Articles
Religious Highs
“A new study by University of Washington sociologists suggests that worship at mega-churches may induce a drug-like spiritual ‘high,’ which helps explain these congregations’ success” (World, Sept. 22, 2012, p. 86). This observation highlights a particular danger of emotionalism: Those overwhelmed by feelings may easily mistake emotional euphoria for legitimate worship. The cycle is perpetuated by believing that the euphoria is prima facie evidence of God’s approval of the worship.
The article continues: “Scientists note that large gatherings around shared experiences, from concerts to football games, can trigger physiological reactions and feelings of joy and transcendence. They say that the brain releases a specific chemical, oxytocin, at higher rates during such events. The study indicates that worshiping at mega-churches can have similar effects.”
To put it another way, there’s not much physiological difference between the euphoria of your football team winning and the euphoria of believing the Holy Spirit is circulating through the auditorium and working miracles. Both venues have music (bands, singing), lighting, cheering and true believers (or “fans,” if you will). The danger is that people mistake error for truth because they follow their feelings, not their rational understanding. “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (I John 4:1).
But we don’t have to be full-blown charismatics to slip. The idealism of the young makes them vulnerable to emotionalism (not legitimate emotions, which ought to be generated when reflecting on God and His goodness). When we artificially seek to stir our emotions (closing eyes, holding up hands, physical contact, etc.), we may be seeking the lead of our emotions instead of letting them follow spiritual songs, fervent prayers and words of exhortation.
