Is Vibrating in the spirit a Biblical Experience or an Occult Phenomenon?

The Reform-minded Seventh-day Adventist Forum ^ | August 19, 2008 | Eugene Shubert

[e.Shubee]

Hank Hanegraaff of the Christian Research Institute is on record at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqa5WqWwyW4 (1:33 to 2:26) saying that he is surprised that some Christians are vibrating in the spirit:

"Honestly, when I wrote that book [Counterfeit Revival] I never envisioned what would happen in the year 2008 with Todd Bentley who harks back to all those revival years as a basis for what's happening today. He is a continuation of "the counterfeit revival" but he has taken it to more bizarre and blasphemous [Hanegraaff pauses for lack of words?], an extent that I had [n]ever envisioned possible. He now is vibrating in the spirit."

To understand vibrating in the spirit, just google for the words, vibrate + spirit and see page after page on the sensation that Mediums experience when they psychically connect with their spirit guides.

Todd Bentley has another explanation for what causes him to vibrate in the excerpted video clip titled, The Three Ring Circus of Todd Bentley. See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWX05-hCjuk at 7:40 to 8:38 minutes and 18:09 to 19:03 minutes. I still think that Mr. Bentley's testimony sounds like a demonic manifestation.

I've seen Todd Bentley on Pat Robertson's 700 Club and on other promotional videos by CBN and that organization, Charisma Magazine and other "Christian ministries" have positively endorsed Todd Bentley. See:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76WDKzS7Yog
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zV_Whu0kfTk

Who am I to believe? Should I trust Google, which is famous for having the corporate motto, "Don't be evil", or mainstream evangelicalism, which is infamous for defending George Bush and the Republicans?

[macamadamia]

Is Vibrating in the spirit a Biblical Experience or an Occult Phenomenon?


I don't know. But it makes for a cool musical experience...John Adam's Shaker Loops. I have it on my humble little MuVo 100 right now.

[cyclotic]

I’ve never heard of this Todd Bentley fellow before your post, but just after reading it, I went to another website and saw an article about him from today. Apparently, he and his wife just split up this week. THe article also highlighted some kid who was “healed” of Spina Bifida by him and seen struggling to walk just a few minutes later. His people were unable to provide any evidence of healing at any of his services. It seems that he’s a false prophet and a charlatan.

[raynearhood]

Todd Bentley, the Lakeland "Revival", and the subjects of "Vibrating in the spirit,""being drunk in the Spirit,""Slain in the Spirit," etc.... have been thoroughly debated on FreeRepublic. Here is a short list of articles covered in the last few months. Enjoy and decide.

[Cvengr]

Does it matter what any body else thinks?

Similar arguments for and against liver quiver, Shakers shaking and Quakers quaking.

Here is a check on the phenomenon.

1st, if it is indeed Divine, then it would be by an action of God the Holy Spirit, who does NOT glorify Himself, but glorifies the Son.

Does the event glorify the Son?

If not, then it is highly suspect of demonic influence or seducing spirits. But rather than accusing, a more sure path is to closely study Paul, in that he discusses a similar issue in his letter to the Colossians.

Colosse was threatened between wisdom(SOPHIA) and knowledge(GNOSIS) introducing gnostic and Judaistic rites without any basis in the Biblical doctrines from the apostles. Instead, Paul appeals to the wisdom and knowledge which is available through faith in Christ.