This is going to be a short one. It's been a long day of sweat, sun, and Hillsong church philosophy and frankly my eyes are getting heavy and my grammar is getting sloppier by the minute. I'll write more about what I've been learning in the class sessions. A lot of it has to do with how I view the church body as a whole.
Today, the moment came that I have been dreading. The moment when I would have to face a doctrine I disagree with, but the church I reverie embraces and teaches. One of the pastors came (a man of high standing judging by the ovation he was given while making his way to the podium) up and spoke. Towards the end of his message he said the best way to grow closer to God was for EVERYONE to speak in tongues everyday. Not only have I not been raised in this practice, but in my own studies have found it anything but Biblical for just anyone to be able. The idea originated when flaming tongues descended the upon the disciples, and they were gifted with the ability to speak multiple languages in order to spread the gospel to foreign countries. Not something anyone can pick up on on their own whim. I know I was warned that I would be faced with new beliefs that would challenge my own, but I have yet to see any flaming tongues come through my ceiling.
So bottom line, I do not believe that just everyone and anyone has the ability to speak in tongues. I don't view it as a prayer language for all, but as a God given gift to few. HOWEVER, Hillsong is undoubtedly one of the most influential churches in the world. Whatever they are doing is working, so I'm praying to keep an unbiased opinion and an open mind on how they do things here.
No comments:
Post a Comment