Deceptive Vocabulary: Charismatic Church Jargon Under Scrutiny

Charismatic circles within Christianity often employ language that, while seemingly spiritual, is manipulative and misleading. These words and phrases are used to influence and control congregations. This week, we will examine seven such terms, analysing their unbiblical nature and how they are utilized for manipulation.

“Breakthrough”

The term “breakthrough” is used in charismatic circles to denote a sudden, significant advancement in one’s spiritual or personal life. For example, a pastor may exhort congregants to sow seeds (give money) for a breakthrough in their finances, promising supernatural returns. The focus consistently lies on the urgency and spectacle of achieving a breakthrough. The biblical concept of practicing patience amidst trials is disregarded. Instead of cherishing patience, there’s a rush for immediate results. As James 1:3–4 advises, “For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”

While the concept of progress is biblical, the emphasis on immediate and dramatic breakthroughs leads to unrealistic expectations and spiritual dependency. Congregants are manipulated into believing that without a breakthrough, they are lacking faith or favour with God.

“Anointing”

In charismatic circles, “anointing” refers to a special endowment of the Holy Spirit upon an individual for ministry or spiritual power. Many church leaders declare themselves the sole vessel of God’s anointing and coerce congregants to submit unquestioningly to their leadership. This manipulative tactic suppresses critical thinking and discourages believers from testing teachings against Scripture (1 John 4:1).

While the concept of being anointed by God is indeed biblical (1 John 2:27), manipulation arises when leaders assert exclusive access to this anointing, leveraging it to wield authority and control over their followers. It is crucial to recognize that all believers are anointed by the Holy Spirit. Speaking to all believers, 1 John 2:20 states, “But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.” Here, we see the egalitarian nature of God’s anointing, which is accessible to all who believe rather than being the privilege of a select few. Therefore, no one should be exploited or manipulated based on claims of exclusive access to divine anointing.

“Seed Faith”

“Seed faith” is a term used in charismatic circles to promote the idea that financial giving is parallel to planting seeds that will yield a harvest of blessings from God. Charismatic leaders may promise supernatural returns on financial donations, implying that withholding giving will result in missed blessings or even divine punishment. This manipulative tactic exploits congregants’ desires for prosperity and undermines the biblical principle of cheerful giving.

While biblical principles of generosity and stewardship exist (2 Corinthians 9:6-7), the biblical principles of generosity and stewardship primarily emphasize caring for the poor and marginalized rather than exclusively benefiting pastors and ministries. Enriching pastors and ministries is not the purpose of biblical teachings on generosity and stewardship. The manipulation lies in the coercive tactics used to pressure congregants into giving beyond their means under the guise of reaping abundant rewards.

“Spiritual Covering”

“Spiritual covering” is a term used to describe the supposed authority and protection provided by a charismatic leader or ministry. Many pastors assert that without their spiritual covering, congregants are vulnerable to spiritual attack or failure. This manipulative tactic promotes dependence on the leader rather than on God, perpetuating a culture of fear and control.

While accountability and guidance are important in the Christian community (Hebrews 13:17), manipulation occurs when leaders demand unquestioning loyalty and control over every aspect of their followers’ lives.

“Prophetic Decree”

In charismatic circles, a “prophetic decree” is a declaration or prediction made under the guise of divine revelation. Many pastors issue prophetic decrees, declaring blessings or judgments upon individuals or communities, often to manipulate emotions or behaviours. This manipulative tactic undermines the authority of Scripture and promotes a subjective, experiential form of spirituality.

“Spiritual Warfare”

“Spiritual warfare” refers to the battle against demonic forces and spiritual oppression in charismatic theology. The manipulation occurs when leaders exaggerate or fabricate spiritual threats to instil fear and control.

Pastors are fond of attributing personal struggles or societal issues to demonic influence, urging congregants to engage in elaborate rituals or warfare prayers to combat these unseen forces. This manipulative tactic nurtures a siege mentality and distracts from addressing root causes or seeking practical solutions.

“Word of Faith”

“Word of Faith” is a theological movement within charismatic Christianity that emphasizes the power of positive confession and belief in God’s promises for health and prosperity. The manipulation occurs in the implication that faith brings about material blessings and immunity from suffering.

Many pastors teach that a lack of healing or financial success is due to insufficient faith or negative confession, thereby manipulating believers into feeling responsible for their own hardships. This manipulative tactic leads to guilt, shame, and disillusionment when desired outcomes are not realized.

Contrary to popular teachings, faith, as depicted in Scripture, is not an isolated force that believers wield to improve their circumstances. Rather, it’s fundamentally about having confidence in God for the forgiveness of one’s sins and the empowerment to lead a righteous life. The essence of faith lies in trust and reliance on God’s promises, rather than in the manipulation of circumstances through positive declarations. The term “confession” in Scripture originates from the Greek word “homologia,” which means “to acknowledge or agree.” It signifies a declaration of agreement with God’s truth and a sincere acknowledgment of one’s dependence on Him. Thus, it’s crucial to understand that biblical faith centres on trust in God’s character and His ability to bring about redemption and transformation, rather than on the idea of speaking things into existence.

Conclusion

It is crucial to discern and critique the language and practices that veer into manipulation and distortion of biblical truth. By recognizing and challenging these unbiblical tendencies, believers can cultivate a faith that is grounded in God’s Word rather than manipulated by human agendas.