Hawaii GOP Candidate For Governor Prayed Over By Preacher Who Can Cast Out Demons With His iPhone
Bruce Wilson printable version print page     Bookmark and Share
Tue Sep 07, 2010 at 01:54:35 PM EST
As even the unwashed know, iPhones do much more than function as cellphones. They can map out the best route to the beach or help find a good restaurant.

But according to Ed Silvoso, who led a November 2009 ceremony [video link] to bless and anoint Hawaii Lt. Governor James "Duke" Aiona, running in 2010 to be the next Republican governor of the Aloha State, iPhones can be handy for other tasks as well - such as miraculously healing the sick and casting out demons [video link].

[video, below: conference footage involving Ed Silvoso, Duke Aiona, Peter Wagner, and Cindy Jacobs]

Lest Steve Jobs grow smug, it's worth noting that it's not just iPhones that are good for performing exorcisms and driving out demons which cause sickness, according Silvoso. As he told top leaders of the New Apostolic Reformation at a May 2010 conference in Cedar Hills, Texas, other technological gadgets that will work just as well as iPhones for demon-casting include normal cellphones, fax machines, and Blackberries.

It gets odder.

Ed Silvoso theologically justified the casting out of demons with iPhones and Blackberries by referring to a passage of the New Testament's Book of Acts in which the Apostle Paul is casting out demons and healing the sick, and Paul is apparently so imbued with divine virtue that some of it seeps into his handkerchief, imbuing it and making it holy so Paul's handkerchief can cast out demons and heal the sick too!

As I describe in my report Transforming Hawaii [part one, part 2], Duke Aiona is closely tied to Ed Silvoso's International Transformation Network ministry. Aiona's participation in Silvoso's ITN has included:

1) starring in an ad plugging a 2005 Silvoso conference in Hawaii, 2) leading an elaborate December 2004 ceremony for Silvoso's people in which Aiona dedicated Hawaii's public schools to Jesus, 3) writing a chapter for a book describing how Silvoso's movement is "transforming" Hawaii, 4) and accepting over $7,000 in gift money (in apparent violation of Hawaii's state ethics rules) paying for Aiona and his wife to travel to Argentina in 2006 to attend one of Silvoso's conferences.

As an interesting addendum, Duke Aiona is proudly Catholic but the movement Ed Silvoso has helped found is virulently anti-Catholic and Ed Silvoso himself has endorsed burning statues of Catholic saints according to Silvoso's colleague C. Peter Wagner, who wrote in his book Hard-Core Idolatry - Facing the Facts (1999, published by the Wagner Institute of Practical Ministry) the following:

On pages 38 and 39 Peter Wagner describes how the Holy Spirit came to Cindy Jacobs and "told her that told her that in [the Argentinian city of] Resistencia they must burn the idols, like the magicians did in Ephesus. Ed Silvoso, Cindy Jacobs and the Resistencia pastors agreed." What sort of items were on the "burn list" ?

"...the kinds of material things that might be bringing honor to the spirits of darkness: pictures, statues, Catholic saints, Books of Mormon, pictures of former lovers, pornographic material, fetishes, drugs, Ouija boards, zodiac charms, good luck symbols, crystals for healing, amulets, talismans, tarot cards, witch dolls, voodoo items, love potions, books of magic, totem poles, certain pieces of jewelry, objects of Freemasonry, horoscopes, gargoyles, native art, foreign souvenirs, and what have you."

As Ed Silvoso told Peter Wagner, Cindy Jacobs, and other leaders of the New Apostolic Reformation at the Convergence 2010 conference, ""It doesn't matter if the Republican or the Democratic candidate wins the governorship [of Hawaii]. Either one is already in the kingdom." There's considerable evidence to suggest that the Democrat Silvoso was referring to was Mufi Hannemann, and that would be notable given that Ed Silvoso, Cindy Jacobs, and Peter Wagner could be found, according to Wagner, in Argentina in the late 1980's trying to burn Books of Mormon.




Display:
Bruce, you are probably to0 young to remember the early days of Oral Robert's tv programs where he urged listeners to place a glass of water on the tv set.

For years various radio/tv preachers have urged listeners to send for a prayer cloth, some only about an inch square, vials of water, supposedly from the Jordan River, for the purpose of healing or bringing prosperity. This request should be accompanied by a fat check.

Over the years many have advocated the burning of this or that book or statue.

Of course, there is the infamous case of James Robinson and Colan (sic) Davis taking a hammer to priceless Asian artifacts right after Davis' born again experience. Of course, the fact the Japanese government was trying to reclaim many of the artifacts may not have had any influence on their supposed destruction because they idols of the devil.

With the NAR guys raising demonology to a new level in modern times I am sure the list you quoted will grow longer.

by JerrySloan on Tue Sep 07, 2010 at 03:20:12 PM EST


My first reaction to the theological justification was "Huh???" After a bit of search, I found the passage in Acts 19:11-12. The NRSV reads, "God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that when the handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were brought to the sick, their diseases left them, and the evil spirits came out of them." This is not the only reference in the Christian scriptures to transfer of healing power through the touch of fabric. The more familiar one is the story of the hemorrhaging woman who is healed by touching the hem of Jesus' garment. Given a world view in which germs and bacteria are unknown, it is not illogical, having observed that disease is often transferred from one person to another by touch, either directly or by sharing of garments, then to conclude that healing can be transferred in the same way. We are not that far removed in time from the beliefs that mercury cured syphillis and bleeding cured a multitude of ills, so I don't think we can be too judgmental of first century medical/spiritual beliefs. But Silvoso's transfer of those beliefs to the 21st century, and to substitute technological instruments for organic fabric, is just plain bizarre. Two (of many) inescapable conclusions are (1) he wants to throw out two millenia of knowledge and science, and (2) he doesn't even understand the original concepts that he is adapting/misappropriating. If he weren't so popular, he would be amusing. Unfortunately, we can't afford the luxury of laughing him off.

by MLouise on Tue Sep 07, 2010 at 03:42:23 PM EST
One would assume instead of garments that heal Christians would use their most powerful biblical tool to heal, the Bible itself!!!! Needing to send money for additional objects reveals a weakness of the Bible as the word of some god concept. It would be funny except that these people are allowed to spew their hate, bigotry and division with little more than silence from those of us in the secular society. While Secular Society is responsible for most if not ever progress these backward superstitious people can tell us to go to hell and we cower, conform and comply with their nonsense. Shit!!

by sovereignjohn on Wed Sep 08, 2010 at 09:37:26 AM EST
[ Parent ]


When everyone was frightened that Nancy Reagan's Astrologer would be allowed a voice in the governance of the nation?

Inquiring minds want to know!

by Autumn on Tue Sep 07, 2010 at 04:52:31 PM EST


"...the kinds of material things that might be bringing honor to the spirits of darkness: pictures, statues, Catholic saints, Books of Mormon, pictures of former lovers, pornographic material, fetishes, drugs, Ouija boards, zodiac charms, good luck symbols, crystals for healing, amulets, talismans, tarot cards, witch dolls, voodoo items, love potions, books of magic, totem poles, certain pieces of jewelry, objects of Freemasonry, horoscopes, gargoyles, native art, foreign souvenirs, and what have you."<<

It's the 'what have you' that gets me. To me, that means 'and whatever else we think of that we forgot to put in this list'... like witches, pagans, and heretics, maybe someday?

by COinMS on Wed Sep 08, 2010 at 07:00:46 AM EST

Not on this one, but it's generally understood that witches, pagans, and heretics will be dealt with.

by Bruce Wilson on Wed Sep 08, 2010 at 08:27:55 AM EST
[ Parent ]


Seems their God can't make the audience understand her words without a translator. I'm an atheist and when I talk to someone who speaks a language other than English I too need a translator. An all power God that you'd think could make this audience understand English long enough to hear God's messengers. I'm notice that the people of the all power god concept also need Doctors, Lawyers, Teachers, and they must work too. Just like atheists and free thinkers must work. You know, the life a all powerful god worshipper is indistinguishable from an atheist life or a secularist life. Very strange indeed.

by sovereignjohn on Wed Sep 08, 2010 at 09:19:07 AM EST


WWW Talk To Action


The Maine Issue With The Catholic Right's Culture Wars.
Portland Bishop Richard Malone, whose diocese encompasses the entire State of Maine, took on the legislature about two years ago.  He led a successful......
By Frank Cocozzelli (2 comments)
Some Things Don't Change
This is a reprise of a piece I originally posted on May 16, 2007,titled: When Common Ground Means Capitulation -- to Falwell. It was......
By Frederick Clarkson (10 comments)
Adopting Bias: New Va. Rules Seek To Safeguard 'Faith-Based' Bigotry
Legislators and media pundits in Washington, D.C., continue to obsess over the birth control mandate in the new health care law and whether church-related......
By Rob Boston (4 comments)
GOP Candidates Embrace a Major Religious Right Narrative
Rick Santorum and Mitt Romney's demagogic claims that President Obama is engaged in a "war against religion" are as unsurprising as they are disturbing.......
By Frederick Clarkson (6 comments)
NAR Apostle Harold Caballeros Heads Guatemala Foreign Ministry
In January 2012, with the inauguration of former military general Otto Pérez Molina as Guatemala's president, NAR apostle Harold Caballeros took charge of Guatemala's......
By Bruce Wilson (2 comments)
As Eddie Long Controversy Grows, Video Emerges of 'Rabbi' Messer Wrapping Paula White in Torah
A Christian Post article dated February 5 is one of many reports of denials by televangelist Paula White and her attorney of any ties......
By Rachel Tabachnick (10 comments)
Garlow Introduced Gingrich, Called for Pastors Revolt Against IRS Rules at NAR Church in Nevada
On Friday night Newt Gingrich spoke at the "Prayer for America" event at the International Church of Las Vegas (ICLV) led by Apostle Paul......
By Rachel Tabachnick (3 comments)
A Must Read Book: "The Good News Club"
For anyone who wants to read a book that really goes inside the movement to indoctrinate children through our public schools, I highly recommend......
By Chris Rodda (4 comments)
More On Yale's Templeton-Funded "Spiritual Capital Initiative"
Should Chick-Fil-A be known for its extensive ties to, and funding of, some of the most aggressively anti-gay groups in America, as well as......
By Bruce Wilson (4 comments)
Gettting Well Versed
Michelle Boorstein at The Washington Post's "Under God" blog reports that Faithful America's petition calling for Kansas House Speaker Michael O'Neal to resign now......
By Frederick Clarkson (3 comments)
Alabama State Senator: Pay Increases for Teachers are Against 'Biblical Principle'
This is a new twist on "biblical economics" that I've not heard before.  According to Alabama State Sen. Shadrack McGill, a 62% pay increase......
By Rachel Tabachnick (5 comments)
Wagner Recognized by Delaware House for Commissioning Apostles (Copy of Tribute Included)
This morning I contacted the offices of Rep. Daniel B. Short and Chief Clerk of the House Richard Puffer and confirmed that C. Peter......
By Rachel Tabachnick (7 comments)
Trial Date Set for Bishop Finn
The trial date for Bishop Robert W. Finn,of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Missouri will be September 24, 2012.  Finn and the diocese......
By Frank Cocozzelli (3 comments)
The Culture of Demonization and Imprecatory Prayer
We have written a great deal here at Talk to Action about the Religious Right culture of conspiracy theory, labeling and demonization as animating......
By Frederick Clarkson (3 comments)
To Bigotry No Sanction, to Persecution No Assistance
As the finale of our extended celebration of Religious Freedom Day, we are honored to welcome George Washington as a guest front pager.  ......
By George Washington (0 comments)

Harold Caballeros, October 5, 2006, #1
On October 5, 2006, Harold Cabballeros, founder and senior pastor of El Shaddai Church in Guatemala City, spoke at the "Spirit in the World: The Dynamics of Pentecostal Growth and Experience" symposium sponsored by......
Bruce Wilson (0 comments)
Truth Wins Out Reports on Exodus International's Attempt at Rebranding
An extensive report has been posted at Truth Wins Out (TWO) on the rebranding of Exodus International, the discredited and financially strapped pray-away-the-gay organization. The report is titled "The Exodus SmokeScreen" and subtitled, "Exodus......
Rachel Tabachnick (0 comments)
Breast cancer awareness T-shirt prompts dispute at skating rink
crossposted from The Clarion Ledger) http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2012202040 349 ""I am offended as a mother; as the daughter of a cancer patient; as a Christian woman; as a fundraiser and donor of time and money to......
COinMS (0 comments)
Delaware state house Dems distance themselves from Wagner tribute
The Democrats in the Delaware state House of Representatives are in full damage control mode over a tribute given back in January to C. Peter Wagner, a prominent leader of the New Apostolic......
Christian Dem in NC (1 comment)
Is Peter Wagner lying about commendation from state of Delaware?
Those of us who have watched the New Apostolic Reformation have come to expect bizarre claims.  Well, today  C. Peter Wagner made one of the most bizarre claims yet.  He sent out an......
Christian Dem in NC (1 comment)
New dominionist effort to target Hollywood with prayer
In yet more proof that the New Apostolic Reformation is trying to make itself heard in a big way this year, late yesterday several leaders of that movement got together to announce a......
Christian Dem in NC (0 comments)
Santorum Accuses Colleges of Anti-Religious "Indoctrination" But Gingrich Said it First
CBS and other media outlets have pounced on a Rick Santorum claim, that America's colleges and universities are hotbeds of anti-religious "indoctrination", but Newt Gingrich has been saying that for years. As Santorum declared......
Bruce Wilson (2 comments)
Leader of NC gay marriage ban effort, in his own words
cross-posted at dKos One of the leaders of the effort to write a gay marriage ban into North Carolina's constitution is Patrick Wooden, the pastor of Upper Room Church of God in Christ in......
Christian Dem in NC (2 comments)
AFA endorses AIDS denialism
If Public Policy Polling's early numbers are accurate (and there's little reason to doubt they are) Newt Gingrich will likely take the lead in national polling this week.  In light of this, there's......
Christian Dem in NC (1 comment)
Family Research Council chaplain openly calls for non-Christians to be banned from public office
Anyone who's studied the religious right can't help but notice a pattern to how they've operated over the last three decades.  They get a little bit of power, only to overreach and get smacked......
Christian Dem in NC (4 comments)
Cindy Jacobs prophecies divine intervention unless we elect Repubs
Late last week, New Apostolic Reformation "prophetess" Cindy Jacobs announced the yearly "Word of the Lord" from the Apostolic Council of Prophetic Elders.  (h/t to PFAW's Right Wing Watch). This "Word" makes for......
Christian Dem in NC (3 comments)
Robert Jeffress: First Amendment protections invite wrath of God
We already knew that the religious right would like nothing better than to sweep away the First Amendment.  Well, one of its more prominent leaders just came out and said it in terms as......
Christian Dem in NC (3 comments)
Cindy Jacobs announces 2012 prayer initiative--and declares war on separation of church and state
Late last night, Cindy Jacobs announced the formation of a major prayer drive with the goal of influencing the election.  The campaign, called "FastForward," is sponsored by her newly formed United States Reformation Prayer......
Christian Dem in NC (2 comments)
Personhood returns
Having soundly been defeated at the ballot box, the Personhood initiative in Mississippi has been resurrected via the new governor of Mississippi, Phil Bryant and his allies in the state government. For the first......
COinMS (0 comments)
Exposing The Dark Side Of Tupelo MS
It’s really ironic that the so-called Christian Religious Right (ie., AFA) are seemingly dedicated to the unnecessary bashing of Paganism when Pagans made such a well-documented historical contribution toward the rise of Christianity. For......
AlBratt (0 comments)

More Diaries...




All trademarks and copyrights on this page are owned by their respective companies. Comments, posts, stories, and all other content are owned by the authors. Everything else © 2005 Talk to Action, LLC. Powered by Scoop