Objections to Charismatic Teachings

[forgivin]

At the church my brother-in-law goes to, they speak in tongues. They really promote that spiritual gift above all the rest. They said if you were truly saved you too would speak in tongues. So I told my brother-in-law I have never spoke in tongues (that I know of) and I think it may be beyond my reach. He said don't worry about it we have classes to teach you how to speak in tongues. He tends to act like I'm stupid, so I'm asking you instead of him; If a spiritual gift is a gift from God why would it be mainly just one (speaking in tongues) and why would a gift from God need to be taught in a class? Thanks for your time.

 

[mrversatile48]

Having worshipped in many Charismatic & Pentecostal Churches, on my travels with gospel bands & drama troupe, I don't recall any that didn't mix in a hymn or 2 each week

The Word of God stands forever & we seek to reach all ages, yes?

 

[Svt4Him]

At the church my brother-in-law goes to, they speak in tongues. They really promote that spiritual gift above all the rest. They said if you were truly saved you too would speak in tongues. So I told my brother-in-law I have never spoke in tongues (that I know of) and I think it may be beyond my reach. He said don't worry about it we have classes to teach you how to speak in tongues. He tends to act like I'm stupid, so I'm asking you instead of him; If a spiritual gift is a gift from God why would it be mainly just one (speaking in tongues) and why would a gift from God need to be taught in a class? Thanks for your time.

It is my opinion that the reason teachings need to go on is the same for teaching anything. And because there is a lot of bad teaching on this, it's good to get an understanding from Scripture.

As for the 'just one' I don't really understand what you are asking.

 

[PatrickM]

At the church my brother-in-law goes to, they speak in tongues. They really promote that spiritual gift above all the rest. They said if you were truly saved you too would speak in tongues. So I told my brother-in-law I have never spoke in tongues (that I know of) and I think it may be beyond my reach. He said don't worry about it we have classes to teach you how to speak in tongues. He tends to act like I'm stupid,

It may not be that he thinks you are "stupid", but perhaps he's excited about this teaching, yet doesn't have the ability to communicate it with you?

so I'm asking you instead of him; If a spiritual gift is a gift from God why would it be mainly just one (speaking in tongues) and why would a gift from God need to be taught in a class? Thanks for your time.

I think many get "wrapped around the axle" on the gift of tongues because it's the one gift all may have, and many do have. While the other gifts are not as prevalent, the prayer language is accessible to all. Therefore there is more, shall we say, discussion?

Much of what God wants us to know about Him is aided by someone else teaching us, hence the office of pastor/teacher. It may be equated to someone giving us a computer for a gift, which would require some reading from the instruction manual in order to understand how it works.

Or, in my case making hundreds of phone calls to my brother-in-law, who is a systems administrator at UCSB! (thanks, Mark!)

Just a thot.

 

[forgivin]

Thank you very much SVT4Him and PatrickM. Your replies have helped. This whole thing has encouraged scripture study and me to do some more research.

 

[Svt4Him]

You're welcome.

 

[LynneClomina]

I only have a minute, and it's not necessarily an objection to Charismatic teachings: I regard all Christians as charismatics, as they all recieve the gift of the Spirit. My objection can be summarised as an objection to Charismatic practice: choruses.

Yes, Choruses. Those amazing irritatingly repetitive things designed to fill our hearts with praise, but which in me just induce rage, tedium or nausea. I know lots of people love them, but I can't stick em. Let me thunder out old hymns like Pilgrims Progress, Abide with Me or the like. I love them, thay make me feel something, and I love to sing them loud to the Glory of Our Lord.

If only I could find a Charismatic Church which would sing an occasional song more than fifty years old! I grew up with these hymns, and they are my way of expressing my love to God. I am pretty close in my heart to Charismatic Christainity, but the music has driven me away many times.

Actually I've nothing against choruses - they are just not me! They are a fine way of worshipping God, and at least as good as mine, but personal tastes...

I do actually have one small query on Charismatic practice: I have worked for years in psychical research, and people who speak in tongues are not limited to Christians, and some of the Toronto Experience style slaying in the spirit reminded me of other spirit cult religions; body movement, the falling, the ecstatic states. This leads me to a question of discernment: what lies outside of the natural, and is anything supernatural happening? And if there is, how can we tell it differs from other religions simlar spirit filled/possessed worshippers? How do we know if it is of God? And does it feature in worship historically before the 18th century when other spirit religions began to emerge in the New World?


cj x

uh, can you define "choruses"? we just sing songs, rockin' worship mostly but a little of everything. is that "choruses"????

sorry, no objection here!