First the definition…
Charismatic:
–adjective
1. of, having, or characteristic of charisma.
2. characterizing Christians of various denominations who seek an ecstatic religious experience, sometimes including speaking in tongues and instantaneous healing.
-noun
3. a Christian who emphasizes such a religious experience.
“One who is charismatic is said to be capable of using their personal being, rather than just speech or logic alone, to interface with other human beings in a personal and direct manner, and effectively communicate an argument or concept to them.”
I am NOT excited about attending another Charismatic church because in my experiences most, not all, but most people that attend Charismatic churches really put an over emphasis on the “ecstatic religious experience” of the church experience. They are more emotionally driven than Word driven. Whether they want to admit it or not, they usually seek miracles, money, and material expressions of blessing. I hear them constantly saying I am going to get mine: my money, my blessing, my miracle, my healing, my deliverance…my, my, my etc!
It really makes me sick. Many Charismatic people rarely read the Bible in its totality. They read selected passages of scripture that are dominant in their church and religious denomination. And they hold to higher esteem the voice of the pastor or denominational leader rather than the Voice of God speaking directly to them.
Also many Charismatic churches are MORE legalistic than they think. They accuse other denominations of being legalistic and religious when in fact they are. They have many more vain babblings and enticing words of man's wisdom, than the demonstration of the Spirit and power of God and His word.
Also many, not all, but many of the Charismatic church leaders are very controlling and manipulative. And their members are more loyal to them many times than to God Himself. I could go on and no, but I want to hear your thoughts and comments.
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15 comments:
ALL I will say is, "WOW!" The reflections are powerful, well-thought out, and interesting.
Interesting. Interesting. Interesting....
I agree.....I have not been a "member" at any church for a while because membership has too often meant signing on to help another man bring forth his vision.......I have my own vision based on the voice of God that speaks to me.....and it is not directing me to fulfill the pastor's vision for ministry....but to fulfill the purpose that God has placed me on this earth to fulfill.....
Wow Larry! There are a lot of accusations in that blog! I think it’s fair to say that you are frustrated with the type of churches you’ve been in and that’s okay because I’m experiencing the same feelings myself. However I think that you should have prefaced your statements by saying something like “from my experience(s).” Because what you’ve done is generalized the entire charismatic movement and I don’t think it’s fair to do that! But I understand where you’re coming from.
I think that the problem with the Pentecostal or charismatic church is that a lot of our churches emphasize on the “spirit” and all that goes along with that, i.e. dancing/shouting and speaking in tongues and all that. I don’t have a problem with any of that because I believe it’s biblical and I’m not minimizing the spirit of God or it’s power. However, I feel that some of the time we take to pump or exhort our congregations into a dance, could be used to just simply worship.
When the true spirit of praise is in the house... Read More…people really don’t have to be pushed. Praise comes in many forms which means that just because we didn’t dance and shout, slobber and roll on the floor today, doesn’t mean that God wasn’t praised. So a lot of what we are saying is God or His spirit, is only emotion and hype. Or let’s talk about the “preached word.” Sometimes it’s okay to really get into those scriptures and break them down to the congregation without hopping and hooping all over the place. I’m not trying to be funny. But I’ve found that as I get older…it really helps me to absorb what the teacher/preacher is saying when they are speaking calmly and clearly. I’m just past the stage of wanting to be excited and wanting to “feel good” when I listen to a message.
I really want to meditate on the word that I... Read More’m getting and really take some time to reflect on it. I want it to stick with me. For me, it’s hard to do those things when someone is hollering and hooping and jumping up and down. When I get out of church the only thing I can remember is that “catchphrase” that I heard but…the overall message for me is lost. So I feel like what needs to be done in the “charismatic church,” is we need to find a balance….there is a time and place for everything. It’s not always time to hoop and shout…but then it’s not always time to sit quietly. We need a balance.
I am a pastor and I would consider my church to be charismatic to a degree, but what has been written hear is true in alot of cases! I completely understand where you are comming from!
its the truth i am personally feed up with the state of the church the manipulation and praise of pastors and concentration on feelings instead of the bible the word and jesus is rarely preached anymore actually as i see it most ppl r feed up!
Well said! And I shall add, "non-caring," especially if you don't have a high paying job, position, or money. Well said!
You certainly speak truth on the subject. The word is powerful sharper than a double edge sword, emotions will fade out when the drums stop beating. Go tell it on the mountain Larry....
Well said! Some are "non-caring," unless you have money or a high paying job! They stray away from the slavation message and act as though we have "forever" to live on earth. Prosperity is the main objective. But they should be telling people about sin and that the consequences of dying in sin is eternal damnation, no matter what type of business ... Read Moreyou owned on earth or what type of Lexis you drove. God is not pleased when He has already told us that when seeking Him and His rigteousness He will bless us with things. Serve the Creator not the created. He'll give us things. Be anxious for nothing. Surely as we live, we shall die and face the judgment. After death there is no more "Grace" and "Mercy." Jesus will judge the world and all these "feel-good" ministries. Praise God!
Interesting thanks for sharing.
Wow...the level of ignorance in the body of Christ is astonishing...actually, it's sad.
It'd be nice to talk about the high points each part of the body brings to the table instead of this foolishness...
And to the person that said you are not a member of a church because membership meant bringing the pastors vision to pass but you have your own...CLEARLY you need to learn what God says about the matter. There is instance after instance recorded in the Bible of God using someone to help someone else bring "their" vision to pass and THEN elevating that other person...
I can't believe this... so so sad
Sad but true on some many levels.
You forgot to mention the $50, $100,and gold member healing lines at prayer time. Way to many games going on in a lot of churches. Make sure you pick the right one. If ever a pastor ask for your W-2 please find another church home. I personally prefer to give my money to the poor myself.
Larry, So so true!
This is so true and it's scary! Oh the my my my thing sends my blood boiling when I talk about it...this attitude promotes selfishness, a lack of love for the brethren and even sometimes social/class issues. People are behaving very unseemly and wonder why the world doesn't want to come. "By this shall all men know that you are my disciples if you have love one to/for another." The "BY THIS" is missing in a whole lot of churches because of this individualistic approach we take regarding (my anointing, my ministry,etc)
Emotionalism over substance has been the problem with some pentcostal/charasmatics for years. Good observation sir.
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