I think that the Charismatic movement has significantly

"I think that the Charismatic movement has significantly diminished worship. It has taken it out of the area of truth, out of the mind, and reduced it to the feelings of the flesh." These words of John MacArthur reflect a deep concern about the shift in worship practices, particularly in the Charismatic movement, and its potential consequences for the spiritual life. To MacArthur, true worship is not merely an emotional or physical experience—it is a reflection of truth, grounded in the mind and heart, connecting the individual to a deeper spiritual reality. Worship, in this view, should not be reduced to fleeting feelings or the emotional highs of the moment; instead, it must be rooted in the eternal truths of faith, doctrine, and the divine.

In ancient times, worship was not an event meant to be driven by emotional fervor alone; it was a profound connection between the divine and humanity, often expressed through sacred rituals, solemn prayers, and thoughtful reflection. The great temples of Greece, Rome, and Israel were not only places of religious celebration but also spaces for introspection, reverence, and the search for truth. The Homeric hymns, sung in honor of the gods, were filled not just with passion but with philosophical depth, contemplating the divine will and the purpose of life. Even the sacred traditions of Judaism emphasized a mindful approach to worship, where the prayers of the Shema or the Psalms were recited not only to engage the emotions but to engage the very soul and intellect in a dialogue with the Creator.

Consider the example of King David of Israel, whose worship of God was rich with both emotional intensity and truth. While David expressed his deepest emotions in the Psalms—his grief, his joy, his longing—he never abandoned the core truths of his faith. His worship was not simply about feeling close to God in moments of triumph but about aligning himself with divine will, seeking to understand God’s justice, mercy, and truth. David’s worship was both a heartfelt expression and an intellectual engagement with the divine order. Even in his failings, his worship was marked by a desire for truth and reconciliation. This is the kind of worship MacArthur advocates for—one that is more than an emotional response to the present but is deeply rooted in the eternal truths of faith.

In contrast, MacArthur expresses concern over movements like the Charismatic tradition, which, in his view, may overemphasize the emotional and sensory experience of worship. In the Charismatic movement, there is often a focus on the manifestations of the Holy Spirit, such as speaking in tongues, physical expressions like dancing, and other outward displays of emotion. While such expressions can be genuine, MacArthur fears that they can become an end in themselves, overshadowing the truth of the message of faith. Worship, when reduced to a mere expression of emotion, risks becoming disconnected from the doctrines that shape true spiritual understanding. The very essence of worship, according to MacArthur, lies in a deep, thoughtful engagement with truth—the truth of God’s Word, His character, and His divine plan for humanity.

The story of Martin Luther, the great reformer, offers a powerful reminder of the importance of truth in worship. Luther’s rediscovery of the doctrine of justification by faith alone sparked a revolution in Christian thought. For Luther, worship was about returning to the truth of God’s Word, understanding the gospel not as a matter of outward rituals or emotions but as a profound truth that spoke to the deepest needs of the human soul. When he nailed his 95 theses to the church door, it was not an emotional outburst but an intellectual challenge to the corruption he saw in the Church. Luther’s worship was rooted in theological truth, and this commitment to truth revitalized the faith for generations to come. In this way, his worship was not just an emotional release but an engagement with eternal truths that could transform lives.

The lesson MacArthur imparts is this: worship must not be reduced to mere emotion or physical expression. It must be a mindful and truthful pursuit, grounded in the eternal realities of God’s character and the doctrines that define the faith. Emotions are not to be dismissed—joy, sorrow, exultation, and gratitude are natural responses to the divine—but they should always be anchored in the truth. When we allow our worship to become disconnected from the mind and the truth of the faith, we risk creating a worship that is fleeting and superficial, rather than deep and transformative.

In our own lives, we must ask ourselves: How often do we engage with worship and spirituality on a deeper level, seeking not just emotional highs but a richer understanding of truth and purpose? Let us strive to make our worship more than an expression of our feelings, but a deep engagement with the truths that sustain us. Whether in moments of joy or grief, let us ensure that our worship remains rooted in the knowledge and love of the divine, so that it may transform not just our emotions, but our hearts and minds for the better. This, indeed, is the worship that nourishes the soul and carries us closer to the divine.