Friday, February 17, 2006

Post-Charismatics

For anyone who has read my story, my spiritual formation has been influenced by a variety of Christian traditions. Amoung them was a significant impression from charismatic Christianity. While most of it has been deeply beneficial, there was obviously experiences that were less than beneficial.

How does one seperate the two? How can someone understand how it all has been shaped? How can a person respond to and move away from these negative elements while still celebrating the God-given blessings of this rich expression of faith?

I am deeply thrilled to annouce the launch of “Post-Charismatics”, an online project of my friend Robbymac. His launch announcement was as follows:

“Rather than watch our wounded brothers and sisters turn their backs on the faith or reject genuine spiritual experiences, those of us who identify with the charismatic renewal should determine to help rid our movement of its extra baggage.”

J. Lee Grady, editor of Charisma Magazine, wrote these words over a decade ago, as he called charismatics to some house-keeping in their own movement.

Grady also reported that by 1990, there were an estimated 92 million people worldwide who referred to themselves as “post-charismatic”. Although current statistics are unknown, it is safe to assume a significant increase in that number since 1990.

The Post-Charismatic project is broken down as follows:

1. A brief historical overview of the developing theology of the Pentecostal, Charismatic, and Third Wave movements,



2. A de-construction of the background, teachings, and problems associated with the Latter Rain, Word Faith (Prosperity), and Shepherding movements, and



3. A re-construction (Spirit & Praxis) of the areas most affected by these movements: a biblical view of authority and the “five-fold” ministries, what it means to live by faith, spiritual formation (discipleship), and finally, what it means to be “communities of the Spirit”

I highly encourage everyone to take the time and read this thorough and essential treatment of the topic. I cannot give it higher praise. It is a MUST READ.

Well done & thank you, Rob!

Posted by Jamie Arpin-Ricci in 03:22:35
Comments

4 Responses to “Post-Charismatics”

  1. Ted Gossard says:
    February 17, 2006 at 11:34 am

    Jamie, I much look forward to viewing that. Could be very helpful to many. Thanks for bringing Rob’s work to our attention.

  2. Jamie Arpin-Ricci says:
    February 17, 2006 at 1:16 pm

    Ted,Not only is it worth reading, it is worth promotiing.Peace,Jamie

  3. Jezzy says:
    February 18, 2006 at 10:03 am

    HEY! That’s MY book.

    Heh, I’m kidding. Sounds like a good read :P

  4. Jamie Arpin-Ricci says:
    February 18, 2006 at 10:07 am

    Jezzy,

    It is a great read.

    Peace,
    Jamie