The more I learn about how Bethel leaders and the overall New Apostolic Reformation movement view sin, the more I find them almost indistinguishable from the Progressive Christian perspective. Here's why:
1. There's a hyper focus on grace. The fancy word for this is called "antinomianism", which is a downplay or dismissal of obedience and repentance and moral accountability is optional. "That's legalism!" they usually say.
2. An overemphasis on human power. God is demoted to a human level, and humans are elevated to God level.
3. There's a hyper focus on empathy that's disconnected from truth. Empathy is a smoke and mirrors way of saying they will restore someone, but really it can eaaaaasily become an excuse of their sin. Empathy becomes the highest virtue, so any call to repentance, correction, or moral clarity is treated as harm. Accountability becomes "judgment."
4. Feelings become the moral authority because that's how you hear from God.
No wonder we're seeing such deflection from so many of the leaders. And no wonder so many people are holding out hope that Kris Valloton and Bill Johnson hold true to their repentance. Because they desperately need a Charismatic reformation.