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Dr. John C. Hagee is the founder and Senior Pastor of Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas, a non-denominational evangelical church with more than 17,000 active members.

Dr. Hagee is the President and C.E.O. of Global Evangelism Television which telecasts his national radio and television ministry carried in America on 120 full power T.V. stations, 110 radio stations, three networks and can be seen weekly in over 92 million homes. John Hagee Ministries is also from coast to coast in Canada in prime time on the Vision Network, in most Third World nations, in Africa, and in Europe. (www.jhm.org/pastor.asp, hard copy on file)

As of May 2002 there could be found on Mr. Hagee's web site (www.jhm.org) a sampling of his false teaching under his section called FAQ (www.jhm.org/faq.asp). This FAQ has since been changed, but it can now be found at http://web.archive.org/web/20020601165141/http://www.jhm.org/faq.asp (copy on file).

I. Creation

Nothing could be more foundational than one's view of creation. Hagee's foundation is in ruins. Under BIBLE - OLD TESTAMENT Hagee posts the question,

How can the Bible be correct about the world being created in six days?

Note Hagee's answer.

Many Christians become troubled when they read the creation account in the Bible and then listen to the ideas of evolutionists. The Bible, of course, asserts that God created the universe and everything in it. Evolutionists, on the other hand, usually leave God completely out and assume that everything "just happened." In addition, evolutionists describe life developing over vast periods of time as a scientific fact, though it is really only a theory.

Some scientists who believe the Bible account of God's creation think that it can fit with some aspects of evolutionary theory. They use terms like "progressive" or "continuous" creation. For example, some suggest that the days of creation in chapter one of Genesis might be "age days," that is, long periods of time in which God created and then helped things develop. It is important to note that there can be no real conflict between the facts of the Bible and the facts of science, since God was the Author of both. The problems arise when we begin to interpret those facts. Since Christians hold various views, it is important to keep an attitude of humility and charity toward others in these complicated areas. One fact is absolutely clear from the Bible--God is the Creator! (hard copy on file)

It is clear from Hagee's answer, he does not believe the Bible. If he did believe Scripture, he would not say it is complicated, nor would he allow for other views. The Bible clearly teaches that the world was created in six days (Genesis 1:1-31; Exodus 20:11; 31:17). There is absolutely no question, Biblically, that this is what Scripture teaches. But, deceivers, like the Serpent of old (Genesis 3:4), deny God's word and speak of "age days" (etc.). Instead of calling such men liars, Hagee says they "believe the Bible account" (see the beginning of his second paragraph). So, according to Hagee, you can reject the word of God (Genesis 1:1-31; Exodus 20:11; 31:17) and yet "believe the Bible." This is foolishness (Proverbs 12:23; Isaiah 32:6) and a rejection of 2 John 9.

Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. (2 John 9a)

Furthermore, instead of contending for the faith, the doctrine of Christ, the word of God (Genesis 1:1-31; Exodus 20:11; and 31:17 are part of the faith), Hagee encourages doctrinal lewdness (Jude 4) by saying,

Since Christians hold various views, it is important to keep an attitude of humility and charity toward others in these complicated areas.

First of all, it is not complicated. The Bible clearly says "six days" and it means "six days." The Bible clearly says, "and there was evening and morning" six times over for each day! Hagee makes that which is simple into a complicated matter. Why? Because he doesn't believe the Bible. Matters can become quite complicated when the Bible is not believed. Hagee does not abide in the doctrine of Christ, the teaching of the Word.

Secondly, Hagee encourages people away from Jude 3 (contend earnestly for the faith) and onto a damning ecumenical mentality, doctrinal lewdness (Jude 4), that encourages people to "not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved" (2 Thessalonians 2:10). Thus, they will be damned, similar to those in 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12. By calling those who "hold various views" "Christians," Hagee calls for people to loosen the loins of their minds (contrary to 1 Peter 1:13), take off the belt of truth (Ephesians 6:14), and discard Christ, the Truth (John 14:6). Anyone who holds a view contrary to the word of God and does not consent (2 Timothy 2:24-26) to what the Bible teaches is proud, knows nothing, and is destitute of the truth (1 Timothy 6:3-5). Such a one is not a Christian, but is a liar (1 John 2:4). The "charity" that is in order for such a one is this: "From such withdraw yourself" (1 Timothy 6:5).

Hagee teaches no such thing here, because he does not abide in the doctrine of Christ (2 John 9).

II. The Future

At the beginning of Scripture, creation, and at the end, the book of Revelation, Hagee reveals he does not believe the Bible (2 John 9) and teaches doctrinal lewdness (Jude 4). Under END TIMES Hagee posts,

What is the "rapture," and when does it occur?

In the last two paragraphs, Hagee answers,

At this point, interpreters differ as to whether there will be a literal thousand-year reign of Christ on earth or whether the white throne judgment and the new heaven and earth will immediately appear.

The crucial matter is not that all Christians agree on all details of what will occur in the final events of this world's history. Some of these events and their order of occurrence have simply not been made clear in the Bible.

Please read Revelation chapters 19-21! It has been made very clear in the Bible! It is not unclear. There will be "a literal thousand-year reign of Christ on earth." It is only unclear if you do not believe the Revelation of Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:1, see also Zechariah 14:3-11, 16-19). It is also not unclear that the white throne judgment and new heaven and earth come after this thousand years (Revelation 20:7-21:1).

Yet, because Hagee, and so many, do not believe the Word (the doctrine of Christ), Hagee again encourages people away from contending for the faith (Jude 3), calls for people to loosen the loins of their minds (contrary to 1 Peter 1:13), take off the belt of truth (Ephesians 6:14), and discard Christ, the Truth (John 14:6), by saying, "The crucial matter is not that all Christians agree . . ." This is the crucial matter! The war is over truth (2 Corinthians 10:3-5), and Hagee, again, encourages people away from receiving the love of the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:10; John 14:6). Hagee may or may not know what he is doing (2 Timothy 3:13), but nonetheless, he is being used by the devil for the destruction of souls (2 Peter 2:1-2, 18).

The bottom line to Hagee's error is this: He is living out and propagating the damning lie of the "essentials". For more information on this, please see the MacArthur report under the section entitled, III. DAMNING FUNDAMENTAL DOCTRINE, and our article, You Think You Are Saved? under the first point, I. The Broad Way.

III. Psychological Deceit

It is evident from the question and answer below that Hagee has been taken in by the psychological deceit of this age. Under Family Hagee posts,

How can I overcome the effects of the abuse I suffered as a child?

The second to last paragraph of his answer says,

It is not unusual for victims of abuse to carry the emotional scars and memories with them for a very long time. Often victims will turn their anger and frustration inward toward themselves. These misplaced emotions then result in unwarranted feelings of guilt, fear, and low self-esteem. Counseling can be very helpful in overcoming these feelings.

Low self-esteem is a good thing (Matthew 5:3; Philippians 2:3) and it is not something to be overcome. Moreover, Hagee speaks of "emotional scars" that may be dealt with through "Counseling." This parrots the wisdom of the world (1 Corinthians 1:20; Colossians 2:8-9). Those who trust in the Lord need no such "counseling." Because,

You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. (Isaiah 26:3)

Furthermore, under Marriage Hagee overtly promotes the wisdom of the world (psychology). Hagee posts,

We're believers and attend church, but when my husband gets angry he sometimes hits me. What should I do?

After saying a few correct things, the first two sentences in the third paragraph in the answer to this question state,

The wife who is being physically abused should take immediate steps to remove herself, and any children, from the situation. Help can be obtained by looking for crisis intervention centers that are listed inside the covers of most telephone books.

After Hagee tells the woman to leave her husband (contrary to 1 Peter 2:18-3:6), he points her to the world (the telephone book); and then says,

We also would encourage you to talk with your pastor about your abuse, whether physical or emotional or both. See if your husband will get help for handling his anger in a proper way. Every effort should be made to get Christian psychological help so that further abuse can be avoided and the marriage can be healed. If there are children involved, they should be included in the restoration process as well. Prayer and pastoral counseling, along with psychological therapy, can accomplish much.

Hagee is taken in by the oxymoron "Christian psychology." He might as well have said, "a Satanic Christian," because "the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one" (1 John 5:19), and psychology is from and of the world.

IV. Unholy

Under HOLIDAYS Hagee posts,

Does the Bible say that it is wrong to have a Christmas tree?

We understand your concerns about the use of the Christmas tree, specifically in relationship to Jeremiah 10:1-5. These verses do not apply to Christmas trees, but they do condemn the idolatry practiced in Jeremiah's day. God's people were following the customs of the heathen who cut down trees, shaped the wood into idols, decorated them with silver and gold ornaments, and worshiped them as gods.

It is important that we keep Christ central and our worship of Him unhindered in our observance of Christmas. However, we do not believe it is unbiblical to have a Christmas tree lighted and decorated in the home or the church. It has been suggested that the branches of the tree pointing upward can signify praise to God. The star at the top can represent the star of Bethlehem. Also, the green of the evergreens has been recognized as symbolic of eternal life, God's gift to us through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Hagee's endorsement of Christmas exemplifies he is, as so many, following the deceit of the Catholic church. Instead of exposing Christmas for what it is (Ephesians 5:11, see our report on Xmas), Hagee encourages people to have Christmas trees and do the very thing, at least in principle, he says God's people did in the past ("God's people were following the customs of the heathen . . . ."). Please note what the Lord told the Israelites in Deuteronomy 12:29-32.

When the Lord your God cuts off from before you the nations which you go to dispossess, and you displace them and dwell in their land, take heed to yourself that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed from before you, and that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, "How did these nations serve their gods? I also will do likewise." You shall not worship the Lord your God in that way; for every abomination to the Lord which He hates they have done to their gods; for they burn even their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods. Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it. (see also John 4:24).

Furthermore, if any holiday was obviously evil, it would be Halloween. Yet, Hagee is undiscerning on this matter as well (Romans 1:31). Under Holidays Hagee posts,

I have mixed feelings about how our family should be involved in Halloween. What should I do?

People come to different conclusions about celebrating Halloween, particularly if they have young children or grandchildren to consider. For some people this holiday is a time for dress-up and candy; it is an opportunity for fun. Others express concern for their child's safety or for the emphasis that is often made on violence or horror at this time of year. Those who are interested in the right or wrong of the celebration may look at the holiday's origin in the occult and believe it should not be celebrated at all; they are aware that some groups celebrate Halloween as a tribute to Satan. On the other hand, others recognize that Halloween, the eve of "All Saints' Day" (November 1), is also associated with Martin Luther and the Reformation. They celebrate the religious freedoms won at that time in history. Since each of these perspectives contain truth, it is difficult to know how to respond.

We encourage each family to develop their own approach to Halloween based on their own convictions and the options for celebration available to them.

Ephesians 5:11 says,

Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.

Halloween, with its Celtic and Catholic origin, its ghosts and goblins, devils and demons, etc., is obviously evil. God says to expose it, and not to partake in it (Ephesians 5:11). John Hagee does not abide in Ephesians 5:11, the teaching of Christ (2 John 9).

With Hagee's lack of discerning good and evil, Hagee encourages people away from holy living, and this is very destructive (2 Peter 2:1). If a person is not holy, they will never see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14).

V. Perversion

Under SEXUALITY Hagee posts,

I'm a man, but I like to dress in women's clothes. Is that okay?

In the second paragraph of his answer, Hagee says,

If you have not experienced God's love and forgiveness and have not placed your faith in Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, we would urge you to do so. For a simple presentation of how you can do this, see our plan of Salvation. If you have received Jesus as your Savior and Lord, His Spirit then dwells within you and will deliver you from sinful behavior patterns as you yield your life to His power and direction.

The problem here is, Hagee is talking to a pervert and says, "If you have received Jesus as your Savior and Lord, His Spirit then dwells within you." There is no way a pervert has received Jesus and has the Holy Spirit. He who is perverse in his ways despises the Lord (Proverbs 14:2).

It is evident from Hagee's answer that he believes a person can actually have the Spirit of God dwelling within them, be saved, and yet be a pervert ("I'm a man, but I like to dress in women's clothes"). This denies the power of godliness (2 Timothy 3:5). Hagee even mentions Deuteronomy 22:5 which points out that those who do such things are an abomination to God. Yet, here talking to such a person, Hagee reveals he believes that such a person could actually have peace with God in the midst of such wickedness ("If you have received Jesus as your Savior and Lord, His Spirit then dwells within you"). Revelation 21:8 reveals that the abominable will have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone which is the second death. Someone who knows Jesus Christ (1 John 2:3-5) would no longer be such a pervert (John 8:31-36; Romans 7:22).

VI. Conclusion

Hagee's answers to the questions above reveal a pattern of being undiscerning, which reveals he is wicked (Romans 1:31). Hagee is unable to discern that when a man does not believe in the six literal days of creation, that same man does not believe the Bible account of creation. Hagee is unable to discern the simplicity of Scripture on this accord (Genesis 1:31) and is confused calling these matters "complicated." Likewise, Hagee is unable to discern the plain teaching of Scripture regarding the literal 1000 year reign of Christ, stating that it has "not been made clear in the Bible," when in reality, it has (see Revelation 20). Hagee is unable to discern the psychological deceit of this age, as he refers to "low self-esteem" as a bad thing, when in reality, it is a good thing (Matthew 5:3; Philippians 2:3; Isaiah 5:20).

Furthermore, Hagee is unable to discern the sufficiency of Christ (Colossians 2:8-10) and therefore recommends psychological therapy. Hagee is unable to discern the error of both Christmas and Halloween, and gives absolutely no good guidance to those who might go to him for answers about these pagan holidays. Finally, Hagee is so undiscerning that he can not tell a false Christian from a real one (1 John 2:4), as he believes a pervert (Deuteronomy 22:5) might even know Christ.

Moreover, the matters above also reveal his trust is not in the Bible, but rather in what the "Christian" community is believing. In the answers given, Hagee says, "Christians hold various views" (on creation), "interpreters differ" (on the future), and "people come to different conclusions" (on the holidays). In truth, it does not matter what so-called "Christians" hold to, or what "interpreters differ" on, or what "different conclusions" people come to. What matters is, what does the Bible say? This is what true Christians believe (John 14:23-24). And in regards to John Hagee, and men like him, the Bible says,

But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them . . . (2 Peter 2:1)

John Hagee is a false teacher who denies the Lord who bought him, because John Hagee denies His word. He denies Genesis 1:1-31; Exodus 20:11; 31:17; Matthew 5:3; Philippians 2:3; 2 John 9; Jude 3; 1 Timothy 6:3-5; Revelation 20; etc.. Anyone who denies God's Word, denies Jesus Christ, because Jesus is the Word (John 1:1), the very word of God (Hebrews 4:12-13; Revelation 19:13).

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