Interesting Website

[mulls]

[url="http://www.ex-pentecostals.org"]http://www.ex-pentecostals.org[/url]



this is really really interesting.



just be nice, i don't consider myself 'pentecostal,' but as many of you know i have it in my background, and i know many great people of God who are.



they have forums too......a lot of their reasons for leaving seem to reflect those of ex-catholics...as far as the structure of authority is concerned.


give it a look.

[mulls]

and to their credit they really seem to take the 'high road,' not just resorting to bashing what they used to believe in.


most of us could take a cue.

[mulls]

no comments?


i'm surprised.

[M.SIGGA]

I'll comment!

[quote]I must restate my conviction that many congregations within the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements (and within pseudo-Pentecostal "non-denominational" churches) are [b]emotionally manipulative, psychologically deceptive, and in some cases, spiritually (or religiously) abusive -- with rare occurrences of physical or sexual violence. [/b]These manipulations take place in the form of (but are not limited to) "expressive worship," "prophecies," "interpretation of tongues," "miraculous healing," and the "rebuking of demons (exorcisms)." These events create the perception that "God is in this place," which not only electrifies those in attendance, but it also "validates" the legitimacy of the ministry and their actions.

By reading the many criticisms, experiences, essays and other resources on our site, you will see the true nature behind many of these "supernatural occurrences," and will understand that they are highly manipulative tools used to create obedience and adherence to local pastoral authority. [b]These "events" may be dismissed as a circus sideshow by some, but are integral to the movement at large -- they are the foundation, the very cement that holds many of these churches together -- and allow for remarkable and shocking abuses of power to take place in so-called "houses of God."[/b]

Many within these faiths cannot even comprehend the situation in which they exist, or the abuses that they have deadened themselves to tolerate. Many current Pentecostals have written us, stating they could match horror stories with our supporters, yet they still "accept the truth" of their faith. They don't even see the sad realities of such statements -- [b]the truth being that in traditional Christian faiths, church isn't about tolerating manipulations, abusive pastors, sideshow behaviors, or restrictive legalism -- it's about expressing your love for a Savior, receiving spiritual nourishment, and . . . above all . . . feeling safe and loved.[/b] How can anyone feel "safe and loved" when they're constantly in fear of losing their salvation, or not getting the "total" blessings that God has to offer (as many Pentecostals/Charismatics do -- regardless of whether or not current one is will admit to it)? [b]Many of these people will say that "Pentecostals are human," and that anything that happens in their churches could happen at a church down the street. The sad reality is that these things often happen in Pentecostal/Charismatic churches (or in other denominations commonly characterized as cults), and only rarely occur in churches of other mainstream, orthodox, or evangelical persuasions[/b].[/quote]

How is this little section from a long paragraph of similar statements not bashing? I also know a great many of good pentecostal Christians. Here's my Shout Out to the Brooklyn Tabernacle!

[mulls]

true.


you should check out the forums though.