Movement within
charismatic Christianity, originating with
Toronto evangelist Rodney Howard-Browne. Focuses on an alleged experience of the
Holy Spirit that induces "uncontrollable weeping, falling to the floor in
ecstatic trances, and
animal noises such as
barking like dogs and
roaring like lions. Some stagger and reel like
drunken people, unable to walk a straight line."*
Proponents point to its success in attracting converts as evidence that it is a genuine manifestation of God. Critics argue that the movement places too much emphasis on a fleeting emotional high, which could lead to disillusionment for many of these converts down the road.
* Quotation from "Rodney Howard-Browne and the Toronto Blessing" from Media Spotlight