What Is A "Charismatic?"
 

I see folks on AFF often make slurrying, derogatory remarks about Charismatics. What is a Charismatic? Are they all the same?

Are there any "good" Charismatics? Are any of them saved? Are they really filled with the Holy Spirit?

Granted there are Charismatics that I don't want to be connected with or to! But guess what; there are Pentecostals that I don't want to be associated with either! Apostolics that I do not want to be a part of! So what?

Are we being too judgmental when we lump all Charismatics together? Is our "brush" too big?

What's wrong with this definition?

char·is·mat·ic   [kar-iz-mat-ik]
–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.

What are we guilty of if we speak evil of any denomination that God approves of? Should it concern us how we speak about "others?" God fills them with the Holy Ghost and then we spend our time speaking evil of them! Will we stand in judgement for these actions?

Just....
Been Thinkin'

Re: What Is A "Charismatic?"
 

So, by this definition, are Pentecostals Charismatics, or are Charismatics just trying to act Pentecostal? :hmmm

Re: What Is A "Charismatic?"
 

In general I do not use Charismatic in a disparaging fashion.

However, I cannot identify with this at all: "...who seek an ecstatic religious experience"

Re: What Is A "Charismatic?"
 

Why? Just wondering. Please explain so I can understand what you are saying. Thanks.

BT

Re: What Is A "Charismatic?"
 

Not certain but I think a Charismatic looks like this......





:shockamoo

Re: What Is A "Charismatic?"
 

Ha Ha. Very good! :thumbsup

BT

Re: What Is A "Charismatic?"
 

Well, we probably each have our little private interpretation of what Charismatic is.

This is from Merriam-Webster online

Main Entry: charismatic
Function: noun
Date: 1951

: a member of a religious group or movement that stresses the seeking of direct divine inspiration and charisms (as glossolalia or healing)


This is pretty much my understanding. A person is charismatic if he/she believes in the charismata or gifts of the Spirit. This would include just about anyone who was not a cessationist (one who believes the gifts of the Spirit were just temporary for the early church and have since passed away) and would include those of us who consider ourselves Apostolic or Pentecostal. To me the terms Apostolic, Pentecostal, and Charismatic are pretty much interchangeable.

Re: What Is A "Charismatic?"
 

Guess its all in the circle you run in...in my parts it is used to describe someone who is practicing on how to use the gifts of the spirit without actually relying on the spirit...not a compliment at all.

Re: What Is A "Charismatic?"
 

Charismatic:

Todd Bentley
Toronto Blessing
Brownsville
Pulpits splitting
TBN
Rodney Howard Brown


A charismatic is someone I'm not!:mad:

Re: What Is A "Charismatic?"
 

I don't necessarily disagree. Just explain the things that turn you off or what about these examples above that make you "not a Charismatic."

BT