Problems With Hillsong Worship

TL;DR

• Hillsong music often emphasizes emotions over sound doctrine, leading to an emotionally manipulative experience.
• Certain Hillsong songs contain lyrics that are theologically vague or inconsistent with biblical teachings.
• Hillsong’s partnerships with controversial figures like T.D. Jakes and Bill Johnson raise concerns about doctrinal integrity.
• The overall approach of Hillsong music can lead to a shallow understanding of the Christian faith and experience.

Emotion Over Doctrine

Hillsong music is known for its powerful emotional appeal, which can overshadow the importance of sound doctrine. In Christian theology, while emotions are a part of worship, they should not be the driving force. Paul warns in 2 Timothy 4:3-4 about a time when people will not endure sound teaching, but, having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions. This trend towards emotionalism can be seen in songs like “Oceans,” where the focus is heavily on personal feelings and experiences rather than on the truths of Scripture.

The Bible emphasizes the need for doctrine to be the foundation of worship. In Colossians 3:16, Paul instructs believers to let the word of Christ dwell in them richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom. This indicates a balance between emotional expression and doctrinal depth, which is often missing in Hillsong’s music. The Psalms, while emotionally rich, are also deeply grounded in the truths about God and His works (Psalm 119).

Theological Ambiguity in Lyrics

Hillsong’s song lyrics sometimes exhibit theological ambiguity or even error, which can lead to misconceptions about Christian beliefs. For example, the song “What a Beautiful Name” includes the line, “You didn’t want heaven without us, So Jesus, You brought heaven down.” This could be interpreted as diminishing the transcendence and sovereignty of God, contrary to Isaiah 55:9, where God’s ways and thoughts are declared higher than ours.

Scripture stresses the importance of sound doctrine in lyrics and teachings. In Titus 2:1, Paul urges that teachings must be in accord with sound doctrine. Theologically vague lyrics can lead believers away from a clear understanding of God’s nature and works, as outlined in the Bible.

Questionable Partnerships

Hillsong’s partnerships with controversial figures like T.D. Jakes and Bill Johnson raise serious concerns about their doctrinal integrity. These individuals are known for teachings that diverge from orthodox Christian doctrine. For instance, T.D. Jakes has been associated with Oneness Pentecostalism, which denies the traditional doctrine of the Trinity, contradicting the clear biblical teaching of three distinct persons in one God (Matthew 28:19).

The Bible warns against such associations in 2 John 1:10-11, which advises not to welcome or even give greeting to those who bring a different doctrine. By partnering with teachers who hold questionable theological positions, Hillsong risks endorsing and spreading unscriptural teachings.

Superficial Faith Experience

The approach of Hillsong music can lead to a shallow understanding and experience of the Christian faith. The emphasis on emotional experiences over doctrinal depth can result in a faith that is based on feelings rather than on the truths of Scripture. Hebrews 5:12-14 speaks to the need for maturity in understanding the word of righteousness.

Furthermore, the Bible emphasizes the need for deep roots in faith (Colossians 2:7). A faith built on the shifting sands of emotions can easily falter in times of trial, as opposed to one grounded in the solid teaching of the word of God (Matthew 7:24-27).

Conclusion

Hillsong music, while popular and emotionally appealing, presents several concerns from a biblical perspective. Its emphasis on emotion over doctrine, theological ambiguity in lyrics, questionable partnerships, and the potential for a superficial faith experience are areas that warrant careful consideration for believers seeking to align their worship with biblical teachings.

Read More

1. “Worship Matters: Leading Others to Encounter the Greatness of God” by Bob Kauflin – This book offers a biblical perspective on worship, emphasizing the importance of sound doctrine and theological depth in music.
2. “True Worshipers: Seeking What Matters to God” by Bob Kauflin – Kauflin explores the essence of true worship, discussing how worship should be grounded in truth and aimed at glorifying God, rather than being driven by emotions.