Some people live on emotionalism or on sentimentalism. As they believe that nothing matters except this kind of riot or excitement of the emotions, they will, of course, do everything they can to encourage it; and quite often it is deliberately worked up. There are services in which people clap their hands and shout and sing and repeat certain types of choruses — it is done deliberately to work up excitement. And the more excited they get, and the more emotional they become, the more wonderful, they think, the blessing of the Spirit has been. It is mere emotionalism.
D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, “The Christian Warfare: An Exposition of Ephesians 6:10-13,” pg.198-199
The REAL problem is: many PASTORS believe and propagate this false form of worship. Goes hand in hand with the church growth movement leaven.
ReplyDelete-Carolyn
Hey Glenn,
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like the church I used to go to. I watched as the pastor would have songs repeated as to heighten the emotions state and make it easier to manipulate the congregation. It is really sad to see the outright abuse of the flock they are entrusted to, one day they will stand before the judgement seat and give an account if their actions and then it will be too late to repent. I seen all too many times with everyone is really emotional he would create a manifestation of the "Spirit", and then people were willing to do all sorts of things...mainly being slain in the spirit and they think it is a sign of God's blessings on them. This is what happens when people see their experiences as truth.
Jim B.