Walton's Pendulum

[GeneV]

I happened to view the 'what are you' thread and Robert C. Walton came to mind. This gentleman produced a collection of

[Leonard]

Well, I've got a few problems here. Montanism and Gnosticism were sub-Christian movements, secondarily, the list Monasticism as 'emotional' seems incorrect. Historically all through the Dark Ages, the learning of the Western World was preserved at monastaries.......

[nebula]

I agree with Leonard that this view does not portray these movements accurately.

[Floatingaxe]

Pentecostalism & the Charismatic Movement (20th cen.) - Emphasis on Emotions

That is the concensus of those looking on from the outside. I am not a Pentacostal, nor ever have been, but I am spirit-filled, and people could label me "charismatic" I suppose, but we are a well-rounded people, who are not emotion-based. We are Word of God based, and do not neglect the intellect, nor the emotional centres of ourselves. Balance is pre-eminent.

[Arthur Durnan]

Well, truth to tell, after the (Azusa Assembly 1901-surge of) charismatic emphasis on the aforementioned Chart, I'd insert Bible-based EXPOSITION OF DOCTRINE as opposed to mainly PERSONAL EXPERIENCES. We're now past the "seeker-friendly" bit which sought to almost plead for sinners to 'come to church' (IE, "We're really friendly, you know, & besides that, we dress as for a rodeo or a hike in the woods so don't be afraid of us!') and we've now arrived at the "emerging church": IE, feelings dominate & essential biblical doctrine is really hardly all that necessary! Come, come, you'll feel good with us here! The Apostle's declaration to "Preach the WORD!" has never been rescinded. It's not mainly what we may feel; it's always what God has declared in His settled Word. AMEN & AMEN!

http://arthurdurnan.freeyellow.com

[nebula]

Well I have to say that no self-respecting Charismatic (or anyone who has received the Holy Spirit in that way) wants anything whatsoever to do with the "emerging church"!

[Arthur Durnan]

Nor should everyone else who has been filled with - and keeps filled with - the Holy Spirit in accordance with Ephesians 5:18.

http://arthurdurnan.freeyellow.com

[Sherman]

I suppose if I had to be labeled, I would like to be labeled a

Charismatic with a Brain!

And I hope that the "emerging church" emerges to be like Jesus!

[GeneV]

Well, I've got a few problems here. Montanism and Gnosticism were sub-Christian movements, secondarily, the list Monasticism as 'emotional' seems incorrect. Historically all through the Dark Ages, the learning of the Western World was preserved at monastaries.......

Thanks Leonard,

I had much the same problem - please remember these are not my views they simply reflect the pendulum as Walton portrayed it. Incidently I wrote an exposition trashing the theory for almost the same reasons you have mentioned.

The whole purpose of the post was not to criticise but to highlight the difficulty of putting labels onto our faith - so when I saw the 'what are you' thread I was tempted to say none of the above but PART of all of the above (if that makes sense)

Gene

[TheoMike]

Good points Leonard and Gene!