The Rise of the 'Liberal Charismatic'!

It was probably inevitable! A few years ago, a few first started referring to themselves as 'liberal evangelicals' despite the fact that this is a fairly contradictory definition; now one is starting to note some "liberal charismatics." With the huge growth of the charismatic movement over the last few years, this - perhaps - should not be too surprising.

What do I mean? Well, whereas evangelicals have generally believed that a trained pastor is required to effectively lead the congregation and pastors should have, at least ideally, studied theology at some depth, perhaps having at least a smattering of knowledge of the languages of Hebrew and Greek, many areas of the charismatic movement - because of its rapid growth - have often just 'sprouted' new congregations because a few in a particular area wanted to get together, sing worship songs and - very soon - invite others along. Since these groups are primarily experiential rather than necessarily being intellectual, they have not necessarily seen the lack of a trained pastor as any hindrance.

But I am aware that it is pointless to proceed with this if even a few readers are not too sure what one means by these definitions.
First of all, what do I mean by "evangelical"?
Although a few now seem to think of this term as more or less synonymous with the term 'charismatic,' they are really very much mistaken. We use the word in its more traditional sense: an 'evangelical' holds to a 'high view' of Scripture, and takes the great Christian creeds seriously, moreover, evangelicals are extremely concerned that the Gospel should be preached a la Matthew 28:19-20, even where more minor difference between Christian groups might exist. Obviously an 'evangelical' is therefore Protestant. Especially in Europe that the UK (far less so in north America), evangelicals also readily embrace this word as a form of protest against the errors very much present within the older 'fundamentalism' (especially, perhaps, with its anti-intellectualism and separationism).

Secondly, what about the term, 'charismatic'?

Most of us evangelicals would see charismatics in a line of ascent from the early pentecostals; they are, mostly, a branch of the evangelical restorationist movement; one might refer to this as the left-wing of evangelicalism, with the Calvinist Reformed movement standing on its extreme right-wing. 'Restorationism' itself is a reference to the belief that modern Christianity needs to return to the pattern of the early Church. So charismatics would hold to the main points of the authenticity of the Bible and the great creeds and the necessity to preach the Gospel, just like most other evangelicals. But charismatics are very interested and concerned about experiential religion, that is, they love singing, worshipping, praying and the exercising of the spiritual Gifts. Thus far we can greatly admire their approach, but there have been problems: sometimes they only show an interest in the supernatural gifts (tongues-speaking, healing, prophecy) and seem disinterested in the exercising of the less 'supernatural' gifts such as giving, serving, encouraging etc., even though these gifts greatly outnumber the more 'supernatural' gifts in the New Testament lists of the gifts. They are also rather annoyingly disinterested in theology, whereas most evangelicals would uphold the importance of sound theology as a necessary first-line defence against the entry of heresy.
So it is, perhaps, not entirely surprising that - too often - charismatics have gone beyond the New Testament in insisting that if one does not exercise a supernatural gift, there is no evidence that such a one is even converted. Other evangelicals would sharply disagree with this, pointing out that, biblically, it is the fruits rather than the gifts of the Spirit which might be a better yardstick of one's walk with God.
Also, just as areas of the broader evangelical movement, especially in the States, have too uncritically embraced Darby's dispensationalism, too many areas of the charismatic movement have just as uncritically embraced the biblical perversions of 'Word-Faith' and it's 'horrid child' of the prosperity teaching!

Sometimes, then, if we are going to be honest, we evangelicals have been frustrated, embarrassed and even angry at some of the things which charismatics have got up to! But we have still mostly recognised that they form a part of the evangelical movement (the most extreme area of the reformed movement reject just about everything which has ever happened within the charismatic movement and reject charismatics too, lock, stock and barrel!).

But with the rapid spread of the charismatic phenomenon and their often very 'loose' approach to Christian theology and doctrine, we now witness the rise of some charismatic leaders and churches who completely reject fellow evangelicals and feel they have more in common with areas of New Age, and even areas of liberal theology. Without question, the influence of the Word-Faith movement has largely opened this door because of its clear links with 'New Age.'

During the final year of my theology degree my wife and I would purposely occasionally attend places of worship which would not normally appeal to us; we went to a Catholic church, 2 or 3 Methodist churches, United Reformed, Anglican, Pentecostal and 2 or 3 charismatic churches too. We uncovered one charismatic church which was fairly clearly 'liberal charismatic' (though I do not doubt the sincerity of those who attended there). In this place of worship, God was your 'mother' (rather than your 'Father') and other things too were decidedly liberal rather than conservative. We also went to a Methodist place of worship with an apparently liberal pastor who was very 'open' to charismatic tendencies/influences while being highly un-conservative, and un-evangelical in general.

It is encouraging to see that more and more charismatic churches are starting to separate themselves from 'Word-Faith' with its unbiblical influences and are seeking to re-establish their wholly evangelical roots.
With love, compassion and concern in our hearts, we appeal to our many visitors who consider themselves 'charismatic' to do all within their power to make clear to their leaders the horrible dangers of a purely liberal form of charismatic belief and practice.
It is the very essence of liberal theology to seek 'common cause' with the world, and to actually encourage worldliness, but this is, and always will be, in direct opposition to biblical teaching.

'Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said:
"I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people."
Therefore;
"Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you."
"I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty"
(2 Corinthians 6: 14-18).

'Beloved, while I was very dilligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ'
(Jude 3-4).

Robin A. Brace
2002

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