Dumb Question #805: What is Charismatic?

[rhyddid_rose]

To Life Immortal

The title says it all: What is Charismatic?

I mean, I believe in the Holy Spirit as the power of God Almighty. I don't think I'm Charismatic, I guess?

Do you mean that you have very emotional services? I feel God's presence during Divine Liturgy, but something tells me it's not quite the same.

What do you mean by Charismatic?

~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ba dhúthchas riamh d'ár gcine cháidh
Gan iompáil riar ó imirt áir,
'Siubhal mar iad i gcoinnibh rámhaid
Seo libh, canaidh amhrán na bhFiann.
~~***~~~***~~
We're children of a fighting race
That never yet has known disgrace,
And as we march the foe to face,.......
We'll chant a soldier's song.
​

 

[adamdavid]

First of all, no such thing as a dumb question... secondly, the term "charismatic", to my knowledge, doesn't have very strict qualifications... though, you're right, the divine liturgy you're used to is probably more-than-slightly different than the typical "charismatic" worship service...

We believe in the Holy Spirit, much like you do, but we actively use and display the biblical gifts of the spirit - prophecy, healing, tongues & interpretation, etc... when we worship, it generally doesn't follow a particular form like a liturgical service does... we sing (and sometimes dance around while doing so... ), we pray (and our prayers are usually quite extemporaneous - they don't come out of a book like your liturgical ones do...), and we hear a sermon (on this one, you guys beat us... at every liturgical service I've been to, the homily is much shorter and to-the-point than any sermon ever preached by any pentecostal/charismatic preacher )... we worship the same God, just with a completely different style...

As for being "very emotional" services... well, yes... sometimes we get a bit emotional... generally I'd say that our services are a touch more emotional than most... but that isn't necessarily a bad thing... God gave us emotions just as he gave us a mind... I believe he fully intends for us to experience him with both ("in spirit and in truth", so-to-speak...)

I hope that was at least a bit helpful... if you have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask... God bless...

adamdavid

 

[inrsoul]

Correct me if I'm wrong...

The root word of Charismatic is "Charis" which means "Spirit" in Greek.

SO being Charismatic means to believe in the Gifts of the Spirit operating in our lives, does not literally mean that we have more charisma.

 

[merryheart]

Actually, Charisma means Gift...


Main Entry: cha·ris·ma
Pronunciation: k&-'riz-m&
Variant(s): also char·ism /'kar-"i-z&m/
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural cha·ris·ma·ta /k&-'riz-m&-t&, "kar-iz-'mä-t&/; also charisms
Etymology: Greek charisma favor, gift, from charizesthai to favor, from charis grace; akin to Greek chairein to rejoice -- more at YEARN
1 : an extraordinary power (as of healing) given a Christian by the Holy Spirit for the good of the church
2 a : a personal magic of leadership arousing special popular loyalty or enthusiasm for a public figure (as a political leader) b : a special magnetic charm or appeal ****e charisma of a popular actor>

 

[KleinerApfel]

I'd go with Adamdavid's explanation.
And he's right that no honest question, such as yours, should be thought dumb.

One thing I'd like to add -
Charismatic Christians don't necessarliy attend any particular church or denomination.
Some of us here are even Anglicans!

It seems to me that being charismatic lies within an individual believer.
It doesn't matter what your leader or rest of your congregation believes on this, though obviously it is going to be easier if you can find a "home" where you can share these special things among like-minded folk. This forum is such a place.

We use the gifts God has given each of us by His Spirit, with trust, joy and thankfulness, and we honour those brothers and sisters who have different gifts, knowing that the whole church is built up together of different "living stones", not identical mass-produced bricks.

God bless you in your quest Babochka,
Susana

 

[KleinerApfel]

PS Babochka, how can this be question 805 when you've only written 100 posts as yet?!!!

 

[Father Rick]

I must jump in here to add that being 'Charismatic' doesn't necessarily follow a particular style. While the 'most vocal' Charismatics are usually those who are the most 'expressive'-- that's just because they tend to be that way in every area, not just in their worship.

I would be considered as Charismatic as any here (and more so than many), yet our Mass is very liturgical.

The main thing is the belief that the various charisms of the New Testament are still in operation today in and through the Church. Those charisms include, but are not limited to, the 9 manifestations of the Spirit listed in 1 Corinthians 12. Within the EO, this is usually described/seen within the 'mystic tradition' of the Fathers-- those who may have dreams/visions/prophecies, etc. This will also include areas such as healing and exorcism.

Hopefully this helps some.

 

[rhyddid_rose]

To Life Immortal

PS Babochka, how can this be question 805 when you've only written 100 posts as yet?!!!

LOL! I'm always asking questions, especially since I'm a new Christian. I used to be Asatruar (Norse/Germanic Paganism) and Kemetic (Ancient Egyptian Religion) and I'm still learning my way about Christianity.

805 is an number I picked out of the air. I probably have asked many more than that.

The main thing is the belief that the various charisms of the New Testament are still in operation today in and through the Church. Those charisms include, but are not limited to, the 9 manifestations of the Spirit listed in 1 Corinthians 12. Within the EO, this is usually described/seen within the 'mystic tradition' of the Fathers-- those who may have dreams/visions/prophecies, etc. This will also include areas such as healing and exorcism.

OK! Now I get it! I have the gift of dreams and visions meself. It includes what some people call psionics.

I definitely believe in healing. One time I was sick and didn't feel like going to Divine Liturgy. I believe that if you receive the Eucharist, it can heal. I went to church zoned out and naseous. I went into the line to receive and after I did, I felt the bad feelings go away. I believe that the Eucharist strenghtens me physically and spiritually. I am disabled with bipolar II and DID. Many times, I have prayed and received blessings. I enjoy praying for others.

Another gift I have is writing and music. I am a female tenor chanter at St George's. In the Orthodox church, there are no musical instruments. Chanters sing hymns and responses during Divine Liturgy. I feel blessed to be able to do this and I have felt God's presence.

So I guess I could be charismatic too. I chose Orthodoxy because of the mystical beauty of worship.

Father Rick, what is Utrecht? I'm not sure I'm familiar with that religion.


Peace and Long Life
~*~ бабочка ~*~

 

[Adammi]

LOL! I'm always asking questions, especially since I'm a new Christian.

Would you please tell us your testemony as to what led up to your getting saved?

 

[Father Rick]

Father Rick, what is Utrecht? I'm not sure I'm familiar with that religion.

The Utrecht Union of Old Catholic Churches. Old Catholics separated from the Roman church at Vatican I over the issue of Papal Infallibity. So as to not sidetrack the thread, you can get more info here www.saintthomasmorechurch.com/aboutus and www.saintthomasmorechurch.com/occhistory .

 

[rhyddid_rose]

To Life Immortal

Would you please tell us your testemony as to what led up to your getting saved?

I will post part of my testimony. BTW, I don't consider myself saved. Sanctification is a process; we call it theosis. I won't be 'saved' until I meet Lord Jesus in heaven.

When I got to college, I took chemistry and physics. I learned about how things are made and the structure of matter and energy. It caused me to think that there is a God. How elements have energy shelves and about atomic structures and stuff. I saw God within chemistry and physics; it helped me believe in God again.

So I started searching for God. I went to various churches and listened to people. I even converted to Conservative Judaism for a while. I visited a Hindu temple and went to a Santeria service. Read about Buddhism and Islam. I was hungry for spirituality. I wanted to know God and have a relationship. I also wanted to know what was wrong with me. Maybe God could tell me.

One day, I was in Border's bookstore downtown. You can go on the second floor and read books and drink coffee and stuff. I was in the spirituality section when I saw this book about Wicca. I never heard of Wicca, so out of curiosity I read the book. It was one of those books from Llewellyn. I liked the nature angle, God is male/female, God is within everything and everything is in God (pantheism). I read about different gods and goddesses. I tried to join a coven and learn more, but the lady didn't want me. So most of what I know is from books and reading stuff online and message boards. I was solitary.

I looked to my heritage to choose a pantheon to work with. I am West African/Cherokee/Northern European. I like the values and strengths of Asatru. I felt an affinity with Heimdall and the Vanir, but I couldn't deal with the racialism and paranoia of some of the people. So I chose to work with the Egyptian deities. I got this book called Invocation of the Gods by Ellen Cannon Reed. She talked about Lady Aset and Lord Asar and the other deities. I enjoyed the stories about the deities and wanted to know more. I visited a group for people who practice Traditional African religions. It was awesome. The deities would come and visit people. You could actually talk with a deity! I started to learn more about the Egyptian deities. I began to have dreams about Lord Tehuti and Lady Sekhmet.

I wasn't good at magic. I tried a love spell, but it didn't work. I would speak with the elements, but that's all I did. I still speak to the sylphs on a windy day. Just say hello. I tried to get to know Lord Tehuti and Lady Seshat, but it wasn't easy. I wanted to have a real relationship with God.

Finally, one day I was bored and surfing MSN chat. I came upon Christian Chat World. I visited it and listened to the people. I told them that I was a Pagan of the Ancient Egyptian Tradition. To my surprise, they didn't judge me. They asked questions about why I was a Pagan. We talked about Jesus and religion and spirituality.

I found out that I had some wrong ideas about Christianity. I learned that my mother was involved in a cult; that wasn't real Christianity. I began to read bible. I saw how Lord Jesus had real compassion for people. He cared for people, even gave them food and healed them. I continued to go to Christian Chat World to learn more about Jesus. At the same time I started listening to Bible Answer Man on radio.

On 26 February 2003, I became a Christian. I prayed with the people on Christian Chat World. I returned to the church that I felt closest to God; Eastern Orthodox. I am a newbie Christian still learning about God and myself. I pray to understand how to receive and give love to people. I'm not a pantheist anymore; I'm more of a panentheist now. I enjoy receiving the sacraments when I do go to church. I like reading the bible now and try to read as much as I can.

In January 2004, I was diagnosed with DID. Most people know it as multiple personalities. It is caused by severe trauma when young. I have 9 personalities.

My goals are to learn how to be God's friend and learn how to live as a person with bipolar and DID. I have a good therapist and nice people online who help me deal with these challenges. How to learn about people and myself. I want to win our disability appeal and go back to school one day. I want to be independent and work a real job eventually. Finally, we're moving to Toronto as soon as it is good to move.

I've have learned about myself and hope to learn more about Lord Jesus and being a Christian. I would like to Thank God for this forum. Thank you for sharing.


Peace and Long Life
~*~ бабочка ~*~

 

[SOLDOUT4HIM]

babochka,
Hello. God bless you for accepting Jesus. You do not have to accept being bipolar and DID. God can heal any illness including that of the mind! Continue with your walk with Christ. He will bless you if you follow Him with all of your heart. "Seek first the Kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you." I'll be praying for you sister. May God show you his face like never before.

 

[rhyddid_rose]

To Life Immortal

babochka,
Hello. God bless you for accepting Jesus. You do not have to accept being bipolar and DID. God can heal any illness including that of the mind! Continue with your walk with Christ. He will bless you if you follow Him with all of your heart. "Seek first the Kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you." I'll be praying for you sister. May God show you his face like never before.

Thank you for your prayers; you can never have too many.

Accepting being bipolar and DID was part of my healing. One of the worst things a person can experience is realizing something is wrong, but you don't know what it is. It took many long painful years for me to discover the truth.

Bipolar is a brain chemisty illness which in my case is inherited on my mother's side of the family. DID is an reaction to severe trauma during childhood.

Since becoming a Christian, the mood swings aren't as severe. I haven't had a full manic episode for over a year. I dont take lithium anymore and while I have celexa prescribed to me, I dont need to take it.

For me, DID is a blessing. I could have gone insane or died. The way I dealt with the physical and emotional abuse and severe isolation was to dissociate to the point of being multiple. I was diagnosed last year and now things are beginning to make more sense in my life.

I feel that Lord Jesus is healing me every time I pray and receive the sacraments. Lord Jesus is teaching me how to speak with outside people and I'm slowly learning how to love others and receive love from people without becoming afraid or paranoid. I want to be God's friend and help other people like me. I know I have a very long journey; with God's help, He will show me the way.

I appreciate your help and prayers. Continue to walk with God and may he grant you many years.


Peace and Long Life
~*~ бабочка ~*~

 

[Jesusong]

Babochka,

Your testimony is beautiful to read. My prayers are with you, and I want to encourage you to continue to read the scriptures, pray, and fellowhip with others of like precious faith. I will have my church pray for you also.