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Question on Jim Barbarosa, the Shofar Man

September 24th, 2014

OK, I got a question about whether Jim Barborosa, the `shofar man` is a cult leader or not. I cannot find much about what he believes, except he prefers the mystical over the “faith walk”.

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    Ed Chait likes this.
  • Robert Pristoop I find him to be an Ultra-Charasmatic faith healing type in the vein of Benny Hinn. He believes that his blowing of the shofar can heal people and that there is power in the Jewish implements. I personally would stay away from him. While I certainly know that God is not done with his Jewish people and that God can heal in an instant by any means, I find that Gentiles like Jim who go all out “Jewish roots” are a bit scary using much mysticism and less true God. Just my opinion.
    Yesterday at 9:49am · Like · 1
  • Sarah Van Baale People have so many different definitions of a cult, but here is his personal website: http://www.step-by-step.org/ and his facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/churchbeyondthebox It appears he’s most affiliated with COGIC, but I don’t think he has much, if any, formal training.
    Yesterday at 12:55pm · Edited · Like
  • Tim White OK, here is how I formed the answer: The classic definition of cult consist of three characteristics, according to experts:
    1. Exclusive. They may say, “We’re the only ones with the truth; everyone else is wrong; and if you leave our group your salvati    on is in danger.”
    2. Secretive. Certain teachings are not available to outsiders or they’re presented only to certain members, sometimes after taking vows of confidentiality.
    3. Authoritarian. A human leader expects total loyalty and unquestioned obedience.
    Concerning Christian cults and their beliefs, I have found the following to be markers:
    1. False teachings about Jesus Christ. Teachings that Jesus is not the eternal savior, creator and king (John 1:1-14, Hebrews 1:1-14).
    2. The inclusion of the Civil and Ceremonial portions of the Mosaic Law into current life. This includes works-based salvation (Colossians 2:9-23).
    3. The belief that no one else has any hope outside their system of beliefs and membership. They are the only ones who will be saved (Romans 10:8-13).
    I would say from my research that Jim Barborosa is not so much a cult leader as he is a false teacher within an errant theological group. He is a faith healer who teaches that his horn will heal or bring blessings. If in some twisted universe this were true, Jim Barbososa would be judged guilt by the horn-healing god for profiting from selling the horns.
    The greatest damage in his teachings, and the greatest reason for judgment upon him from God, is the distraction from the sufficiency of Christ. “For in Him (Christ Jesus) all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority.” Colossians 2:2-9.
    Other great passages teach us that His grace is sufficient for us in all situations (2 Corinthians 12:9), and that God has, through Jesus Christ, supplied us with all we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).
    Any time we add an implement, practice, or discipline which promises to add more to our lives than what Jesus Christ has supplied, it is a direct affront to Christ Himself and should be marked as heresy.
    6 hrs · Like · 1
  • Sarah Van Baale That was a great answer. I especially like the last sentence

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