Dr. T.D. Jakes is unquestionably Oneness Pentecostal and in the Time Magazine article “Spirit Raiser” author David Van Biema quotes Jakes unmistakably using the language of classic Oneness Pentecostalism in his description of God:
“And God said, ‘Let us. Let usssssss...’” says Jakes, and then digresses: “...One God, but manifestin...three different ways, Father in creation, Son in redemption, Holy Spirit in regeneration.” [1]
Now here’s a Time Magazine piece from February 1, 2000 entitled “My Views on the Godhead.” Note also that this article is from one year before the above where Jakes is expressing his Oneness Pentecostal view of God. And please prepare yourself here for some GraduateSchool level fence-straddling as Jakes omits the word Oneness while telling us below that he became “Pentecostal”:
I was raised Baptist and became Pentecostal 26 years ago... Both chapters of my early spiritual journey contributed volumes to my faith and walk with God, helping to hone my character. I was shaped by and appreciate both denominations, but am controlled by neither. [2]
Jakes Is A Modalist And A Pretender
Dr. T.D. Jakes says, “I was shaped by and appreciate both denominations, but I am controlled by neither.” Yes and my guess is he didn’t want to risk losing money from...oops, I mean offending either group so he doesn’t clearly say what he believes regarding the Holy Trinity. However, both Baptists and Pentecostals profess belief in the Holy Trinity. But Oneness Pentecostals do not. So if Jakes wasn’t Oneness Pentecostal he could give his assent to this cardinal doctrine of the historic orthodox Christian Church without offending either group.
But Dr. T.D. Jakes is Oneness Pentecostal and therefore does not believe in the one true and living Triune LORD God Almighty–God the Father; God the Son, Christ Jesus of Nazareth, and God the Holy Spirit. And if a man will not stand boldly for and clearly state what he actually believes about the God he claims to serve then he should be dismissed as a teacher of a counterfeit Christianity and as a coward pretending to serve Jesus Christ.
Jakes And Men Who Boldly Testified For God
Now let’s take T.D. Jakes back to stand next to Jesus Christ before Pontius Pilate. The Governor says to them – “Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?”[3] Pilate asks T.D. Jakes, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jakes replies, “I was raised a Jew and learned much from Roman culture. I was shaped by and appreciate both peoples, but I am controlled by neither.” Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked Him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” “Yes, it is as you say,” Jesus replied.[4] The Lord that Jakes claims he serves was Someone who made His stand and the Master was crucified for it.
What about placing T.D. Jakes alongside the Apostles Peter and John in Acts 5 where they are healing many and driving out demons. Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. [5] God sent an angel to release them, they defied the Jewish leaders and went right back out into the Temple courts teaching in the name of Jesus Christ again.
The captain came with his Temple guards to bring the Apostles and make them appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this Name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man's blood.” [6] But T.D Jakes said, “I was grew up with Jewish laws and kept all the customs. Later I lived among Christ’s disciples and did as He taught. I was shaped by and appreciate both fine systems, but I am controlled by neither.”
But Peter and the other Apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than men!”[7] You see Peter and the other Apostles clearly stated what they believed–even religious leaders who imprisoned and beat them – “The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead–whom you had killed by hanging Him on a tree.”[8] For his stand Peter would himself be crucified and all the rest murdered for their own stands except John who was exiled to the Isle of Patmos.
T.D. Jakes Appears Afraid To Make A Stand For God
Or how about Dr. Martin Luther the key figure in the Protestant Reformation that T.D. Jakes might just have enough intestinal fortitude to admit to believing in. Jakes and Martin Luther are brought before Emperor Charles V and the great Roman Catholic theologian Johann Maier von Eck who demand they recant their teachings.
Luther asks for time to think it over. But T.D. Jakes mumbles:
“I was raised in the Roman Catholic Church and became a bit disenchanted and so I worked some with Luther... Both of these chapters of my early spiritual journey contributed volumes to my faith and walk with God, helping to hone my character. I was shaped by and appreciate both the Roman Catholic Church and the spirit of the Reformation, but I am controlled by neither.”
But when Luther, a real man led by the one true and living Triune LORD God Almighty as clearly revealed in the Bible, is brought before the men who could condemn him to death he says:
“Since then Your Majesty and your lordships desire a simple reply, I will answer without horns and without teeth. Unless I am convicted by Scripture and plain reason – I do not accept the authority of popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other – my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand. I cannot do otherwise God help me. Amen.”
No, after reading Dr. T.D. Jakes repeatedly refusing to state clearly what he actually believes about the nature of God, and all the while contrasting it with our Lord Christ Jesus and real men of God led by God the Holy Spirit–blessed third Person of the Holy Trinity–it becomes obvious to me that Jakes is no one whom the genuine Christian should even pay any attention to whatsoever when it comes to matters of the Church. Rather as I see it, T.D. Jakes is in reality but a spiritual coward.
Disclaimer: Worldview Weekend, Christian Worldview Network and its columnists do not necessarily endorse or agree with every opinion expressed in every article posted on this site. We do however, encourage a healthy and friendly debate on the issues of our day. Whether you agree or disagree, we encourage you to post your feedback by using the feedback button.
If you go to Bishop TD Jakes website he has posted a page clearing up the false notion that he does not believe in the Trinity. Go to the Doctrinal Statement page and click on the link "What does Bishop Jakes have to say about our doctrinal statement". Other wise titled "Hearsay not Heresy" Click here to reply to this post
I am sorry to have to say it, but in my view this article is reprehensible. It's one thing to disagree about doctrine and theology, even very strong disagree about very fundamental issues. However, such virulent personal attack as Ken Silva has used against another believer is without justification. I believe Jesus would call us to respectful discussion of these mysterious issues. We should never forget that His high priestly prayer for us in John 17 was that we be in unity, not that we be doctrinally or theologically correct. To be sure, accurate interpretation of Scripture is important, but not of first importance. At least, Jesus didn't seem to think so.
Whether T.D. Jakes is right or wrong in his theology, Silva owes him an unqualified apology for his unwarranted personal attack. I only hope he makes his apology as public as his attack. Click here to reply to this post
Re: Re: T.D. Jakes Is A Spiritual Coward
Posted On: 02/01/07 06:33:04 PM
Age 27, MD
You state: "I believe Jesus would call us to respectful discussion of these mysterious issues. We should never forget that His high priestly prayer for us in John 17 was that we be in unity, not that we be doctrinally or theologically correct."
Please believe me that my intention with this comment is not to be mean spirited. But when I read this statement, the first thing that came to mind was 'won't the Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses be glad to hear this!'
Because, if doctrinal and theological correctness are not necessary, but only unity, then what makes the difference whether someone denies the trinity, as long as they claim Christ? If it's unnecessary, why stop there? Why not embrace those who claim Christianity but deny that he is the only way?
Of course doctrinal and theological correctness are important! Vital, really. Because otherwise we are deceiving ourselves and everyone we witness to, and not telling them the truth about God. We should make it of the highest priority to study God's word and ask for His wisdom and understanding as we do so. We should be as the Bereans in Acts 17, examining the Scriptures every day to see if what we're being taught is true. If we find that something we thought was true is in fact false, we should be humble enough to admit it and conform our beliefs to the truth of scripture (*and* be willing to share that truth with others.)
"To the Jews who had believed him,Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."-Jn.8:31,32
If we hold to anything that is not doctrinally or theologically correct, then we are not holding to Jesus' teachings.
"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth."-Jn.16:13a
"Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and truth."-Jn.4:23,24
And finally:
"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth."-2Tim.2:15 Click here to reply to this post
Re: T.D. Jakes Is A Spiritual Coward
Posted On: 01/26/07 07:24:00 PM
Age 43, WI
It may be time for cwn to once again "clean house" regarding columnists contributing to your site. Not only was the title inappropriae, the personel attack was hostile, there was no context for the debate,creating a fictional dialouge and then answering for your opponent may be classified as "cowardly". This is possibly the worst case of apologetics i have ever seen. Im not even sure I know what the author was trying to say. Click here to reply to this post
Re: T.D. Jakes Is A Spiritual Coward
Posted On: 01/26/07 12:34:49 PM
Age 63, OH
KEN;you quote Jakes as saying:One God, but manifest in...three different ways, Father in creation, Son in redemption, Holy Spirit in regeneration. Then you proceed to call him a heretic because he does not use the term Trinity or Triune God. You do not quote ONE SINGLE SCRIPTURE to show why Jakes would be a heretic by saying what you claim he said. I have to say that your methods are the same methods used by the Catholics to try what they called "heretics". Even if someone believes what is true they can still make that doctrine an IDOL instead of worshiping the Lord Jesus Christ. We can look in Judges at the story of Gideon to see how people react when they defend an idol. They get angry when someone destroys or attacks their idol. The reason the worshipers of Baal got angry was their idol was destroyed and Gideon was still standing. This made it look like Baal was no god at all(which of course was true). This made the worshipers of Baal look foolish. So in order for them not to look foolish they wanted to kill Gideon so they could say "look what happens to people who burn Baal". Gideon's father reasoned with them and pointed out that it would not be Baal acting against Gideon but mere humans, which would only support that Baal could not act. So even these idol worshipers were able to see that if Baal was a real god then they would have to leave Baal judge an act against Gideon, if Baal could. So they said "Let Baal Contend with him", him being Gideon. Of course Baal being made out of wood was unable to contend with Gideon. So all the people knew that Baal was not god but the Lord was God. This story spread to the land of the Midianites and the fear of Gideon spread with it. You would be fearful of someone who destroyed your God. And you would start to fear their God. You seem to deal with Mr. Jakes with much anger. Are you defending an idol or God. We can point out the truth and leave someone decide for themselves without the judging of souls. I certainly don,t even listen to the preaching of TD Jakes but from what you charge I am not ready to cast him into hell. By the way to be honest the word Trinity or Triune NEVER appears in any translation that I have ever read. I am sure it never appears in the original Greek and Hebrew scriptures. Also they never once say that God is three. But Jesus does say when asked what was the most important commandment "HEAR O'ISRAEL THE LORD YOUR GOD IS ONE". So could not one argue that Jakes is correct on this point and you are the one that is incorrect. Lou Click here to reply to this post
Re: T.D. Jakes Is A Spiritual Coward
Posted On: 01/26/07 11:56:47 AM
Age 43, FL
I have not met Mr. Jakes to ask him myself; but, from your quote of Time magazine at the beginning of your article, he seems O.K.. Click here to reply to this post
God the Son, Jesus, is fully and completely God. God the Father is fully and completely God. And God the Holy Spirit is fully and completely God. Yet there is only one God. In Genesis 1:26, Then God said, Let us make man in our own image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds. In John 16:13-14, Jesus said of the Holy Spirit, He shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you. And in John 8:16-18, Jesus said of Himself and the Father, And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me. It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me bears witness of me. Click here to reply to this post
Re: T.D. Jakes Is A Spiritual Coward
Posted On: 01/25/07 07:29:26 PM
Age 68, MA
Reading the feedback I see Ken is called mean spirited, a name caller, and "bitter towards T.d. Jakes." Hmmm. Sounds like a case of the pot calling the kettle black. Why complain and then do the same thing ?
The knee jerk reaction to having one's idol knocked off his/her pedestal seems to be to attack the messenger.
Here's a little food for thought. Mt 23:27
" Woe to you,scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites ! for you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within they are full of dead men's bones and all uncleaness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to men to men, but within you are full of hypocracy and iniquity."
That was the real Jesus, not the gentle fluffy imaginary Jesus people like to promote. Tell me, do Jesus' words above make Him a mean spirited, name calling, bitter towards the Pharisees Son of God ? Or how about these words ... "You serpents, you brood of vipers, how are you to escape being sentenced to hell? "
Gal 1:11 "But when Cephas came to Antioch I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned." Does that make Paul bitter toward Peter, and mean spirited ? God forbid we should confront problems head on and take care of them ! Time to stop defending our favorite preachers/ministers and focus on Jesus Christ. Read and believe His Words, that is life Click here to reply to this post
Re: T.D. Jakes Is A Spiritual Coward
Posted On: 01/25/07 07:21:43 PM
Age 58, VA
For myself, I get tired of people saying, "that wasn't enough info." If it wasn't, why not study it our for yourself! To those of you who did not think Pastor Ken gave enough proof to support his beliefs, could it be that it is the responsibility of those that read these articles on the web to also search out for themselves more information on this or any other subject in order to be like the Bereans? If I hear something I put my faith in is "rocky", I am going to delve further into it myself to find out what the Bible actually says. -Just another tidbit to whet someone's appetite-I would like to add what Pentecostal Rev. Joseph R. Chambers in his article "Blasphemy: The False Anointing And The "Latter Reign" Movement" said concerning the "Jesus Only" false doctrine. He said, "This present "revival" characterizing the false anointing began in the late 1940s and early 1950s as "the Latter Reign Movement." What is happening now is a resurfacing of what Bible-believing churches rejected when it first occurred. One confusing false doctrine that came out of the latter reign movement is the "Jesus-only" theory, which denies the Trinity and presents a "god" who does not know who he is. He is schizophrenic, one minute claiming to be the Father that gave His son, the next minute claiming to be the Son, and the next minute claiming to be the Holy Ghost sent by the Father at the request of the Son. I often say to the Jesus-only proponents, "I would not want to serve a god who does not know for sure who He is." This kind of doctrinal confusion is the mindset of the present new wave anointing called "revival." In his article titled "The False Roots In the Present Revival", Chambers says of the Charismatic movement, "the Bible states clearly, "If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?" (Psalm 11:3). It is impossible to build a spiritual house unless the foundation is pure and Biblical. When a religious event is based on a foundation totally apart from the solid truth of Scripture, then that event cannot be accepted as New Testament or Biblical. The fruit that issues from an unbiblical religious experience or event may appear real, but will prove to be rotten fruit." Did not God say, "a deluding spirit so strong if possible, it would deceive the Elect?" We best stick to what thee Sscriptures teach and we best find out for ourselves, with the help of the Holy Spirit, what that is! Click here to reply to this post
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