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Disntr appears in our blog with alarming frequency. Disntr represents itself as a Christian watchdog. We would call the organization one of the Doctrinal Police, or perhaps, heresy hunters.
Now, what Disntr does might be a valuable service provided to the Christian community, but such a ministry must be dispassionate, doctrinally accurate, and correctly representing the subject they are examining. Disntr regularly fails these standards.
We don't know Kathryn Krick and have never heard her speak. She may indeed be a false teacher, so we do not intend to defend her. But neither are we advocates for the "generational curses" doctrine as represented by Disntr. We're not sure Krick is, either, because the author never quotes her.
Krick's beliefs, and our beliefs, are not the purpose of this post. We are here to evaluate the unnamed "Publisher's" presentation. And "Publisher" misuses Scripture. Further, he doesn't explain anything, preferring to make undocumented assertions.
We must deem this Bad Bible Teaching.
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I recently saw a video clip of false teacher Kathryn Krick claiming to free a woman of the “generational curses” of abuse, and it was difficult to watch. The woman was obviously hurt, sad, and noticeably emotional. And here was Krick, exploiting this poor woman for personal gain, (How does "Publisher" know Krick's motivation?)
I recently saw a video clip of false teacher Kathryn Krick claiming to free a woman of the “generational curses” of abuse, and it was difficult to watch. The woman was obviously hurt, sad, and noticeably emotional. And here was Krick, exploiting this poor woman for personal gain, (How does "Publisher" know Krick's motivation?)
while claiming “power” over the evil spirits that have entered her as a result of her childhood abuse.
I’m not going to link the video in here as the victim doesn’t need to be exploited any further. But seeing the clip did open my eyes. This false doctrine needs to be dealt with. It’s one of the most soul-damning, harmful false doctrines rampant in the Word of Faith movement masquerading as Christianity.
The generational curse doctrine teaches that an ancestor’s sin gives demons a “legal right” or “authority” over their descendants. (Yeah, we don't like the "legal right" thing either. But we also must point out that the idea of a legal process arises out of Calvinism/Reformed teaching. This doctrinal perspective falsely teaches that Jesus was imputed with our sin and punished in our place to satisfy God's justice. "Publisher" himself believes this.
I’m not going to link the video in here as the victim doesn’t need to be exploited any further. But seeing the clip did open my eyes. This false doctrine needs to be dealt with. It’s one of the most soul-damning, harmful false doctrines rampant in the Word of Faith movement masquerading as Christianity.
The generational curse doctrine teaches that an ancestor’s sin gives demons a “legal right” or “authority” over their descendants. (Yeah, we don't like the "legal right" thing either. But we also must point out that the idea of a legal process arises out of Calvinism/Reformed teaching. This doctrinal perspective falsely teaches that Jesus was imputed with our sin and punished in our place to satisfy God's justice. "Publisher" himself believes this.
So "Publisher" shouldn't be surprised that this idea of a legal process is extended to a further extreme.
Regarding the idea of a Christian's authority, it is certainly true that by virtue of a Christian's salvation and the indwelling Holy Spirit, we have authority in some fashion.
Authority was given to the disciples:
Mt. 10:1 He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.
To the seventy two:
Lk. 10:19-20 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. 20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.
Paul received heavenly authority for the purpose of correcting and instructing the Church:
2Co. 13:10 This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority — the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.
The church has internal authority:
He. 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to their authority.
Regarding power, the Kingdom is one of power:
1Co. 4:20 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.
Power is a spiritual gift:
1Co. 12:10 to another miraculous powers...
We fight with powerful divine weapons:
2Co. 10:4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
We are to embrace God's power:
Ep. 6:10, 12 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power... 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Is it then possible that Christians have authority to deal with the demonic realm?)
This curse supposedly remains active until someone else with a higher authority—like Kathryn Krick—is able to locate its source and break the curse.
The curse is broken through confession, renunciation, deliverance, and other specialized rituals that only the “deliverance minister” can administer. (Is this what Krick represents herself as doing, or is "Publisher" editorializing?)
Some of the common terms you will hear from deliverance ministers who teach the general curse heresy are identical to the jargon you hear in witchcraft: Bloodline curses, Ancestral or familiar spirits, Legal rights, Open doors, Soul ties, Inherited bondage.
And that’s for a reason.
The generational curse heresy (Heresy? We shall not permit "Publisher" to presume his premise.)
The curse is broken through confession, renunciation, deliverance, and other specialized rituals that only the “deliverance minister” can administer. (Is this what Krick represents herself as doing, or is "Publisher" editorializing?)
Some of the common terms you will hear from deliverance ministers who teach the general curse heresy are identical to the jargon you hear in witchcraft: Bloodline curses, Ancestral or familiar spirits, Legal rights, Open doors, Soul ties, Inherited bondage.
And that’s for a reason.
The generational curse heresy (Heresy? We shall not permit "Publisher" to presume his premise.)
places the blame of things like addiction, divorce, anger, sexual sin, depression, anxiety, suicide, infertility, miscarriage, cancer, poverty, recurring accidents, premature death, family conflict, and abuse on curses rather than on sin—or the people who commit the sin. (Again, is this what Krick represents herself as doing, or is "Publisher" editorializing?
We don't think this is a binary equation, curse or sin. It might be either or both.)
When these kinds of problems appear repeatedly, the generational curse heresy assumes that an evil spirit must be moving through the family’s bloodlines. (Again, is this what Krick represents herself as doing, or is "Publisher" editorializing?)
When these kinds of problems appear repeatedly, the generational curse heresy assumes that an evil spirit must be moving through the family’s bloodlines. (Again, is this what Krick represents herself as doing, or is "Publisher" editorializing?)
Things like learned behavioral patterns, genetic traits, and even the consequences of sin are turned into this superstitious explanation. (Superstitious? We shall not permit "Publisher" to presume his premise.)
One of the primary texts the generational curse teachers misuse is part of the 2nd Commandment in Exodus 20:5:
You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me,
They will similarly misuse (Misuse? We shall not permit "Publisher" to presume his premise.)
Ex. 34:7 maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation.
Nu. 14:18 ‘The LORD is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation.
De. 5:9 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me...
(Let's see if "Publisher" explains how these are being misused.)
But God’s warning about “visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children” is about His judgment on covenant Israel rebelling against Him, and extending through generations that continue to hate Him. Exodus 20:5 says, “of those who hate me.” (Nope. We can read it for ourselves, sir. The subject of the sentence, "those who hate me" is "fathers.")
Demons are not given the legal authority to carry out a generational curse over innocent people, (This is a summary denial. On what basis does "Publisher" assert this?)
nor does it prescribe a ritual for breaking such curses. (What is the "it" that "Publisher" refers to? The Bible? And why would we expect "it" to prescribe a ritual? This makes no sense.
Jesus does say,
Mt. 17:21 But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.
Though not a ritual of course, this certainly suggests that at the very least there are necessary steps, at least in some cases.)
The generational curses doctrine doesn’t differentiate between guilt itself and the consequences of sin. But the Scriptures do. Deuteronomy 24:16 clearly teaches that each individual person will be held accountable for their own sin—the guilt rests on the person who committed the sin. (Indeed. Then how does "Publisher" harmonize this with the previously mentioned Scriptures, which seem to suggest the opposite?)
Of course, an ancestor’s sin can certainly have devastating consequences for their descendants. Alcoholics can cause suffering and poverty in their families, and often those learned destructive behaviors can be passed down. But those are not inherited demons, nor is it guilt being passed down. ("Publisher" again asserts his unproven premise.)
Each person is responsible for the sin they choose to commit.
Of course, the obvious question at this point becomes: what about original sin?
Yes, Scripture does teach that because Adam sinned, all of humanity fell and are now born sinful. And Romans 5:12-19 establishes Adam’s federal headship over all mankind. (Oh. That's a pretty big exception. So we inherit Adam's sin but not our ancestor's sin? Where in the Bible do we find this distinction?)
But original sin does not teach a generational curse theory that demons are granted rights of a particular family’s bloodline, nor does it teach that a grandfather’s spirit of alcoholism, a grandmother’s spirit of poverty, or a relative’s spirit of abuse is transmitted throughout that family’s bloodline until Kathryn Krick or some other whacko is able to identify or break that curse.
The “generational curse” doctrine turns actual human suffering into a spiritual infection. Someone who is suffering from the traumatic effects of abuse is told that as a result of that abuse, they have now “opened a door” and allowed their abuser’s evil to enter into them. (Has "Publisher" never read: Ep. 4:27 and do not give the devil a foothold.)
Of course, the obvious question at this point becomes: what about original sin?
Yes, Scripture does teach that because Adam sinned, all of humanity fell and are now born sinful. And Romans 5:12-19 establishes Adam’s federal headship over all mankind. (Oh. That's a pretty big exception. So we inherit Adam's sin but not our ancestor's sin? Where in the Bible do we find this distinction?)
But original sin does not teach a generational curse theory that demons are granted rights of a particular family’s bloodline, nor does it teach that a grandfather’s spirit of alcoholism, a grandmother’s spirit of poverty, or a relative’s spirit of abuse is transmitted throughout that family’s bloodline until Kathryn Krick or some other whacko is able to identify or break that curse.
The “generational curse” doctrine turns actual human suffering into a spiritual infection. Someone who is suffering from the traumatic effects of abuse is told that as a result of that abuse, they have now “opened a door” and allowed their abuser’s evil to enter into them. (Has "Publisher" never read: Ep. 4:27 and do not give the devil a foothold.)
And they must now bear the added guilt and shame placed on them because of the sins committed against them. (?? Shouldn't it be, "...they don't bear the added guilt and shame?" That is, after all, the purpose of Krick's ministry, it seems.)
Same for sickness and disease. Victims of disease are told to search deep within themselves for “ancestral sin” or poor people are told that their suffering is because of a curse that has entered them. Women who repeatedly miscarry are told that their family is spiritually contaminated. And even people suffering from depression, anxiety, or trauma are demonized rather than dealt with appropriately. (Is it possible that in some cases these things might be true? "Publisher" just dismisses them without comment. His obligation, however, is to provide actual documentation that facilitates his rebuttal.)
But worse than that is when it has the opposite effect. If someone is caught in unrepentant sin, they will often be told that their problems aren’t the consequences of their own sin but rather due to generational curses or bondage to demonic spirits. ("Often?" How does "Publisher" know this?)
Then, true repentance and faith are replaced by deliverance rituals. Instead of confessing and mortifying sin, repenting, and trusting in Christ, they seek out “deliverance” from generational curses and bondage. ("Publisher" provides another binary false choice, as if he knows that every case is one or the other.)
The “spirit of anger,” “spirit of lust,” or “spirit of addiction”—and one of the most popular false spirits now, the “Jezebel spirit”—becomes the explanation for sin that we are commanded to repent of. (??? Is repentance bad? It seems to us like the thrust of his article is that people are being subject to deliverance ministry instead of repenting. But now he says they are repenting, just for the wrong thing. Hmmm.)
Same for sickness and disease. Victims of disease are told to search deep within themselves for “ancestral sin” or poor people are told that their suffering is because of a curse that has entered them. Women who repeatedly miscarry are told that their family is spiritually contaminated. And even people suffering from depression, anxiety, or trauma are demonized rather than dealt with appropriately. (Is it possible that in some cases these things might be true? "Publisher" just dismisses them without comment. His obligation, however, is to provide actual documentation that facilitates his rebuttal.)
But worse than that is when it has the opposite effect. If someone is caught in unrepentant sin, they will often be told that their problems aren’t the consequences of their own sin but rather due to generational curses or bondage to demonic spirits. ("Often?" How does "Publisher" know this?)
Then, true repentance and faith are replaced by deliverance rituals. Instead of confessing and mortifying sin, repenting, and trusting in Christ, they seek out “deliverance” from generational curses and bondage. ("Publisher" provides another binary false choice, as if he knows that every case is one or the other.)
The “spirit of anger,” “spirit of lust,” or “spirit of addiction”—and one of the most popular false spirits now, the “Jezebel spirit”—becomes the explanation for sin that we are commanded to repent of. (??? Is repentance bad? It seems to us like the thrust of his article is that people are being subject to deliverance ministry instead of repenting. But now he says they are repenting, just for the wrong thing. Hmmm.)
Yes, demonic activity is a real thing, but Scripture does not command us to substitute our moral responsibility with a patron demon for every sin. (Is this what Krick does? He has yet to document any of this.)
The generational curse doctrine teaches that the one suffering from the curse must search through their ancestry to find the source of the curse. And because nobody knows the full extent of their ancestor’s sin, the search can never truly end. This just becomes evidence that another “door” remains open somewhere. (He presumes this to be false, but certainly many Christians struggle with persistent sin. Is it fleshly weakness or demonic activity? "Publisher" insists it's only the former and not the latter, but has yet to provide any evidence this is true.)
Without true repentance, continued temptation to sin means another spirit must be present. Persistent sickness and disease mean that the source of the correct ancestral sin has not yet been located. And the cycle continues.
Obviously, this leaves us with a serious problem—Christ’s work on the cross was insufficient and has left behind a hidden spiritual predicament that only a specialized deliverance minister can identify and diagnose. (Well, according to this logic, persistent sin, whether it's due to fleshly weakness or to a demonic presence, either would make the cross insufficient. "Publisher" loses the point either way.)
This gives false teachers like Kathryn Krick enormous power. They supposedly have the spiritual gift to locate and detect these invisible spirits, communicate directly to them, revoke their “legal rights,” and pronounce the victim free. But if the problem continues, which it always does, the victim returns for another session rather than questioning the false teaching.
But Christ alone is sufficient for those suffering under the weight of their own sin or even the consequences of another person’s sin. (No one disagrees.)
The generational curse doctrine teaches that the one suffering from the curse must search through their ancestry to find the source of the curse. And because nobody knows the full extent of their ancestor’s sin, the search can never truly end. This just becomes evidence that another “door” remains open somewhere. (He presumes this to be false, but certainly many Christians struggle with persistent sin. Is it fleshly weakness or demonic activity? "Publisher" insists it's only the former and not the latter, but has yet to provide any evidence this is true.)
Without true repentance, continued temptation to sin means another spirit must be present. Persistent sickness and disease mean that the source of the correct ancestral sin has not yet been located. And the cycle continues.
Obviously, this leaves us with a serious problem—Christ’s work on the cross was insufficient and has left behind a hidden spiritual predicament that only a specialized deliverance minister can identify and diagnose. (Well, according to this logic, persistent sin, whether it's due to fleshly weakness or to a demonic presence, either would make the cross insufficient. "Publisher" loses the point either way.)
This gives false teachers like Kathryn Krick enormous power. They supposedly have the spiritual gift to locate and detect these invisible spirits, communicate directly to them, revoke their “legal rights,” and pronounce the victim free. But if the problem continues, which it always does, the victim returns for another session rather than questioning the false teaching.
But Christ alone is sufficient for those suffering under the weight of their own sin or even the consequences of another person’s sin. (No one disagrees.)
In the Scriptures, we find that Christ has redeemed His people from the curse of the law (Galatians 3:13). God delivers us from darkness (Colossians 1:13–14).
Christ has canceled our debt that condemned us and disarmed all of the rulers and authorities (Colossians 2:13–15). Those who are in Christ are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), and nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38–39). (No one disagrees.)
While we may suffer and experience the consequences of other people’s sin, inherit genetic traits or physical conditions, or even battle against habitual patterns of sin we’ve learned from previous generations, we are not spiritual hostages to our ancestors’ “demons.” (Summary denial, absent documentation even now.)
Christ has canceled our debt that condemned us and disarmed all of the rulers and authorities (Colossians 2:13–15). Those who are in Christ are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), and nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38–39). (No one disagrees.)
While we may suffer and experience the consequences of other people’s sin, inherit genetic traits or physical conditions, or even battle against habitual patterns of sin we’ve learned from previous generations, we are not spiritual hostages to our ancestors’ “demons.” (Summary denial, absent documentation even now.)
And we certainly do not need a whacko like Krick or any other self-appointed deliverance apostle, to break that curse, reverse the formula, or close any “doors” that might have been left open.
Christ has already accomplished all that we need, and His grace alone is sufficient. (The author didn't bother to explain this or anything else.)
Christ has already accomplished all that we need, and His grace alone is sufficient. (The author didn't bother to explain this or anything else.)
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