|
Why are thousands -- more likely millions -- of people seeking these religious experiences? And when many fall like sawed timber or laugh uncontrollably for hours, what are we to think? Are such incidents, now reported around the globe, tremors preceding a spiritual earthquake? Are the revival winds blowing?
In this hair-raising book, author Hank Hanegraaff, cult expert and Christian radio's "Bible Answer Man," insists we are witnessing a Counterfeit Revival.
Presenting evidence like a prosecuting attorney, Hanegraaff builds his case with extensive quotations from eyewitness accounts (some his own) and the writings, tapes, and sermons of the defendants -- leaders of the contemporary revival movement. To provide perspective, Hanegraaff probes the underbelly of revival history in America. Subjects detailed include fabrications and frauds, "lying" signs and wonders, slaying in the Spirit, end time restorationism, hypnotism, altered states of consciousness, peer pressure, the power of suggestion, satanic deception, and more.
The author concludes that "the essence of our faith is being systematically subverted. With alarming speed Christianity is taking on the barnacles of the culture. Rather than recognizing that our mandate as Christians is to conform the culture to Christ, multitudes hail the changing face of Christianity as a mighty revival."
Hanegraaff's approach is fair but scrappy. He names names and turns over every rock in sight. What he flushes out -- if the topic were not so serious -- would often merit a good laugh. But a counterfeit revival is not funny. Some examples:
One revival leader, who refers to himself as the "Holy Ghost Bartender," threatened to throw the visiting Hanegraaff out of his church. "I'm telling you right now," the man hissed to Hanegraaff, "you'll drop dead if you prohibit what God is doing."
In a book written by one of the movement's gurus, in a section entitled "Jesus Wants a Love Affair with You," the leader tells how Jesus appeared in a vision to a woman and fulfilled all her fantasies.
Equally perplexing and disturbing ideas populate every page of Counterfeit Revival, prompting Hanegraaff to conclude, "a great apostasy can spread as rapidly as a great awakening."
Hanegraaff's riveting indictment falters only as he suggests an alternative to the wild party going on in the church next door. His wise but too brief recommendation is that the church must get back to the basics. He urges prayer-stoked worship, authentic oneness in the community of faith, and a revitalized commitment to live and share the Gospel. Good thoughts these, but not completely satisfying.
The sad reality is that much so-called worship in the local church is tame and boring stuff that leaves ample opportunity for the competition to gain market share. The multitudes flocking to the contemporary revivalists long for a deeper awareness and experience of God. In this narcissistic age, no doubt their quest is selfish. But they are looking. Could there be some middle ground for pilgrim worshippers between falling to the carpet and sitting stiffly through Bible lectures? After all, the God who paints rainbows and births ideas like the Incarnation definitely has a creative streak -- shouldn't our worship mirror that?
Although unsettling, Counterfeit Revival demands attention from Christians of all stripes. The church must always confront questionable ideas and behavior with love and biblical integrity. Hanegraaff has faithfully presented his case. Now let those who disagree step to the bar with equal clarity and fervor. Those who love and follow Truth would have it no other way.
Bruce Nygren is an author and editor in Monument, CO.
Copyright ©1996, ProMotion, inc.
www@acloserlook.com
Support your