Jesus People USA/Cornerstone Festival attacked in new book

THE AMERICAN based community church Jesus People USA (JPUSA), the social action church behind the Cornerstone Festival, is the subject of a book, to be published soon, which contains allegations about the church's activities and likens the church to a sect, it has been revealed.

Some of the allegations relate to married couples who had been associated with the group. The book alleges that they have left JPUSA and are now seriously disturbed with severe psychological problems and in need of professional counselling.

Glenn Kaiser, a member of JPUSA and leader of Rez, said: "Well, they had problems before we saw them, before we ever knew them. They brought their problems into their marriages. And it is true that we were not able to help a number of people. Particularly when it comes down to selfishness and thinking and acting in an unbiblical fashion. So, they walk out the door and now they are angry and bitter and of course 'it's our fault' - that is just the way it goes."

The book is being written in response to the Cornerstone magazine article which rocked the American Christian music and publishing scene in June last year and saw the downfall of disgraced 'ex-Satanist' comedian Mike Warnke.

Kaiser said that there were two repercussions from the article, one positive and one not so. He said that the American Christian music scene is now prepared to check what people have to say and not take things on face value. But, he said, there was also a downside.

"You cannot believe the tripe that is being published in the Christian publishing arena in the United States," said Kaiser. "The worst possible unscriptural theology and doctrines that are affecting the church today have come from the American church."

JPUSA have tried, unsuccessfully, to arrange a meeting with the book's author. It now seems that they will be able to do so. Glenn Kaiser said that JPUSA was searching the scriptures for the right way to respond. "Look, even Jesus had Judas, so what can I say? How did he respond? We have got a lot of lessons ahead that we are going, hopefully, to be able to put across publicly. That's how to respond to people when you are falsely accused.