I wasn’t downing mysticism in general, as obviously God is bigger than we can know—and a certain amount of mysticism is a great thing—and really an acknowledgment of human finitude. Rather I was speaking of many of the contemporary trends in the charismatic movement, and general evangelicalism—which verge on Gnosticism. When Christians believe that holy scripture is not sufficient—and they need extra revelation—they are in the same boat as those the Roman Church, for whom that extra “revelation” or authority comes from Popes and Tradition, instead of prophets and new revelations.
I think there is no coincidence that the modern charismatic movement was equally part of the Roman Catholic Church as amidst independent Protestants. It appeals to people who are looking for signs and wonders, and great emotionalism—and for whom God revealed in His Word (they think) is not enough.
The modern Charismatic movement, as far as I know, dates from the 1970s, while the Pentecostal denominations (many of whom originally said if one didn’t speak in tongues, one was not saved...) only date back to around 1900. Previous centuries had “enthusiasts” too—but not usually very educated ones. Just who are these heavyweight “intellectual theologians” you’re talking about? I’m sure it depends on how you define “charismatic,” and “intellectual.”
And yes, I have been filled with the Holy Spirit. I never would have believed and been born again had the Holy Spirit not come, filled me, and given me a new heart. And I’ve been renewed several times since.... An idea though of a 2nd baptism, dividing Christians into a tongue-speaking elite, and the rest...is one of the most destructive errors ever perpetuated on Christ’ Church, IMHO.
Sorry,
am not really very motivated to respond to most of those questions.
The data is available on the net if you are seriously interested.
I don’t know that the uneducated through history of Pentecostals will really wash, either.
Certainly it did not this century.
PAUL exhorted that he thanked God that he spoke in tongues ‘more than you all.’ And he would that all prophecy—as in speaking under the unction of Holy Spirit. So, Scripture seems to have a different perspective than that of your post.
With that . . . enough. I’m tired.