REVIEW - MINE IS THE KINGDOM: The Rise and Fall of Brian Houston and the Hillsong Church, Allen and Unwin, February 2024

‘Mine is the Kingdom’ captures perfectly the errant theology Pentecostal pastor Brian Houston embraced in the rise and fall of his kingdom – Hillsong Church. David Hardaker’s forensic research and privileged access to Hillsong’s files and ‘insider experiences’ reveal how this ‘ruthless’ New Zealand-born charismatic leader rose to fame and fortune in Australia and the world. Intent on establishing a global empire, fuelled by a ‘feeling theology’, clothed in a US based ‘uniform’ - ‘prosperity gospel’, the author displays an excellent understanding of the theology of the ‘Hillsong sect’ and how it departs from mainstream Christianity.

Hardaker highlights US tele-evangelists Houston recreated in his own image and the presentation of his ‘gospel’ in well-rehearsed performances for his followers.

Scott Morrison, a true believer and imitator of Houston’s brand of Pentecostalism occupies centre stage in the latter part of the book, detailing disturbing irregularities in his political behaviour as prime minister.

I am grateful to Hardaker for maintaining a clear distinction between Houston’s approach to the Bible and mainstream Christianity. My heart goes out to all Hillsong followers who were deceived and suffered, many identified in the book.

As Hardaker uncovers Houston’s ‘sins’, I cringed at the depiction of Scott Morrison’s nepotism and ‘Messianic’ manner, crafted on his hero’s style. I found myself searching for Christian political leaders with integrity, like William Wilberforce. His unpopular and costly commitment challenged the greatest kingdom of its time - the British Empire. The cry against Wilberforce’s success was, ‘it will bring Great Britain to its knees.’ His triumph after a twenty-year fight against the British slave trade transformed England and the world.