Revivals Pt 8 | From Wesley to Finney by way of Count Zinzendorf

While I was looking for a segue between John Wesley and Charles Finney, I discovered that I’d neglected to look deeply enough into Wesley’s “Holy Club” and his significant association with the Moravians and Nikolaus Ludwig, Count von Zinzendorf.

This article will examine Zinzendorf’s secret society membership, his heretical doctrines, and his shocking sexual perversions and fetishes that have been left on the cutting room floor of church history. What we glean about secret societies will lay the groundwork for a critical examination of Charles Finney.

(There’ll be no silly gifs in this one due to the disturbing subject.)

The Holy Club & A Quick Review of Secret Societies

The first three men I examined in this series (Whitefield, Edwards & Wesley) lived in the early 18^th century (collectively 1703-1791). As I mentioned, they were all members of a fraternity at Oxford University organized by the Wesley brothers called the “Holy Club.” The unlikely unity of these men who held such diverse beliefs, and even more notably member Thomas Blair’s continued acceptance by the group after being convicted of sodomy, are the markings of secret society allegiance.

Secret societies like the Freemasons, Jesuits, Rosicrucians and countless others have long worked behind the scenes of governments and religions to socially engineer society to, in one form or another, embrace the god-of-this-world’s Mystery School Teachings. (And they’ve done a stellar job with the entire world believing that we live on a water-covered spinning ball flying through an endless vacuum… but I digress). We’ve been considering how the dualistic method (Hermetic “Principle of Polarity”) they employ to accomplish this.

The secret society we’re most familiar with today is Freemasonry, which was also founded in the early 1700s. Importantly, Albert Pike, 33° former Sovereign Grand Commander of Universal Freemasonry called Freemasonry the “Mystery of the Kabbalah,” writing in Morals and Dogma:

“The old primitive faith that is the Freemasonry religion is derived from the Ancient, pure Kabbalah.”

The big letter “G” in Masonry represents Gnosis (knowledge).

For those who aren’t familiar, the Kabbalah is esoteric Jewish mysticism, an occult system of magic and witchcraft. Historically, its teachings were put into writing in the second-century by rabbi Simeon Bar Yochai.

“The Zohar (the Book of Splendor) is the seminal text of Kabbalah. It is traditionally ascribed to the second-century Talmudic master Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, although modern scholars date it to Moses de Leon of thirteenth-century Spain.

While Kabbalah was taught and studied especially in the thirteenth century, it had a particular resurgence in the sixteenth century, at the time of Yosef Caro.” – The Jewish Chronicle

“Kabbalah” means “received teachings” or “traditions.” Simeon Bar Yochai is said to have received these teachings in a cave where he was visited by angelic beings. But in reality, the mystical teachings of Kabbalah are as old as time, originating in the occult Mystery Schools of Babylon & Egypt, and likely before the great flood of Noah.

Pike also writes in Morals and Dogma that,

“Masonry is identical to the Ancient Mysteries.”

Nikolaus Ludwig, Count von Zinzendorf (1700 – 1760)

A contemporary of Whitefield, Edwards and Wesley, was Count Nikolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf, a very wealthy member of the European nobility. Zinzendorf was the leader of the Moravians, who John Wesley spent much time with in Europe.

Official church history champions Zinzendorf and the Moravian Revival in a small town in East Germany for its groundbreaking prayer and missions movement. For example, on the website, A Yearning Heart’s Journey we read of “Zinzendorf’s Legacy,”

Among the Pietists, Zinzendorf is seen as a bit of a hero, and is given much credit for the way in which he helped shape the Pietistic tradition; some historians have even called Zinzendorf “The Conqueror of Pietism,” because of the mark he left in its history, as well as the way in which he gave it a distinctly new direction. Zinzendorf brought many creative innovations into the church during his time, including: his focus on Christian unity; the emphasis on community singing; the use of casting of lots for decision making; the familial approach to spirituality and community (as opposed to the monastic tradition); his holistic understanding of Christian life and experience (also called “religion of the heart”); and the idea of having a prayer chain of day and night prayer (which had been a totally new concept for the protestant movement, although not for Christianity in general).

For Zinzendorf, the Moravian community and the beautiful, unique settlement of Herrnhut, were, by far, his greatest achievements. The Lord used Zinzendorf and Herrnhut to restore the Moravian beliefs, traditions, and culture. Also, Zinzendorf was used to establish new concepts within the Church that would eventually lead to world mission and so change many lives and the face of planet earth for ever. – AYHJ (bold added)

Self-proclaimed Apostles and Prophets of the New Apostolic Reformation are fascinated with Zinzendorf and the Moravians. Inspired by a “prophecy” Rick Joyner bought 320 acres near Moravian Falls, NC in 1997 and moved the headquarters of MorningStar Fellowship there from Charlotte. Moravian Falls is the land where the Moravians settled in America in 1753.

Joyner and his group are attributing all kinds of mystical traits to the area, making it a “Christian Sedona” of sorts. According to false teacher John Paul Jackson,

“Divine portals into the heavenly realm exist around the Earth today. The city of Jerusalem is a portal. In fact, it is the major portal on the face of the Earth. That’s why both David and Isaiah said that Jerusalem is the center of the earth. Why do you suppose the enemy is trying to capture Jerusalem? He is trying to block or close off this portal.

In Moravian Falls, North Carolina, Rick Joyner has shared that he and his staff have had numerous angelic visitations on their property that was once owned by Count von Zinzendorf and the Moravian community of faith. Several portals exist on this land which had been prayed over by the Moravian brethren for over 100 years.” John Paul Jackson

These words by Jackson should put a check in the spirit of any discerning believer.

Ex-NAR member, researcher and author Mishel McCumber has worked extensively to expose the NAR, including their leaders’ fascination with Zinzendorf and the Moravians. In her article The Hidden Agenda of The Order of the Mustard Seed, she examines this secret society that was created by Zinzendorf and how it is being resurrected by the NAR today.

“Peter Grieg of the 24-7 Prayer Movement, an international, ecumenical movement laced with Gnostic, New-Age, and Contemplative spirituality, is reviving the 17th century mystical Masonic Order of the Mustard Seed.  Recruited members are required to take a life-long vow of commitment to the Order and the outward sign of this commitment is to be symbolized with a ring or tattoo. The Order of the Mustard Seed was originally a secret order started by Count Nikolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf and is listed in “The History of Freemasonry” by Albert G Mackey as being a long dormant Masonic Order. Greig claims he was inspired to resurrect the order by the 18th century Moravian renewal and the life of Count Zinzendorf. Understanding the significance of the resurrection of this order and of the overall resurgence in the interest in Zinzendorf is key to understanding the state of the apostate church and where it’s headed.”- Deception Bytes

(Greig stepped down in 2019 and was replaced by Mike Andrea who resigned after allegations that included psychological, sexual, spiritual and financial abuses.)

McCumber examines Zinzendorf’s secret society affiliations,

“Zinzendorf was a Rosicrucian. In late medieval Germany, the Rosicrucian’s were a secret society of mystics holding a doctrine built on esoteric truths, and “secret doctrines” of the ancient past. They believed that these secret mystical truths were concealed from the average man, and reserved for an elite few. Much like today’s New Apostolic Reformers, these mystics sought a universal Reformation of Mankind. Many modern esoteric orders and secret societies are said to draw in part or in whole on the Rosicrucian’s philosophies. Zinzendorf was head of the Rose Croix (Rosicrucian) from 1744-1749. In fact Masonic dictionaries list a category called Moravian Masonry which was founded in 1939 called the Confraternity of Moravian Brothers of the Order of the Religious Freemasons… Although [like today’s Dominionists] he sought to build a Kingdom on earth, it most certainly had nothing to do with the God of the Bible.” – Deception Bytes

Moravians History

The history of the Moravians is a little confusing, because we first read about them in relation to the (pietist) martyr John Huss and the Bohemian Brethren in the 1400s, and then they appear again in the 1700s. But the Moravians were Gnostics, splitting away from the Bohemian Brethren, as McCumber explains;

“The Moravians were a Gnostic sect that was founded in 1457 in what is today’s Czech Republic. They were an offshoot of the Bohemian Brethren, but in 1467 they constituted themselves a church, thereby severing themselves from their association with the National Bohemian Church…

[M]erciless persecution by the Catholics extinguished most of the Protestants in Bohemia and completely wiped out the Moravians in Bohemia. However, a few of the Moravian families held on in the region of Moravia. In 1722, they left their homes, land and belongings and journeyed to Germany in search of religious freedom. By invitation they settled on the estate of Count Ludwig Von Zinzendorf and eventually built a town there called Herrnhut.” – Deception Bytes

Now, someone will chime in and say that Wesley eventually left the Moravians and wrote a letter detailing the reasons for his departure. That’s true. But as I showed in my last article, there are plenty of other problems with the celebrated revivalist. And while his letter does address the Moravian’s interest in the Mystics, it neglects to mention some of their darker practices.

In her article Examining Count Nikolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorg 1700-1760, McCumber exposes some of the darker aspects of the man and his sect that are avoided by Joyner and modern day Evangelicals.

“Zinzendorf was a sexual deviant who exacted totalitarian control over the sex lives of his followers. He believed that human sexual union symbolized the mystical marriage between Christ and his Church—the believer and the Divine. The act of copulation became so elevated in his community that he referred to it as a “sacrament” and viewed it as a liturgical act (Peucker 31). Zinzendorf gave explicit instructions to all couples regarding the act of copulation, its frequencies and the various positions available to them. There were regular conjugal laws established and these were observed by all members of the sect. Certain hours and quarters were set up for these matters and meetings known as love-feasts ended with couples making love in full view of other parishioners (Lachman 59).

Zinzendorf considered himself Chief Deputy of Christ on earth, and “adjusted” marriages by making couples switch partners whenever it so pleased him. Sometimes “mass adjustments” were performed, and young girls and boys were forced together and made to perform difficile copulation astride wooden benches (O’Neill 107; Lachman 59). Deception Bytes (bold added)

The website Scribal Well has more about these “love feasts.”

“At the Fetter Lane Chapel [founded in London in 1742 by Moravian Church members who’d come to London in search of passage to the British colonies in the Caribbean] , the Moravians spoke openly about their sex lives and were advised by Zinzendorf and his agents on how to improve it, how the women could achieve ecstasy more easily and satisfactorily, and how the men could perform their spiritual labors with greater perseverance. The meetings, often known as “love feasts,” seem to have included couples making love in view of the other parishioners, and the singing, dancing, and general joyous exultation of the senses – necessary in order to fully appreciate the human nature of Christ – may have ended in a communal unification of the opposites. – Scribal Well <–excellent article with links to more information

God’s condemnation of the same obscene corruption is recorded in the book of Revelation where Jesus states to the church at Ephesus:

“You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.” (Rev 2:6)

The Nicolaites of the first century who were known for their “unrestrained indulgence,” and notorious for defiling an early Christian ceremony known as an “Agape,” which translates “love feast.”

Sex Magic

This all leads us to the subject of occult sex magic which was practiced by Gnostics and Kabbalists. In the article Top 10 ‘Sex-Magic’ Cults, the website Syncromystic explains the beliefs behind practice.

Another contemporary of Zinzendorf was Sabbatean Jacob Frank (mentioned above), who practiced the “art.” The Frankists joined Freemasonry and given their interest in Alchemy, were in all likelihood members of the Rosicrucians.

“Gershom Scholem specifically mentioned the Frankists and Rosicrucians got along well; and though Jews at the time weren’t exactly welcomed into regular Freemasonry, the Rosicrucians can be expected to have actively sought Jewish initiates.”   Conspiracy Archive

Jacob Frank pimped his beautiful wife to recruit influential men. Now, pimping, blackmail and pedophilia, as well as human sacrifice, are age-old rituals held for entry into Satanic organizations. I have not been able to uncover whether Jacob Frank was acquainted with Count Zinzendorf or his circle of Rosicrucians, but Zinzendorf’s “love feasts” and “wife exchange” practices would suggest a connection.
Researcher/author Paul Peucker, referenced by McCumber, wrote about a time in Moravian history known as the “Sifting” in his book A Time of Sifting – Mystical Marriage and the Crisis of Moravian Piety in the Eighteenth Century.The summary explains why minimal historical accounts remain of Zinzendorf’s lascivious teachings.

“In early 1749… some influential members carried Zinzendorf’s “innovative theology” into a territory he allegedly called “Sifting” after Luke 22:31-“Satan has desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat…” Since then, historians of the Moravian Church have skirted the subject as irrelevant or embarrassing. Religious practices of this said “Sifting” focused on Zinzendorf’s “Blood-and-Wounds” theology. In the aftermath of this period, Moravian leaders tried to destroy any sources documenting Sifting practices. Destruction of these sources is an important part of the story of Zinzendorf and the Moravians. Zinzendorf’s theology encouraged “worship of Christ’s wounds” as sources of nurture and bridal union with Christ, whereby the believer’s feminine soul (“die Seele” in German) joined mystically with Christ as bridegroom…

In A Time of Sifting, Paul Peucker provides the first book-length, in-depth look at the Sifting Time and argues that it did not consist of an extreme form of blood-and-wounds devotion, as is often assumed. Rather, the Sifting Time occurred when Moravians began to believe that the union with Christ could be experienced not only during marital intercourse but during extramarital sex as well.”  (Summary of: A Time of Sifting: Mystical Marriage and the Crisis of Moravian Piety in the Eighteenth Century By Paul Peucker. Abridged)

From Peucker’s book,

“Zinzendorf considered his teaching on marriage and sexuality the central point in his theology, calling it ‘a primum principium,’ ‘the root of the church tree,’ and ‘the biggest secret’ that Christ had revealed to the Moravians.” (Peucker)

From professor of religious studies David Halperin’s article, Sex, the Moravians, and Rabbi Jonathan Eibeschuetz,

“Zinzendorf sought to transcend the traditional Christian aversion to sex.  With Christ’s incarnation, he taught, the genital organs were no longer pudenda, “things of shame,” but verenda, ‘things to be reverenced’…

Speaking of ’embarrassing’: a feature of 18th-century Moravianism that comes across today as disturbingly kinky is its fervent worship of the vagina-like wounds of Christ, inflicted on the helpless Savior by the phallic spear.

[From the Moravian Hymnal] (‘Powerful wounds of Jesus, So moist, so gory … You are so succulent, whatever comes near becomes like wounds and flows with blood. … Soft wounds of Jesus … I crawl to you.’)” – David Halperin

We find more about Zinzendorf’s “wound worship” from Scribal Well.

“In what may appear to us, and did appear to many of Zinzendorf’s detractors, as a revolting form of spiritual sadomasochism (or the equivalent, as the term had yet to arise), Zinzendorf taught his followers to visualize Christ’s wound, from the infamous spear of Longinus, as a kind of vagina and the spear itself as a kind of phallus whose union made possible spiritual regeneration. Coupled with his own fully male sexuality, the “side hole,” as Christ’s wound came to be called, in effect transformed him into an androgynous being, an earthly manifestation of the cabalistic cosmic man, Adam Kadmon, who enjoyed the primal unity of the sexes that the cabalists, and in a different way, the spiritual alchemists, desired.” – Scribal Well

(See also Dig podcast.)

I also came across this article by researcher David Livingstone on his website Ordo ab Chao,

“Zinzendorf then adopted the antinomianism [lawlessness] of the Frankists by elaborating Kabbalistic sex rites into bizarre Christian teachings. According to the Kabbalistic theories of Zinzendorf, God and the universe are comprised sexual potencies, the Sephiroth of the Kabbalah, which interact with each other and produce orgasmic joy when in perfect equilibrium, recalling the union of the cherubim in the Holy of Holies. Kabbalists claimed that the cherubim were embraced in the act of intercourse, symbolizing God’s union with the Shekhinah. After the destruction of the Temple, the reunion of the cherubim depends on ritual intercourse between Kabbalist and his wife… Ordo Ab Chao

The Wesley brothers and George Whitefield are mentioned in the same article.

“In 1738, Peter Boehler, the London Moravian leader, and his followers established the Fetter Lane Society in London, the first flowering of the Moravian Church in England. Following their practice in Germany, they had a custom of fellowshipping at a common meal, or a “love feast,” prior to taking communion. Most of their members were Anglicans, most prominently John Wesley (1703 – 1791), his brother Charles Wesley (1707 – 1788), and George Whitefield (1714 – 1770). – Ordo Ab Chao

All the above, especially the earlier references to the involvement of children in these sick practices makes Whitefield’s insisted control of his boy’s home, and the Trustees’ concern (mentioned in my article about Whitefield) even more disturbing. From my article,

“Whitefield ‘insisted on sole control of the orphanage.’ He refused to give the Trustees a financial accounting. The Trustees also objected to Whitefield’s using ‘a wrong Method’ to control the children, who ‘are often kept praying and crying all the Night.’ – Original Source

I mentioned that Whitefield’s boy’s home was a replica of August Hermann Francke’s University of Halle.

Herrnhut (home of the Moravian community) was also initially intended to be a replica of the University, with an orphanage and paedogogium (providing children of nobility and the wealthy with “the comprehensive education needed for their later duties in society”). Zinzendorf attended Paedagogium at Halle at age ten.

Secret Societies, Sexual Metaphysics and Ecumenism

Zinzendorf’s legacy had far reaching effects. Messianics celebrate Zinzendorf as the first Messianic Christian. Scribal Well describes the revivalist’s Ecumenical aspirations and their source.

“By the time Zinzendorf established the Fetter Lane mission (in London), he was convinced that the mysticism of the Jewish cabala – the esoteric reading of the Jewish holy books – could bring Jews and Christians as well as Catholics and Protestants together. His belief that followers of different faiths could unite in a common piety chimed in many ways with Masonic notions of universal brotherhood and a common belief in a Supreme Being, and it certainly resonated with the Rosicrucian ethos. His epiphany in Dusseldorf concerning Christ’s carnal nature seemed to prime him for cabalistic notions of what we can call “sexual metaphysics…”

As in spiritual alchemy, for the cabala, in sexual union, the male and female overcome the rifts of the fallen world and achieve an ecstasy that echoes the original unity of being… God himself has sex, the cabalists believe, in the cosmic lovemaking he enjoys with his Shekinah, his female emanation. Zinzendorf Christianized this cabalistic holy marriage and declared that the Holy Spirit was feminine, the Mother of Christ…

The Moravian dogma was Spiritism which generally means Black Magic. As for their moral code, it can be summarized in the few following words of Count Zinzendorf in a dialogue with Mr. Wesley.

“We reject all Self Denial, we trample it under Foot. We Believers do what we please, and no more.”

[Where’ve we heard that before?]

He was on intimate terms with John Wesley, the founder of Methodism.

Do we not see Rick Joyner and other members of Morningstar Ministries joining elite orders that have links back to Freemasonry, the Knights Templars, and other secret societies? Even as Zinzendorf began his own order, Rick Joyner has created a new order at Morningstar which he has dubbed the Knights of the Cross (KOC), which literally launched modern day missions…

Zinzendorf championed a view that is readily observed among the prophetic movement today whereby Biblical correctness and sound doctrine are de-emphasized, and emotions and experience are elevated. Whatever belief serves to bolster one’s experience, one’s happiness, is just fine, while attention to doctrinal correctness is minimized.

Unity, and an avoidance of conflict, is given higher regard than truth, or Scriptural accuracy. Zinzendorf would not have welcomed a critical examination of the Biblical soundness of his beliefs. He stressed unity among mankind, and he sought to find common ground for Catholics, Jews (the non-Messianic variety), and diverse denominations to join together.” – Scribal Well

Although Morningstar & modern Christiandom celebrates them for their mission-mindedness, Dig Podcast’s, Wound Worship, “Enthusiasts and Sodomites”: A History of Radical Moravians reports how their unhealthy obsession with blood, gore and the genitals of Jesus Christ stirred up rebellion in enslaved Africans in Suriname.

“In 1750, Lutheran pastor Heinrich Melchior Muhlenberg of Philadelphia took up his pen in disgust. A bold group of missionaries had made incursions on his congregation, representing themselves as ordinary Lutherans and Calvinists. Contrary to their claims, they were preaching radical theology and persuading colonists to join their communal way of life in nearby Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Muhlenberg could barely believe his eyes after studying their hymnology:

‘I ask you to examine the Twelfth Part of their hymns where you will discover that these obscene birds– with your permission– have compared women’s genitalia, vagina of the uterus, with the side of the Saviour of the World which on the cross has been pierced by a spear.’

Indeed these religious radicals, whom British Whig Robert Nugent called “enthusiasts and sodomites,” were making waves all over the world.” – Dig Podcast

Moravians hymns described their mystical marriage with Christ and His side hole in graphic language and depict necromancy. The wounds even had their own set of hymns written by Zinzendorf called the “Wounds Litany.”

“Oh, husband with a hole, O what an incomparable Ray!
Kiss us, you cold little mouth!
Oh, corpse! Spread further in this church hall.
We are lying here like the child.
Kiss us you cold little mouth.” – (Deception Bytes).

Charles Finney & Freemasonry

I’m sure we can all appreciate Muhlenberg’s disgust.

But, wait, what’s all that got to do with Charles Finney?

Update: This quote is an addition to this already lengthy article that a reader pointed out. Like Finney, as we’ll see in the next article, Zinzendorf diminished (demeaned is more appropriate in Zinzendorf’s case) the life and accomplishments of the Son of God. (Thanks Steve!)

“In one of Zinzendorf’s sermons, he insists Christ is feeble-minded claiming He, has “not one more thought than was needful of Him.” In referring to Christ being tempted to turn stones to bread after His forty-day fast in the wilderness, Zinzendorf claims Christ’s answers are illogical and foolish. He further insists that Christ deemed Himself, “useless and good for nothing” and that many of the things the Lord stated in scripture are “not fit to be examined” (Lavington 29-31). Alarmingly, Zinzendorf goes as far as to tell his congregation that Christ “had nothing extraordinary in his turn of mind or gifts” (Lavington 31; Wesley 13). Furthermore, Zinzendorf states that at that cross, Jesus did not have enough intelligence to “arm himself like a great genius.” Instead, He was like, “the poorest of creatures who in their straits fall into downright convulsions” (Lavington 31-32). He further demeans Christ by calling Him their “little Jesus” and by feminizing Him as their “Little Mama Jesus” (“Candid Narrative” 39). Evidently, it would appear from such comments that Zinzendorf considered Jesus, weak, cowardly, intellectually deficient, and devoid of any talent or abilities. Consequently, by the words of his mouth, he stands opposed to orthodox Christian doctrine and thought.” – Mishel McCumber ***

Finney also employed emotion in his services (psychological manipulation in his case) and brought a twisted (another) gospel of man. Like the Moravians, he employed music at his emotionally-charged altar calls. I love music as much as the next person, but it is a fact that the consciousness-altering properties of music has always been known and used by the occult. Also, like Zinzendorf, Finney was a Master Mason. And although he renounced his Freemasonry and came out with a book against it, the book The Character, Claims and Practical Workings of Freemasonry, came out in 1869, 50 years after his supposed renunciation. It struck me that Wesley wrote his famous letter to the Moravians later in life as well. Were they trying to distance themselves from scrutiny? If so, then we cannot dismiss these men as merely “stumbling toward the light,” but must conclude that they were duplicitous deceivers.

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. (Matt 7:15)

To be continued…

Thanks to Deanne Loper and to Laura from MagicalMysteryChurch Youtube channel for calling my attention to Mishel McCumber’s work!

Revivals Pt1 – Asbury: Let’s Talk About Revivals

Revivals Pt 2 – Enlightenment in the Land of the Plumed Serpent

Revivals Pt3 – Mystery Schools, The RCC and the Reformation

Revivals Pt4 – The First Great Awakening & The Enigmatic George Whitefield

Revivals Pt5 – The Brimstone and Mysticism of Jonathan Edwards

Revivals Pt 6 – John Wesley (1 of 2) – The Mystery School Dialectic and Christian Mysticism

Revivals Pt 7 – John Wesley (2 of 2) More Mystics & Papal Doctrines of Men

Revivals Pt8 – From Wesley to Finney By Way of Count Zinzendorf

Revivals Pt9 – Charles Grandison Finney, Freemasonic Moralism and Modern Evangelicalism

Revivals Pt10 – The Pagan “Virus“

Revivals Pt11 – The Third Great Awakening: Pentecostalism!

Revivals Pt12 – Pentecostalism Pt2: The Founders of Pentecostalism

Revivals Pt 13 – Social Justice Pt 1 – They Don’t Mix

Revivals Pt 14 – Social Justice Pt 2 – A City Upon A Hill

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