The Laughing Revival: God's Mysterious Judgment
In the Spring of 1994 I stood next to John Arnott, pastor of the Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship. Just a few months earlier the now famous "laughing revival" had begun in his then waning congregation. I, like Arnott, was invited by the leadership of a Dallas-area church to participate in this new spiritual phenomena.
Although I had been around pentecostal/charismatics for some time, I was not prepared for what I saw that night. With the laying on of hands, attendees were dropping like potato sacks all over the auditorium. A cacophony of disturbing sounds filled the entire evening as people were screaming in high-pitched shrills, groaning as if in the pains of labor, and laughing uncontrollably.
I witnessed the senior pastor of a large church growling like a animal while on his back he incessantly clawed at the air. We were later told that this particular manifestation was a form of spiritual warfare -- the Lion of Judah battling His enemies. The worship leader of the host church was also on his back, but he was groaning in an almost gutteral scream. Every time he groaned, his back would arch up off the floor, and then back down. He did this repeatedly. He moved across the platform this way like a noisy inch-worm.
My eldest son was with me. He was only 7 years-old at the time. He was dumbfounded and silent. There was so much transpiring at one time that we could not witness it all. We later heard of a young woman that would not stop doing cart wheels, and whose husband struggled to get her in the car due to her drunken state. And, we never turned our heads to view the handful of people we heard cackling like chickens or barking like dogs. Needless to say, I went away astonished by this overwhelming event.
Having trouble believing me? I understand. However, hear it for yourself. The following clip is from a 1997 revival meeting at the Toronto church. The speaker is John Scotland. Just below is a transcript of what he's saying -- or at least trying to say.
The elders that invited me were anxious for my opinion. Neither my son, nor I, were "slain in the Spirit," or overcome with laughter. Because I remained within Charismatic circles, I've been asked about this national revival ever since: "Chris, what do you think about the laughing revival?" "Do you think it's of God?"
My answer is a resounding "yes." I do believe it is "of God." I believe the Toronto Blessing, the Pensacola Outpouring, and the numerous meetings of Rodney Howard-Browne (a.k.a. "the Holy Ghost Bartender") were all "of God."
I also believe that the judgment upon Sodom was "of God." I believe Adam and Eve's expulsion from the garden was "of God." I believe the flood was "of God." I believe that all judgments are "of God," and His judgments are manifested in diverse forms. In my opinion, the laughing revival is a contemporary expression of the explicit judgment of God; but, it is a gracious judgment, as you'll soon learn.
Despising the Manna
That may sound strange upon first hearing. Most people can understand God's judgment coming in the form of floods or fiery brimstone, but not in something like the laughing revival. This only betrays a narrow awareness of God's manifold means of judgment. In fact, there was one such example in the Book of Numbers that helped me to contextualize the laughing revival squarely within the category of judgment.
In Numbers 11:1-3, the people of Israel complained in such a way that infuriated God who consumed many of them with holy fire. The people cried out to Moses, and his intercession was sufficient to quench God's fiery wrath. This is how most Christians view the Biblical concept of judgment. But, carefully observe how judgment expands as the chapter continues.
The Laughing Revival:
Wanting Something More Than His Word
I see the laughing revival in much the same way. For decades pentecostal/charismatics have held protracted prayer meetings begging God to send a spiritual revival. They wanted a great encounter with the power of the Holy Spirit. They cried, wailed, and fasted. They punished themselves in a humanistic effort to sway God into action on their behalf.
But, in doing so they despised the commandments of the Lord that were given to the Church as the primary means to establishing the Kingdom of God. God desired that His people delight themselves in the law, and meditate therein day and night (Psalm 1). God longed that His people would pursue wisdom as a hidden treasure in order to discover the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God (Prov. 2:4-5). He wanted His people to cry after knowledge and lift their voice for understanding (Prov. 2:3). Instead, like Israel lifted their voice for flesh, the "spiritual" Christians of today lifted their voice for an experiential revival.
God delivered them a revival in spades. He gave them even more than they asked for. Day after day, month after month, year after year, in various cities, God poured out their request until it came out of their nostrils and they began to laugh, bark, shake, scream, cackle, and make fools of themselves. They were visited by the Most High in a demonstrable way, for they had displeased the Lord in their request. This is what I witnessed.
Is the laughing revival of God? Yes. But, so is judgment. And, judgment comes in many forms. Therefore, we must observe the fruit. Have these movements produced anything? Has there come any return to the doctrines of God? What has become of it all? Some would argue that thousands of lives were saved and touched. Well, if God could use Balaam's ass, I'm sure he could use the "Holy Ghost Bartender."
What Meaneth This?
I assure you that growling pastors who claw at the air are no testimony of Christ. "Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of." Remember, it is always God that sends the lying prophets. He does so to prove His people.
The pentecostal/charismatic movement is the longest revival in the history of the world. Having spent a good deal of time within the movement, I have a genuine appreciation for the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of those that believe. I believe God will save the sick (James 5:15); and as Calvin taught, I believe God illuminates men prophetically to apply the Scriptures to contemporary matters -- this was clearly Rushdoony's gift.
A dear friend once wrote, "those for whom you have compassion, are those to whom you've been assigned." I believe that. My heart goes out to my Charismatic brothers and sisters who are held captive by a distorted theology. But, like myself, thousands of Charismatics have embraced the reformed faith, and their spiritual lives were impacted respectively. I have great hope for their conversion. They are much needed. And, I'm not alone in this opinion. Rushdoony felt the same way:
"Soft" Catholicism
It is estimated that by 2025 pentecostal/charismatics will be the largest Christian body in the world -- eclipsing both baptists and catholics. In my opinion, this will happen much sooner. Every statistic I've seen reveals massive growth throughout the multi-faceted Charismatic community. But, the movement is hardly monolithic or centralized; and, therefore, not likely to form any unified institution. Yet, there are potential problems with this scenario.
The danger for the Charismatic church lies within its character. It is quickly accruing the traits that have marked false churches for centuries. Consider the following from Article 29 of the Belgic Confession:
This could easily develop into a "soft catholicism" -- a universal religion ripe for subversion. Its leaders are theologically weak and morally questionable. They've proven that. Their power and resources are incalculable. They are no longer the "holy rollers" of Azuza Street. They are no longer isolated to tent revivals or basements. They've established multi-million dollar entertainment centers (or churches), and erected numerous colleges and universities. Although they have no formal denominational structure, their ecclesiastical power is centralized within each respective institution; and anything centralized is easy to subvert.
Their doctrine is man-centered. If you begin with the idea that YOU accepted Christ as act of your own free will, it stands to reason that a "bless me" gospel is all that will sustain you in your Christian walk. God is a spiritual "sugar daddy," and it's not long before one begins to snap their fingers at God like a benevolent butler.
Still others are experience-focused -- consumed with a super spirituality that marginalizes them from Kingdom engagement. All things are prompted by the Spirit, and if the Lord does not command them verbally in every thing, they are neutralized into a perpetual waiting upon God for personal direction -- they must "feel" led to do something.
This is a dangerous mixture. This type of theology married to a materialistic, and decrepid civilization will not bring in the kingdom Christ desires. Therefore, God must become their opponent. He must delude them with false teachers and false prophets. They must be weighed in the balance, and their hearts must be proven. If they desire experiences, and won't be silent until God rains down such displays, then God will give them what they request. It will come out of their nostrils, and it will be loathesome to all. This is the judgment for a foolish people who despise their Father's commandments, yet are loved enough to be preserved.
For these types God sends a gracious judgment. God makes those who deem themselves wise to be the most profound of fools. It is God's grace that He has granted them a "judgment of deception" in order that they might come to their senses, and treasure once again that daily bread.
Although I had been around pentecostal/charismatics for some time, I was not prepared for what I saw that night. With the laying on of hands, attendees were dropping like potato sacks all over the auditorium. A cacophony of disturbing sounds filled the entire evening as people were screaming in high-pitched shrills, groaning as if in the pains of labor, and laughing uncontrollably.
I witnessed the senior pastor of a large church growling like a animal while on his back he incessantly clawed at the air. We were later told that this particular manifestation was a form of spiritual warfare -- the Lion of Judah battling His enemies. The worship leader of the host church was also on his back, but he was groaning in an almost gutteral scream. Every time he groaned, his back would arch up off the floor, and then back down. He did this repeatedly. He moved across the platform this way like a noisy inch-worm.
My eldest son was with me. He was only 7 years-old at the time. He was dumbfounded and silent. There was so much transpiring at one time that we could not witness it all. We later heard of a young woman that would not stop doing cart wheels, and whose husband struggled to get her in the car due to her drunken state. And, we never turned our heads to view the handful of people we heard cackling like chickens or barking like dogs. Needless to say, I went away astonished by this overwhelming event.
Having trouble believing me? I understand. However, hear it for yourself. The following clip is from a 1997 revival meeting at the Toronto church. The speaker is John Scotland. Just below is a transcript of what he's saying -- or at least trying to say.
"Ok now, before we take off, ya know, before we go surfing, lets get the reading done. Luke, LUKE. (Laughing) Chapter TWOOOOOOO. I tell you what... Lets look at chapter one. Settle down please, Ladies and Gentlemen! Luke chapter 1 and verse 5. Lets go back to the reading... Luke chapter one. Verse, verse, verse, COCKADODALDOOO. Oh dear, haahah. Luke chapter one, verse COCKADODALDOOO. For those of you having difficulty with that manifestation, like myself... That's a wake up call. Zacharius was in the sanctuary when, Z-A-C-H-A-R-I-I-I. Zacharius was a member of the Dubabupidooo. Division. Of the temple service corpse. One day Zacharius was going about his work in the temple.... COCKADODALDOOO. Verse ten. Praying, praying, PRAYING!! For I have come to tell you that God has heard your prayer. Whoaaaaaaaa... Whoaaaaaaaa. God hears PRAYER! Verse 14, now settle down, ladies and gentlemen, settle down."Is This of God?
The elders that invited me were anxious for my opinion. Neither my son, nor I, were "slain in the Spirit," or overcome with laughter. Because I remained within Charismatic circles, I've been asked about this national revival ever since: "Chris, what do you think about the laughing revival?" "Do you think it's of God?"
My answer is a resounding "yes." I do believe it is "of God." I believe the Toronto Blessing, the Pensacola Outpouring, and the numerous meetings of Rodney Howard-Browne (a.k.a. "the Holy Ghost Bartender") were all "of God."
I also believe that the judgment upon Sodom was "of God." I believe Adam and Eve's expulsion from the garden was "of God." I believe the flood was "of God." I believe that all judgments are "of God," and His judgments are manifested in diverse forms. In my opinion, the laughing revival is a contemporary expression of the explicit judgment of God; but, it is a gracious judgment, as you'll soon learn.
Despising the Manna
That may sound strange upon first hearing. Most people can understand God's judgment coming in the form of floods or fiery brimstone, but not in something like the laughing revival. This only betrays a narrow awareness of God's manifold means of judgment. In fact, there was one such example in the Book of Numbers that helped me to contextualize the laughing revival squarely within the category of judgment.
In Numbers 11:1-3, the people of Israel complained in such a way that infuriated God who consumed many of them with holy fire. The people cried out to Moses, and his intercession was sufficient to quench God's fiery wrath. This is how most Christians view the Biblical concept of judgment. But, carefully observe how judgment expands as the chapter continues.
And the mixt multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat? We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick: But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes. Numbers 11:4-6The wilderness Israelites were growing weary of the daily manna. They could all recall the taste of fish meat, fruits, and vegetables. They saw the daily provision of manna as a bland and redundant exercise that was drying away their souls. The people began to cry out again.
Then Moses heard the people weep throughout their families, every man in the door of his tent: and the anger of the LORD was kindled greatly; Moses also was displeased. And Moses said unto the LORD, Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant? and wherefore have I not found favour in thy sight, that thou layest the burden of all this people upon me? Numbers 11:10-11God was displeased with the request for meat, and rightfully so. The gathering of manna was not an exercise in futility, nor was it a war on their taste buds. The manna contained a valuable lesson in establishing the foundation of Godly civilization -- obedience.
And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no. And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. Deuteronomy 8:2-3The Israelites were being humbled. Their hearts were being tested. Would they learn to obey God's commandments? Could they grasp the idea that man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from God's mouth? No, they would not. They would again provoke God's wrath.
And say thou unto the people, Sanctify yourselves against to morrow, and ye shall eat flesh: for ye have wept in the ears of the LORD, saying, Who shall give us flesh to eat? for it was well with us in Egypt: therefore the LORD will give you flesh, and ye shall eat. Ye shall not eat one day, nor two days, nor five days, neither ten days, nor twenty days; But even a whole month, until it come out at your nostrils, and it be loathsome unto you: because that ye have despised the LORD which is among you, and have wept before him, saying, Why came we forth out of Egypt? Numbers 11:18-20Did God answer their prayer? Yes. Was this an outpouring of love on God's part? Hardly. God was despised by His people, and rather than kill them, He made them loathsome and ridiculous. He gave them an over-abundance of their request "until it came out their nostrils." This was judgment. A special type of judgment for those who despise God's Word. It was a gracious judgment in that they were only made to look ridiculous. They could've been consumed.
The Laughing Revival:
Wanting Something More Than His Word
I see the laughing revival in much the same way. For decades pentecostal/charismatics have held protracted prayer meetings begging God to send a spiritual revival. They wanted a great encounter with the power of the Holy Spirit. They cried, wailed, and fasted. They punished themselves in a humanistic effort to sway God into action on their behalf.
But, in doing so they despised the commandments of the Lord that were given to the Church as the primary means to establishing the Kingdom of God. God desired that His people delight themselves in the law, and meditate therein day and night (Psalm 1). God longed that His people would pursue wisdom as a hidden treasure in order to discover the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God (Prov. 2:4-5). He wanted His people to cry after knowledge and lift their voice for understanding (Prov. 2:3). Instead, like Israel lifted their voice for flesh, the "spiritual" Christians of today lifted their voice for an experiential revival.
God delivered them a revival in spades. He gave them even more than they asked for. Day after day, month after month, year after year, in various cities, God poured out their request until it came out of their nostrils and they began to laugh, bark, shake, scream, cackle, and make fools of themselves. They were visited by the Most High in a demonstrable way, for they had displeased the Lord in their request. This is what I witnessed.
Is the laughing revival of God? Yes. But, so is judgment. And, judgment comes in many forms. Therefore, we must observe the fruit. Have these movements produced anything? Has there come any return to the doctrines of God? What has become of it all? Some would argue that thousands of lives were saved and touched. Well, if God could use Balaam's ass, I'm sure he could use the "Holy Ghost Bartender."
What Meaneth This?
I assure you that growling pastors who claw at the air are no testimony of Christ. "Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of." Remember, it is always God that sends the lying prophets. He does so to prove His people.
If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, and the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him. Deuteronomy 13:1-3The objective of the Lord is that we fear Him and keep His commandments. But, many of these ministers fell into sin. Some into pornography. Others, like evangelist Roberts Liardon, known for his extended prayer life and visit to heaven, fell into repeated homosexual encounters with his young traveling aides. I've met Liardon, as well as numerous others of these revival preachers. I've only seen this revivalism lead to personal destruction, social confusion, and doctrinal distortion. God sends them delusions that they might believe a lie (2 Thess. 2:11).
The pentecostal/charismatic movement is the longest revival in the history of the world. Having spent a good deal of time within the movement, I have a genuine appreciation for the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of those that believe. I believe God will save the sick (James 5:15); and as Calvin taught, I believe God illuminates men prophetically to apply the Scriptures to contemporary matters -- this was clearly Rushdoony's gift.
A dear friend once wrote, "those for whom you have compassion, are those to whom you've been assigned." I believe that. My heart goes out to my Charismatic brothers and sisters who are held captive by a distorted theology. But, like myself, thousands of Charismatics have embraced the reformed faith, and their spiritual lives were impacted respectively. I have great hope for their conversion. They are much needed. And, I'm not alone in this opinion. Rushdoony felt the same way:
Without agreeing with tongues, we can say that among God-centered charismatics, there are important movements astir. No doctrine of Scripture is more neglected than that of the Holy Spirit. Our emphasis, however, must be God-centered, not man-centered. All humanism is occultistic. The development of faith and life among theocentric charismatics is one of the most promising aspects of 20th century Christianity. Its potentialities are very great. (R.J. Rushdoony, The Institutes of Biblical Law, Vol. II: Law and Society, p. 160)Rushdoony is correct. You cannot throw out the baby with the bath water. The laughing revival was "occultistic" because it was humanistic, or man-centered. But, a genuine expression of the ministry of the Holy Spirit is much needed in our time. God, give us more "theocentric charismatics" with a passion for the law of God.
"Soft" Catholicism
It is estimated that by 2025 pentecostal/charismatics will be the largest Christian body in the world -- eclipsing both baptists and catholics. In my opinion, this will happen much sooner. Every statistic I've seen reveals massive growth throughout the multi-faceted Charismatic community. But, the movement is hardly monolithic or centralized; and, therefore, not likely to form any unified institution. Yet, there are potential problems with this scenario.
The danger for the Charismatic church lies within its character. It is quickly accruing the traits that have marked false churches for centuries. Consider the following from Article 29 of the Belgic Confession:
As for the false church,The Dutch reformed fathers who penned this precise statement clearly had the apostate papacy in mind when listing these characteristics. It is also easy to see how much of this applies to the arrogant, self-aggrandizing elements of contemporary "Charismania." They ascribe authority to their points of emphases, and grant their preachers a pope-like infallibility. Much of the movement is "based upon men more so than Christ," and they incessantly persecute any who "rebuke it for its faults, greed, and idolatry."
it assigns more authority to itself and its ordinances
than to the Word of God;
it does not administer the sacraments
as Christ commanded in his Word;
it rather adds to them or subtracts from them
as it pleases;
it bases itself on men,
more than on Jesus Christ;
it persecutes those
who live holy lives according to the Word of God
and who rebuke it for its faults, greed, and idolatry.
This could easily develop into a "soft catholicism" -- a universal religion ripe for subversion. Its leaders are theologically weak and morally questionable. They've proven that. Their power and resources are incalculable. They are no longer the "holy rollers" of Azuza Street. They are no longer isolated to tent revivals or basements. They've established multi-million dollar entertainment centers (or churches), and erected numerous colleges and universities. Although they have no formal denominational structure, their ecclesiastical power is centralized within each respective institution; and anything centralized is easy to subvert.
Their doctrine is man-centered. If you begin with the idea that YOU accepted Christ as act of your own free will, it stands to reason that a "bless me" gospel is all that will sustain you in your Christian walk. God is a spiritual "sugar daddy," and it's not long before one begins to snap their fingers at God like a benevolent butler.
Still others are experience-focused -- consumed with a super spirituality that marginalizes them from Kingdom engagement. All things are prompted by the Spirit, and if the Lord does not command them verbally in every thing, they are neutralized into a perpetual waiting upon God for personal direction -- they must "feel" led to do something.
This is a dangerous mixture. This type of theology married to a materialistic, and decrepid civilization will not bring in the kingdom Christ desires. Therefore, God must become their opponent. He must delude them with false teachers and false prophets. They must be weighed in the balance, and their hearts must be proven. If they desire experiences, and won't be silent until God rains down such displays, then God will give them what they request. It will come out of their nostrils, and it will be loathesome to all. This is the judgment for a foolish people who despise their Father's commandments, yet are loved enough to be preserved.
For these types God sends a gracious judgment. God makes those who deem themselves wise to be the most profound of fools. It is God's grace that He has granted them a "judgment of deception" in order that they might come to their senses, and treasure once again that daily bread.
