Field guide to Religion

serious concerns about his denomination's acceptance of these manifestations.

The whole article is at: http://www.deceptioninthechurch.com/scriptur.htm.

I myself was a polio victim 45 years ago and use a wheel chair.

I've had to struggle firsthand with the doctrine of divine healing.

I have come to what I feel is a balanced faith message. But some in my own denomination would disagree with me. The same is true with signs and wonders. Every Assemblies of God church did not have manifestations like “slaying in the Spirit” or “jerking and shaking in the Spirit.” But since “Pensacola,” more churches want the success and the numbers they've attracted. … I am convinced that most of what is happening at Pensacola that I saw and what I have observed firsthand at [our] Church is a by-product of psychological-conditioning, the power of suggestion and mass-hysteria. Most of the people are innocently participating and desperately wanting something visible and tangible from God. Their lives are hurting and humdrum and in need of a life-changing experience. They might feel excited and refreshed now but eventually having to seek an emotional and physical experience continually, will get old and routine.

God's physical touch is offered as a quick fix. Getting into “the River of the Spirit” or asking God for “His fire to fall” in your life is said to change you drastically.

What used to come from in-depth, intensive Bible study, scripture memorization and disciplined living can now be achieved from an experience with God. “Let God knock you over and do spiritual surgery on you while you are lying on the ground. You'll be changed, made new, happier and more joyful if you come up to the altar and receive this experience. Just come forward and drink of this River and you'll never be the same.”

This is the song of the “Pensacola Revival.” I only wish it were that easy for every Christian. ... I have felt it necessary to resign my pastoral position at [our] Church. I see this “revival” in a different way than the others. I really feel very uncomfortable around the atmosphere caused by people falling over backwards, shaking, jerking, jumping up and down, and other manifestations.

51 www.servantofmessiah.org