The phenomenon occurring at Asbury and spreading to other school campuses has generated a cacophony of animated discussion. I’m not sure church people have engaged in such vehement debate since youth camps introduced co-ed swimming!
Many Christians wholeheartedly rejoice at the fresh moving of the Holy Spirit among college students. For them, it is a clear answer to their prayers. Others are less sure. There have been frequent instances when God’s people were led into emotional excess by religious charlatans and false prophets. Emotions are volatile and can easily be manipulated.
Nevertheless, comments from critics of the revival seem to imply that any trace of emotion is an automatic, “Go to jail; do not pass Go.” What puzzles me is why some Christian circles have become so suspicious, critical, or even afraid of any expression of emotion among the brethren. When have tears or outbursts of joy been incontrovertible proof of anathema?
No doubt, some saints may cringe to see college students tearfully sharing before a congregation about how Christ has changed their life, or—gasp—raising their hands in worship. Some believers are unaccustomed to seeing people praying at the altar or lying prostrate in the aisle. Personally, I have never been a fan of people leaping while they sing. Many cringe-worthy statements have flowed from the mouths of those who were overcome with emotion and holding a microphone. I am well aware of the excesses that can occur when people get swept up in the moment.
Nevertheless, does the expression of emotion automatically prove an experience is not from God?
Many of those who seem most concerned about the emotional “excesses” allegedly exhibited during the most recent season of revival seem not to have experienced strong emotion themselves for quite some time. It is humorous to listen to someone decrying the evils of emotion in worship while they themselves appear as if they are undergoing a root canal.
Naturally, those decrying emotionalism cite Scripture as the basis for their condemnation. I cannot recall what those verses are, but we are left with the impression that they must be voluminous.
Yet Scripture is replete with examples of people who exhibited emotion when they encountered almighty God. I can only imagine what these present-day critics would have said had they witnessed Isaiah worshipping God in the temple: “Excuse me, Isaiah? What do you mean, ‘Woe is me?’ That kind of language is extreme. There is no need to exaggerate your condition. You certainly are not going to die in this moment, and your behavior is upsetting to those trying to worship around you with a sense of decorum. And that comment about being ‘undone?’ Needless to say, that is unacceptable behavior in a place of worship.”
What about when the apostle John encountered the risen Christ on the isle of Patmos? I can’t imagine how the emotion police would deal with someone, even an apostle, who dared to lie on the ground as if he were dead. And of course, we had better not even begin to address David dancing before the Lord.
For those who discourage expressions of emotion in worship, I think it is important to remember who God is. He is infinitely greater than we are. He is absolutely holy. He is more awesome than anyone we have ever encountered. For those who claim to meet with this God and yet remain entirely unmoved, I question whether they truly understand who they have just encountered. Some people seek to know Christ with their head, but not their heart.
Scripture indicates that in God’s presence is fulness of joy (Psalm 16:11). Jesus promised that if we abide in him, his joy will overflow in us (John 15:11). These verses seem to bely the assumption that deep spirituality is characterized by joylessness. In fact, they indicate that joyless Christians have clearly not been spending much time in God’s presence.
I am reminded of Jesus’ parable of the pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18:9-14). The pharisee’s worship was cerebral. He evaluated his righteousness and expressed his satisfaction that it far surpassed that of uncouth rabble such as the publican. Conversely, the tax collector, realizing the immensity of his meeting with holy, almighty God, could only cry out for mercy. To the pharisee, such a public display was unbecoming. To God, it was a pleasant aroma.
What is the point? God created people to have emotions. Scripture often portrays God as expressing strong feelings. Clearly, emotion is not ungodly or evil. In fact, feeling emotion may indicate that you are alive. Can there be excesses? Certainly. We are human. Yet, we can be forgiven if we become excessive as we search for a way to express our love and adoration for our Lord and Savior.
For those who have never experienced revival, it is probably best to refrain from critiquing those who are involved in one. Too many Christians today have a cerebral faith but no heart. Disdain for those swept up with emotion as they worship God reveals more about your relationship with God than it does about theirs.
I am not the most emotional person you’ll meet. But I have teared up more than once as I worshipped God. I have experienced awe as I realized afresh what God has done for me. I have come to wonder how anyone could truly know who God is and what he has done and not be deeply moved. I suspect that expressions of emotion among young people as they worship almighty God ought to be one of the least of our concerns today.
