There is nothing wrong with Kirby and Fiona—and that, it seems, is precisely the problem. I am not a Christian, but my wife is, and I have a deep respect for the faith, and have been following this drama unfold for some time now. Because of my close links to my wife's faith and her circle of friends, I can tell you quite freely, that the question of 'Prophet' Kirby's church (and I say Prophet in inverted commas because I fail to understand the methodology of being appointed a Prophet) has been a problem within the traditional or mainstream charismatic churches for some time. Unfortunately, the 'Christian spirit' (which so irks me) of mildness, compassion and non-judgement (nothing like a healthy dose of judgement) have prevented my wife, her friends and many others in her faith from articulating their discomfort with the teachings of the WOW (Works of Wonder) church. Over and over again, I have heard my wife and her friends feed me the disclaimer, "We can't judge" or "Maybe God is using them in ways we don't understand."

Now, it seems, someone (or a few people) have taken the bull by the horn. A Methodist pastor, by the name of Ivor Poobalan, has exhorted his congregation not to fall victims to cults such as the WOW church. This exhortation was taken up by a U.S.-based pastor by the name of Lee Grady and then made its way, no doubt for its sensational newsworthiness, to this website. As of today, close to 300 people have commented on the Asian Mirror Facebook page, 98% in support of 'Prophet Kirby' his wife and the WOW Church. It immediately struck me, divorced as I am from any emotional attachment to the issue (beyond a mild annoyance at the absence of rational thought), was how supportive the 'WOW-ers', as I call them—are of their 'Prophet' Kirby, his wife and the church. It struck me as odd, because at no point was there any justification of their faith, or its leader—Jesus Christ, and His teachings, but instead, a repeated defence of the messenger—which to me reveals a glaring blind spot.

So enamoured are these man's followers by his personality, his charisma, his kindness and caring—and, indeed his teachings—they are unable to circumnavigate this blindspot and believe very truly that there is nothing wrong with their Prophet, his wife, and their teachings/message/acts. For the purpose of making things a little clearer, let's explore an example. Consider this creative exercise. If there was a controversial monk (and we know there are) building a strong following by saying and doing radical things (we know there are) that have are creative deviations from the Lord Buddha's preaching and chosen paths of renunciation and moderation (we know there are)—how are they perceived in society today? As charlatans!

Let's make this example clearer still. What if what these creative interpretations of what the Lord Buddha preached—were things that annoyed other Buddhist priests and communities. Any of the Pacca Sila can be used as examples. Take Kamesu micchacara veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami. The accepted translation or interpretation is 'I take the precept to abstain from sexual misconduct'. But what if, this controversial Buddhist priest begins to endorse a more liberal interpretation to that precept. What if he were to say, "'misconduct' is socially constructed–all acts of love are acceptable", or something like that? What if he were to take Musavada veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami, 'I take the precept to abstain from false speech' and say, "Speech = Vibrations" hence, as long as you are resonating with good intentions, by all means, say whatever you want, even if it is patent falsehoods. That is what I am finding in many of the arguments made by the WOW-ers. Substitute the accepted meaning for one word with another meaning and give the whole phrase an entirely new twist.

I feel this is the problem at the heart of the issue with the charismatic Christians at the moment. There is nothing wrong with 'Prophet' Kirby and his wife. By all accounts they are wonderful folk, preaching messages of love and acceptance. The problem is they are preaching it in the name of Christ, that Christ is misrepresented in the preaching and 'Prophet' Kirby is not an accepted priest. Just think about it. What if this 'Buddhist' monk was throwing gold dust around, making money appear in people's wallets and doing all manner of other tricks to persuade people to believe he is a chosen channel for the Lord Buddha's supernatural powers. It is laughable that people are unable to see through these blindspots. I am a great believer in mysticism and the supernatural. I feel 'Prophet Kirby' is definitely operating in the supernatural—but that is not Christ's spirit he is using, and I think that is what the charismatic Christians are up in arms about!

The fact that someone is using powers, from God knows where, to operate under the banner of a Christian church, is something that has upset many Christians in Colombo. But I asked my wife why it is that these Christians are not saying anything about it? It would seem it is only this Pastor Ivor Poobalam that has had the gumption to say out loud what many Christina people have been "politely" restraining themselves from saying. That many Christian people are still politely refraining from saying out in public, not wanting to cause an outright rift or conflict within the church. It doesn't matter what church you are from, being able to rationally deduce fallacy in an argument is a skill most Sri Lankans lack. This evident even in our politics, where people are easily swayed by power and rhetoric. I advise everyone—especially these 'WOW-ers', look at things rationally. Take the example of the Buddhist priest that I just drew, and tell me you would not feel outraged at his conduct.

I am not in any way disputing the impact of your experience. If you had not experienced whatever it is that you have experienced with 'Prophet' Kirby, you would not be defending him so strongly. But you need to ask yourself truly, if he is truly Christian. As I have seen pointed out by a few actors on Facebook, your duty is to stand by your God, Jesus Christ, not Kirby de Lanerolle and his wife. History is replete with Christian ministers who have 'fallen from Grace'. Read about Jimmy Swaggart, Marvin Gorman, a number of charismatic, evangelical Christian preachers who have proven human failings. What about the televangelists Jesse Duplantis who demanded a private jet and Joel Osteen with his USD 10. 5 M mansion. Once again, I ask you, look at it from an outside point of view. What if it were a Buddhist priest asking for a private jet, or with a USD 10. 5 M mansion. Would you still justify their faith and teachings? Would you not question how he accrued his wealth. Is it enough that you are accepting what any of these preachers are saying at face value? Can you say, without a shadow of doubt, that you know what you are talking about? That you, 'Prophet Kirby', hs wife and others at the Church are in any way equipped to be authorities on the faith? I feel, dear 'believer', you are being duped.

My personal advice is this. Human beings are full of failure. If you believe in a God. Look to the God. Defend the God. Beware of the "Prophet".

(A. P. Dambaradeniya)