I’ve watched a few episodes of “Snake Salvation” on the National Geographic Channel. I’ve watched the first episode of “Preachers of LA.” I’ve read John MacArthur’s Charismatic Chaos, but not his latest book Strange Fire. However, I am very familiar with MacArthur’s views of the Pentecostal/Charismatic movement. As I have often said, I am an unapologetic Pentecostal. But that does not mean that I lack the ability to critically view my own tradition with eyes wide open.
“Snake Salvation” is religious reality TV that focuses on two Pentecostal churches that embrace “taking up serpents.” In fact, snake handling is their primary sacrament. As I have watched the worship of these churches I have found it to be both familiar and strange. I recognize the Pentecostal pathos and the Holiness ethos. Even so, I find their devotion to the sacramental rite of handling snakes to be strange.
“Real Preachers of LA” is religious reality TV that focuses on the stories of six LA area pastors, most of whom are from the Pentecostal/Charismatic tradition. Again, I found it to be somewhat familiar, but also strange. To be fair, I must admit that I have strong objections to the “prosperity gospel” that is embraced by many in our tradition. If snake handling is the primary sacrament in “Snake Salvation,” then money is the primary sacrament in “Real Preachers of LA.” I find this so contrary to the gospel of Christ.
Enter John MacArthur and his “Strange Fire” Conference. MacArthur has been a consistent critic of the Pentecostal/Charismatic movement. He has recently charged that Pentecostal worship and spirituality is nothing less than “strange fire” (Leviticus 10:1). MacArthur charges that Charismatic believers offer to God “unacceptable worship, distorted worship” that “blasphemes the Holy Spirit.” MacArthur’s target is not limited to the adherents of “Snake Salvation” or the “Real Preachers of LA.” He views the whole movement as deceitful. Apparently, MacArthur’s “means of grace” is limited to his version of Protestant rationalism.
My purpose here is not to debate the Christian faith of anyone. After all, my understanding of salvific grace comes from the Apostle Paul who said, “no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:3). Even so, that does not mean all who confess Jesus as Lord are faithful ambassadors of the gospel of Jesus Christ. As the non-Christian world gazes upon their TVs viewing “Snake Salvation” and “Real Preachers” they must certainly think that Christians are manic (1 Corinthians 14:23), and people of “depraved mind and deprived of the truth” (1 Timothy 6:5). The Christian Faith has often been misunderstood. Many Romans believed the early Christians to be cannibals and arsonists because they “ate the body of Christ” and preached of a coming fiery judgment.
With my eyes wide open I must confess that the Pentecostal/Charismatic movement has been plagued with manic, depraved, and deceitful people. But so was the apostolic church, the Catholic church, and even the churches of the Protestant movement. Throughout the Christian movement there have been heretics and charlatans. But there have also been many saints and prophets, exorcists and exhorters, healers and workers of mercy.
If we are to be faithful ambassadors of Jesus Christ then we must be willing to take a long hard look at ourselves first, and then at each other. We must approach the task of theology with great humility, realizing that we are not omniscient (1 Corinthians 13:9) and we see dimly (1 Corinthians 13:12). If we are to be faithful to the Holy Spirit, then we must prayerfully and earnestly “desire the greater gifts” (1 Corinthians 12:31). In my judgment, the most needed charism in this season is discernment – making sound judgments about moves of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:10). With humility and discernment we will acknowledge that sometimes an authentic move of the Holy Spirit may appear strange to the uninitiated or the unbeliever (Acts 2:13). For Pentecostals, humility and discernment may allow us to see the Spirit move in liturgy and sacrament. Humility and discernment will also give greater clarity so that we can offer teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16).
Finally, as one who is a committed Pentecostal, I must embrace the “more excellent way” of love (1 Corinthians 12:31). Love is the greatest “move of the Spirit” (1 Corinthians 13). Without love my tongues-speech is reduced to babel and my faith is reduced to fantasy. Because of love, I choose to be patient with my brothers and sisters in Christ with whom I disagree, and I ask that you be patient with me. Because of love, I choose to dialogue with you rather than provoke you. Because of love, I eagerly anticipate the perfection our Faith.
