slain in the spirit

[wizard69]

I am well aquanted with the phenomona of christians being 'slain in the spirit' (anyone who has seen Benny Hinn on the God chanel will know what I'm talking about)
and I've come across many christians who claim to have had this experiance ( "it was like a bolt of electricity passing through me")
Can anyone...christian or not...enlighten me further?
Ive heard other christians say that its demonic, psychologists say that its psychosomatic, and others say that its all a bit of a fraud.
I am genuinely interested in this and any comments / help / links would be appriciated.
Thanks...

[mibn2cweus]

regrettably rarely fatal, lol

[Clanad]

There are, not surprisingly, differing views on this phenomena within the charismatic and Pentecostal bodies. This is an even handed treatment, in my opinion... http://www.bible-knowledge.com/Slain-in-the-Sp irit.html ...

Please note that the phrase itself is not found in the Scripture(s). Having experienced a similar presence of God (although not being 'slain") I can attest to the overwhelming peace and love that accompanies such experiences. I think of one word when trying to express what happens at such times and it has to be Joy. A joy that is expressed in Nehemiah 8:10, "...for the joy of the LORD is your strength..�

One verse quoted in this article is (John 18:6). I think it needs an explanation and is the best example of the occurrences of the results when God directly intervenes with an individual. The falling down of those attempting to take Yeshua captive occurred when He uttered the words "I am (He)"... "I am that I am" is what Adonai Elohim told Moses at the burning bush when Moses asked "who shall I say sent me?" Often interpreted as YHWH. Yeshua also identified Himself with "I am" in many other references, most especially in Mark 14:61-62. His referring to Himself as "I am" is most likely the primary reason the High Priest and Pharisees determined to kill Him...

(I'll take your statement of interest at face value and I'm happy to respond, but don't expect any argument in defense.)

[naomi24]

I hope someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but it appears that this occurs solely to believers within specific Christian groups, and I wonder why Christians of other denominations don't experience it also? It strikes me that the phenomenon is somewhat similar to that experienced by people within some of the African and Caribbean non-Christian religions, and I can only think it is induced by psychosomatic religious hysteria.

[Cetti]

This is another old chestnut about hysteria and psychosomatic suggestion etc. No specific groups either. It can happen to any believer whether they be methodist, baptist, roman catholic or belong to the church of the third fieldmouse - you need to know Jesus as your saviour and risen lord. That's all.

I am probably the least likely to give in to any type of hysteria, but it has happened to me on so many occasions that I've lost count - and interestingly when all was quiet around me. As Clanad says you just feel an amazing peace that is definitely out of this world.

[Cetti]

I've just noticed the end bit - no, it's in no way demonic and most psychologists don't know what they are talking about so that also can be dismissed. If anyone has experienced this they would know that the above is utter rubbish.

[naomi24]

Cetti, I don't intend to undermine your faith. However, I don't believe as you do and I have simply given my point of view and my comment as the questioner asked.

[naomi24]

An afterthought. I didn't suggest it was demonic, Cetti, since I don't believe in demons either. You brought that idea into the debate.

[Cetti]

The demonic element is in the question naomi, and no you didn't undermine my faith, no one can do that.

It is a very good question wizard and one that has and always will cause great confusion and in some parts of the church great unrest and even hostility - never understood why.

[naomi24]

My apologies. The demonic element was in the question.

[Cetti]

Accepted with thanks, naomi.

[jake-the-peg]

I think that many of the major religions have branches that are quite austere and branches that emphasise ritual and supernatural (excuse the clumsey word ) experience.

Often those who follow a branch of the former will react very negatively to some of the beliefs and practices of the latter, seeing them as superstition.

If anyone saw the last television program "the retreat" you'll remember the sunni muslim lawyer who had so much trouble with the suffi practices being followed on the retreat.

I guess one mans religious beliefs are another mans superstition .

Although I do think it's a bit rich to say that most psycologists don't know what they're talking about whilst defending a faith that believes in carpenters rising from the dead, walking on water and turning water into wine.

[wizard69]

obviously a contentious issue. Thanks for all your posts