Problems With Bethel Music

TL;DR

• Bethel Music, associated with Bethel Church and Bill Johnson, promotes a hyper-charismatic theology that is often at odds with biblical teachings.
• Certain Bethel songs contain lyrics that align with this theology, potentially leading listeners away from sound doctrine.
• The music emphasizes emotional experiences, potentially overshadowing the importance of scriptural truth in worship.
• This approach can lead to a shallow and emotionally-driven understanding of faith, lacking doctrinal depth.

Hyper-Charismatic Theology of Bethel Church

Bethel Church, led by Bill Johnson, is known for its hyper-charismatic theology, which includes practices and beliefs like faith healing and prosperity gospel, often not supported by Scripture. This theology, reflected in Bethel Music, can lead to a misunderstanding of God’s sovereignty and human roles in His plan. For example, the Bible teaches about the sovereignty of God in all things, including healing and provision (Romans 8:28), while the hyper-charismatic focus can incorrectly suggest that faith alone can command such outcomes.

Johnson’s teachings, which often underpin the music, have been criticized for deviating from orthodox Christian beliefs. The Bible warns against adding to or taking away from God’s word (Revelation 22:18-19), emphasizing the need for teachings and worship to align with Scripture.

Critique of Word of Faith Themes in “Champion” by Bethel Music

The specific lyrics from Bethel Music’s “Champion” – “When I lift my voice and shout / Every wall comes crashing down / I have the authority / Jesus has given me / When I open up my mouth / Miracles start breaking out” – vividly embody the Word of Faith movement’s teachings. These lines, while intending to empower and inspire, raise significant theological concerns when examined through the lens of biblical teachings.

Interpretation of Spiritual Authority

The lyrics suggest that believers possess a kind of spiritual authority that can directly cause miraculous events and breakthroughs. While it is true that Jesus has given His followers authority (Luke 10:19), the biblical context of this authority is primarily over spiritual realms and not necessarily in manifesting physical miracles at will. The Word of Faith interpretation, as reflected in these lyrics, can lead to a misunderstanding of the nature and purpose of the authority granted by Christ.

“Name It and Claim It” Theology

The lines “When I lift my voice and shout / Every wall comes crashing down” align closely with the “name it and claim it” theology, implying that spoken words themselves can alter physical circumstances. This belief overlooks the scriptural teaching that God’s will is sovereign and not subject to human command or declaration (Isaiah 55:8-9). The Bible emphasizes prayer and submission to God’s will (1 John 5:14), rather than the idea that believers can dictate outcomes through their words.

Misrepresentation of Miraculous Power

The lyric “Miracles start breaking out” can create an expectation that believers can routinely perform miracles through their speech, a notion not consistently supported by Scripture. While God does work miracles, the New Testament illustrates that miracles were primarily signs accompanying the apostles’ ministry (2 Corinthians 12:12) and are not guaranteed on demand for believers.

Potential for Misplaced Faith

These lyrics can lead to misplaced faith, where trust is put in one’s ability to speak or declare, rather than in God’s sovereignty and providential plan. The Bible teaches reliance on God, not on our words or actions (Proverbs 3:5-6). By focusing on human ability to bring about change, there’s a risk of neglecting the need for prayerful dependence on God and recognition of His supreme authority.

Emphasis on Emotion Over Doctrine

Bethel Music’s strong focus on emotional experience can overshadow the importance of doctrinal soundness in worship. While emotions are a part of worship, they should not be the primary focus, as this can lead to a faith built on feelings rather than on the truths of Scripture. In Ephesians 4:14, Paul warns against being tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine, highlighting the need for stability in Christian teaching and experience.

Music that prioritizes emotional experience can hinder a believer’s understanding of the depth and richness of biblical teachings, leading to a superficial faith.

Potential for Shallow Faith Understanding

The approach taken by Bethel Music can lead to a shallow understanding of the Christian faith. A faith that is primarily emotionally driven, as can be the case with followers of Bethel Music, lacks the depth and maturity that comes from a solid understanding of Scripture. Hebrews 5:12-14 speaks of the need for believers to move beyond elementary doctrines and become mature in understanding.

The Bible stresses the importance of growing in knowledge and depth of insight (Philippians 1:9), which can be hindered by a focus on emotion-driven worship experiences.

Conclusion

Bethel Music, reflecting the hyper-charismatic theology of Bethel Church and Bill Johnson, presents several issues from a biblical perspective. The theology, reflected in the lyrics, and the emphasis on emotion over doctrinal truth can lead believers away from a sound understanding of Christian faith and worship as outlined in Scripture.

Read More

1. “Strange Fire: The Danger of Offending the Holy Spirit with Counterfeit Worship” by John MacArthur – This book critically examines the modern charismatic movement, offering a biblical perspective on practices like speaking in tongues and faith healing.
2. “Counterfeit Revival: Looking for God in All the Wrong Places” by Hank Hanegraaff – Hanegraaff delves into the issues within the charismatic movement, including the teachings of Bethel Church, scrutinizing them against biblical teachings.