The newest thing in charismatic Christianity is called "the Toronto blessing" characterized by the phenomenon of "holy laughter". "Holy laughter" is described as a gift of the Holy Spirit. It was introduced by Evangelist Rodney Howard-Browne from South Africa. Howard-Browne taught locally at Carpenter's Home Church pastored by Karl Strader in Lakeland, Florida where he introduced this phenomenon. Because it was so warmly received in Lakeland, Howard-Browne continued teaching in Lakeland for months. "Holy laughter" is also associated with the Toronto Airport Vineland Church, hence, it is referred to as the "Toronto blessing".

I have read reports of allied phenomena like the uttering of animalistic sounds, such as roaring like a lion or barking like a dog.

The phenomenon is described as an uncontrollable outburst of laughter supposedly inspired by the Holy Spirit. It happens at any time during the service. The occasions that I have witnessed (via TV), people in the congregation started laughing while Evangelist Howard-Browne spoke. At times there was an obvious inducement by the evangelist and at other times none was evident. The service continued despite the distraction of one or more people laughing loudly, sometimes while laying on the floor.

I have read reports of allied phenomena like the uttering of animalistic sounds, such as roaring like a lion, barking like a dog, crowing like a rooster, etc. These manifestations are more closely associated with the Toronto Airport Vineyard Church.

These phenomena are growing in popularity and are being embraced by many in the charismatic churches. Many Christian television celebrities have also openly embraced this as a legitimate manifestation of the Holy Spirit.

John exhorted the Church to test every spirit (1 John 4:1). We want here to apply a Biblical yardstick to this phenomenon to see if we can understand it and judge whether it is a legitimate manifestation or not.

It has been said that banks do not train their tellers to recognize counterfeit money by studying and handling the multitude of counterfeit bills always circulating through the monetary system. Instead, they are trained by handling real money. Once a teller is thoroughly familiar with the look and feel of a real bill, it is relatively easy to distinguish anything that is counterfeit. We believe that this idea is appropriate for judging spiritual gifts. We can readily judge false gifts of the Holy Spirit if we have experienced the real thing and understand the purpose and operation of the Holy Spirit.

Paul lists the manifestations of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:7-11). As we consider these manifestations, we see that they are exactly those phenomena which were manifested through Messiah Jesus during His earthly ministry. In fact, the manifestations of the Holy Spirit reproduce the ministry of Messiah Jesus through His body, the Church. Anything that we see happening through Jesus then is a legitimate manifestation now.

We must compare the manifestation of "holy laughter" with the ministry of Messiah Jesus as recorded in the Gospels. When we do, we find nothing comparable to "holy laughter" or the other phenomena such as roaring like a lion or barking like a dog. Quite the contrary, we would expect such manifestations to be from our adversary, the devil. Peter said that Satan prowls about "like a roaring lion" (1 Peter 5:8).

Let all things be done so that the body operates in unity.

Another test of any real manifestation of the Holy Spirit in the body is that every gift should work together in the body producing a harmonious, unifying witness of the presence of the Lord. Paul writes, "What is the outcome then brothers? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification" (1 Corinthians 14:26). Let all things be done so that the body operates in unity. What each member adds does so in an orderly way with that added by his brother in such a way that there is an obvious testimony of the overshadowing presence of Messiah Jesus in His body. Now, "holy laughter" obviously fails this test. Individual members burst forth in laughter in a disruptive way to what is supposed to be the orderly ministry of Messiah through His body. How can one or more members be manifesting laughter while the preacher continues his exhortation? How does this complement other gifts of the Holy Spirit in bringing forth the full ministry of Messiah? In fact, it can not and does not. Therefore, it is obvious that this type of manifestation is at best simply a manifestation of the flesh and at worst demonic.

Some may attempt to justify "holy laughter" by pointing to the fact that Jesus never spoke in tongues. It is true that there is no specific record of Jesus speaking in tongues. However, there are many accounts of this gift being manifested in the early church. My explanation for this is quite simple. Paul tells us that the one who speaks in a tongue speaks to God and not to man (1 Corinthians 14:2). Often in our intercession and worship our expression of love and gratitude to God goes beyond our capacity to express it. Paul used the expression, "with groanings too deep for words" (Romans 8:26). Tongues allows us to express this depth of love to God. We believe that Jesus, the uniquely born Son of God, was not limited as we are in this way and perfectly expressed His love for the Holy One (Luke 10:21). Therefore, He had no need for the manifestation of tongues.

Finally, the manifestation of "holy laughter" is sometimes explained as joy coming from the Holy Spirit. Joy, however, is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Joy is one of those attributes that characterizes the life of a believer who is walking a disciplined Spirit-filled life. Joy is not a manifestation or gift of the Holy Spirit as such.

People in worship experience all kinds of emotions. In real praise and worship, some weep while others laugh. There is nothing wrong with an emotional expression of our love for God. However, such emotions are personal and should be marshaled by the individual experiencing them in such a way so not to hinder the body, but so that the body is edified as Messiah Jesus is being manifested through it. There is no place for individuals to get caught up in doing things on their own which do not fit into the orderly manifestation of Messiah.

Can you imagine Jesus standing before His disciples and roaring like a lion?

The utterance of animalistic sounds such as roaring like a lion, barking like a dog, and crowing like a rooster have no Biblical justification whatsoever and, therefore, should not be seen in the body. Pastoral authority needs to be exercised to judge such activities. Can you imagine Jesus standing before His disciples and roaring like a lion? Or perhaps, Peter and the other apostles, in the upper room, barking like dogs? I trust these things sound totally absurd to you. They are equally absurd for the Church today.

Such phenomena result from the quest for something "new". Much of charismatic Christianity is based on entertainment. People thirst for a "new" manifestation, the "newest thing". They will flock to that place or group which promises something new. On the other hand, many pastors, in their quest to succeed, readily embrace any new manifestation because it is something that can be promoted to keep the crowds coming. "Holy laughter" is just the most recent "new thing" to serve in this capacity.

One final word concerning "holy laughter". These are crucial, defining times for Israel. Israel is being shaken to the core to see if she will compromise and attempt to become just another nation or stand up and be the people of God. Due to the situation in Jerusalem defiled by Christian and Moslem shrines, I believe that Messiah Jesus is weeping over Jerusalem now as He did 2,000 years ago (Luke 19:41). While Jesus is weeping over Jerusalem, the Church, which is supposed to be His body, is frolicking about, amusing itself with so-called "holy laughter". This makes it a serious sin for the church that embraces it.