Slain in the Spirit

[RyanK]

If you are saying Rev 1 is John being slain in the Spirit. Then using that very text yes one can judge if your modern experience lines up with that scripture. For one thing, John was an Apostle who recieved Revelations through his experience.

You then fail on two counts:

1. you are not an Apostle.
2. based on Hebrews 1, and the Rev 22:18-19 there are no further revelations being given today. If you believe Revelations continue and you claim people being slain recieve revelations then based on I Cor 14, such revelations must be tested.

Note: this board does not allow one to post or avoicate their personal revealtions.

What tests are given to your revelations? And, how do you know that those are vaild tests?

also, I have not seen your proofs that those slain by demons fall backwards.

I agree with you that one must test revelations but you must do that with each individual case. I, myself, have never been slain in the spirit but I have seen others and honestly, they have no reason to be faking it. They gain nothing out of it and they are not the types to do something like that for attention.

I wasn’t advocating personal revelation at all. If I did then please point it out to me. Also, I didn’t say anything about the whole demons fall backwards thing, I simply asked where she got her information from.

 

[Irish_Polock]

Being “slain in the spirit” is a novelty introduced into the Catholic Church by protestants, and it is a novelty that has arouse in the post-concicular church. St. Teresa has an ambiguous account of something that resembled this novelty, but, she was a rare case and in no way authenticates anything that might happen in the CCR today.

That being said, the church has not address tongues or prophecy infallibly, let alone these other, lesser gifts - although tongues is suppose to be the lesser of them all - that are attributed to the Holy Spirit. The fact that being “slain in the spirit” cannot be supported throughout scripture or the patristic era clearly is evidence enough, it is not of God. I could go on…

 

[ltwin]

And, yet those people are still awake, not sleeping, nor in a trance.

It seems you and others commenting on this thread are misinformed. As I and others have said, the person is not unconscious when slain or resting in the Spirit. They are very much awake but being ministered to by the Spirit. Just because someone is laying on the floor with their eyes closed do not mean they are asleep.

 

[Irish_Polock]

This is entirely consistent with what saint Teresa of Avila writes about the experience.

 

[guanophore]

The “unconscious” claim comes from their proof text of Rev 1, where John fell “as dead”.

Yes, but he was clearly quite ‘awake’ in the spiritual realm.

St. Teresa describes this condition, and it is also described in the Gospels of those who had been healed.

Mark 9:25-29
And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You dumb and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again.” 26 And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse; so that most of them said, “He is dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. 28 And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” 29 And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.”

I think the guards would fall into the “unbeliever” category:

Matt 28:3-5
3 His appearance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow. 4 And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men.

 

[guanophore]

Please post quote with link.

Chapter VI of the Interior Castle
In one sort of rapture the soul, although perhaps not engaged in prayer at the time, is struck by some word of God which it either remembers or hears. 4 His Majesty, touched with pity by what He has seen it suffer for so long past in its longing for Him, appears to increase the spark I described in the interior of the spirit until it entirely inflames the soul which rises with new life like a phoenix from the flames. Such a one may piously believe

p. 189

her sins are now forgiven, 5 supposing that she is in the disposition and has made use of the means required by the Church. The soul being thus purified, God unites it to Himself in a way known only to Him and the spirit, nor does even the latter so understand what happens as to be able to explain it to others afterwards. Yet the mind had not lost the use of its faculties, for this ecstasy does not resemble a swoon or a fit in which nothing either interior or exterior is felt.4. What I do understand is that the soul has never been more alive to spiritual things nor so full of light and of knowledge of His Majesty as it is now. This might seem impossible; if the powers and senses were so absorbed that we might call them dead, how does the soul understand this mystery? I cannot tell; perhaps no one but the Creator Himself can say what passes in these places–I mean this and the following mansions which may be treated as one, the door leading from one to the other being wide open. However, as some things in the last rooms are only shown to those who get thus far, I thought it better to treat the mansions separately.

 

[guanophore]

Being “slain in the spirit” is a novelty introduced into the Catholic Church by protestants, and it is a novelty that has arouse in the post-concicular church. St. Teresa has an ambiguous account of something that resembled this novelty, but, she was a rare case and in no way authenticates anything that might happen in the CCR today.

I don’t care for the term, which certainly was introduced by Pentecostals. Yes, the advent of the CCR arose in the post conciliar Church because the Council and the prayers of the Popes for it are what laid the theological groundwork for it to function. Pope John XXIII prayed for “a New Pentecost”.

You may find it expedient to disregard the writings of one of the Doctors of the Church, but for us, she is a model of interior prayer and mystical experiences. Her writings absolutly authenticate that these experiences predated the modern Pentecostal movement. It would be another matter if we were referencing something from Montanism, but you will not find a more Catholic mystic that Teresa of Avila. If her descriptions were contrary to Catholic teaching, the Church would not recommend her writings.

That being said, the church has not address tongues or prophecy infallibly, let alone these other, lesser gifts - although tongues is suppose to be the lesser of them all - that are attributed to the Holy Spirit.

People say this sort of thing that don’t consider the NT to be an infallible product of the Church teaching.

Charismatics consider the Bible as inspired, and inerrant, and believe the NT to be completely a reflection of the Sacred Tradition of the Church.

The fact that being “slain in the spirit” cannot be supported throughout scripture or the patristic era clearly is evidence enough, it is not of God. I could go on…

I am sure you could. However, the work of the HS is not confined to the Holy Scriptures. No effort was ever made to make them a complete compendium of the faith.

 

[Irish_Polock]

Chapter VI of the Interior Castle
In one sort of rapture the soul, although perhaps not engaged in prayer at the time, is struck by some word of God which it either remembers or hears. 4 His Majesty, touched with pity by what He has seen it suffer for so long past in its longing for Him, appears to increase the spark I described in the interior of the spirit until it entirely inflames the soul which rises with new life like a phoenix from the flames. Such a one may piously believe

p. 189

her sins are now forgiven, 5 supposing that she is in the disposition and has made use of the means required by the Church. The soul being thus purified, God unites it to Himself in a way known only to Him and the spirit, nor does even the latter so understand what happens as to be able to explain it to others afterwards. Yet the mind had not lost the use of its faculties, for this ecstasy does not resemble a swoon or a fit in which nothing either interior or exterior is felt.4. What I do understand is that the soul has never been more alive to spiritual things nor so full of light and of knowledge of His Majesty as it is now. This might seem impossible; if the powers and senses were so absorbed that we might call them dead, how does the soul understand this mystery? I cannot tell; perhaps no one but the Creator Himself can say what passes in these places–I mean this and the following mansions which may be treated as one, the door leading from one to the other being wide open. However, as some things in the last rooms are only shown to those who get thus far, I thought it better to treat the mansions separately.

Note, that this means nothing as far as the Catholic faith is concerned. A anomaly, and nothing more. We are not even certain it was of divine origin. There is no certitude to this event.

 

[GEddie]

Whatever STA may have experienced or written, I still don’t find anything desirable in the SITS state or experience. In the absence of anything from our LORD or general revelation regarding it, I for one will give it a pass.

ICXC NIKA

 

[guanophore]

Note, that this means nothing as far as the Catholic faith is concerned. A anomaly, and nothing more. We are not even certain it was of divine origin. There is no certitude to this event.

I find this a curious attitude for a traditional Catholic to take toward a Doctor of the Church.

What do you think it means to be a “Doctor of the Church”? Do you think the Church gives this status to persons whose writings " mean nothing as far as the Catholic faith is concerned"?

So you think the Church would hold up as a saint, and encourage the faithful to study writings containing things that may not be of divine origin, without certitude, and lead the faithful astray?

 

[MorningSong51]

To be “slain” means the Holy Spirit would kill them. Ah, I did not know the Holy Spirit was armed. (ok, olde joke).

Seriously, please give the biblical references?

Slain in the Spirit is a charismatic term that refers to being unable to stand in the heavy presence of God (Tachanun - supplication), which is Biblical and** according to the verses that the thread master used (Ginger)** it is exactly the right - term. Perhaps by Charismatic terms, it maybe not be, but this is what happens when you are overwhelmed by God’s presence, as in the case with the prophets - and High Priest, Numbers 16 - is an excellent example: 1Korah son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and certain Reubenites—Dathan and Abiram, sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth—became insolenta 2and rose up against Moses. With them were 250 Israelite men, well-known community leaders who had been appointed members of the council. 3They came as a group to oppose Moses and Aaron and said to them, “You have gone too far! The whole community is holy, every one of them, and the Lord is with them. Why then do you set yourselves above the Lord’s assembly?
4 When Moses heard this, he fell facedown…

22But Moses and Aaron** fell facedown and cried out**, “O God, God of the spirits of all mankind, will you be angry with the entire assembly when only one man sins?”

23Then the Lord said to Moses, 24“Say to the assembly, ‘Move away from the tents of Korah, Dathan and Abiram. 25Moses got up and went to Dathan and Abiram, and the elders of Israel followed him. 26He warned the assembly, “Move back from the tents of these wicked men! Do not touch anything belonging to them, or you will be swept away because of all their sins.”

Case - in this passage, it shows Moses falling face front to the ground, as to ask for God’s mercy and judgment. Again, who was Moses asking this for? and why? what did the people/person do? Their wickedness was consumed - 28 Then Moses said, “This is how you will know that the Lord has sent me to do all these things and that it was not my idea: 29 If these men die a natural death and experience only what usually happens to men, then the Lord has not sent me. 30 But if the Lord brings about something totally new, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them, with everything that belongs to them, and they go down alive into the grave, **then you will know that these men have treated the Lord with contempt.” **

This is an example of falling backwards, by disobedience and wickedness (see, Matt 18:23-35 Therefore the Kingdom of Heaven is like a certain king, who wanted to reconcile accounts with his servants.) - In term, sort of speak, we can be saved (by God’s grace) but we have the free will to turned away from God - so once saved not always saved, we have the ability to be unsaved - thus falling backwards. It can be someone who is in an authoritative religious position who leads the people but is misguiding them - as all people, who followed them, they will (also) be punished because they disobeyed the law and did not show justice, as Moses said “, I beseech you, show me your glory!”. As in another way, Christ said, “6 “I have revealed you (I showed your glory!!!) to those whom you gave me out of the world.” - in other words, I showed the people the right way of your laws, your mercies, your compassion and your judgment - Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled."

The whole point is that we do (edit) fall backwards - out of disobedience but we(edit) fall forward toward the “Awe” of the Divine presence - and everything that is in you and in prayer or when praying, like that with supplications, we prostrate- Late Latin prōstrātiōn- (stem of prōstrātiō) — lying with one’s face to the ground before the overwhelming power of God; secondly, especially in the New Testament, there is falling to one’s knees before another; and thirdly, there is kneeling. Linguistically, the three forms of posture are not always clearly distinguished.

Why do we do this? - it is to show fear of God because we are his creation, it is a the same thing as in Acts 9:4, He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” No matter, and even during supplications, we are in the constant “awe” of the divine.

So Slain, by definition, people who have been slain (as in battle) dead - people who are no longer living; “they buried the dead” meaning the divine will overcome you with power, slaying you as it can be a figure of speech - and yet, not. In a metaphoric way, I am dead in a sense to physical self - while my spiritual sense has been overcome…

Mary

Originally Posted by Ginger2 View Post
Let me start by saying I do not believe these “slain in the spirit” experiences are real. I try to keep an open mind, because I know God can do all things, but what I have read and see on TV, looks nothing like what I see in Scriptures.

According to the Scriptures:

1. every instance of someone "falling down in the presence of God in Scripture or “being slain in the Holy Spirit” that person falls forward.
2. every instance of someone " falling down in the presence of a demon" or “being slain by an evil spirit”, that person falls backward. And they usually convulse!!!

 

[MorningSong51]

QUOTE]

I am reading it correctly. The verses posted have nothing to do with the modern falling phenomenon associated with the charismatic renewal.

Again, I think you’re wrong but that’s my option of it. The example that was used indicated that the thread master, and using both terms of falling forward and backwards, was apart of this experience. So there are some Charismatic groups that maybe using the term.

The Christians who argue against this phenomena really being from the Lord base their arguments on the following reasons:

Every time people fell when the presence of God would manifest, they would always fall on their faces, not fall backward. **(I made this reference in my posts!)**

reference: bible-knowledge.com/slain-in-the-spirit/

People who are killed in battle or put to death by God have nothing to do with the modern falling phenomenon.

The term is a figure of speech - as to salvation. We are dead (slain) to this world by the Spirit we are made alive (see 2 Corinthian 1:24 and also Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”) - God restores us back to life (or to the living) by His word, also there’s another term: Dead man walking…You can be alive and yet dead in a spiritual sense, as everything in your life is like a desert or parched land, however, and looking at Psalms 107:35 He turns a desert into pools of water, a parched land into springs of water. see also Isaiah 35:6-7. This is what salvation is! We are alive by God’s presence in our lives - through Christ. Christ restores back from being dead inside - Sin kills, it bring darkness, see Luke 11:33-36

6 “The LORD brings death and makes alive; he brings down to the grave and raises up.

5 What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task.** 6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. 7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.
**

 

[MorningSong51]

continue:

This has nothing to do with the falling phenomenon seen in the charismatic movement.

3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit …

This is a example of falling backwards - term you can not withhold yourself back while under the guidance of the Spirit - you bet it is a Charismatic issue. You can’t (sort of speak) be acceptance to the Spirit in one sense and be withholding yourself in another way - a house divided.

(1) “The Holy Spirit is a distinct Person from the Father and the Son; or, in other words, there is a distinction of some kind in the divine nature that may be designated by the word “person.” This is clear from the fact that sin is said to have been committed against him - a sin which it was supposed could not be detected. “Sin” cannot be committed against an “attribute” of God, or an “influence” from God. We cannot “lie unto” an attribute, or against wisdom, or power, or goodness; nor can we “lie unto” an “influence,” merely, of the Most High. Sin is committed against a “Being,” not against an “attribute”; and as a sin is here charged on Ananias against “the Holy Spirit,” it follows that the Holy Spirit has a “personal” existence, or that there is such a distinction in the divine essence that it may be proper to “specify” a sin as committed especially against him. In the same way sin may be represented as committed especially against the “Father” when his “name” is blasphemed; when his “dominion” is denied; when his mercy in sending his Son is called in question. Sin may be represented as committed against “the Son” when his atonement is denied; his divinity assailed; his character derided, or his invitations slighted. And thus sin may be represented as committed against “the Holy Spirit” when his office of renewing the heart, or sanctifying the soul, is called in question, or when “his” work is ascribed to some malign or other influence. See Mark 3:22-30.” LINK:bible.cc/acts/5-3.htm

While it is true that the modern falling phenomenon is often accompanied by a deep sense of conviction of sin and experience of intimacy with God’s divine love, what you are describing can happen just as well without a falling phenomenon.

True - as the word falling backwards, can be seen in a more spiritual way if we don’t walk with Christ.

You seem to have a misunderstanding about the nature of the experience.

While the finger of God does cast out demons, this does not necessarily have anything to do with the falling phenomenon either.

I’m not the one who asked the question on this issue - however, I have seen that the church deals with this issue on a different level. In the case, of demonic possession - as this is very rare, as I hope, the victim is both physically and spiritual in a state of torment. The thread master had asked that during “laying of the hands” on a Charismatic level - does the person convulse or have uncontrollable movements? And truthfully - I can’t answer that question or what the thread master is witnessing is true. You know, that’s a whole different ball park - because I can’t understand why wicked or evil people don’t show signs of this while others, who maybe innocent to the fact, do. I hope that makes sense?

No, it was not

as in a conviction of the soul - as to render judgment on someone.

This is where I wanted stop in this conversation. Going to a Charismatic gathering, understand where you’re heading or have some knowledge about it. The experience of not understanding will only lead to confusion for the person who attending but also will make other members uncomfortable. It can be a very rich experience to all, if one prepares to attend, also by asking questions to some of the people who are within the movement. Even in the case, of attending another congregation (church), although I was very young when this happened - it left its mark on me about this movement. I do feel that this was a good way for me to attend and to verbally acknowledge to all my belief in Christ - and to renew my faith but coming prepared - without being forced to do so, is not really experiencing being saved.

When I attend, now, my own religion and faith, I understand what I am professing verbally when I say the Nicene creed, it is for me a very Rich understand - even when I understand differences with other congregations.

I hope that I did not offend you in anyway because I took in everything you wrote and I hope that I can continue to follow your threads whenever possible - I really value the conversation we’ve had in the last couple of days and it brought many things to light, even from a scriptural point of view.

May God richly bless your journey.

Again, thank you and I think God is enriching me on my journey by meeting members like yourself - you are truly a prayer warrior for Christ.

Many thanks!
Mary

 

[E.E.N.S]

The only time I read about people falling backward is those who are unsaved or demon possessed.

Or faking…

…or hit in the head with a baseball bat.

Of course I jest.

 

[1voice]

Let me start by saying I do not believe these “slain in the spirit” experiences are real. I try to keep an open mind, because I know God can do all things, but what I have read and see on TV, looks nothing like what I see in Scriptures.

According to the Scriptures:

1. every instance of someone "falling down in the presence of God in Scripture or “being slain in the Holy Spirit” that person falls forward.
2. every instance of someone " falling down in the presence of a demon" or “being slain by an evil spirit”, that person falls backward. And they usually convulse!!!

The only way to know the answer to your question is by exercising the gift of discernment.
That spiritual gift gives the ability to know the source of power and manifestations of all kinds… not just being “slain in the Spirit”.

I have been in many Catholic Charismatic meetings where the presence of God … especially during the worship … was manifest as a sense of total relaxation and overwhelming peace. “The peace that passes understanding” … The Bible states … “in quietness and peace will be your strength”. … and … "they that wait on the Lord will renew their strength. The peace and relaxation at those times can be so overwhelming that it is very difficult to move… like a deep super relaxing battery charge. It is an amazing experience that leaves the individual totally refreshed… It is the fulfillment of the scripture “I will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is stayed on me”.

 

[po18guy]

The only way to know the answer to your question is by exercising the gift of discernment.
That spiritual gift gives the ability to know the source of power and manifestations of all kinds… not just being “slain in the Spirit”.

I have been in many Catholic Charismatic meetings where the presence of God … especially during the worship … was manifest as a sense of total relaxation and overwhelming peace. “The peace that passes understanding” … The Bible states … “in quietness and peace will be your strength”. … and … "they that wait on the Lord will renew their strength. The peace and relaxation at those times can be so overwhelming that it is very difficult to move… like a deep super relaxing battery charge. It is an amazing experience that leaves the individual totally refreshed… It is the fulfillment of the scripture “I will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is stayed on me”.

Amen. Of all the critical voices in various charismatic threads at CAF, I have seen zero who have any actual experience in the movement. I have seen zero who have bothered to investigate before criticizing or condemning. I have seen zero who have asked a charismatic Priest or Bishop about the movement, or about being slain in the Spirit.

A few years back, I was told of a “Life in the Spirit” seminar. I was reluctant. I went. I participated. I allowed myself to be docile to the Spirit. I was “slain”. My faith life came alive. I lost my fear of evangelizing. I experienced miracles in prayer before our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. I am a member of the laity, and not a charismatic renewal member. I do not offer opinion based on ignorance, but rather on experience. If only all would give it a try.

 

[guanophore]

Slain in the Spirit is a charismatic term that refers to being unable to stand in the heavy presence of God (Tachanun - supplication), which is Biblical and** according to the verses that the thread master used (Ginger)** it is exactly the right - term. Perhaps by Charismatic terms, it maybe not be, but this is what happens when you are overwhelmed by God’s presence, as in the case with the prophets - and High Priest,

No, Morning, it is not the right term. In all the examples given by Ginger2 the individuals are in a condition of obesience and supplication. There is more to the Charismatic falling phenomenon that just being unable to stand. The individual is present in a spiritual way to the presence of God that suspends the physical faculties. None of the examples given by Ginger2 reflect this state.

Case - in this passage, it shows Moses falling face front to the ground, as to ask for God’s mercy and judgment.

And this is the salient difference. A person who rests in the charismatic spirit does not do so out of an act of the will, and they do not do so to supplicate or to show reverence for God.

**

This is an example of falling backwards, by disobedience and wickedness

It seems you are using the term in a figurative sense, but it does not apply this way to the charismatic experience. Persons who rest in the Spirit receive healing and reconciliation with God. They are not “falling backward in disobedience”.

so once saved not always saved, we have the ability to be unsaved - thus falling backwards.

While I agree this is true, it also has nothing to do with the falling phenomenon seen in charismatic meetings.

The whole point is that we do (edit) fall backwards - out of disobedience but we(edit) fall forward toward the “Awe” of the Divine presence - and everything that is in you and in prayer or when praying, like that with supplications, we prostrate- Late Latin prōstrātiōn- (stem of prōstrātiō) — lying with one’s face to the ground before the overwhelming power of God; secondly, especially in the New Testament, there is falling to one’s knees before another; and thirdly, there is kneeling. Linguistically, the three forms of posture are not always clearly distinguished.

No arguement with your point here, but none of this has anything to do with what the OP is referencing.

.

So Slain, by definition, people who have been slain (as in battle) dead - people who are no longer living; “they buried the dead” meaning the divine will overcome you with power, slaying you as it can be a figure of speech - and yet, not. In a metaphoric way, I am dead in a sense to physical self - while my spiritual sense has been overcome…

I agree that it is a poor term, but you seem really confused about it. It is the other way around. The physical senses are overcome, but the spiritual sense is awakened and raised in acuity.**

 

[guanophore]

I lost my fear…

Thanks for sharing your experience. I think you are right, most detractors have no personal experience, or if they do, they did not come by it as you did, being docile to the Spirit. I think most folks are afraid of what is going to happen if they let go of control, and allow the HS to decide. Clearly, from my discussions on CAF, many fear they will fall away from the faith, or give a foothold to demons.

I think they prefer to hold onto their fears rather than let His perfect love cast them out.

I have read several posts responding to the OP’s "question, but note she did not ask one. She is only making a statement that she does not believe this experience is from God. The implication is that people who think it is will attempt to respond convincingly. Having encountered this member on other threads, I know that once she makes up her mind about something like this, there is no amount of factual information to the contrary that will change it.

Hopefully, however, others who are more open minded will read your expereince and benefit.

 

[MorningSong51]

No, Morning, it is not the right term. In all the examples given by Ginger2 the individuals are in a condition of obesience and supplication. There is more to the Charismatic falling phenomenon that just being unable to stand. The individual is present in a spiritual way to the presence of God that suspends the physical faculties. None of the examples given by Ginger2 reflect this state.

They are but not in the way that you may regard them as such: Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word. Psalms 119:170

"Supplication (also known as petitioning) is the most common form of prayer, wherein a person asks God to provide something, either for the person who is praying or for someone else on whose behalf a prayer of supplication is being made, also known as intercession.

The concept of supplication is also perfectly at home in a secular context. The supplicant may also be described as a suppliant but the former word is more commonly used. The key meaning is of a request by the lesser person in an acknowledged unequal relationship. For example, supplication is the final stage of thesis submission at Oxford University. Supplication is also closely associated with the secular notion of appeasement".

And this is the salient difference. A person who rests in the charismatic spirit does not do so out of an act of the will, and they do not do so to supplicate or to show reverence for God.

 

[Big_Dummy]

I agree with you that one must test revelations but you must do that with each individual case. I, myself, have never been slain in the spirit but I have seen others and honestly, they have no reason to be faking it. They gain nothing out of it and they are not the types to do something like that for attention.

I wasn’t advocating personal revelation at all. If I did then please point it out to me. Also, I didn’t say anything about the whole demons fall backwards thing, I simply asked where she got her information from.

reasons to fake it,

emotionalism
be part of in group vs out group dymantics or to “fit in” or “get along” in a pentecostal setting
to impress others
spiritual pride

thats just off the top of my head.