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 Although
Restoration History gives attention to rumbles of a “Holy
Spirit” issue among early pioneer preachers, until recent
years my generation thought such an issue was impossible. Thirty
years ago I could conceive of trouble over. institutionalism,
and forms of modernism were considered dangers; but “Church of
Christers” who speak in tongues?? impossible!! Yet, it is
happening!! (Vol.6, No.11)
We
plan a series of articles on the Holy Spirit (although headings
will vary) and we open that series by an examination of causes.
How did a basically conservative people, with traditionally
strong aversion to all “emotionalism” and “direct
operation” spawn even a few tongue-speakers??
Perhaps
our very aversion to displays of emotions helped to lay the
trap. Reaction to “shouting Methodists” and “better-felt-than-told”
religions of the 19th. century may have caused us to “sqush de
spirit” of genuine enthusiasm and expression of feelings.
Doing things “decently and in order” became mechanical,
unvarying three-songs-and-a-prayer; and we began to count the
“items” of worship, instead of worshipping. Now, especially
among young Christians, there is reaction to what they
consider formalism — tradition-ridden habits — and the
pendulum swings in the other direction.
The
swing has been encouraged by the trend of recent years to
emphasize “devotional” activities among the young people,
rather than solid, meaty Bible study. I haven’t been about the
colleges much lately, but in the early 5O’s, the “evening
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devotionals” were very popular at ACC and
other colleges. So-called “church- camps” have contributed
to the emotional impetus; and I can personally testify to the
heady influence of songs and prayers under a starlit sky with a
glowing camp-fire, and smoke ascending to heaven. Writing against
such is like challenging motherhood. How does one warn of songs
and prayer in a “devotional”?? A sane man does not question
these, per se; yet cool observation tells us that they may be
used (intentionally or otherwise) by novice teachers, to take
the place of intelligent service to God, in keeping with sound
Bible instruction.
Impressionable
youth, and untaught older folk, are caught up in the appeal to
the senses, and soon we are hearing of “mood music” being
sung by a special group, as worshippers assemble on Sunday
morning. The young people are given charge of a service, and
they turn out the lights, use rotating prayers, and other
short-cuts to emotional response. We have even read of a cross
burning at “vespers”.
People
fed on such a diet soon regard careful Bible study and “doctrinal”
matters as “irrelevant”. They can’t be bothered with
discussions concerning church organization. and readily accept
“social gospel” appeals. There have been hints of some
special “Spirit” action in their devotionals — and they
are prime targets now for the “providential”, then the “direct
action” pitch. Those who question their “feelings” are
cold legalistic “Anti-s”, and I wouldn’t give what I feel
right here for all ——.
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