Like most people who read this blog, I was at church. But did anyone else catch Brian Houston from Hillsong interviewed on Channel Seven's Sunday Night a few weeks back? Sunday Night is essentially Seven's attempt at copying Nine's 60 Minutes (which they probably could have just called '61 Minutes' for greater effect).
The story was called 'Inside Hillsong'. Because I watched it online the day after it aired, my memory is now a bit foggy, but I remember thinking Houston did a good job with the interview. I was surprised with his clarity on a number of issues that I would have expected him to dodge or distort. It was also interesting to see on a few occasions how uncomfortable the success (depending on how its defined) of the entire Hillsong conglomerate seemed to sit with Brian and others interviewed.
Now to be sure, my past criticism of Hillsong stands. I mean Houston in the story repents of the title of his book 'You Need More Money', but not of the content. But kudos where its due. He spoke well, and from memory got just enough of Jesus in there for the interview to be worthwhile for the sake of the gospel.
Oh, and the reporter asked Brian the very un-Australian question of 'How much do you earn?'
The interview/story is worth a watch and is currently video 18 on the Sunday Night video website.
I think he did a reasonable job, considering how hard it can be to talk with mainstream media and not be taken out of context.
ReplyDeleteInteresting that he wouldn't run the same title of his book again, it is definitely about being positioned and using what you have for God's glory.
Yeah, did you notice how visibly uncomfortable he was with the interview process? And fair enough, because as you say the mainstream media is a dangerous beast and no doubt he's been burnt before.
ReplyDeleteI think one of the most encouraging thing about Hillsong is that they are constantly evolving. Now whether this is motivated by a desire to submit to the word of God, or a desire to appeal to a more mainstream audience I do not know. However, as things change this should lead to an increased awareness of the implicit theology behind what they teach and do, which I think can only be a good thing. And I hope where necessary, lead to further change to reflect the truth of revelation.