DRUNK IN THE SPIRIT?
Here is a
short video that I hope everyone will find informative. In this video, we see two major players in
the Charismatic “Word of Faith” world.
Kenneth Hagin and Kenneth Copeland. Copeland can be seen participating at one point, but Hagin was “teaching” in this particular service where he and the
congregation were exhibiting the phenomenon known as being “drunk in the
spirit” (I am purposely using a small “s”, since it is NOT of the Holy Spirit),
which includes laughing hysterically (much of it fake), slithering out of their
chairs and falling to the floor, wildly shaking and generally not being in
control of their faculties. Never mind the fact that one of the fruits of the Spirit is self control (Galatians 5:22-23). And never mind the fact that God expects a church service to be orderly (1 Corinthians 14:33, 39).
It is very obvious
that everyone in the congregation was simply “playing along” in this charade,
so as not to appear unspiritual. Everyone
knew it was utterly absurd, but no one would dare say anything against these great
“men of God.” This was very similar to
the characters in the old children’s story of The
Emperor’s New Clothes.
In the video, there was
much ridiculous activity like falling to the floor, stomping their feet, slumping
in their chairs, laughing at just about anything said or done, and violent shaking
and convulsing (exactly as can be found in Hindu Kundalini – known as “serpent
power”). Yes, my friends, this has
infiltrated the modern church.
And by the
way, notice the hissing noises being made frequently by Hagin throughout this
video clip, and the flicking of his tongue, while claiming to have an “anointing.” Was he purposely acting like a snake? Of all things, why would a man of God be mimicking a serpent (Revelation 12:9)? This should cause any true Christian great concern.
Hagin and
Copeland are giants in the Charismatic world.
They are highly influential
men claiming to serve God. It is utterly
shameful that this type of “church service” exists in any church today. This does not glorify God in the least.
This “drunk
in the spirit” phenomenon is something that should be avoided by any Bible believing church. There was no preaching of the
Word of God in this particular “service” at all, but it was just as well, since
much of what these two guys preach is not scriptural anyway. If this type of activity is now the “norm” in
church today, then we are in big trouble. May God open our eyes.
Hi Russell,
ReplyDeleteSo, what do you think is the main source of all this bizarre charismatic phenomenon? I have been asked that question before, and to be honest, am not really sure myself. Could it be that God is handing people over to their reprobate minds?
When you were involved in the Charismatic Movement, did you ever undergo these "drunk in the spirit" episodes or whatever other strange events that we observe? If so, what did it feel like? What exactly is going on in these people's minds? Could some of it be just an act for attention?
Hello Jesse,
ReplyDeleteGreat question.
This phenomenon seems to satisfy the urge to appear spiritual to others. It certainly was, in me, an arrogant and condescending mentality toward other Christians in other churches who “didn’t have the Spirit.” We were “better” than them. We had “miraculous” things going on, where the “Spirit” was really moving.
As for as the “drunk in the Spirit” thing goes, no, I never was involved in that. But I did allow myself to be “slain in the Spirit” a couple of times. But this really was a self-deception to me. I went along with the crowd to appear spiritual, but deep inside, I kinda knew that it was not all they said it was, though I certainly wanted it to be real. To test the validity of this particular phenomenon, they should get rid of all “catchers” (those who catch people when they fall backwards). After all, if it’s really from God, shouldn’t He protect the person when they fall? There should never be a need for these “catchers.”
I believe that many times it is indeed for attention and I think that we deceived ourselves and we really wanted so much to believe that it’s true. But an honest look at Scripture will show that it isn’t. They always used certain Scripture verses (cherry-picked) to piece together, and over-emphasize certain aspects of the Bible, to show the “truth” of these things, not really letting Scripture speak, as a whole.
I believe that there are a lot of good and sincere people in these groups who are simply deceived.
Anyway, that’s my perception of it.
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