by Jeanette Macdonald. RN (palliative care), Esoteric Healing Practitioner (EPA accredited), Tauranga, NZ
On the one hand we have people gathering together in a public place, by choice, to listen to someone (Serge Benhayon) who openly and consistently presents simple loving ways of living and being in the world: by openly, I mean the doors are always open and have always been at any Universal Medicine presentation I have attended.
And on the other hand, David Millikan, who Serge (due to his open door policy and having nothing to hide) had generously agreed to give the time and space to go on stage so that he could ask questions, supposedly prepared for those gathered.
But he revealed a different colour and delivered instead rants and accusations in an effort to incite and inflame the audience to some kind of action /reaction.
It was patently obvious that this was a deliberate ‘sideshow’, set up solely for the benefit of a known TV channel’s concealed cameras that he had stashed amongst those present.
All this it seems, for the manufacturing of a ‘juicy story’!
What I want to know is this:
If you are the minister of a church (which Millikan claims to be), a ‘man of God’ so to speak, is it loving, respectful or in fact, responsible to:
- Lie about motives and intentions
- Condone and set up filming of those present without their express permission
- Be guilty of prejudiced opinion
- Make unfounded allegations, rant and rave in a manner that seriously frightens people, particularly the children present.
Or to put it in perhaps more apt words:
- ‘Rev it up’ (pun not originally intended) for his own ends and the agenda of the TV channel that, it transpires, he was being paid by.
From my understanding of love, respect and responsibility, or indeed acceptance of another’s way of being….
No, it is not!
This display was in direct contrast to why people were actually gathered, and I feel saddened that he didn’t choose a more respectful and responsible way to engage with everyone there. It would have been so easy to do so, as it was so obviously welcomed.
Though I was not present on Friday night, I spoke with many who were, independently of each other over the next few days, and each gave in essence the same shocking account.
What I gleaned from them was that they were expecting to be met with genuine enquiry – without bias – and an opportunity for truth and understanding to be arrived at, for the benefit of all.
I believe this would have been fair and responsible – but they were hit instead with something that was not: something that sent shivers down my spine and felt more in keeping with the Dark Ages. Something that vilified and hectored (hectoring, n. to treat with insolence; to threaten; to bully) ordinary every day people for their opinions/beliefs and their chosen way of living.
Here? Now? Australia today? Surely not!
I understand that the resulting footage and likely selective editing will make it possible to show only the TV channel and Millikan’s view of how they want it to look. This is depicted in Barry Levinson’s film “Wag the Dog” – a revealing look at ‘spin doctoring’ at its most chilling!
But the over 150 people present know the truth of what happened! Their loved ones, family members, friends, work colleagues et al who were not present, but who know their integrity, will also know the truth of what happened.
Such a shame that David Millikan had been paid to run an angle on a story, that the angle was decided before he even met the people he was reporting about, and that he didn’t take the opportunity to simply engage in normal conversation with them.
The Truth about Universal Medicine 
History shows us how we have killed another in the name of God. We like to believe that this hideousness occurred back in the Dark Ages, yet this same consciousness is still rife today through religious vilification. How contradictory it is to pursue a public vilification of another/different benign religious group in the name of God, and to be under the illusion to think that this is doing ‘good’ not only is self-righteous and hypocritical but completely defies common sense.
Hard as it is to believe and digest it, it is great to know that the Dark Ages is still around us.
An example of how arrogant we become when we choose to remain ignorant of the truth. There is no honouring in this, in any respect.
It really does defy common sense – how anyone can even think that they can hold a position of righteousness whilst employing all kinds of deceitful maneuvering. It just self-exposes the shoddiness of being right.
When we come at life with an agenda, what we generally get is confirmation of that agenda – because we make sure we do. But does that get us anywhere? Not in my view. To truly understand requires openness, transparency, willingness to listen – and to admit we might just be wrong.
It not only defies common sense, but is also void of any integrity or responsibility.
The fact that an incident like this can take place at this point in our history reveals that we are still not a very mature society. Whilst we may parade around looking as though we know what we are talking about the corruption, as in the case with David et al. here, is obviously seen and felt…
What a shame David Millikan already had a dishonest agenda, when there could have been an open discussion that would have been a very honest sharing from individuals who have chosen to make changes to their life, and the difference it has made not only to them but the community as well.
You highlight some valid points here Jeanette about the lack of integrity and calculated way in which David Millikan conducted himself on that evening, it is astounding how some of the Media manipulate and lie about anyone and everything for their own gain.
Transparency can be abused by opaqueness. Yet, the real test is whether transparency keeps being the way to go. Serge Benhayon has kept it. So, the ultimate goal of that dark force failed.
If David Millikan had chosen respect of others’ choices he could have attended the Universal Medicine meeting to learn for himself what was presented at a Universal Medicine event instead of allowing himself to be used as an instrument of harm and abuse.
“Such a shame that David Millikan had been paid to run an angle on a story, that the angle was decided before he even met the people he was reporting about, and that he didn’t take the opportunity to simply engage in normal conversation with them.”
As you mention above David was on the payroll for a main stream media T.V station and to me it is a known fact that a normal conversation and discovering the truth doesn’t get ratings. That does not make what happen on the 12th any less shocking. A true man of God would never sell out and exploit others for ratings, using their so called “love for God” to gain trust of innocent people only to rip the rug out from under them and film them unknowingly whilst they do it is bottom of the barrel in my opinion.
What I also find interesting is that Millikan didn’t act alone. He had many people with him, camera men and women scattered throughout the audience all set up to do ‘their job’. What I find fascinating is that these people know how traumatic it is to be abused and assaulted by someone and then to have a camera shoved in your face while this is happening – they weren’t there to ‘expose’ something. They were purely there to create something to ‘entertain’ people. Their actions were totally abusive and against fundamental human rights.
I was apalled when I heard this – how terrifying must it have been and what a gratuitous performance for the cameras. If he had any care for those present, any love, any concern, this would not have been the way to go. He clearly painted a picture for himself and the TV company about what he presumed was happening and just went in like a bull in a china shop. He got it so so wrong.
When a story is run in the media only from a particular angle it can easily slant the outlook for the viewers and readers into bias.
I’m still open to meet David Millikan. I wonder where he is at since not only exposing the students of Universal Medicine but also exposing himself – this is what it is all about being exposed. Are you loving and respectful towards others or does your actions derive from self?
Well and fairly said Jeanette. I was present at the evening you describe, and it was an abominable display of disrespect and abusive behaviour (collectively – David Millikan and film crew combined). An opportunity existed for a true and open discussion with those present that evening, on topics of religion, philosophical understanding of life and more – and it was not only sadly lost, but brought a great deal of distress to a great number of people. The ‘assaulting’ nature of Millikan and co’s approach was deeply shocking.
In a country that is a democratic country, we need to ask ourselves; are we really? How is it that some can go around and condemn or persecute others, for this is an example of what we are doing to each other. We are very good at blaming governments and leaders for our woes, but we allow each other to get away with ‘blue murder'(so to speak) This is only one example for there are others who are facing the tide of public opinion for their beliefs, the way they look, who they know. This is the very dangerous territory and we do know it very well, but we are choosing to ignore it.
The transparency shown throughout this encounter says much in my view. To open the doors and say, ‘come on in, we have nothing to hide’ speaks volumes and David Millikan and his crew will have been aware of this fact. How transparent were the television channel in their dealings with Universal Medicine and its students? It seems to me they have more to hide that UniMed and Serge Benhayon does.
This is another example of a man ‘creating’ an illusion to divert people from the truth, something men have been party to for a very long time – maybe unwittingly so – but party to none the less. It is also a clear reflection of how we are fooled by sensationalism, glamour, ‘the bright lights’, fame etc. It is time we questioned everything we see presented by our media.
So often the way we live ‘defies common sense’. Our modern day pursuit of a purely mental based intelligence seems to negate the innate intelligence we all have in our bodies and felt by all – intelligence that was once upon a time known as ‘common sense’. For me, a return to the ways of common sense would be a great thing.
I totally agree Jeanette that there was not one ounce of responsibility in the actions of David Milikan with this senseless hi-jacking of a Universal Medicine event, where people, including children, had gathered to listen another wonderful presentation by Serge Benhayon. Just imagine if Mr Milikan had actually attended this event truly wanting to know more, what an amazing opportunity he would have been offered to know that there is another way to live in this crazy upside down world of ours. But of course that wouldn’t have been sensational enough for the TV company and their ratings.
When a person has to be paid to create a story regarding another I cannot but wonder if statistically it is more likely to be biased?
Great points Jeanette… there is great harm in assumptions made without fact and that was clear when David Millikan played his out at the expense of the many people absolutely undeserving of them or his treatment.
After being present at this meeting and seeing how the media and their presenter David Milikan behaved it makes me wonder is there any truth in any television or other media outlets purporting to give the public the facts when it was so obvious after the event how meticulously they had set up their plan of action to set the stage for their own intended result. But it didn’t work because we the audience there didn’t react in the way which they ‘thought’ we would. In fact apart from the original shock and disbelief of the accusing and loaded questions that David Milikan fired at us we remained steady knowing we are the real deal. After seeing this display I am beginning to realise the media are professionals in making and twisting a story to suit them and truth isn’t part of their agenda. David Milikan a man of God, maybe, but obviously not living it.
David Millikan and his media gang ‘attacked’ a peaceful open gathering – ranting at them, making false accusations and attempting to film men women and children against their wishes and with the malicious intent and express purpose of portraying them in a false light as being brainwashed followers of a cult. Forget about love just for a instant, where is the basic respect and decency we could each afford to another human being. or maybe we should not forget about love and make that the absolute basis of every interaction, then this kind of behaviour would never have the chance to get so out of control.
The actions by David Millikan that night were irresponsible and harmful – to claim he is a ‘man of God’ and then act in this abusive way is the exact opposite I believe.
“If you are the minister of a church (which Millikan claims to be), a ‘man of God’ so to speak, is it loving, respectful or in fact, responsible to:
•Lie about motives and intentions
•Condone and set up filming of those present without their express permission
•Be guilty of prejudiced opinion
•Make unfounded allegations, rant and rave in a manner that seriously frightens people, particularly the children present.” Some good questions you raise here Jeanette. How would they be explained by the man in question I wonder?
Wow! Very powerful Expression Anna, I agree, “true regard for self and others” would shortly change so much of the emotional turmoil society lives in.
Thank you Jeanette and Victoria, I agree, you could shake me to the cows come home and truth would remain as my “own expression” to the best of my ability.
When people act in an offensive, arrogant and dominating way to silence and vilify another way of being that is different to their own it is usually because they feel caught in the spotlight of truth that they don’t want to accept.
Absolutely Mary truth can be a difficult pill for some people to swallow!
I love this Mary. Graceful and right to the point.
Often if we take away the veil of nowadays glamorous surfaces one can still feel the energy of the dark ages being expressed: in the current wars, political discussions, debates about woman’s or minoritie’s rights, illness and disease rates, abuse, … and as you correctly outline, Jeanette, in the media. It would be honest for us as a humanity to admit that we haven’t learned from the past yet.
It is obvious David Millikan had an agenda that night and he did not care who he hurt or shocked with his attack. He totally disregarded the truth and was intent on smearing Serge Benhayon and Universal Medicine and abusing the basic human rights of everyone present that night all because he wanted a sensationalist story that would stimulate viewers and boost his ratings. Luckily the story never ran, due to some decent human beings who were concerned about David Millikan’s appalling behaviour.
It is deeply saddening to see that David Millikan, someone who considers himself a man of God, would act is such a disrespectful way. Alas, it is not shocking, since there are so many under the banner of religion not acting in a loving way.
I so agree with all that you express here Jeanette, this man David Millikan seems only interested in depicting a lie, vilifying all those present rather than presenting the truth which is far more amazing. An opportunity sorely missed.
I agree Jeanette it is a shame… we all suffer the loss of the truth and understanding that could have been with a genuine and open conversation… but that sadly was never Millikan’s intent. Thank you for calling his appalling behaviour to account.
Media Muppets are one thing but when they purport to be educated, men of theology like Millikan they are ever more confounding– proof that the intellectualisation of love and religion is a poor substitute for the real (and lived) thing.
Jeanette, I was present that night when David Milikan orchestrated his attack, and I can say that for anyone, but especially a Minister of a church to do something like that shows a total lack of integrity and lack of respect and care for other human beings. It is behaviour that is totally out of line and unacceptable – it violates the codes of human rights – and this from a Minister of the church! If his church has allowed him to keep his position, then they too are lacking in the most basic integrity that any human being can hold, for to support such behaviour is also completely out of line. Whilst we live in a world with such increasing levels of corruption and greed and violence and abuse, it is perhaps not that surprising that this could happen with a Church Minister – but what it does show us is the escalation of abuse, and the total loss of integrity that is happening in our world. The ironic thing is that here is Serge Benhayon presenting with utmost integrity about bringing back self care and self love and then this is what gets attacked by a Minister! How insane is that!
I was not present at this event but reading this article it made me wonder if David Milikan treats the congregation of his own church with similar disrespect and abuse.
Another example of sensationalist journalism for the purpose of making profits not for delivering a true story. Why would you want to watch a TV show where a man giving a presentation on health and well being gets hijacked? It does not make sense. There is no story.
So hard to believe Gayle, I still cannot quite envisage it.
It is interesting that David Milikan was being paid to create the drama and disruption that he did. Why do we so often put so much importance on money? Is the truth not far more valuable?
Thank you Jeanette. This shows how utterly self-gaining and void of any respect towards people the media is. There is no true intention in bringing a true story to the readers, it is all about sensationalism and spinning the most thrilling and enticing story there is. Either by creating it or by making it entirely up. It is time that we wake up from our slumber and see the things for what they really are, and say no to such unscrupulous and abusive conduct.
Jeanette, it sounds like Milikan’s actions were akin to a religious crusader or inquisitioner of old. Similarly his motive being a distortion of Truth and Love. Thank you for presenting this article.
Thank you Jeanette for asking David Millikan such pertinent questions which get to the heart of the matter and his real intentions that evening. I still find the fact that this happened in Australia so recently deeply disturbing and it has opened my eyes about how the media can choose to operate and portray events in a totally false way.
I totally agree with you Michelle, well said. I attended the presentation you speak of. The way David Millikan and his media cronies deliberately orchestrated the whole scenario illustrated to me how easily the truth can be manipulated by the media to present a sensationalised story that is not based on any truth at all. The whole experience has made me doubt the integrity of all journalists and question just how true and accurate the stories are that we are fed by the media. This is a shame because I am positive not all journalists abuse their power and I am wrong to judge all journalists on the behaviour of a few. I am sure many journalists feel the level of responsibility to truth in what they report and the difference they can make to humanity by sharing that truth. This whole experience also clearly illustrates to me how the behaviour of a few can tarnish the reputations of all.
David Millikan intent as a human being reads loud and clear.
Never even once to my knowledge has any of the critics of Serge Benhayon and Universal Medicine ever acted or behaved in a way which reflects that what they have been arguing for, or against, is reasonable, decent or fair. Their ways of presenting their absolute untruths, have always shown their true colours and true intentions – to me this feels bullying, affronting, offending and manipulative.
David Millikan presents himself as a man of integrity, and yet he has chosen to withhold his own tenderness and deep appreciation for people, therefore showing the world another man who is lost to his own hardened and abusive behaviours. As a person on TV he has a responsibility to role model how a man can actually live with gentle care for everyone, but David Millikan has failed at this and perhaps could take a step back to re-assess his contribution to society as a whole.
An absolute great shame indeed. It shows that just because you have a title that suggests you represent equality, integrity and love, it doesn’t mean you embody it.
Hear hear Janette, David Milikan’s behaviour is not befitting a true representative of God whom is all love.
It’s through blogs like these – with people sharing their true experiences with the media that you realise how hood-winked we really are by what we read and what we see in the media. This is 1 story misrepresented – with as you say the 150 people and their friends and family knowing the truth – and how many stories run a day? Hundreds, thousands I would say and how many of those are also misrepresented and / or ‘revved up’?? Bit scary when you really start to think about it.
I was present that evening and you expressed it as it was…i will never forget that evening and that David Milikan, a so called Minister of the Anglican Church could have behaved in such an appalling way, dishonest, a full on attack on a group of people as it appeared in an attempt to design and set up lies and then fabricate it for a TV show…the TV crew that were present with him engaged with their cameras, dismissing and uncaring of seeing children frightened, and people confused about what was happening. It seems David Milikan’s behaviour exposed a man with no ethics, respect and whose only motivation is a self serving agenda…and this is the behaviour of a ‘man who works for God’?
I agree Abby. A good story seems to be one that pleases us, but doesn’t necessarily relate to truth. Truth can be hard to hear but it offers us the chance to grow. When we hide our head in the sand, we stunt our development as human beings.
Joseph that’s so true a good story is for pleasing and not necessarily telling the truth. Its sad that how people are drawn to a story rather than hearing the truth.
I remember hearing about this incident and reading about it again today reminds me how people go on all sorts of ‘crusades’ in the name of truth and god and love and peace. Yet our actions and the way we live – are completely contrary to our stated aims. Universal Medicine has helped me to understand that truth and integrity simply stem from the choices that we make in every moment. This fact Jeanette would make for an awesome TV show and expose.
Quite incredible how people use the power of their positions to abuse the trust of others. Not to meet people who could testify about their experiences with Universal Medicine and Serge Benhayon before they aggressively invade a space with TV cameras etc, is truly despicable. Add the fact that it is done in the name of God, is total abuse.
The agendas these journalists come in with for a story is truly frightening. Honesty appears to have been thrown out the window. Once again hiding behind the church name.
You may think no-one is watching you but God is and karma finds the correction.
Hear! Hear! Gail
I also heard about this night as well. You have asked good questions for David because it seems he is going against the very values he portrays that he has.
The fact that this incident took place in Australia and not in a Third World country is not very settling. The fact thatDavid Milikan did not get historical reactions from the public but a firm one coming from integrity also speaks for itself about the quality of the student body of Universal Medicine and on what Universal Medicine represents as organisation.
Hi Jeanette, I was there that night. It was surreal. I just remember here was a man, supposedly a representative of God (love) viciously pointing at us all, condemning us with his words laced with lies and his eyes flashing with a fierceness that had not a sparkle of love or Divinity on offer – hardly the behaviour of a Son of God… could this be why ‘religion’ has become a dirty word for so many? This isn’t love – it’s the exact opposite. Alarm bells are ringing.
Very well said. David Milikan clearly has questionable intensions when it comes to his own public persona. We are all just normal people, open to discussion and enquiry and so he could have just asked and there would have been answers for him – there really was no need for the attack on social and individual liberty.
Well written Jeanette. The last paragraph says it all.
Millikan was dishonest from beginning to end. He has an agenda and his ability to hear otherwise is non-existent. I have also read the transcript of an interview he did with Serge Benhayon prior to his ‘TV camera crew antics’ and his arrogance and jealousy is palpable.
Like a wolf in sheeps clothing David Milikan appears to have accepted that a ‘sting’ is better than to face truth. Instead of chasing ‘a good story’ the potential to reflect truth and love has been lost to Mr Milikan, preferring his desire for deception and sensationalism. He may yet come to realise that the pursuit of accolades and praise from his TV network boss should never be at the expense of those who seek connection, truth and love.