Danger Will Robinson Danger
June 3rd, 2012 at 12:28 pm by David FarrarTony Wall at SST reports:
Bishop Brian Tamaki has raised the stakes with his Destiny Church followers, exhorting them to leave behind houses, jobs – even family members – to join him at a “City of God” he is building in South Auckland.
At the church’s annual conference in Rotorua on Friday night, Tamaki spent his entire two-hour sermon talking about how God had told him to build the city and why his followers had to lose their “parochialism” towards their home areas, even if it meant leaving behind loved ones.
Cult expert Mark Vrankovich said the speech was designed to “soften up” Tamaki’s followers and the real pressure to move to South Auckland would come with one-on-one sessions with local pastors.
“Saying that the church family is more important than your physical family, that you must go with the spiritual family, is a classic cult idea. This will put great pressure on families and break up families.”
Vrankovich was also concerned that Tamaki appeared to be encouraging people to sell their homes. “They’ll be pressured to give the money from the house sale to the church, and they’ll never see it again. He’s extracting money from people for his dream, and something that he will effectively own. He wants to be mayor or king of this ‘city’ so he’s softening them up to get them to move [to Auckland] so he’s guaranteed not to be losing money on the deal.”
I suspect Tamaki will own all the properties in his “city” and that indeed his followers will be urged to hand over the proceeds from selling their own home in exchange for being allowed to live rent free in their new allocated home. However if you leave the faith or criticise Lord Brian, then I imagine you will get turfed out with nothing. It will give him huge power over his flock.
Related posts:
- Was Tamaki going to announce he is the son of God?
- Destiny City
- Well done Pastor Andrew Stock
- EFTPOS in Destiny Churches
June 3rd, 2012 at 12:32 pm
look out for van loads of cool-aid supplies..
Vote:June 3rd, 2012 at 12:35 pm
You know, the French Jacobins had the perfect solution for bishop Brian as far back as 1789…
Vote:June 3rd, 2012 at 12:36 pm
Tamaki is very dangerous. IMO, he is a bigot and a complete charlatan.
Vote:Remember that awful anti-gay march by the brainwashed Destiny people down Lambton Quay, chanting “Enough is enough!”?
This is how the violent, hateful and evil “religion” of Islam started, with conman Mo in the desert brainwashing his gullible followers to follow him.
I’m not saying that Tamaki’s cult will be as big as Islam (and sure, Mo’s cult is a lot more vicious than the Destiny Church), but the “drop everything and follow me” message is similar.
June 3rd, 2012 at 12:41 pm
lord mayor bishop Tamiki has a shrinking “tax” prayer base.
Vote:June 3rd, 2012 at 12:45 pm
Sounds like he’s been examining the works of L Ron Hubbard. Anyone for clambake?
Vote:June 3rd, 2012 at 12:48 pm
No danger of gay marriages at the ‘City of God’, I guess.
Vote:June 3rd, 2012 at 12:48 pm
Clearly this particular sub-line of humans has evolved from sheep instead of apes.
Vote:June 3rd, 2012 at 12:52 pm
An interesting aspect in this is that we have seen it so many times, it always ends in tears.
Logically and rationally we all know where this ends yet when one of these charismatic evangelists pops up and gets a bit of money behind him people just follow along. Over and over again this happens across all cultures and crosscutting seemingly indiscriminately across all walks of life.
There are some pretty basic human logic and rational thinking faults associated with the behaviour.
Vote:June 3rd, 2012 at 12:54 pm
Jonestown down under. Just remember: whatever you do, don’t drink the Raro.
Vote:June 3rd, 2012 at 12:56 pm
mikenmild
Ironically the slackening of laws such as gay marriage give these parasites extra power. It’s another hot button to push with the followers.
Vote:June 3rd, 2012 at 12:58 pm
Wonder if rest home legislation would help. People who purchase rest home units now have security of ownership above various others eg mortgagees. Especially as people likely to ‘purchase’ a place in Brian’s village would be either senile or demented (ie rest home material).
Vote:June 3rd, 2012 at 1:03 pm
peterwn
The fear of being sodomised in damnation for the rest of eternity might drive some people to act under Tamaki law rather than NZ law.
Vote:June 3rd, 2012 at 1:12 pm
Clearly this particular sub-line of humans has evolved from sheep instead of apes
At least sheep have evolved. Unlike the New Zealand ape rushing headlong down the dead end evolutionary blind alley of allowing homosexuals to marry and raise our children.
Vote:June 3rd, 2012 at 1:17 pm
burt
Vote:Why did you mention sodomy?
cue another 10,000 words about the homosexual lead destruction of humanity.
June 3rd, 2012 at 1:18 pm
Won’t this turn into some sort of Commune where people eventually get brainwashed into thinking that they are somehow above the law; where a single leader evolves into some sort of cultist who believes he is a sort of God figure?
As yet Tamaki has not done anything illegal, though I wonder how many of those black t-shirted school boys who marched in the anti-gay rally in 2004 where they were recorded chanting “Enough is Enough” should have been somewhere else – i.e in school. However, it is obvious Destiny don’t like criticism because a few years ago a couple of disgruntled members started a protest across the road from a Destiny rally and Destiny enforcers tried to shut it down.
Vote:June 3rd, 2012 at 1:23 pm
pmofnz
So they marry and raise children and that’s an evolutionary blind alley…. heterosexuals marry and raise children and that’s good… The evolutionary blind alley line won’t get far with rational intelligent people so… enjoy the power it has over your followers.
Vote:June 3rd, 2012 at 2:05 pm
I find this concerning. His ‘City of God’ is very detached from what Jesus meant, and what, for example, St Augustine wrote about.
That said, what has Destiny done wrong? I don’t see any evidence of all this bullyboy talk (though am prepared to believe it might occur) and it’s not like Tamaki’s out there being f***ing useless like all the morons our society seems to worship.
So Destiny marched against the Civil Unions Bill. Well boo hoo. Get over it. And least they weren’t trashing up Queen St like the students the other day.
Vote:June 3rd, 2012 at 2:08 pm
‘Tis a very silly place.
Vote:June 3rd, 2012 at 2:09 pm
It’s only a model
Vote:June 3rd, 2012 at 2:13 pm
Just to be clear, I think there is a possibility for this to go disturbingly wrong and I don’t agree with Tamaki’s plans. However, the analysis that it is being given here is full a rank ‘liberal’ hypocrisy.
Vote:June 3rd, 2012 at 3:37 pm
This has got me reading up….
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonestown
Vote:June 3rd, 2012 at 3:39 pm
So now he wants his flock to up donations from tens of dollars to hundreds of thousands.
This guy has simply gone to far now.
Vote:June 3rd, 2012 at 3:58 pm
wreck1080
I think time will show that he’s only getting started.
Vote:June 3rd, 2012 at 4:05 pm
burt & pmofnz, regardless of what you think of gay marriage & adoption, neither of these will have anything to do procreation unless you subscribe to the completely unfounded belief that gay parents raise gay children.
Vote:June 3rd, 2012 at 4:22 pm
The easy scared trendies who ignore the lessons of history.
Vote:June 3rd, 2012 at 4:22 pm
Matthew 7:25-34:
The Bible specifically and indisputably says: give up everything and the Lord shall provide what you need. “Take no thought for the morrow” – don’t make plans, don’t prepare for things, don’t work, don’t secure shelter, food, or clothing for yourself or your family. Doing that shit is evidence of a lack of faith. The only thing that matters is loving Jebus and his designated representatives right here and right now, call the number on screen with your credit card details.
Vote:June 3rd, 2012 at 4:27 pm
Not one, but ten suckers are born every minute!
Vote:June 3rd, 2012 at 4:27 pm
WhineOh
I have no argument with that. Homosexuality has been with our species since it first existed. It’s in hundreds of other species as well. I don’t think for a moment that homosexuality is a genetic trait that can be ‘breed out’ of people or a personality disorder than can be exorcised away by mumbo-jumbo. It is what it is… a person sexual orientation – no more no less. How people get their jollies if of no concern to me as long as it’s consensual between ‘adults’.
I have no idea what pmofnz thinks though. Just like I no idea what the dumb ass slogan ‘enough is enough’ chanters believe. But one thing is sure – intolerance for people ‘not like us’ is always a strong feature in any cult or fundamentalist religious group.
Vote:June 3rd, 2012 at 4:45 pm
By inviting a large group of prople to “invest” money he is subject the various laws, no what blarney he wraps around the scheme. A prospectus is now required. The FMA should be “alongside” BB now rather than letting him throw his followers into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.(Matthew 13:42).
Vote:June 3rd, 2012 at 5:08 pm
One interpretation of Scripture and an over simplified version at that.
Vote:June 3rd, 2012 at 5:24 pm
A prospectus is now required.
OK Bill but what if the prospectus spells out outrageous terms and conditions and the punter signs up for them anyway, that’s not illegal, is it?
No this is quite extraordinary behaviour alright but this isn’t the first extraordinary thing he’s done so who knows. Let’s just wait and see. It certainly doesn’t seem like a very good deal does it. I mean what if you don’t want to live with your church-mates 24/7/365 yet you want to continue to be a member of Destiny? How does that work? Is it like being a day boy at a boarding school?
I’ve never had the same issues others have with Tamaki. I’ve seen the hand of God moving in his results and it’s not bad. I’ve never had a problem with for example his street parades with the T-shirts that everyone got excited about, I mean so what. I just look to his results and his congregations are all well dressed well behaved self disciplined educated serious and sober Christians and that works for me. However of course I also see the cultish aspects. My jury’s still out on yes or no but this move seems rather along those lines doesn’t it. But as far as I’m concerned he’s only raised my Destiny Def-Con level by a notch but it’s still on AA+ Long Term Stable rating.
However one cannot discount it may in ten or so years somehow turn into some sort of survivalist seige so I’ve setup Janet Reno and the ATF’s 0900 number on my quick dial, just in case.
Vote:June 3rd, 2012 at 5:32 pm
As someone who started to become sucked into a strong spiritual leader many many moons ago; the more people vilify the ‘Bishop’ or criticise the flock, the more they will feel justified and are indeed the righteous standing up against the forces of hell.
The only way to get through to them is contact and interaction with the outside world, most will eventually see through the sham (takes time but most will). But here is the danger, they will be more cut off in Gods little commune.
This could end very badly.
Vote:June 3rd, 2012 at 5:46 pm
Since this is essentially an ecclesiastical matter I feel out of my depth in any attempt I might make to address the Bishop’s folly. Fortunately after regurgitating about 10,000 comments made by God’s Little Helpers over the past couple of months an obvious solution has come to hand.
Down on your knees & pray!
Vote:June 3rd, 2012 at 5:55 pm
The wannabe infidel/beheading types in NZ worry me more. Tamaki’s lot seem harmless to others.
Vote:June 3rd, 2012 at 6:09 pm
Most people who claim to hear voices in their heads would be put on medication. Funny how it’s OK when the voice’s name is ‘God’…
That aside, wouldn’t Mr Tamaki have to own all the property himself so he can dictate who lives in his empire?
Vote:June 3rd, 2012 at 7:54 pm
I know a chap who is a member of this cult. While not being a close personal friend of mine I know him well enough to speak about the Destiny Cult.
Sadly this chap will not hear one bad word about Brian Tamaki, even though the Church contacted him last year to say that they thought he was “holding out on them” and wanted proof that his earnings had decreased because of the global economic crisis.
He told me a few weeks back that he and his family were going to move to this new paradise, his house is on the market and he “cannot wait” to live the Destiny lifestyle 24/7.
I fear it will all end badly for him.
Vote:June 3rd, 2012 at 8:06 pm
It’s not often I agree with Big Bruv.
Vote:June 3rd, 2012 at 8:23 pm
“..I’ve never had a problem with for example his street parades with the T-shirts that everyone got excited about, I mean so what…”
that’s ‘cos he gay-bashes..and you are a gay-basher…
that you are ‘with’ him just confirms yr moonbat-status…
phillip ure@whoar.co.nz
Vote:June 3rd, 2012 at 8:56 pm
The speculations, anybody could think you guys are more apocalyptic than the Book of Revelation .
Vote:June 3rd, 2012 at 9:38 pm
forget the rena oil slick this one will be far worse
Vote:June 4th, 2012 at 5:01 am
Brian should be allowed to run Housing NZ.
Vote:June 4th, 2012 at 6:22 am
….. but perhaps he would be more comfortable running CYFs . . . .
Vote:June 4th, 2012 at 12:21 pm
Oh ye of little faith http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTzXJMU1sLc
Vote:June 4th, 2012 at 12:53 pm
Next up – the Brian Tamaki charter school, to indoctronate the young.
Vote:And of the course because it fits governments idiological position, they will be quite happy to fork over the dollars for it.
June 4th, 2012 at 3:06 pm
At the risk of Godwinning, because he was in fact talking about Hitler, a quote from the great Huey Long comes to mind: “Anybody that lets his public policies be mixed up with religious prejudice is a plain goddamned fool”.
Any adult of sound mind (though that may be an oxymoron in this instance) who follows the goddamned fool into the promissory (note) land deserves all that is coming to them; or rather, all that is about to be taken from them.
Vote:June 4th, 2012 at 5:12 pm
Wonderful honours! H1 will have to sit next to the Duke at ONZ dinners – she must be spitting tacks, and Cullen and Deane (rememer when Telecom shares were over $6) both recognised for screwing up their respective bits of the economy.
Vote:June 4th, 2012 at 5:15 pm
thor42 (170) Says:
June 3rd, 2012 at 12:36 pm
..is very dangerous. IMO, he is a bigot and a complete charlatan.
Why bring Winston into this?
Vote:June 5th, 2012 at 7:40 am
Vrankovich and his cultwatch can’t normally be taken seriously because they’re a fundamentalist outfit who define cult as anyone with doctrinal differences to their own brand of fundamentalism. Tamaki was originally declared a cult for “denying the resurrection”. In this case though, they happen to have picked an actual cult, in the normal sense of the word.
Vote:June 5th, 2012 at 8:26 am
I’ve been a paid up member of a cult. In my past life as a fat drunk, I approached AA for some help. That was fantabulous and I met some lovely people, as you do, in any movement. I didn’t “relate” so I didn’t stay. Along the way I met a very sinister women in a branch of Overeaters Anonymous which is spinoff of AA. OA was established in NZ in Christchurch by a women called Leonie Thompson who happens to me the mum of singer Wendy Thompson.
Vote:She controlled the minds of about 50 women who ate exactly what she dictated they should eat all year round, in both Wellington and Christchurch. She would let people know if they had a “spiritual recovery”.
Being the bad bitch that I am I never had a “spiritual recovery”. However I remember being devastated by this when in her thrall. Another woman told me I was like a dog off a leash.”
I heard five separate reports of suicides over the five years that I knew these people with the only linking factor being membership of this particular group of Overeaters Anonymous.It became obvious to me that cults are more common that we know. I know regard the extreme left as “cultish”.
Your’s truly, a plump occasional pisshead (I downgraded you see
http://nowoccupy.blogspot.com/2012/06/brian-tamaki-just-plain-crazy.html