Quote:
Originally Posted by Timmy
Sure, maybe this one is extreme enough that almost everyone could agree. But there are others that, for example, some believers might think was kooky but you'd think was a perfectly normal expression of worship, or of a manifestation of the Holy Spirit.
But even this video proves that it would be virtually impossible to get complete agreement! The people in that man's congregation seemed to be fine with it. (Even there, I'm sure it wasn't unanimous. There had to be a lot of folks thinking to themselves "he has got to be kidding"!  ) |
Yeah, I think it's extreme enough.
I understand the rest of your point. Christianity itself seems kooky to some. Spirit manifestation aside, that these people huddle together and celebrate the life of a man that they honestly can't believe resurrected seems kooky. None of us are completely exempt from this tag. I just think we collectively see this as an extreme example.
And you know, we ought to continue a conversation about the intent of our times "in the Spirit." Those that are more charismatic in practice should constantly make sure all that we do points to Jesus, and use the teachings of Paul as a guidepost along the way. The Bible is not the destination, it's the compass. (Those that look to the Bible as a destination, I call this Biblioatry), but it's Christ in us.... pardon my tangent, but here we go.... the book Jesus Manifesto perhaps fired me up, here's an excerpt:
What is Christianity? It is Christ. Nothing more. Nothing less. Christianity is not an ideology. Christianity is not a philosophy. Christianity is the “good news” that Beauty, Truth and Goodness are found in a person. Biblical community is founded and found on the connection to that person. Conversion is more than a change in direction; it’s a change in connection. Jesus’ use of the ancient Hebrew word shubh, or its Aramaic equivalent, to call for “repentance” implies not viewing God from a distance, but entering into a relationship where God is command central of the human connection.
We believe that the major disease of the church today is JDD: Jesus Deficit Disorder. The person of Jesus is increasingly politically incorrect, and is being replaced by the language of “justice,” “the kingdom of God,” “values,” and “leadership principles.” Actually, I'm going to post a separate thread with the Manifesto on it.
But getting back to your point, it's a point well taken. We are all vulnerable of the "kooky" label. But in extreme cases like this, it's not a difficult conclusion, even for men and women who work with the charismata. The goal is to question if the happenings are ultimately pointing to Jesus, or making a show of one's self.
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