LETTER:The role of emotion within the Charismatic Movement
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.From Mr Andrew Thomas
Sir: Being a young member of the Charismatic Movement, I must make a defence. The Rev Bown (Letters, 25 August) tells mainstream churches to ward against such people as me, because I am in a situation where I can suffer profound psychological and spiritual damage. However, I think that John Wesley, who professed to have been "strangely warmed" in his heart by the Holy Spirit, would have been flattered by the title "charismatic".
Emotion in our services is also criticised. Why is it that when a tragic play produces tears, a comedy laughter, a football match excitement, they are labelled "good", yet when a congregation is moved by the glory of God, it is called "unhealthy".
In expecting miracles, we follow Jesus' example, who obviously advocated "quick-fix" religion. Being addicted to Jesus is no bad thing - the Psalmist tells us to delight in Him, and the Bible tells us to be filled with the Spirit.
If you see a blind dog, do you presume that all dogs are blind? Neither can you call the Charismatic Movement all bad because of one incident.
Yours faithfully,
Andrew Thomas
(Student, aged 17)
Umberleigh, Devon
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments