Question:  Dear Greg,

            I know some Christians who are always going on about “binding” this or that and “rebuking” just about anything in the name of Jesus and by the “stripes” of Jesus and doing “deliverance” for however long it takes to get “deliverance” for that particular person.  I don’t want to criticize, but I personally don’t feel comfortable with all this, but maybe it’s because I don’t really understand it.  I just feel like there’s a “hocus-pocus” thing about it and I can’t relate.  When I’ve heard them pray, they sound very demanding of God to give them whatever it is they need because they’ve been faithful and God promised it to them.  I have not been a Christian as long as they have and when I speak with them, I am left feeling that I am somehow inadequate and weak in my beliefs.

            Am I wrong not to jump on their bandwagon?

            Nani

Answer:  Dear Nani,

            The body of Christ is just that—an intricate and complex body, which each of us as Christians are a part of, but not all of.  It is possible that we may not understand how others in the body relate to God.  It is possible that they could offend us, and we them!  Paul tells us, in Romans 14, to be careful about how we impact each other.  Jesus tells us to be careful that we don not offend a “little one”.

            On the other hand, this does not mean that everyone who claims to be a Christian is a child of God.  We are not instructed that we must adopt and participate in religious worship, forms, rituals and language that are not meaningful to us.  In fact when that becomes the case, the rites, rules and regulations often become just that—human religion as opposed to authentic Christianity.

            PTM leans toward the feelings you express—that many of the wild claims, superstitious activity and “hocus-pocus” that you describe is not necessary for all Christians, and perhaps even without Christian foundation at all.

            There is much in churchianity today that passes for Christianity, but is simply an emotional catharsis.  The terms you mention, and experiences that often accompany them (“binding”, “deliverance” or “rebuking”) often become a circus-like display, prompting compliance and conformity with other humans rather than authentic relationship with God.

            It sounds like you are on the right track, Nani, with your take on such experience-based activity, as well as your response.  May God bless you.

            In Christ,

            Greg Albrecht