🧐HARD-HITTING INVESTIGATION: The Unholy Alliance – Paula White and the Moonies’ Heresies

The 411 on Paula White

Daily Mail: Christians furious as Trump appoints ‘heretic’ preacher to lead White House Faith Office

Donald Trump has sparked a backlash from leading Christians over his appointment of a controversial televangelist to the White House.

The president on Friday signed an executive order to open a White House Faith Office to be led by Paula White, his longtime spiritual adviser.

Trump established a similar office at the White House during his first term and regularly consulted with a tight group of evangelical advisers.

But the move sparked fury from Christian leaders who believe that White, a megachurch pastor from Florida, preaches an interpretation of the gospel that critics argue exploits the most vulnerable.

White teaches followers that God will reward them if they donate to her church, going as far as to suggest precise sums over a thousand dollars to ensure their ‘salvation’.

‘This is an abomination,’ wrote Christian motivational speaker Scott Ross on X.

‘She preaches the heresies of Word of Faith & Prosperity Gospel, both utterly opposed to authentic Christianity. Worse, she has lived a life of scandal, with multiple husbands, twisting the Gospel for profit.’

But the backlash came thick and fast online as it sent shockwaves through Trump’s Christian base.

[Scott] Ross, an Orthodox Christian leader based in Texas, went as far as to argue that White’s appointment was the ‘worst and most dangerous thing’ Trump could have done.

‘Lord, have mercy on our country and this administration,’ he wrote on X.

Christian blogger Chris Hohnholz wrote on X: ‘Not every choice he makes will be a home run, we understand that. But this? This is a train wreck. @realDonaldTrump, sir, you need to reverse course on this ASAP. Not only is Paula White not biblically qualified to be a pastor, she is a false teacher leading people to Hell. Do not do this, sir.’

Right Wing Watch: Paula White Claims to Have Gone to the Throne Room of Heaven Where She Saw the Face of God

Presidential spiritual adviser Paula White claims to have recently been transported to the Throne Room of Heaven, where she received a new “mantle” and anointing from God.

“I literally went to the Throne Room of God,” she said. “There was a mist that was coming off the water, and I went to the throne of God, and I didn’t see God’s face clearly, but I saw the face of God … I knew it was the face of God.”

“He put a mantle [on me] and it was a very distinct mantle,” White continued. “There was a mantle, and I saw it very distinctly, the color was like a goldish, a yellowish goldish … and then I saw the Earth for a moment, and [God] brought me back, and he put me in certain places, one being the White House, one being certain continents.”

Washington Examiner: Trump already under pressure to ‘fire’ his pick to lead White House Faith Office

President Donald Trump is facing pressure to “fire” pastor Paula White, his controversial pick to lead the new White House Faith Office, just one day after announcing her appointment.

Scores of pastors, priests, and Christians of all denominations reacted harshly to Trump’s pick on X after it was announced. Trump faced similar criticism when he picked White to be involved in his 2016 campaign and first presidential administration.

“I’m hearing from a credible source that President Trump is well aware that Paula White has been trending all day on X and that the response to him appointing her the head of the White House Faith Office is receiving a TON of negative backlash,” former Bay Area sports broadcaster Jon Root posted.

While Root is one of the leading voices calling on Trump to “fire” and “replace” White, podcaster ​​Chris Hohnholz called on the president to “reverse course on this ASAP.” Pastor David Reece suggested Trump replace White with Voddie Buacham, and another user wrote, “Dear @POTUS, please don’t do this. Worst decision you will ever make.” Each post received more than 1,000 likes.

The editor-in-chief of Christianity Today magazine, Russell Moore, was one of many prominent Christians who came out against Trump’s decision to appoint White as chairwoman of the evangelical advisory board for his first presidential campaign. Moore described White as “a charlatan and recognized as a heretic by every orthodox Christian, of whatever tribe.”

Mother Jones, February 17, 2020: How Do You Get From the Trailer Park to a White House Job? Give Money to Trump’s Spiritual Adviser.

Among other things, a Senate report found that White’s personal ministry and the church she ran with her now ex-husband used tax-exempt ministry funds to pay nearly $900,000 one year for the Whites’ waterfront mansion. It paid over a million dollars in salaries to family members and kept the Whites in the air with a private jet. White and her church refused to cooperate with the investigation and in 2011, Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa), issued a report outlining the committee’s findings but took no other action. White’s church declared bankruptcy in 2014 after defaulting on $29 million in loans from an evangelical credit union. In 2011, amid controversy, she became senior pastor at the predominantly black City of Destiny—then known as New Destiny Christian Center—after its former pastor died of a drug overdose.

Women as pastors?

The question of whether women should serve as pastors is a significant and nuanced topic within Christianity, warranting thorough exploration and discussion. While this subject merits its own dedicated study in a future blog post, for those interested in an initial perspective, I recommend reviewing the 1998 article from SBCLife titled “Women Pastors: What Does the Bible Teach?” available through the Internet Archive. This piece provides a foundational look at the biblical teachings surrounding this issue, offering insights that can serve as a starting point for deeper personal study and reflection.

The Apostle Paul: “But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1)

According to the Apostle Paul, doctrinal training is crucial for a Christian’s spiritual growth and maturity, as it provides a solid foundation of truth based on God’s Word, protecting believers from false teachings and equipping them to live a life aligned with God’s will; he repeatedly emphasizes the need for “sound doctrine” which acts as a safeguard against error and enables Christians to discern truth from falsehood, thus promoting healthy Christian living and effective ministry.

Key points about Paul’s view on doctrinal training:
Protection from false teaching:
Paul warns against being “tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14), highlighting the importance of having a firm grasp on sound doctrine to resist misleading teachings.
Spiritual maturity:
Proper doctrinal understanding leads to a mature Christian life, allowing believers to apply biblical truths to their daily lives and make informed decisions.
Gospel centrality:
Paul emphasizes the importance of teaching the core message of the Gospel, which is the foundation of Christian belief.
Leadership responsibility:
Paul instructs leaders like Timothy to diligently guard and teach sound doctrine, ensuring the faithful transmission of the Christian message to future generations.
Examples from Paul’s writings:

Titus 2:1: “But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine”
1 Timothy 1:10: “The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith”
2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness”

An investigation into Paula White’s background reveals a troubling deficiency in traditional Biblical training and doctrinal education. Unlike many Christian leaders who possess formal theological education, White lacks seminary training or ordination from a recognized Christian denomination. Her theological foundation appears to be self-taught or influenced by non-traditional sources, including mentors within the prosperity gospel and Word of Faith movements, which are often criticized for their unorthodox teachings.

Critics argue that her teachings, which blend prosperity gospel with elements of New Thought—emphasizing wealth, health, and the power of positive confession—deviate significantly from orthodox Christian doctrine. This has raised alarm among theologians and laypeople alike, who question her capability to lead and teach within the broader Christian community, especially given her prominent roles in spiritual advisory capacities and public platforms. Concerns also extend to her susceptibility to theological error and the potential for misleading followers, as her lack of formal education may limit her ability to critically engage with complex scriptural and doctrinal issues.

She said what??

Examining the actual quotes of so-called religious leaders often serves as a critical window into their beliefs, revealing doctrinal positions that may significantly deviate from Orthodox Christianity. These direct statements can uncover theological inconsistencies or unorthodox interpretations that might otherwise be obscured by general teachings or public personas, highlighting the importance of scrutinizing their words to discern any troubling departures from established Christian doctrine.

Norman Vincent Peale brought the Gospel in a very practical way in our time of history for not only New York but our nation and also the Trump family.
~ Paula White

While Norman Vincent Peale had a profound influence on American Christianity and popularized certain Christian concepts, his doctrines are not universally accepted as aligning strictly with Orthodox Christianity. Critics often point to a perceived lack of emphasis on sin, repentance, and the traditional path to salvation through Christ, alongside his incorporation of non-traditional elements into his theology. Therefore, within the context of strict doctrinal correctness according to traditional Orthodox standards, Peale would not be considered one of its “most doctrinally correct” personalities.

In the New Testament, Jesus talks more about stewardship and finances and management of your life than anything else outside the love of God.
~ Paula White

Paula White’s statement is an overstatement when looking at the sheer volume and thematic focus of Jesus’s teachings in the New Testament. While Jesus indeed addresses stewardship, finances, and management of life, these are not more frequently discussed than other major themes like faith, repentance, forgiveness, and especially the love of God and neighbor. Her claim could be seen as an interpretative emphasis that aligns with the prosperity gospel narrative, which some critics argue selectively highlights certain passages to support its theology. Thus, while there is truth to Jesus discussing these topics, saying they are discussed more than almost anything else outside of love does not fully align with a comprehensive view of the New Testament’s content.

There is creative power in your mouth right now. God spoke and created the universe; you have creative power to speak life and death! If you believe God, you can create anything in your life.
~ Paula White

The claim that humans can “create anything in your life” by speaking it into existence is a hallmark of the Word of Faith movement. This teaching suggests that believers can claim or speak into existence health, wealth, or success by using faith-filled words. This view is not universally accepted within Christianity and is often criticized for promoting a form of magical thinking. Mainstream theology would caution against the idea that humans can “create anything” in their lives through speech, as this could lead to misunderstanding the role of suffering, the will of God, and the complexities of faith.

Each January, I put God first and honor him with the first of our substance by sowing a first fruits offering of one month’s pay. That is a big sacrifice, but it is a seed for the harvest I am believing for in the coming year. And God always provides!
~ Paula White

Yes, the principle of giving from one’s first or best can be seen as an extension of Old Testament practices, but the specific application of giving one month’s salary as described by White is more of a modern interpretation or tradition. White’s statement is linked to prosperity theology, which suggests that giving can lead to material blessings. This interpretation is controversial among theologians, as it might not align with the broader New Testament teachings on wealth, humility, and the dangers of materialism (e.g., Matthew 6:19-21, Luke 12:15). The New Testament encourages generosity, giving as one is able, and doing so with joy, but it does not prescribe specific amounts or times for giving beyond encouraging regular, proportional giving based on one’s income.

There have been times that I have taken prayer cloths that have been anointed as a point of contact. I put them in my loved ones sneakers, I put them under their bed. I put them on parts of my body that I believe God for healing.
~ Paula White

While the Bible does support the notion that faith can manifest through physical means (like the cloths in Acts), there’s a fine line between faith in God’s power and what might be perceived as superstition or magical thinking. Focusing on the cloth rather than on God Himself could lead to idolatry or misplaced faith.

And now it’s time to discuss the “H” word … and yes, “Huckster” does come to mind.

On Faith: The Heresy of Paula White

The Barre Montpelier Times Argus, 2019: On Halloween, President Trump announced the appointment of televangelist Prosperity Gospel preacher Paula White as an official member of the White House staff. She has been Trump’s personal spiritual adviser for some time, but now she will be with the Office of Public Liaison as special adviser for the administration’s Faith and Opportunity Initiative. Halloween was a perfectly chosen date for this announcement, since Ms. White is nothing more than a mega-church, self-help huckster wearing the costume of a Christian minister.

In Ms. White’s case, this costume consists of expensive designer dresses impeccably tailored to show off her striking good looks and svelte figure. She literally “looks like a million bucks.” This is not an irrelevant sexist comment because she does, indeed, have millions of bucks, which is only perfectly fitting (pun intended) since, according to her version of Christianity, worldly success and monetary rewards are the outward signs of God’s favor.

The only problem with her message is that her version of Christianity is heresy — pure and simple and blatant. This is not merely my personal opinion, but the opinion of many well-known American evangelical figures, such as Southern Baptist theologian Russell D. Moore, who has said, “Paula is a charlatan and recognized as a heretic by every orthodox Christian, of whatever tribe” (as cited in The Washington Post, Jan. 3, 2017). Prof. Michael Horton of the Westminster Seminary California has stated much the same thing. Well-known Christian radio host Erick Erickson has said, “The president of the U.S. is putting a heretic on stage who claims to believe in Jesus, but does not …” Of course, many Catholic theologians have long held that Prosperity Gospel Christianity is a form of heresy.

Frankly, Paula White is just a flashier, sexier, female version of Norman Vincent Peale. Let me be as clear as I can possibly be: these are dangerous people, dangerous charlatans who are using a false mantel of “Christianity” to promote their sale of snake-oil theology on a massive scale via the modern miracle of mass media. A look at White’s career and her three marriages reveals her to be an opportunist who has left a fair amount of wrack, ruin and bankruptcies in her wake. Her current husband (as of 2015) is rock star Jonathan Cain.

All this would be one thing if White were merely a “pastor” of sorts, doing her own thing, whatever that might be. But the fact is that, since 2017, she has been placed center stage in the spotlight by Donald Trump again and again. She has now been officially brought into the White House administration. She now has, arguably, the highest-placed role in national governmental affairs of any Christian pastor in America. But the question remains: What is she a pastor of? She has no degree from any college, bachelor’s or master’s, and no theological training of any sort. Period. Moreover, she and the whole Prosperity Gospel movement have been roundly condemned by bona fide Christians as a whole — evangelicals, Protestants and Catholics. Yet here she now is, sitting at the right hand of our president in an official capacity and (one has to assume) receiving a government salary.

The heresy of the Prosperity Gospel is based on many lies. Top among them is the teaching that one’s wealth and success in the world demonstrate God’s favor and blessings placed upon you because you are “saved” and this is God’s reward to you. Anybody with common sense knows — today just as 2,000 years ago — that worldly success is often more than 50% pure luck, and also often more than 50% disreputable business practices.

The Prosperity Gospel has brought those disreputable business practices right into church and placed them on the altar. If that’s not heresy, I don’t know what is.

And in all the excitement, I nearly forgot the Moonie Connection

In the shadowy corners where faith meets finance, televangelist Paula White-Cain, once a spiritual advisor to former President Donald Trump, has found herself entangled in a web of controversy that stretches from the Christian mainstream to the fringes of religious doctrine. At the heart of this narrative lies her connection with the Unification Church, colloquially known as the “Moonies,” founded by the late Rev. Sun Myung Moon, a figure whose teachings have long been labeled heretical by traditional Christian denominations.

Paula White, known for her charismatic preaching and her role in founding the City of Destiny church in Florida, has been a figure of both admiration and scrutiny. Prosperity gospel teachings have marked her ministry, but recent activities have cast a spotlight on her association with one of the most controversial religious movements in modern history.

The controversy began to surface prominently when White was seen speaking at Moonie events, notably at the Universal Peace Federation’s Peace Summit. Here, she lavished praise on Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, the widow of Rev. Sun Myung Moon, calling her a “jewel from God” and a woman who “loves the Lord.” This was not just a one-off occurrence; White has been a repeat presenter at these gatherings, where she has described Moon’s widow as carrying “such a tremendous calling of God in this earth.”

But what exactly does this association imply? The Unification Church, founded in 1954 by Sun Myung Moon, is known for its unorthodox beliefs, including the assertion that Moon was the second coming of Christ, sent to complete the mission Jesus could not due to his crucifixion. They believe in mass weddings where Moon himself would match couples, often complete strangers, in a bid to restore humanity to a sinless state. These practices, alongside their reinterpretation of Biblical texts, have led to widespread condemnation from evangelical and mainline Christian communities.

The heart of the issue lies in the theological discordance. White, a prominent figure in the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) movement, has now aligned herself with a group whose doctrines are anathema to basic Christian orthodoxy. Critics, as seen in posts on X and various Christian watchdog blogs like Protestia, argue that her involvement signifies a profound lack of discernment, if not an outright endorsement of heretical teachings.

A News Narrative, compliments of Grok

Investigating Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon: A Departure from Orthodox Christianity

In the quiet corridors of religious discourse, the name Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon resonates not with the chimes of traditional Christianity but with the echoes of a distinct, controversial path. Known as “True Mother” or “Mother of Peace” among her followers, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon has inherited the leadership of the Unification Church, or the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, following the death of her husband, Rev. Sun Myung Moon, in 2012.

The Roots of Deviation
At the heart of the investigation into Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon’s theological positions lies the core doctrine of the Unification Church, which sharply diverges from Orthodox Christianity. The central tenet that sets the Unification Church apart is its belief in Rev. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon as the “True Parents” of humanity, a concept that fundamentally challenges the Christian doctrine of salvation through Jesus Christ alone. Moon’s teachings, encapsulated in “The Divine Principle,” assert that Jesus failed to fulfill his mission, which Moon himself completed by establishing a new family free from sin. This notion not only undermines the Christian understanding of Jesus’s role but also introduces a theology where Moon and his wife are seen as messianic figures.

Theological Incongruities
Our investigation reveals several points where Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon’s teachings diverge from orthodox Christian doctrine:
The Trinity: Unlike the traditional Christian view of the Trinity, the Unification Church views God in a unique way, proposing a dual nature of masculinity and femininity within God, which is not aligned with the Trinitarian understanding of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as co-equal persons.
Salvation: Orthodox Christianity teaches salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. However, in the Unification Church, salvation is linked to participating in the “Blessing” ceremonies, which are mass weddings officiated by Moon or, post-2012, by Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon. This represents a significant departure, suggesting human action (marriage under the Moon’s auspices) as a means of salvation rather than grace alone through faith.
Christology: The assertion that Rev. Moon completed the mission Jesus could not is antithetical to Christian doctrine, where Jesus is seen as the perfect and final sacrifice for sin, with no need for a human successor to complete his work.

Public Statements and Actions
Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon’s public engagements, like the “Rally of Hope” events, have included speeches where she promotes a vision of peace and unity but often under the umbrella of her and her husband’s unique theological framework. Her involvement with various organizations like the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) and the Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) further extends this narrative, blending religious ideology with political and social activism, yet always rooted in the Unification Church’s doctrine rather than traditional Christian teachings.

Criticism and Controversy
Critics, ranging from theologians to former members, have long highlighted these deviations. Posts on platforms like X have questioned her connections to political figures and her influence in various countries, suggesting a blend of religious leadership with political agendas that lack the theological grounding of Orthodox Christianity. The term “Moonies,” once used pejoratively for Unification Church members, reflects a broader societal and religious critique of the movement’s beliefs and practices.

Conclusion
Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon’s leadership continues to steer the Unification Church away from the theological norms of Orthodox Christianity. While her initiatives for peace and family values might resonate with some Christian ideals, the underlying theology presents a stark contrast. This investigation finds that the doctrine she upholds and propagates is not just a variation but a significant departure from what is traditionally recognized as Christian orthodoxy. For those within or considering the Unification Church, understanding these distinctions is crucial in discerning the theological landscape they are navigating.

This narrative underscores the importance of theological scrutiny, especially when religious leaders claim to represent or expand upon Christian teachings. Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon’s journey, while influential and impactful in its own right, must be viewed through the lens of its divergence from the historical and doctrinal roots of Christianity.

Investigations into White’s financial and political connections reveal further layers to this story. White’s history includes affiliations with high-profile figures and her involvement in the Trump administration, which adds another dimension to her engagement with the Moonies. The Moon family’s extensive network, which includes business ventures and political lobbying, might have been a draw for White, whose ministry has never shied away from the intersection of faith and finance.

Critics argue that this relationship is not just spiritual but potentially lucrative. The Moonies have a history of funding projects and events for those who align with their vision of global peace and unification under their doctrine. The Universal Peace Federation, associated with the Moonies, is known for its international conferences where figures like White are invited to speak, potentially providing a platform for mutual benefit.

The response from the Christian community has been polarized. While some dismiss these connections as mere ecumenical outreach, others view it as a dangerous blurring of lines that could mislead followers or dilute Christian doctrine. Evangelical leaders and theologians have openly criticized White for her participation, pointing out the inherent contradictions between her teachings and those of the Unification Church.

The discovery of Paula White’s connections to the Moonies alone should be sufficient reason to reject the notion that she should lead the White House Faith Office. This investigative dive has not only revealed a narrative of religious convergence but has highlighted a concerning interplay of power, influence, and possibly personal gain. Her association with the Moonies casts serious doubts on the integrity of her ministry and her theological judgment, questioning her suitability for a role that demands the highest level of discernment in Christian leadership. As this story unfolds, the line between providing spiritual guidance and engaging in spiritual compromise has come under intense scrutiny, underscoring the problematic nature of her involvement in shaping interfaith dialogue and political influence at such a high level.

But wait … there’s more.