Religion has always been a dangerous topic and many people feel very strongly about their belief systems. There are numerous sects that operate all over the world and many of them are seen as radical. It is no wonder that much criticism is levelled at such sects. They are accused of leading their members astray, of deviating from the true teachings of the scriptures and even of misleading their members. HOPCC is one of those churches that are criticised regularly, sometimes even viciously.
Even a quick online search reveals a number of sites that are highly critical of the House of Prayer Christian Churches. A number of complainants allege that they had to donate all their belongings to the church. In some cases this even included the family home. Some even say that they were coerced into resigning their jobs, so as to be able to spend more time on matters pertaining to the church.
A number of critics are of the opinion that the House of Prayer recruit young people under false pretensions and then separate them from their families. This seems to be the case especially when the parents of such young people start to question the involvement of their children with the sect. Parents say their children show behavioural changes and they avoid their own loved ones.
Some of the people that have related their experiences with the church say that they have laid complaints to various authorities. However, according to them, the authorities are hesitant to act in a decisive manner. The right to enjoy freedom of association is an inalienable right and formal steps can only be instituted if there is clear evidence of a crime being committed.
The House of Prayer Christian Church has not responded to the attacks against it. They maintain that the church is a spiritual home for those that choose to be members. Nobody is forced to do anything against their will, although members are encouraged to pray regularly, to attend services and to become involved in mission work. There are also no shortages of glowing recommendations from church members.
The church will admit, however, that the faculty and students at their seminary are expected to avoid worldly preoccupations and to live pure, spiritual lives. It is not clear what exactly it means when by worldly preoccupations but critics maintain that this means such members must surrender their personal possessions and that they have to dedicate all their time to mission work for the church.
When reading some of the commentary on those sites dedicated to exposing the House of Prayer Christian Church as evil one cannot help but thinking that the writers of those comments are extremely angry. Some writers make wide sweeping comments and they even attach individuals connected to the church. Such material should be avoided by balanced individuals that know that a vitriolic attack is often not to be trusted.
There can be no doubt that the House of Prayer has many enemies. Many of those criticising the church are previous members or they have family that are still members. The fact remains that there is not much that can be done when an adult willingly join a specific religious group.
Even a quick online search reveals a number of sites that are highly critical of the House of Prayer Christian Churches. A number of complainants allege that they had to donate all their belongings to the church. In some cases this even included the family home. Some even say that they were coerced into resigning their jobs, so as to be able to spend more time on matters pertaining to the church.
A number of critics are of the opinion that the House of Prayer recruit young people under false pretensions and then separate them from their families. This seems to be the case especially when the parents of such young people start to question the involvement of their children with the sect. Parents say their children show behavioural changes and they avoid their own loved ones.
Some of the people that have related their experiences with the church say that they have laid complaints to various authorities. However, according to them, the authorities are hesitant to act in a decisive manner. The right to enjoy freedom of association is an inalienable right and formal steps can only be instituted if there is clear evidence of a crime being committed.
The House of Prayer Christian Church has not responded to the attacks against it. They maintain that the church is a spiritual home for those that choose to be members. Nobody is forced to do anything against their will, although members are encouraged to pray regularly, to attend services and to become involved in mission work. There are also no shortages of glowing recommendations from church members.
The church will admit, however, that the faculty and students at their seminary are expected to avoid worldly preoccupations and to live pure, spiritual lives. It is not clear what exactly it means when by worldly preoccupations but critics maintain that this means such members must surrender their personal possessions and that they have to dedicate all their time to mission work for the church.
When reading some of the commentary on those sites dedicated to exposing the House of Prayer Christian Church as evil one cannot help but thinking that the writers of those comments are extremely angry. Some writers make wide sweeping comments and they even attach individuals connected to the church. Such material should be avoided by balanced individuals that know that a vitriolic attack is often not to be trusted.
There can be no doubt that the House of Prayer has many enemies. Many of those criticising the church are previous members or they have family that are still members. The fact remains that there is not much that can be done when an adult willingly join a specific religious group.
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