This will be my last post, for now, concerning the animus which revolves around cessationism and continuationism. I want to explore and offer some suggestions as to how the vitriol can get dialed down and preserve some semblance of Christian unity for the sake of the Gospel and our witness to the world (John 17:20-23, 13:34-35). Years ago, while pastoring a church in Charleston, SC., John MacArthur hosted the first Strange Fire Conference which solicited thousands of pastors to attend. The Strange Fire book and conference were basically an updated and expanded version of his 1978 original book entitled, “The Charismatics”, which attempted to address a relatively new phenomenon at the time best represented in the Renewal Movement. It was updated in 1980 and then retitled in 1992 to “Charismatic Chaos”. So, MacArthur was hot on the trail of Charismatics for many years. The Strange Fire Conference obviously solicited great attention which was a part of the reason it was held. MacArthur felt it was time to escalate his concerns and the challenges he perceived it represented. Hey, it’s America and everybody gets to declare their views and theology. But in an age of social media and incredible public influence, religious views get scrutiny too. I decided I could not let some of the accusations which originated from that conference go unchallenged. So, I posted vigorous rebuttals.
Continuationism
Cessationism vs. Continuationism: “I don’t want to fight, but I won’t be silent” (Part 2)
Hopefully you read part 1 of these posts and get the sense of why I am addressing this theological kerfuffle. I will say it again, I have no expectation of changing anyone’s mind or position. The divide between cessationists and continuationists is significant and passionate in many ways. Highly influential cessationist’s believe, as one notable pastor often put it, “that charismatics are a cancer in the body of Christ.” I will never forget years ago, attending a conference for pastors hosted and underwritten by a well-known activist organization that platformed a well respected Reformed/Cessationist pastor. It was the very first session and he was the lead-off speaker. He was tasked with giving the devotional to this group of highly diverse, orthodox evangelical pastors from various Bible-believing denominations and nondenominational churches. There were some notable ministries represented in the congregation of pastors. This gentleman chose to open his devotional by firing generalized condescension at Charismatics and Pentecostals. There were a lot of continuationists in that room. The remarks made a few chuckle, but you could sense the tension in the room immediately. As I sat there, battling no small sense of theological offense myself, I simply mused, “Why?” Why would someone go out of their way to alienate over half the crowd by declaring their theological elitism and superiority? Sadly, several workshops had similar moments of imprecision and generalization aimed directly at the Pentecostals and Charismatics in attendance. By the middle of the conference, over half the attendees had ceased attending. Why not? No one attending wants to endure having their doctrine assailed continually. Especially when that doctrine is scripturally, historically, and theologically sound.
Cessationism vs. Continuationism: “I don’t want to fight, but I won’t be silent” (Part 1)
I have a feeling the average American church member is not nearly as invested in theological fighting as many shepherds seem to be. For many, they will read a 5 to 7 syllable word and instantly check out mentally. “What does that have to do with my relationship to God”, they think. “I’m just trying to keep up with my marriage, my kids, and the job”, they say. “Anything over 3 syllables takes more attention and energy than I have time for”, they reason.
The average church member may have a point on most occasions, but this time concerning the words above, it may be worthy to consider this debate.