Charismatic teachers and writers claim that speaking in tongues is the work of the Holy Spirit, that it is a sweeping new burst of power that has come upon the church in the last days.
How can that be? The tongues being spoken today are not biblical. Those who speak in tongues are not practicing the gift described in Scripture. Then why do so many pursue this practice with such fervor? Why do they seek to convince and intimidate others to start doing the same thing? A basic reason is spiritual hunger. People hear that tongues is a way to have a wonderful spiritual experience. They fear that if they have not spoken in tongues, they may be missing something. They want "something more."
Also, many people are hungry to express themselves spiritually. They have been coming to church for years but they really have not been involved. They have not been recognized as particularly spiritual or holy; and because they hear that tongues-speakers are thought to be holy and spiritual, they try it.
Another basic reason for the growth of tongues is the need for acceptance and security. People need to be in the "in group." They want to be among the ones who "have it," and they cringe at the thought of being among the have-nots who are on the outside looking in. It is very satisfying for some to be in the charismatic movement. It is a form of self-actualization to be able to say, "I am a charismatic." It makes many people feel that they are somebody, like they belong to something, like they have something others do not have.
Another explanation is that the charismatic movement is a reaction to the secularized, mechanized, academic, cold, indifferent society in which we live. The tongues-speaker feels like he or she is directly in touch with the supernatural. Here is something tangible that they can experience. This is not dry and academic. It feels real!
Probably the key reason tongues have exploded on the scene with such force is the need for an alternative to the cold, lifeless Christianity that permeates so many churches. People who join the charismatic movement often are those who are looking for action, excitement, warmth, and love. They want to believe that God is really at work in their lives -- right here and now. Dead orthodoxy can never satisfy, and that is why many people look for satisfaction in the charismatic movement.
Some might say "Why criticize them?" We do so because it is scriptural to be concerned about whether our brothers and sisters are walking in the truth. Although it may not seem very loving to some, the Bible is clear that we are to "speak the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15). True love must act on the truth.
(from Charismatic Chaos by John F. MacArthur, Jr.)
1 comment:
I am very happy that you have decided to speak out against this abomination in the church today. It is a blessing to those of us who have lost families forever to this garbage. Thank you.
Post a Comment