The only branch of Christianity I genuinely do not understand is Pentecostalism. Not trying to be a hypocrite here by any means, but when I talk to Pentecostals, I find it hard to talk about anything meaningful. They're just so weird, hokey-spiritual, unreal, over-radicalized, fanatical and spirit-centred. They're just so ridiculous, and you just want to tell them (or ask them), "you do realize that outside your spirit-shaped box there is a real life just waiting to be claimed? You do, right?"
It would be nice if I could find something from an Anglican or Presbyterian perspective explaining the 'pentecostal mind'. Oh, good grief, they're like females! Except that I doubt anyone can explain the female mind. (I've even asked a female to explain some things. They just can't do it!) But I digress!
I feel fairly certain that a smart Anglican or Presbyterian theologian could explain 'Pentecosticallity' to me. I just wish someone would explain where these 'spiritual gifts' come from. No, smartarse, not from the Holy Spirit. I mean, where in the bible. 'Coz it ain't in my bible. Is that 'coz I don't read Anton LaVey's 'Satanic Bible'? That's enough slander for now. All I'm trying to say is this: The only description of speaking in tongues, for instance, is in Acts. Where everyone could hear the 11 speaking in their own languages. Not everyone hearing the 11 going 'yarkha lestomania corintebe charlekhtamba es trel gornikhman thani!' Speaking in tongues. Speaking in languages. Speaking in languages. Speaking in languages. Wait... That's more than one language!?! Surprise, surprise!
One other thing that bothers me about Pentecostals is the credit they give the devil and other 'evil spirits.' I believe magic exists. I believe magic is the work of demons. Demons working through people who permit them to do so. I strongly believe that Satan has only as much power as you individually allow him to possess. So if you're fearing an 'attack from the Devil' because you believe he's capable of that, you'd better be prepared for some seriously negative spiritual experiences buddy.
So I guess this is a call for a book on pentecostal theology. I want to know how they back all this bullcrap up scripturally, because there seems to be a distinct lack of scriptural basis for many of their doctrines. I know that you need to be energetic to grab the attention of today's youth. I know that today's youth are after something a little more spiritual than your average evangelical church service can offer. But I don't know if you need to forsake the bible in your quest of souls for Jesus. Seriously, don't worry about that! It's in God's control. You don't need to try and be 'relevant' or anything, at least not to that degree, because God will bring His plans to fruition!
So I'm asking for an evangelical theologian here. Hell, even a sensitive Pentecostal will do! One who understands that other people have more balanced views - and that makes them neither more nor less a Christian than him.
Yes! I know! Amazing, hey? There is more than one mode of Christian belief! There actually is! Wonders never cease...
Disclaimer: My intention was not to cause dissent, disenfranchisement or disenchantment for any Pentecostals who might read this. All I'm asking for is answers backed up with scriptures quoted with accurate contexts. And if I piss off more than half my readers in the process, so be it. Luv yaz in Christ! Keep those hands raised high brother!
5 comments:
(stipulation code name:cowmooMmHmm)
i'm infact a Pentecostal(by force), and i dont get half the things i've been told, why cant we be normal!. :P.
answer: cause satan did it.
but on a more serious note, most pentecostals I KNOW come from an environment where witchcraft is very common and i think it has made them paranoid, but then again if i had the same experiences they've had with their *spiritual enemies*, I would also be shapping my fingers into a crucifix while watching yu-gi-oh bring his card monsters to life.
(by no means am i trying to atack the specific denomination, just the poeple i know:P).
peace bra*
And I'm sure, CowMoo (wink), that not all of them are like I've described. Chances are, only a small minority are. But those are the ones I've come into contact with.
...ps
read abit of Acts chapter 2. What i'm about to say may make more sence...
The only thing I find hard to understand atm is: how can shabanashecrebaba be translated into another language, like lets say french for example. I hear poeple speaking in toungues all the time, but I dont see anyone comming up to them saying "Hey!:O you're speaking in my language wow.amazing. good for you."... Like what happened in the scripture I just typed down.O_O
*sighs* I will continue to bug everyone I know about this(unless they tell me to get lost), til I fully understand.
and dude, will I understand. it'll be like "freakin' yeah, God showed me something today, and it was meaningfull" :)
Dearest underoath,
there have been some good books written explaining the pentecostal movement from a biblical point of view - I'd be glad to give you some titles, and i know some VERY well read, eloquent sharp presbyterians who would be more than glad to explain it to you as well. Just let me know if you are interested and i'll st something up.
Love, your "other Mummy"
I just wish someone would explain where these 'spiritual gifts' come from. No, smartarse, not from the Holy Spirit. I mean, where in the bible. 'Coz it ain't in my bible. Is that 'coz I don't read Anton LaVey's 'Satanic Bible'? That's enough slander for now...The only description of speaking in tongues, for instance, is in Acts. Where everyone could hear the 11 speaking in their own languages.
1Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. 2For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit. 5 I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.
Spiritual gifts are in my Bible mate (see vs. 1) - and no, it isn't an "Anton LaVey's 'Satanic Bible'"; an NIV, to be sure.
The only mention of tongues is in Acts, eh? Maybe not...
And actually, not everyone present could understand what was being uttered. Why would some of the people say that they're drunk buggers if they understood what was being said - they wouldn't have said that, no?
Regarding the comment Anonymous wrote (The only thing I find hard to understand atm is: how can shabanashecrebaba be translated into another language, like lets say french for example. I hear poeple speaking in toungues all the time, but I dont see anyone comming up to them saying "Hey!:O you're speaking in my language wow.amazing. good for you."...), they don't take into account how there were different languages back then and how he might not be able to recognize/translate (as the people back then did) the language spoken, as Paul said in verse 5. Also, not necessarily all the 11 disciples might have been speaking in recognisable human languages.
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