"The Packaging and the Fog Machine"

In answer to the magnificent and inspiring blog from RobbyMac titled: "Why Discuss "Post-Charismatic" Anyway?" , I have been responding in terms of the tendency we can have to "package" and label everything so it can be passed on.

Some people have been really hurt and sickened by the abuse and extremes commited by so-called "charismatic" groups and have elected to separate themselves and now we speak of a new movement: the post-charismatics. Rob brings a needed balance to the wounded and suggests:

"Someone once said that the antidote for bad theology was not "no theology", but rather refined theology. I submit that the same is true for those of us who self-identify as "post-charismatic" -- the answer to the abuses and errors within the charismatic movement should not lead us to abandon all things Spirit-led, whether by conscious choice or by passive neglect, but to invest time in separating the chaff from the wheat, so that we can function as people of the Spirit in a healthy, vigorous, gifted, compassionate and Spirit-led way."

I deeply embrace that.

And so I share a few of my own thoughts on the dynamics of the packaging of the Holy Spirit and the use of the Fog Machine syndrom which makes things seem more "heavenly".

I see the problem as being the works of "The Packaging Civilization". The need to "package" something so it can be sold to others. Holy Spirit is alive in us, and reminds us what Jesus taught. He is also the true sign, for me, that I have been "saved", He is the source of the power of change for without Him, I'd be dead. (As far as my past, I am an "ex-everything" with regards to the stuff I did that almost got me killed by my own hand. Pleasures shmeasures... freedom shmeedom...)

But since the era of 'rediscovery" of the Holy Spirit, and since we aren't burnt at the stake anymore for speaking in tongues, the Holy Spirit's name has become a trademark for certain denominations who have taken the focus from Christian character to Christian spiritual performance.

Lately, through the renewal, a new wave of carpet-baggers has infested the Church, the same "Hey, it's easy! Just get those Injuns drunk and steal from them!" has been madly at work. The charismatic Bride has been drunkened to a stupor and violated. And that's why the emergent dynamic is so vital for all: "let's talk about this problem or that theology."

Sure, others will say: "but look here at all the good stuff we have instead of focusing on the bad..." My answer: "Well, I'm sorry: not while my Lord's Bride is being abused."

The charismatic movement has become a bit nebulous, and maybe we need to relate to Holy Spirit, not as a force or spiritual endowment, but as a Person. First there was the rediscovery of Jesus (personal Savior), and then of the Father's Heart of God (love of the Father). Great.

However, like Richard Wurmbrand so simply put it: are we disciples or customers of Christ?

Bookstores and the CD industry have racked in hundreds of millions since 1994, and created a follow-up and copy-bands all over. The thirsty and the hungry are a target group, a focus group... Are we not environmentally aware? The abuses decried at World Trade Organization rallies have moved in the Church a long time ago. Environment also describing our social environment, the Church is not so healthy and busy.

If we break free from the molds that our denominational generation has created to "manage" us into a state of religious stupor (pay tithe, attend meetings, go to conferences, become pastor or evangelist or worship leader) then we start connecting the dots and suddenly the shape of the enemy may appear against the fog machine's last blast.

Charismatic means someone who affects others, someone who has charisma, who stands out.

"This is why it is said: “EMERGE from your sleep, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” (Ephesians 5:14 Frenchman's Version).