The Eclectic Web–Charismatism and more
The Pentecostalism and Charismatic Movement have long been a concern for their popularization of aberrant beliefs and practices. Their influence on evangelicalism as it is today is surprising, given their relatively brief history. One source of information on the movement is data gathered by the Assemblies of God. This article provides many links to their information, as well as some interesting claims.
Without the support and rapid growth of Pentecostalism, however, evangelicalism would not have reached its position of influence in the twentieth century.
As Pentecostals slowly move away from the practices that distinguished the movement [spirit baptism and tongues, in particular], many evangelical churches are adopting approaches to music, broadcasting, and worship styles from Pentecostalism. … As it enters its second century, the movement shows no signs of losing momentum when measured by the number of people filling its churches. While this is a sign of continued growth, the practices that mark Pentecostalism are changing. Pentecostalism and American evangelicalism continue to become more similar in practice.
The acceptance of charismatics by evangelical groups like The Gospel Coalition and others is thus not surprising, but it ought to concern those who proclaim loyalty to inerrancy and the sufficiency of Scriptures.
More stories in this edition of The Eclectic Web:
- More on Charismatism
- Evidence of Baptist Liberalism
- Editorial against Sexual Deviancy
- Deviancy in Politics
- Persecution in Afghanistan
- Balance in the Sanctification debate
- Ed Stetzer describes the Charismatic Hillsong Church – Hillsong Church at a Glance
- Old news by now – Seminary cuts ties with embattled SGM – as noted in a previous article, here is a further report from Associated Baptist Press
Baptist Liberalism: Baptist church ordains transgender woman
In what is likely a first, Calvary Baptist Church in Washington ordained Allyson Robinson, who was previously ordained as a man, to the gospel ministry.
Please note: there is no such thing as a transgender woman – every cell in this man’s body has male DNA – that cannot be changed, no matter how confused he and his enablers might be.
Sexual Deviancy: BaptistPress FIRST-PERSON: Why sexual deviance is getting worse
Sexual anarchy is unfolding before our very eyes and it will continue until our culture once again recognizes God as the supreme authority for sexual morality. Until then, sexual expression will become even more perverse. You ain’t seen nothing yet.
Politics: Joe Biden Says Protecting Gay Rights Trumps Culture, Social Traditions
I don’t care what your culture is, Inhumanity is inhumanity is inhumanity. Prejudice is prejudice is prejudice
Persecution: the New York times reports on the plight of Christianity in Afghanistan – A Christian Convert, on the Run in Afghanistan – NYTimes.com
Sanctification: from John MacArthur, The Apparent Paradox of Sanctification
How do you overcome sin and live the Christian life? Is defeating sin something God does in you, or do you defeat it by obeying the commands of Scripture? In other words, is the Christian life an exercise in passive trust or active obedience? Is it all God’s doing, all the believer’s doing, or a combination of both? Those questions are as old as the church, and the varied answers have spawned movements and denominations.
Publication of links in The Eclectic Web feature does not imply endorsement of the viewpoint or contents of any of the websites linked. The links are provided as a matter of interest to Christians.
The Eclectic Web is compiled by Don Johnson. Don Johnson is the pastor of Grace Baptist Church of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.