Yes, this is real

[Jeffrey]

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.

[Praxeas]

This is/was more typical of the Trinitarian "Holy Laughter" and "Vineyard" craze. Did this guy ever even preach/teach the scriptures

[Jeffrey]

Originally Posted by Praxeas

This is/was more typical of the Trinitarian "Holy Laughter" and "Vineyard" craze. Did this guy ever even preach/teach the scriptures

What does Trinitarian have to do with anything?????

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by Jeffrey

What does Trinitarian have to do with anything?????

What does beards or UPC have to do with anything?

[Jeffrey]

Originally Posted by Praxeas

What does beards or UPC have to do with anything?

Huh??

[Jeffrey]

This is a post about a particular guy that is beyond eccentric, but is just plain "off" and kooky. I'm not sure what Trinitarianism has to do with anything. Most would know Vineyard as Vineyard. Not "Oneness Vineyard" and "Trinity Vineyard." Just seemd irrelevant.

[SeekingOne]

Originally Posted by Praxeas

This is/was more typical of the Trinitarian "Holy Laughter" and "Vineyard" craze. Did this guy ever even preach/teach the scriptures

As opposed to typical Oneness something or other? Not sure I get this. I have oneness friends that do that laughing thing. Maybe it is called Holy Laughter, I don't know. They pray for someone and then start laughing and it gets everyone distracted and staring at them. Oneness or Trinitarian, it all ends up the same thing to me.

[Jeffrey]

Originally Posted by SeekingOne

As opposed to typical Oneness something or other? Not sure I get this. I have oneness friends that do that laughing thing. Maybe it is called Holy Laughter, I don't know. They pray for someone and then start laughing and it gets everyone distracted and staring at them. Oneness or Trinitarian, it all ends up the same thing to me.

Yeah, that's what I was thinking. It was really irrelevant.

[Hoovie]

Jeff and SO, I think Prax was responding to the implication that this type of stuff is similarly found in UPC/Oneness churches (were it not for a beard).

Originally Posted by Justin

At least he's not UPC, as he has a beard.

Originally Posted by Timmy

So, is this kind of thing a matter of opinion? Is it personal taste? Are some opinions more valid than others?

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.

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by Jeffrey

What does Trinitarian have to do with anything?????

Huh?????