I don't have a problem with pew jumpers. They have as much right to worship as I do.

I don't take issue with churches who believe in such things. I do take issue with what churches such as these tend to promote and fester - that is, a "I'm so much more spiritual than thou" attitude, not to mention a tendency to be much more exclusive and "clique-y" type. In other words, if you don't subscribe to such beliefs, but attend the church...can't speak in tongues, etc. the tendency is you won't be invited to Sunday brunchens and basically treated like a lepar. Think I'm wrong? 15 years in a Foursquare church absolutely proved it to me. Try belonging to one of them, and go through a depression because you find out your son is autistic. (I got a couple of people say to me, "Oh, if you only had more faith...") I now belong to a much more balanced church (Presbyterian) MUCH more even keel and feet on the grount type people. I'm sure there are people who fit right into those type of denominations, it just didn't suit me.

They are the most mystical of the Christian persuasions. My thoughts - they perpetuate the lie of a dismembered empire that conceived the religion to serve the purpose of unifying it's conquered peoples. Tongues, healings and being slain in the Spirit are the least of the concerns that believers of Jesus Christ should have.

I was a preacher's kid. I went to church 7 days a week, twice on Sundays. I've seen miracles and many wonders. I no longer attend church regularly, but I have my beliefs. I think that some churches feel that their way is the only way--that if you don't believe what they believe, then you are headed to eternal condemnation. I think everyone has the right to believe what they want to believe, as long as they aren't trying to "convert" me or tell me what I believe in is wrong. I don't believe in praying to idols or to the Virgin Mary. But if you do, I'm okay with that.

It's more evidence that God is a phony.

phony seriously

Fanatics practising & planning to be dangerous, deluded warriors. Unless you're on their side, & you may have to pick, anyway. In other areas, when this sort of obsession is taught to children, it's called brainwashing, & I doubt the kids have any choice.

I appreciate their faith and fervor. There are even Catholic Charismatics who are likewise into the gifts of the Holy Spirit. God and the world are big enough for many different types of worship. I do not appreciate those that say that this is the only way to practice Christianity or those that want to separate themselves from the rest of the Church. With love in Christ.

Look at the biblical references for being slain in the spirit. It was a one time event in the lives of the people who experienced it, and life altering. Saul killed Christians, he was slain in the spirit and blinded for days then had his sight restored and became Paul, a preacher. Seems like a big deal... I've been to churches where people were "slain in the spirit" on a weekly basis. I'm gonna go ahead and call bullshit on that one. Speaking in tongues is weird, not sure what I think about that. If people feel it gives them a stronger connection with their beliefs, I don't see the harm. Of course I believe in the Bible tongues of fires appeared over the heads of those speaking in tongues. I have yet to witness that occur.

All for show; possibly.

Not very good places to try and pick up girls. Hope this helps.

I believe that speaking in tongues is real, healing is real, being slain in the Spirit is real. I, also, believe that some people try to do these things in themselves, to bring glory to themselves. I believe that all of those things only happen when the Holy Spirit is working in you and it never glorifies the church or an individual. The Lord must be glorified in healing. The Lord must be glorified in all things.

It's not all about that, first thing is living a sanctified life separate from ungodly living. Speaking in tongues and healing is great and a part of the Bible. I don't know if there is a better word for slain in the spirit but for biblical answer to explain it I don't think there is one. Nevertheless though when the power and anointing of God falls on somebody some cannot stand in His presence and will fall backwards.

I won't get into detail, but to make it short, Satan is the father of all lies. He used to live in heaven at one time so he still has the knowledge and ability to make people feel warm inspiration when they preform "miracles", "speak in toungs" or "talk to spirits". In the Bible, in the book of 2 Corinthians 11:14, it says that "Satan himself keeps transforming himself into an angel of light." He is the father of false religion, so when people think they are getting a visit from a dead loved one, or speaking in toungs, or healing people etc. they are actually dealing with spiritism steming from Satan. This fals in the same category as tarot cards and palm readers. As the bible mentions in Deuteronomy 13:1-5, 18:10-12, Divination is in direct defiance of the true God. True worshipers in heaven and on earth will have nothing to do with it. Wrapping people up in the moment benefits Satan because it misleads the masses of people into trusting in false religion lead by himself, instead of listening to what the True God is actually asking of his people in order to have everlasting life. All though the masses think they are doing the right thing, in Jesus' words in the Bible, he makes a reference to false prophets and few finding the road to salvation on Mathew 7:13-15