Acts20.com

My newest blog: Is Pentecostalism Impractical or Have We Missed Something?http://thoughtsofamessypastor.weebly.com/blog/is-pentecostalism-impractical-or-have-we-lost-something

My 2c:

So you don't like a lot of emotionalism with your church - because it doesn't help people.But if you criticize Brownsville on Acts - you get a bunch of folks saying that emotionalism helped them break through to God.What's a man to do?Find what works for you - let the other guys work it out their own way. If it isn't a SIN - there has to be some latitude in how folks worship.Now - ministers stirring it up and never teaching folks - shame on the minister. He is shirking his responsibility.But people deal with their emotions differently. The danger is when preachers and laity call out folks for not being as emotional as they are - and attaching the significance to the emotion and not the result of changed lives or lives accomplishing the great commission

I disagree. My criticism is aimed at the manipulation of emotions and the lack of depth in the Pentecostal experience. Thus, my criticism is aimed at American Pentecostalism. And, in my experience, it is not the exception but, more the norm.

My blog is really aimed at the lack of depth in experience that most American Pentecostals possess. Emotions are important. God created them. And I think that Holy Spirit does indeed work through our emotions. I understand that everyone who reads my blog is going to have a different interpretation of what I am saying. But, the crux of my statement is that the American Pentecostal church has a very superficial understanding of the true purpose of the baptism in the Holy Spirit and other charismatic worship manifestations.

I agree that there is more emphasis on outward emotion and the gifts of the Spirit than the Fruit of the Spirit. 1 Corinthians 13:1

I'm not throwing out any babies or bath water. You are certainly welcome to interpret my statements in any way you see fit. I understand that comes with the territory. You are missing the essence of my statement.

Agreed.