I just pulled an envelope out of my mailbox from Mike Morell at The Ooze, as I’m one of those “select blogger” folks. Not that I’m out of reading material yet, but books in the mailbox always make one go “Oh, goodie!” inside. What I extracted from the envelope made me ask, “Mike, are you sure?” I set down the CD called “Toking the Ghost” to have a look at the book, which looked much more promising — it’s called Miracle Workers, Reformers, and the New Mystics. Hmmm, “New Mystics” (the emphasized cover text), I thought. “Should be good.” A slightly closer inspection of the front cover showed revealed the following text at the bottom: “Discover the lives of William Branham • William Seymour • Aimee Semple McPherson • George Whitefield • Sundar Singh • Brother Lawrence • Madame Jeanne Guyon • Charles Finney • Teresa of Avila • Smith Wigglesworth • maria Woodworth-Etter • St. John of the Cross • Jonathan Edwards • and many more!”
Well, I’m pretty certain that half those people are rolling over in their graves. I notice than that the text above this list says, “How to Become Part of The Supernatural Generation,” and the author of the book is John Crowder. And I had to ask again, “Mike, are you sure?” Considering what I’ve previously said about John Crowder? I mean, as an honest post-charismatic, I’ll attempt to not judge it by its cover and keep an open mind, but didn’t I just say that some of this kind of thinking exhibits the taking of God’s name in vain? I know, I’ll try to keep an open mind, as one who believes in the continued operation of the Holy Spirit, even in the “hooky-pooky” gifts. But you all know how I feel about the hype.
Well, I’ve got some things in the queue ahead of this one, as I’ve got the galleys for Strange Fire, Holy Fire: Exploring the Highs and Lows of Your Charismatic Experience sitting right beside me as I type. This may not be pretty.
Bro. Maynard,
I’ve skimmed my way through the same galley for SFHF, and it’s pretty decent. I’d say is was “Post-Charismatic Lite”, but someone might accuse me of being a post-charismatic snob. :) I think the author and I would be on the same page in general re: issues of being post-charismatic; if my book is going to be snubbed by the USA, this would at least be in the same ball park.
I didn’t get that package from Mike (or at least, not yet) — but it might make a good primary source if I ever write “Post-Charismatic: The Next Generation”. (just kidding!) :)
Robby, I totally agree with your description. I have read both books now. (they even asked me!!) There are some of my friends who would need Post-Charasmatic with it’s in-depth look at the whole subject. But some of my friends would never get through it and the other book, SFHF is perfect. It is the ‘lite’ version. It is inevitable that the two books will be compared but they are vastly different while agreeing on the same outcomes.
Bro Maynard – better not put the Crowder book on the same shelf. I don’t think they will get along at all!!
The CD is a hoot. Listened to it in the car with my 13-yr-old son and we couldn’t stop laughing (I would rate it PG-13). I don’t know John Crowder, but I suspect this is a guy who either understands the word irony better than anyone, or doesn’t understand it at all.. Not sure which.
One thing he gets though is ascetic…that CD cover is sweet no matter which way you slice it. I don’t get it–how it relates to the topic…but it’s cool alright!
Hi BroMay,
Thanks for this honest post, and sorry I’m late to the party. A one word-answer to your query “Mike, are you sure?”
“Nope.”
I’m not sure that John Crowder’s got everything figured out – not at all. But then, I’m pretty sure that Robby Mac doesn’t either. I respect both of ’em as I’ve gotten to know them. And I realize in some ways they’re diametric opposites, forces of nature. And I personally like to learn from ’em both, and inhabit that tension. If Rob can get me a copy of Post Charismatic, I’ll be sure to mail it to Crowder, who appreciates books like that.
I think we all have our reading(s) of church history, and Spirit-filled folk are no different than anyone else. Even if you hate The New Mystics, you’ve gotta admit that many of the groups, movements are personalities he profiles are mentioned in few other places. I hope its an initial step among many in talking about and practicing how we live as Spirit-indwelt friends of God in the 21st century.
I meant that one line to read “…many of the groups, movements AND personalities…”