the audience, “I’m a product of what martial arts can do for you, it turned my whole life around…It changed a young, insecure, nonathletic kid into a world champion and renowned actor.”[58]
In keeping with his “service to youth,” Chuck Norris and Pastor Todd DuBord wrote The Official Chuck Norris Fact Book in November of 2009.[59] The book (published by Tyndale Publishing) is a compilation of mythical sayings (in the spirit of Paul Bunyan) with inspirational messages woven in—“many of which reintroduce Americans, particularly our youth, to our Founder’s America.”[60] These Chuck Norris “facts” have become an Internet phenomenon, such as “Chuck Norris puts the laughter in manslaughter,” and “There are no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, Chuck Norris lives in Oklahoma.” Norris has even become a cult hero among American—and Iraqi forces.[61]
Norris posed the following questions in a March 2009 column posted in WorldNetDaily, “How much more will Americans take? When will enough be enough? And, when that time comes, will our leaders finally listen or will history need to record a second American Revolution?[62] Six months later, Norris wrote a piece entitled: “The Secret Weapon in America’s Revolution.” Here is the “secret weapon”:
I believe young people will play a critical role in reawakening and returning America again to its Founding Father’s vision, ways and principles…I believe there exists a latent power in this particular generation that waits to be awakened and reveal its full potential…I’m not talking about selling them on a partisan platform, but a patriot one (as our Founders had.)… [63]
(This sounds alarmingly like Dominionism’s “New Breed.”)[64] In the Black Belt Patriotism chapter entitled, “Calling All Millennials!,” Norris gives this charge to his younger readers:
We need you to help us reawaken America and rebuild what our Founding Fathers started…If you’re a Millennial, consider this an invitation. We need your help. I need your help to join me and millions of others in a revolution (or, if you will, a rebelution), not to abandon the principles of the past but combine them with social action in the present to build a better tomorrow. In other words, it’s time to make some noise![65]
In the introduction to this book, Chuck Norris makes this statement: “I’ve committed the rest of my life to help Old Glory rise again to her heights of splendor.” He followed his remarks with a visit back to the Alamo (coincidently the same locale for the Patriot Pastor’s Tea Party Rich Scarborough held July 7),[66] proudly detailing the human casualties in this infamous battle. He concluded the historical narrative by saying, “They lost that battle but would provide the inspiration to win the war. Their fighting spirit rallied the new found republic and still does to this day. So when you think all is lost in America, remember the Alamo!”[67]
Human beings were killed in this armed revolution. Is this the kind of “revolution” he has planned for the youth—the Millennials— of America? Decide for yourself. Norris closes this intro with a quote from General Sam Houston, former governor of Texas and leader of the Texas Revolution of 1835.[68]
We view ourselves on the eve of battle. We are nerved for the contest, and must conquer or perish. It is vain to look for present aid: none is at hand. We must now act or abandon all hope! Rally to the standard, and be no longer the scoff of mercenary tongues! Be men, be free men, that your children may bless their father’s name.
ENDNOTES:
1. Scroll down my blog page, http://mylifeintheway.blogspot.com, and click the (pdf) link on the bottom of the page to read my free e-booklet, My Life in “The Way,” From the Broad Way of the East to the Narrow Way of Christ. See Herescope review: http://herescope.blogspot.com/2010/03/my-life-in-way.html
2. My Life in “The Way,” pp. 29-36.
3. Ibid., pg. 29.
4. Ibid. (Note: For an in depth background on New Thought, see Pastor Larry DeBruyn’s excellent article: “Bewitched! Evil Eye Over Evangelicalism,” Discernment Group, http://www.discernment-ministries.org/NL_MarchApril2010.pdf).
5. Laura J. Bagby, “A Powerful Witness: Chuck Norris Gets a Kick out of Life,” http://www.cbn.com/entertainment/screen/bagby_chucknorris_0904.aspx.
6. Carlos Ray Norris, Against All Odds, B & H Publishing Group, Nashville, TN, pp. 22, 29-30.
7. My Life in “The Way,” pg. 30.
8. Against All Odds, pg 30.
9. See: Ex. 20:13; Rom. 12:19.
10. My Life in “The Way,” pg. 31.
11. Chuck Norris official website, http://chucknorris.com/html/biog.html. (Note: For an expose` on T.D. Jakes, see Pastor Larry DeBruyn’s article: “Eroticizing the Eucharist,” Pastor DeBruyn’s website, http://guardinghisflock.com/2010/03/04/eroticizing-the-eucharist-1/).
12. Lions Roar 2010, http://lionsroar.majoringinmen.com/?page_id=21.
13. http://www.lionsroar2010.com/?page_id=46; Black Belt Patriotism, pp. 163-164.
14. Ed Cole Library, http://edcole.org/index.php?fuseaction=edcole.main.
15. Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edwin_Louis_Cole.
16. Ed Cole Library, http://www.disciplemen.com/node/829; Black Belt Patriotism, pp. 163-164.
17. Robert Duncan, “Sunday Adelaja: Europe’s Mega-Church Leader,” Spero News, Nov. 1, 2006, http://www.speroforum.com/site/article.asp?idCategory=34&idsub=127&id=6370&t=Sunday+Adelaja%3A+Europe’s+Mega-Church+Leader; Pastor Adelaja’s church website, http://www.godembassy.org/en/news/news_publ.php?search=chuck norris&showdetail=538; http://www.godembassy.org/en/news/news_publ.php?search=chuck norris&showdetail=1160; (Note: to read more on Pastor Adelaja, see Herescope, http://herescope.blogspot.com/2010/05/mainstreaming-dominionism.html).
18. Lions Roar 2010, http://lionsroar.majoringinmen.com/?page_id=21.
19. Herescope, “Mainstreaming Dominionism,” http://herescope.blogspot.com/2010/05/mainstreaming-dominionism.html.
20. Daryl Wingerd, “A Critical review of Your Best Life Now, by Joel Osteen,” http://ccwonline.org/osteen1.html.
21. Chuck Norris, Black Belt Patriotism, Fidelis Books, imprint of B & H Publishing Group, Nashville, TN, 2010, pg. 9.
22. Katherine T. Phan, Christian Post, http://www.christianpost.com/article/20080514/chuck-norris-tells-liberty-univ-grads-to-let-god-direct-steps/index.html.
23. Liberty University website, http://www.liberty.edu/index.cfm?PID=18495&MID=17574.
24. Glenn Beck website, http://www.glennbeck.com/content/articles/article/198/40278/.
25. NCBCPS website, http://www.bibleinschools.net/About-Us/Board-of-Director-and-Advisors.
26. Talk To Action, Part Two – “Conspiracy as Prophecy,” http://militaryreligiousfreedom.org/press-releases/t2a_conspiracy.html; http://www.talk2action.org/printpage/2009/6/3/12516/15056.
27. http://www.crosstalkamerica.com/shows/2010/06/the_gospel_is_more_important_t.php;Herescope, http://herescope.blogspot.com/2010/04/may-day-prayers.html; http://www.rightwingwatch.org/content/janet-porter-goes-warpath; (Note: For more info on Dominionism, see Derek Gilbert interview with Sarah Leslie, “VFTB 048-False Christs and False Prophets,” PID Radio, http://www.pidradio.com/?p=875 follow links on page); and Marsha West, “Damnable Heresies Invading the Church,” May 29, 2010, http://www.newswithviews.com/West/marsha197.htm.
28. WND website, http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=46; http://www.wnd.com/?pageId=43&authorId=88&tId=8.
29. NCBCPS website, http://www.bibleinschools.net/About-Us/Board-of-Directors-and-Advisors; http://www.liarsforjesus.com/; Chris Rodda, “Chuck Norris Helps the NCBCPS Spread David Barton’s Lies,” http://www.talk2action.org/story/2007/4/15/04011/4130; Herescope, “Mainstreaming Dominionism,” http://herescope.blogspot.com/2010/05/mainstreaming-dominionism.html.
30. Karl Frisch, “Author debunks butchering of 1809 Adams letter by ‘Christian nationalist pseudo-historian” and Beck,’” http://mediamatters.org/print/blog/201006250036.
31. http://www.rightwingwatch.org/content/barton-named-texas-school-board-experts-panel; http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/dpp/news/education/tx_textbook_controversy_030810.
32. Black Belt Patriotism; See extensive footnoting of David Barton: pp. 246, 256- 257, 259, 261, 264, 266.
33. Todd DuBord’s Official website, http://www.nationaltreasures.org/; Black Belt Patriotism, pg. 223.
34. Justin Elliott, “Leading Texas Supreme Court Candidate Has Checkered Ethical Past, Religious-Right Worldview,” http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/04/meet_rick_green_next_texas_supreme_court_justice.php
“Disaster (Barely) Averted: Rick Green Loses Texas Supreme Court Run-Off,” http://www.rightwingwatch.org/print/5194.
35. Todd DuBord with Rick Green, “Saving Our National Treasures,” Friday, May 08, 2009, Wallbuilder’s Live! Website, http://www.wallbuilderslive.com/archives.asp?d=200905.
36. Dan Gilgoff, “Newt Gingrich Steps Up Efforts to Mobilize Religious Conservatives,” http://politics.usnews.com/news/religion/articles/2009/03/20/newt-gingrich-steps-up-efforts-to-mobilize-religious-conservatives_print.html; Gingrich interviewed by Barton & Green, Mar. 23, 2009, http://www.wallbuilderslive.com/archives.asp?d=200903.
37. Des Moines, IA-AP, July 12, 2010, “Gingrich Calls Obama ‘Disaster,’ Says He’s Weighing 2012 Presidential Bid,” http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/07/12/gingrich-calls-obama-disaster-says-hes-weighing-presidential-bid/.
38. Noel Sheppard, “Chuck Norris for American Solutions: Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less!”, http://newsbusters.org/blogs/noel-sheppard/2008/06/14/chuck-norris-american-solutions-drill-here-drill-now-pay-less
39. Jim Morrill, “NRA convention may draw 70,000 to uptown Charlotte this weekend,”
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/05/12/1430302/70000-expected-at-nra-meet.html
40. David Barton on Glenn Beck, Part 1 of 5, ReAL video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MTLG3_y_Xc; Barton interviewed on Beck’s radio program, http://www.glennbeck.com/content/articles/article/196/39831/.
41. David Barton was scheduled to speak on “faith,” at Beck’s “American Revival” meeting in Salt Lake City July 17; Glenn Beck website, http://www.glennbeck.com/content/articles/article/198/42960/.
42. “Chuck Norris Endorses Mike Huckabee for President,” Oct. 22, 2007, http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,304096,00.html; http://www.wnd.com/?pageId=44234.
43. David Van Biema, “Huckabee Stands By a Televangelist,” http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,1684330,00.html; Michelle Vu, “Huckabee Undeterred by Senate Probe of Copeland,” http://www.christianpost.com/article/20071123/huckabee-undeterred-by-senate-probe-of-copeland/index.html
44. “The Huckabee Copeland Connection,” http://thoughtsongod.wordpress.com/2008/02/09/the-huckabee-copeland-connection/.
45. Allie Martin, “Copeland Ministries accused of ‘shady’ Huckabee donation,” Jan. 31, 2008, http://www.onenewsnow.com/Printer.aspx?id-66025.
46. WND Authors & Commentators page, http://www.wnd.com/index.php?pageId=33.
47. A “clear-eyed, Christ-centered Worldview”? June 15, 2006, http://herescope.blogspot.com/2006/06/clear-eyed-christ-centered-worldview.html.
48. Herescope, “R & R Revival and Revolt: The Tea Party’s Strange Bedfellows and What They Believe,” Apr. 22, 2010, http://herescope.blogspot.com/2010/04/r-revival-and-revolt.html.
49. WND bookstore online, http://superstore.wnd.com/store/item.asp?ITEM_ID=1755; http://superstore.wnd.com/store/item.asp?ITEM_ID=3754.
50. http://www.takingamericaback2010.com/speakers.html.
51. Black Belt Patriotism, pg. 157.
52. Ibid, pp. 157-158.
53. Laura J. Bagby article; (Note: See My Life in “The Way,” pg. 34).
54. My Life in “The Way” (See endnote #1).
55. KickStart Official website, http://www.kick-start.org/chuck.html.
56. Chuck Norris, “Questions I am asked most about martial arts,” WND, http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=56560; Meghan Cooke, “Chuck Norris draws long line of admirers,” http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/05/15/1437576/chuck-norris-draws-long-line-of.html.
57. Meredith Stancik, “Chuck Norris Receives Leadership in Business Award,” Mar. 31, 2009, http://www.kbtx.com/home/headlines/42236757.html.
58. Matt Woolbright, “Martial arts legend speaks about his life, accomplishments,” http://www.thebatt.com/2.8485/bush-presents-chuck-norris-with-award-1.1182956.
59. Todd Dubord’s Official website, http://www.nationaltreasures.org/.
60. Chuck Norris, “The Secret Weapon in America’s Revolution,” http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?print=yes&id=33748.
61. Mohammed Abbas, “Norris Gains Cult Status Among Troops,” Mar. 3, 2008, Reuters, http://news.aol.com/story/_a/norris-gains-cult-status-among-troops/20080310090409990001
62. Chuck Norris, “I may run for president of Texas,” March 9, 2009, WND; http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.printable&pageId=91103.
63. Chuck Norris, “The Secret Weapon in America’s Revolution,” Sept. 29, 2009, http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?print=yes&id=33748.
64. Jewel Grewe, “A New Breed Arising,” Discernment Newsletter, March/April 2009, Vol. 20, No. 2, http://www.discernment-ministries.org/NLMarchApril_2009.htm.
65. Black Belt Patriotism, pp. 156-157.
66. Vision America website, http://www.visionamerica.us/pastors/national-patriot-pastors-tea-party/
67. Black Belt Patriotism, pg. 12.
68. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sam_Houston; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_Revolution.
NOTE: Emphases in quoted material may have been added.”
C3 Church Watch 
““Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.”
This philosophy of Hill, Schuller, Norris, Pringle and the Think and Grow Rich brigade, goes back a long way. It didn’t just pop up with these guys.In fact in Genesis 11, after Noah’s generations had spiritually gone downhill in Genesis 10, they visualised their own self made religion reaching to heaven. God had to destroy this concept because there appeared to be no limit to what their vain imaginations would try to do. The Tower of No Power (Chrystal cathedral) has crashed. These other guys will be next. I still stick to my belief that C3 will implode. This tower of Babel philosophy succeeds for a while then falls apart and crashes. Look , the world had the tower well on its way in Genesis 11 but in the end God said “enough”. God is patient, butas the flood demonstrates, there is a limit to what He will tolerate.
You are wrong man. Phill Pringle is a true man of God. Like King David he has made mistakes but to suggest he is of the tower of Babel is totally inncorect. He preaches the true Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ. His Church will trive and survive for many generations to come. I feel so sorry for you as you are against everyone who does not see things your way.
“Phill Pringle is a true man of God.”
Nonsense. By no measure is he a “true man of God”.
“Like King David […]”
King David had a heart after God’s own heart, whereas Phil Pringle is a shamelessly self-promoting charlatan. Phil Pringle is not like King David at all; he is actually cast in the mould of Saul, who was full of pride and who feared men. Phil is a fraud and a liar who claimed to have a PhD when he did not.
“He preaches the true Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Rubbish. He preaches works and law; in particular the toxic and abhorrent “doctrine” of “tithing”. He is nothing but a jumped-up heretic, and he will surely be brought to account in due time.
“His Church will thrive and survive for many generations to come.”
“His” church? “HIs”? There’s only one church, sweetheart, and that’s the church of Jesus Christ – so your comment is very revealing. The fact is that Phil may call his little gathering a “church”, but it is not – it is a pseduo-Christian cult.
“I feel so sorry for you […]”
LOL. *We* feel sorry for *you*, who are one of those who are blind that are being led by the blind. Be sure to mind the ditch.
There is nothing new under the sun. Napolean Hill just tapped into a concept that had been around for over two millenium. Noah originally walked with God. In Genesis 10 he ventured into the wine making business for a while. He planted a vineyard and seems to have been prone to sampling his wares. My personal belief is that Noah backslid or became lukewarm for a time. In Genesis 10 his family and descendants turned further from true worship and tried to create their own religion. Of course, I ‘m sure Noah got back on track before he died, and overall he lived a life of faith sufficient enough to get into Hebrews11. Todays church has become lukewarm and has been the catalyst for those like Pringle, creating their own worship and religion.
I once had a paster who was a MARTIAL ARTS INSTRUCTER.He had Thomas The Tank Engine Beleifs(I THINK I CAN,I THIK CAN,I KNOW I CAN etc).Next thing you know members of the church were being recruited for the martial arts.Not much longer the church split in half.Proverbs 16:25 There is a way that seems right to a man and appears straight before him, but at the end of it is the way of death.
Originally the church was CCC in the 80s, 90s(not 100% sure of the dates)then changed name to South Coast City Church somewhere .(maybe late 1990s).Then an AOG influenced split about 10 or so years ago.Now C3.C3, Command, control, and communications, a military concept.
Thank you for standing for the faith! The world needs warned against these false prophets. I’m proclaiming Gods Truth on my blog as well, your blog is truly very well put together and doing far more to expose these false prophets.
@ Gary & Eyes On Guard – with respect, perhaps it’s best not to speculate about church names. Phil Pringle is a product of the pentecostal movement’s slide in errant theology.
Speaking as a former pentecostal/charismatic, it’s refreshing to see a well-known pentecostal commentator address the problem (though I would have added some more “nails” to his article)….
“It’s (Past) Time for a Charismatic Reformation”
J. Lee Grady Newsletters – Fire In My Bones
“In honor of Reformation Day, here are some complaints I’m nailing on the Wittenberg door.”
“Long before there was an Occupy Wall Street, Martin Luther staged the most important protest in history. He was upset because Roman Catholic officials were promising people forgiveness or early escape from purgatory in exchange for money. So on October 31, 1517, Luther nailed a long list of complaints on the door of a church in Wittenberg, Germany.
Luther’s famous 95 theses were translated from Latin into German and spread abroad. Like a medieval Jeremiah, Luther dared to ask questions that had never been asked, and he challenged a pope who was supposedly infallible. Through this brave monk, the Holy Spirit sparked the Protestant Reformation and restored the doctrine of grace to a church that had become corrupt, religious, dysfunctional, political and spiritually dead.
“I’ve grown increasingly aware that the so-called ‘Spirit-filled’ church of today struggles with many of the same things the Catholic church faced in the 1500s. We don’t have ‘indulgences’—we have telethons. We don’t have popes—we have super-apostles.”
I am no Luther, but I’ve grown increasingly aware that the so-called “Spirit-filled” church of today struggles with many of the same things the Catholic church faced in the 1500s. We don’t have “indulgences”—we have telethons. We don’t have popes—we have super-apostles. We don’t support an untouchable priesthood—we throw our money at celebrity evangelists who own fleets of private jets.
In honor of Reformation Day, I’m offering my own list of needed reforms in our movement. And since I can’t hammer these on the Wittenberg door, I’ll post them online. Feel free to nail them everywhere.
1. Let’s reform our theology. The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. He is God and He is holy. He is not an “it.” He is not a blob, a force, or an innate power. We must stop manipulating Him, commanding Him and throwing Him around.
2. Let’s return to the Bible. The Word of God is the foundation for the Christian experience. Any dramatic experience, no matter how spiritual it seems, must be tested by the Word and the Holy Spirit’s discernment. Visions, dreams, prophecies and encounters with angels must be in line with Scripture. If we don’t test them we could end up spreading deception.
3. It’s time for personal responsibility. We charismatics must stop blaming everything on demons. People are usually the problem.
4. Stop playing games. Spiritual warfare is a reality, but we are not going to win the world to Jesus just by shouting at demonic principalities. We must pray, preach and persevere to see ultimate victory.
5. Stop the foolishness. People who hit, slap or push others during prayer should be asked to sit down until they learn gentleness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit.
6. End all spiritual extortion now. Christian television ministries must cease and desist from all manipulative fundraising tactics. We must stop giving platforms to ministers who make outlandish claims of supernatural financial returns, especially when Scripture is twisted, deadlines are imposed and the poor are exploited.
7. No more Lone Rangers. Those who claim to be ministers of God—whether they are traveling evangelists, local pastors or heads of ministries—must be accountable to other leaders. Any who refuse to submit their lives to godly discipline should be corrected.
8. Expose the creeps. Churches should start doing background checks on traveling ministers. Preachers who have been hiding criminal records, lying about their past marriages, preying on women or refusing to pay child support should be exposed as charlatans and shunned if they do not repent.
9. Stop faking the anointing. God is God, and He does not need our “help” to manifest Himself. That means we don’t sprinkle glitter on ourselves to suggest God’s glory is with us, hide fake jewels on the floor to prove we are anointed or pull chicken feathers out of our sleeves to pretend angels are in the room. This is lying to the Holy Spirit.
10. Let’s return to purity. We’ve had enough scandals. The charismatic church must develop a system for the restoration of fallen ministers. Those who fall morally can be restored, but they must be willing to submit to a process of healing rather than rushing immediately back into the pulpit.
11. We need humility. Ministers who demand celebrity treatment, require lavish salaries, insist on titles or exhibit aloofness from others are guilty of spiritual pride.
12. No more big shots. Apostles are the bondslaves of Christ, and should be the most impeccable models of humility. True apostles do not wield top-down, hierarchical authority over the church. They serve the church from the bottom up as true servants.
13. Never promote gifts at the expense of character. Those who operate in prophecy, healing and miracles must also exhibit the fruit of the Spirit. And while we continue to encourage the gift of tongues, let’s make sure we don’t treat it like some kind of badge of superiority. The world needs to see our love, not our glossolalia.
14. Hold the prophets accountable. Those who refuse to take responsibility for inaccurate statements should not be given platforms. And “prophets” who live immoral lives don’t deserve a public voice.
15. Let’s make the main thing the main thing. The purpose of the Holy Spirit’s anointing is to empower us to reach others. We are at a crossroads today: Either we continue off-course, entertained by our charismatic sideshows, or we throw ourselves into evangelism, church planting, missions, discipleship, and compassionate ministry that helps the poor and fights injustice. Churches that embrace this New Reformation will focus on God’s priorities.”
Oh my goodness your words are SO wonderfully welcome AMEN!!!!! AMEN!!!!
Absolutely!!!! people given authority especially pastors, who have enormous influence in church members lives, MUST be made accountable.
It’s such a joke…..when we are told they will be judged in heaven like it’s a ticket for people in authority not to be able to be held accountable, as to bring justice ie the truth to light on somebodies behavior is taking Gods authority into our own hands.
It’s another form of control.
Thomas the Tank Engine Beliefs!!!!he he he he,hahahaha!Funny as EYES O G.Martial Arts and pastorship don’t mix.I think the main QUESTION here is whether or not Chuck and Phill are preaching the right message.Sounds more like foolish self confidence than having confidence in CHRIST.ANSWER-False Preaching.
Men of mud your blog is great!
Only one thing. Your statement of faith says Jesus went to hell. Kenneth Copeland and many false teachers are promoting this. Wrong!
Remember Jesus said ton the thief on the cross THIS DAY you shall be with me in Paradise. Jesus didn’t go to hell.
Kaylee , when Phil was first saved he started preaching after about 3 weeks. The pastor’s wife shoved him into it. He didn’t have formal bible training and preached drivel. Nothing has changed!
Gary: “Your statement of faith says Jesus went to hell. Kenneth Copeland and many false teachers are promoting this. Wrong!”
Men of Mud was simply using the Apostles Creed for their statement of beliefs page. Hell/sheol/hades simply means ‘the grave’. Copeland’s concept of Jesus going to hell means something very different to the apostles saying “He descended into hell”.
I encourage you to look up the use of hell/sheol/hades in the bible. It’s a fun study.
Thanks cw
@ Gary – I agree with you about Lee Grady. That’s why I said I would like to add a few more “nails” to his article. At least he recognises the problems, just not that he’s still part of it.
Personally, I have so many issues with charismatic/pentecostal theology these days, it’s hard to know where to start.
The comments above about Christian City Church, CCC, CCCOF, C3, myc3, myc3church, c3global etc etc (and Christians don’t believe in evolution? 🙂 ) – it’s really irrelevant, nothing sinister.
A side note, Chris Rosebrough called Steven Furtick’s “Elevation Church” a cult, today.
The issues here are, helping others to see that sound doctrine is not being preached, by the pastors and those they share the stage with (it’s not a pulpit).
Is it a church? Well, they are the ones promoting the “campus” multi-site status…..so, NO.
Most of the points Grady brings up now , applied to the Aus mega churches when he wrote, three years ago, how fantastic they were.
I wouldn’t throw the baby out with the bath water. Charismatic theology is fine when it is in balance like the early church.
Unfortunately, now it’s gone nuts with everyone trying to promote their egos and not Jesus. They are all trying to come up with some new sensational teaching to elevate themselves. They should stick to the basics like the early apostles.
Galations 1:8 “But though we or an angel from heaven,preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be ACCURSED.”
hELLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Paul is even pronouncing a curse on angels, if they preach a false gospel.
If an angel could possibly be cursed how much more a flesh and blood pulpit pimp?
It’s clear you are accursed if you preach a gospel different to Paul’s gospel. I pray that all pulpit pimps preaching false gospels will receive this , this year.
did Paul preach about tithing?
Did Paul pulpit pimp?
Did Paul have building programme offerings?
Did Paul ahve rock music & light shows i.e. a ‘contemporary gospel’
Did Paul prach the garbage pimped today from pulpits?
Any of these qualifies the preacher 100% for being accursed.