Reformed Geek posted a video with the famous atheistic-psychic from the UK (what a nice combination) Derren Brown. The clip really helps to build the point in which I made in my post on Jude 4.
In Geek's post, he concluded by asking several rather thought provoking questions to "up" his comments. After watching the clip I thought I would answer the questions in which he proposed in more detail than I could do in a comment. Here they are:
Q1. What are your first thoughts after watching these videos?
In Geek's post, he concluded by asking several rather thought provoking questions to "up" his comments. After watching the clip I thought I would answer the questions in which he proposed in more detail than I could do in a comment. Here they are:
Q1. What are your first thoughts after watching these videos?
What an original question! Immediately after watching, I conjured several thoughts. Probably the most profound is the fact that men are easily deceived. The millions that have gone to healing services and "met God" when our Charismatic friends waved their hands in the air are great examples of this simple fact. If some atheistic-psychic from the UK can do it, we have problems.
Men, however, are not only vulnerable in "Instant Conversion" to believe a lie, but also in the full extent of what we believe. A tremendous amount of discernment is necessary when you listen to any teacher. They are mere men, and their beliefs are not to be, by any means, a final authority in our search for absolute doctrinal truth. They can be deceived by others, the same way that we can.
Q2. Does this strengthen your passion for Sola Scriptura?
More than you could imagine. When you reject Sola Scriptura (by Scripture alone) you begin to do nutty things of this nature. The moment the Word of God is removed, Satan fills the void. Do you realize what whack-you-in-the-head healing is? At it's core, it is nothing more than you giving lost souls a "feeling" that will lead them to believe that they are okay with God because He has spoken to them in a special way. The belief that you are okay just the way you are, is a horrific example of the utter blinding of a soul. If nothing more, Derren Brown should cause us to cling to a literal, exegetical study of the Scriptures.
Q3. Do you think these videos (along with appropriate biblical teaching) could help bring people out of the dangerous “experiential theology” type movements?
This video could back-up what the Bible already says. We have been warned of false teachers who will do whatever they can to make a buck and I feel that this video can help to authenticate that. It gives the impression that all you have to do is orchestrate things in a way that would give those in the audience the desired experience, and oodles of green goodness will start pouring in (just be sure to let everyone know who to make checks out to).
If you would like to bring people out of this garbage, you are going to need Bible to back yourself up. As in any area, presenting a biblical foundation to your position on an issue is crucial. It is God and His Word that presents truth to those who have been deceived.
Q4. Do you have any other comments?
Men, however, are not only vulnerable in "Instant Conversion" to believe a lie, but also in the full extent of what we believe. A tremendous amount of discernment is necessary when you listen to any teacher. They are mere men, and their beliefs are not to be, by any means, a final authority in our search for absolute doctrinal truth. They can be deceived by others, the same way that we can.
Q2. Does this strengthen your passion for Sola Scriptura?
More than you could imagine. When you reject Sola Scriptura (by Scripture alone) you begin to do nutty things of this nature. The moment the Word of God is removed, Satan fills the void. Do you realize what whack-you-in-the-head healing is? At it's core, it is nothing more than you giving lost souls a "feeling" that will lead them to believe that they are okay with God because He has spoken to them in a special way. The belief that you are okay just the way you are, is a horrific example of the utter blinding of a soul. If nothing more, Derren Brown should cause us to cling to a literal, exegetical study of the Scriptures.
Q3. Do you think these videos (along with appropriate biblical teaching) could help bring people out of the dangerous “experiential theology” type movements?
This video could back-up what the Bible already says. We have been warned of false teachers who will do whatever they can to make a buck and I feel that this video can help to authenticate that. It gives the impression that all you have to do is orchestrate things in a way that would give those in the audience the desired experience, and oodles of green goodness will start pouring in (just be sure to let everyone know who to make checks out to).
If you would like to bring people out of this garbage, you are going to need Bible to back yourself up. As in any area, presenting a biblical foundation to your position on an issue is crucial. It is God and His Word that presents truth to those who have been deceived.
Q4. Do you have any other comments?
I would like to say this. I believe that God can and does heal miraculously. He is the sovereign ruler of all of creation, and he heals as he wills. However, nowhere in the Bible is there any account of someone waving their hands over a person's face and receiving the Holy Spirit. This indwelling only occurs when one is renewed by the saving blood of Jesus Christ. Please do not mark me down as rejecting the work of the Holy Spirit. God can, and does do amazing things when His children beseech Him continually in prayer, not when they push people over.
