The Altar Call

[Matthias]

The timing of this family issue is, I think, more than just coincidental.

“Have you no wish for others to be saved?Then you’re not saved, be sure of that!” - C.H. Spurgeon

Spurgeon didn’t use altar calls.

Yes, if anyone is wondering, I want my grandson (and others) to be saved. It’s easy to manipulate a seven year old child, to say nothing of adults. I don’t want him (or anyone else, of whatever age) to be manipulated.

 

[Chihuahua]

Threaten him with hell. Children respond well to spiritual threats.

 

[Matthias]

Threaten him with hell.

The Sunday school teachers and the pastor have. He attends a Baptist private school. I think he’s getting it there too. I’m actively working against them.

Children respond well to spiritual threats.

 

[soberxp]

Threaten him with hell. Children respond well to spiritual threats.

Hope your child enjoy your way.

 

[Chihuahua]

The Sunday school teachers and the pastor have. I’m actively working against them.

Pausing my sarcasm for a moment, that is really messed up. Nothing like a relationship based on fear.

 

[Matthias]

Pausing my sarcasm for a moment, that is really messed up. Nothing like a relationship based on fear.

Don’t get me wrong. There’s merit in developing a healthy biblical based fear of God.

 

[Chihuahua]

Hope your child enjoy your way.

Sometimes children just need the devil spanked out of them. Spare the rod, the child goes to hell.

Bob Ross knew the TRUTH: BEAT THE DEVIL OUT OF IT:

He wasn't on TV for so many years for nothing.

 

[Matthias]

Has any pastor here used altar calls in the past and stopped using them?

 

[Chihuahua]

I am not sure if there are any actual "pastors" who are affirmed by an organization and have some relatable accredited degree in this forum that did altar calls.

Here is something I found disturbing:

Nothing like not letting a death go to waste.

 

[soberxp]

I am not sure if there are any actual "pastors" who are affirmed by an organization and have some relatable accredited degree in this forum that did altar calls.

Here is something I found disturbing:

Nothing like not letting a death go to waste.

What's even more terrifying is that not many people stood up.Most people clapped, while only a few stood up.

 

[Chihuahua]

This would be great for emotional, grief-struck people at funerals. Come up to the casket, it is time for the casket call.

 

[Matthias]

R.C. Sproul expresses his opinion on altar calls in this two and a half minute video.

 

[Matthias]

Paul Washer speaking passionately and unequivocally against altar calls in this four and a half minute video.

 

[Lambano]

Threaten him with hell. Children respond well to spiritual threats.

The Sunday school teachers and the pastor have. He attends a Baptist private school. I think he’s getting it there too. I’m actively working against them.

Okay; this one’s a trigger. Under the threat of eternal barbecuing, I answered an altar call at a Baptist church at age 12. No longer a child, but not yet an adult. They took me to a room and tried to get me to say the prayer. My emotions were such that I couldn’t get the words out. My parents didn’t understand why I went into a depression and didn’t want to talk about it; they did say that such a decision should only be made after much prayer and contemplation (not on impulse or under compulsion). We soon left that church for a Methodist church, and dad said the weekly altar calls were a big reason why we left. The focus was always on the altar calls, not on the spiritual growth of the congregation.

The whole experience messed me up spiritually for the next thirty years. I don’t have much good to say about altar calls, or about using fear to emotionally manipulate children and/or young adults. But I can’t remain angry with them; I’m sure they honestly believed they were doing Christ’s will and saving souls.