Faith or Fiction? Examining the Miracles and Teachings of Mel Tari

 

Introduction

Throughout history, Christianity has witnessed a spectrum of teachings—some inspiring revival, while others straying from biblical truth. Among these is Like a Mighty Wind, a book by Mel Tari that recounts miraculous events and presents theological claims that have stirred both enthusiasm and concern. While many have embraced Tari’s accounts as evidence of divine intervention, his teachings on ancestral sin, demonic possession, and salvation raise serious biblical and doctrinal questions. Careful scrutiny reveals that his claims lack scriptural support, and his later legal troubles further challenge his credibility as a spiritual authority.

Ancestral Sin and Exorcism in Salvation: A Biblical Analysis

One of Tari’s most controversial assertions is that believers must repent of their ancestors’ sins and undergo exorcism to achieve true salvation. However, Scripture unequivocally teaches that salvation comes solely through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9) and does not require deliverance from inherited transgressions. Ezekiel 18:20 explicitly states, "The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son." This passage dismantles the idea that generational sins spiritually bind individuals in a way that demands exorcism. The New Testament affirms that believers are made new in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), free from the condemnation of past generations.

Tari’s gospel presentation, as seen in Like a Mighty Wind, also emphasizes supernatural manifestations as evidence of salvation. (1) While the Holy Spirit does empower believers, Scripture does not mandate exorcism as a necessary step in salvation. The biblical model of salvation is repentance and faith in Christ, not deliverance from ancestral demons.

Theological Concerns Regarding Sin and Demonic Possession

Tari’s claims regarding demonic possession as the root cause of sin in believers present a significant theological error. While Scripture acknowledges spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:12), it does not attribute every sinful act to demonic influence. James 1:14-15 states, "Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin." This passage underscores personal responsibility rather than external demonic control. Even the apostle Paul, who spoke of struggling with sin in Romans 7, never suggested that his struggles stemmed from possession. Instead, biblical teaching emphasizes the believer’s ongoing transformation through the renewing of the mind (Romans 12:2) and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

Questioning the Veracity of Tari’s Miraculous Claims

Throughout Like a Mighty Wind, Tari describes extraordinary events—water turned into wine more than fifty times, children climbing trees like geckos because an angel had placed their clothes in the branches, a Catholic church burning down due to a supernatural fire, and healings so dramatic that a legless man allegedly grew legs after prayer. (2) He recounts these miracles with an air of certainty, yet they remain unverified beyond his own accounts. The Bible certainly affirms that miracles do happen, but such divine acts are consistently accompanied by witnesses and recorded as undeniable signs of God's power (John 20:30-31). Tari's claims, however, lack independent corroboration and surfaced largely after his immigration to the United States, raising questions about their authenticity. 

This skepticism is further amplified when considering the broader context of the so-called Indonesian revival.

The Indonesian Revival: Separating Fact from Fiction

The revival that took place in Timor, Indonesia, in the mid-1960s was one of the most controversial spiritual movements of the 20th century. (3) While there were reports of significant church growth, many of the miraculous claims associated with the revival—particularly those popularized by Tari—have been disputed. Anthropologists, missionaries, and theologians who visited Timor after the revival found little evidence to support Tari’s most sensational accounts. Some local pastors distanced themselves from the movement, and the leadership of the Christian Evangelical Church in Timor offered only lukewarm support.

Critics have pointed out that many Indonesians, including those from Timor, are unfamiliar with the specific miracles Tari describes. This discrepancy raises questions about whether his accounts were exaggerated or fabricated after his move to the United States. While the revival did lead to conversions and church growth, the more dramatic supernatural claims remain unverified.

Ethical Considerations: Tari’s Criminal Conviction

Further complicating Tari’s credibility is his involvement in financial fraud. In 1994, a California court found him guilty of defrauding a woman out of her inheritance, ordering restitution of $1.1 million. (4) While legal wrongdoing does not automatically negate theological teachings, ethical integrity is essential for those who assume spiritual leadership. Scripture places great emphasis on the character of Christian teachers (Titus 1:7-9), warning against deceptive influences that exploit faith for personal gain.

Conclusion: Biblical Discernment in Evaluating Spiritual Claims

Mel Tari’s teachings, while inspiring to some, require careful discernment. His doctrinal positions on ancestral sin, demonic possession, and unverifiable miracles diverge from biblical truth. While Christian faith acknowledges spiritual warfare and divine intervention, it does not support the notion that every sin results from demonic possession, nor does it require exorcism for salvation. Furthermore, Tari’s legal history raises ethical concerns about his trustworthiness. Rather than blindly embracing sensational accounts, believers must anchor their faith in Scripture, exercising wisdom when evaluating spiritual leaders. Ultimately, the gospel message remains unchanged—salvation through Christ alone, personal responsibility for sin, and reliance on the Word of God as the ultimate authority.