False Teachings of the Charismatic Movement - Introduction

Who are the Charismatics?

In beginning this brief study regarding the follies of Charismatic teachings, it is necessary to define clearly the group of whom I speak.  When I use the term, “Charismatic” in relation to this group, it is of utmost importance to understand that I am not making reference to Pentecostals in general.  Though Charismatics claim to be Pentecostal, not all Pentecostals claim to be Charismatic.  As a matter of fact, I have been associated for years with the Holiness people, who would greatly object to being labeled as Charismatics.  There is a great deal of difference, and this study will focus on those differences. 

The Charismatics are not easily found.  The term, “Charismatic” is not found on many church signs.  I am doubtful that I have ever seen it on any sign.  Charismatic ideology often slips its way into Pentecostal circles.  I have met Assembly of God preachers who teach Charismatic fallacies.  I have seen those in the Church of God of Cleveland, Tennessee migrate toward Charismatic thinking.  Now, while I am sure there are strong, Bible-believing Christians and preachers in groups such as these, as well as in others, there are churches here and there that have adapted to Charismatic theology.

So, the Charismatic movement is not a denomination in itself.  The Charismatic movement is composed of ministers and believers who have adapted Charismatic teaching as their own, whether they belong to the Assembly of God, Church of God, or even an independent Pentecostal or Holiness church.  There are non-denominational preachers, who, after hearing them speak, are clearly Charismatic.  There are Assembly of God preachers who make it clear through some of their goofy ideas that they are indeed Charismatic.  Therefore, most Charismatic teachers and preachers will not admit to being Charismatic.  Some may even defy it.  They may say, “I’m not Charismatic; I’m Church of God.”  But if you teach Charismatic dogma, you are Charismatic, no matter which coat you wear.

So, what exactly is the dogma that reveals one to be Charismatic?  Let me say again for the sake of clarity that all Pentecostals are not Charismatic.  I have heard some speak against Charismatics, but they place all Pentecostals in the Charismatic boat.  This is ignorance.  Not all Pentecostals are Charismatics.  But there are Charismatics within, most likely, all Pentecostal groups.  So, what are the characteristics of the Charismatics?  These characteristics include, but are not limited to:

1) Teaching people how to speak in tongues;

2) Teaching that one’s physical prosperity is evidence of spirituality;

3) Acceptance of unbiblical “manifestations of the Spirit”, including barking like a dog, laughing “in the Spirit,” and other unbiblical forms of so-called “worship;”

4) Belief in a disproportional “power of words,” that is, because a believer states what he desires, he receives it;

5) Non-acceptance of illness, harm, or misfortune;

6) An unbiblical view of “binding the devil;”

7) Using the name of Jesus as a good luck charm, or a means of claiming whatever they wish to receive;

8) The belief that all sickness and misfortune in a believer’s life originate from the devil and are therefore contrary to the will of God;

9) The belief that faith in God always delivers from sickness, disease, ill, and misfortune; and

10) The belief in “impartation,” that is, that one minister can “impart” whatever he wishes to another minister or another believer, whether it be wisdom, a gift of the Spirit, or anything else he wishes to bestow.

Many of the above teachings sound good upon first hearing it.  It sounds as though the Charismatics are a wealthy, healthy, and prosperous people.  However, if you know Charismatics personally, you find out that their people get cancer, just as ours do, whether they accept it or not.  I have heard Charismatics “name and claim” that their children would be saved, and then…their children died lost.  Charismatics have claimed healing in spite of “lying symptoms,” and then died.  Often, Charismatic preachers teach and preach that believers should give (to their ministry, of course).  It is not surprising then, that the wealthiest among the Charismatics are the preachers.  It is not faith that has made them wealthy; it is rather their insistence on people giving to THEIR ministry that has done so. 

Regardless of how good these doctrines may seem; regardless of how much these doctrines may be associated with faith; make no mistake about it – these doctrines are wrong.  They are contrary to the scriptures, and they simply do not work.  It is tragic that so many good, well-meaning believers who love the Lord get caught up in false doctrines such as these.  It is also tragic that Bible-believing pastors do not bust the hide off this garbage so that their members do not get deceived by it.  Attention pastors – you need to expose this trash for what it is!  When your members listen to radio preachers, this junk is the chief teaching.  When your members watch “religious” television, this is the manure they are most likely watching! 

In the upcoming posts, I will take some of these Charismatic characteristics, and expose them!  I will show the scriptures that are most often used to promote this mess, and how those scriptures are used out of context.  It is my desire to reach those who have fallen into this mire with compassion, while despising the mire itself.  If you have fallen into the Charismatic trap, I pray that you will see the nonsense of this teaching, and come out of it!