THERE MAY BE THOSE who will doubt that the "charismatic revival"
is a form of mediumism; that is only a secondary question of the means or
technique by which the "spirit" of the "charismatic
revival" is communicated. But that this "spirit" has nothing to
do with Orthodox Christianity is abundantly clear. And in fact this
"spirit" follows almost to the letter the "prophecies" of
Nicholas Berdyaev concerning a "New Christianity." It completely
leaves behind the "monastic ascetic spirit of historical Orthodoxy,"
which most effectively exposes its falsity. It is not satisfied with the
"conservative Christianity which directs the spiritual forces of man only
towards contrition and salvation," but rather, apparently believing like
Berdyaev that such a Christianity is still "incomplete," adds a
second level of "spiritual" phenomena, not one of which is
specifically Christian in character (although one is free to interpret them
as "Christian"), which are open to people of every denomination with
or without repentance, and which are completely unrelated to salvation. It
looks to "a new era in Christianity, a new and deep spirituality, which
means a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit" - in complete contradiction of
Orthodox tradition and prophecy.
This is truly a "New Christianity" - but the specifically
"new" ingredient in this "Christianity" is nothing original
or "advanced," but merely a modern form of the devil's age - old
religion of shamanistic paganism. The Orthodox "charismatic"
periodical The Logos recommends Nicholas Berdyaev as a
"prophet" precisely because he was "the greatest theologian of
spiritual creativeness" (Logos , March, 1972, p. 8). And indeed, it
is precisely the shamans of every primitive tribe who know how to get in
contact with and utilize the primordial "creative" powers of
the universe - those "spirits of earth and sky and sea" which the
Church of Christ recognizes as demons, and in serving which it is indeed
possible to attain to a "creative" ecstasy and joy (the
"Nietzschean enthusiasm and ecstasy" to which Berdyaev felt so close)
which are unknown to the weary and half-hearted "Christians" who fall
for the "charismatic" deception. But there is no Christ here. God has
forbidden contact with this "creative," occult realm
into which "Christians" have stumbled through ignorance and
self-deception. The "charismatic revival" will have no need to enter
a "dialogue with non-Christian religions," because, under the name of
"Christianity," it is already embracing non-Christian religion and is
itself becoming the new religion which Berdyaev foresaw, strangely
combining "Christianity" and paganism.
The strange "Christian" spirit of the "charismatic
revival" is clearly identified in the Holy Scriptures and the Orthodox
patristic tradition. According to these sources, world history will culminate
in an almost superhuman "Christian" figure, the false messiah or antichrist.
He will be "Christian" in the sense that his whole function and his
very being will center on Christ, Whom he will imitate in every respect
possible, and he will be not merely the greatest enemy of Christ, but in order
to deceive Christians will appear to be Christ, come to earth for
a second time and ruling from the restored Temple in Jerusalem.
Let no one deceive you by any means, for that day shall not come except
there come a falling away (apostasy) first, and that man of sin be revealed,
the son of perdition, who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is
called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of
God, showing himself that he is God... even him whose coming is after the
working of satan with all lying wonders, and with all deceivableness in them
that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might
be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they
should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth,
but had pleasure in unrighteousness (2 Thess. 2:3-4, 9-12).
The Orthodox teaching concerning antichrist is a large subject in itself and
cannot be presented here. But if, as the followers of the "charismatic
revival" believe, the last days are indeed at hand, it is of crucial
importance for the Orthodox Christian to be informed of this teaching
concerning one who, as the Saviour Himself has told us, together with the
"false prophets" of that time, shall show great signs and wonders,
insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect (Matt.
24:24). And the "elect" are certainly not those multitudes of people
who are coming to accept the gross and most unscriptural delusion that
"the world is on the threshold of a great spiritual awakening," but
rather the "little flock" to which alone our Saviour has promised: It
is your Father's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom (Luke 12:32). Even the
true "elect" will be sorely tempted by the "great signs and
wonders" of antichrist; but most "Christians" will accept him
without any question, for his "New Christianity" is precisely what
they seek.
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