A Controversial Phenomenon

From the back cover:

"Since the onset of the Charismatic Renewal within the main Christian Churches in the late 1960's one phenomenon at least has caused controversy and concern.

It has been described in Pentecostal terms as 'resting in the Spirit', 'slain in the Spirit', or 'overpowering of the Spirit' and it usually consists of falling (usually backwards) while engaged in a prayer or healing service.

The phenomenon is by no means new, having been found in the revivals of New England and in the West in earlier centuries. But it is the more recent claims that the phenomenon is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit that have been causing concern in the Church.

In this book (Malines Document No. 6) Cardinal Suenens, a firm supporter of the Charismatic Renewal, examines the phenomenon and analyses the historical background and the theoretical arguments produced in defense of authenticity.

With the benefit of his theological insight and pastoral experience Cardinal Suenens concludes that 'resting in the spirit' not only is not a manifestation of the power of the Holy Spirit but it threatens the authenticity and credibility of the Charismatic Renewal."

The Toronto Blessing/River movement makes extensive use of 'Resting in the Spirit' - yet the very term itself is rejected by the Cardinal in this book. He lists several other causes that may explain falling to the ground in a religious service; not all are supernatural.