I have read Charisma magazine for many, many years, and over those years my enthusiasm for this publication has waned, perhaps coinciding with my spiritual journey away from the more excessive fringes of the charismatic movement. Of course, what I consider the "fringes" (Word-faith theology especially) now unfortunately seems to be the charismatic mainstream. Charisma takes a far too uncritical stance when it comes to aberrant theology like Word-faith, and in some instances seems to have "sold out" to that particular interest. Sometimes the magazine does dare to take an unpopular stand, which is to its credit (like an article a few years ago criticizing multi-level marketing techniques). Most troubling to me is the perception of pandering to the Christian "star system" that makes celebrities out of people in an arena where there should ideally be no celebrities. The magazine also accepts dubious advertising, publicizing conferences featuring self-proclaimed "apostles" and "prophets". As much as I criticize Charisma, it is not a totally useless publication. The news section is informative concerning trends in popular Christianity, bringing attention to grass-roots movements that sometimes flies under the radar of other publications like Christianity Today. But while Christianity Today can be likened to a full and hearty meal, Charisma can be likened to a Twinkie: tasty but ultimately non-filling and non-nutritious.
"Charisma" magazine has gone through positive and negative changes in the last 10 years.
What once was a lighthouse for charimastic Christians has evolved into a less discriminating publication. "Charisma" seems to have lost sight of the necessary theological assessment of varying beliefs. In a New Age, everything-might-be-true spiritual environment we live in, they need to be more cognizant of the challenges on charimastic belief.
In tough issues like the Browsnville Revival and the Toronto Blessing, "Charisma" should be tougher. Analyze it, "Charisma," don't wait for the media to tear it apart.
Likewise, "Charisma" isn't strong enough when imposters come to town, chasing money in the name of a faulty health and wealth theology. Similarly, the cult of personalities in charimatic movements is terribly rampant and ignored by church leaders. No other charismatic publication is taking these issues to task, but "Charisma" is in the best position to do so.
However, there are some good things. "Charisma" is the best of its lot. There simply are not other well-written, well-designed magazines or charismatic Christians. They do report solidly on religious persecution issues. They also cover the news of the Christian church at-large effectively, almost as well as the more news-based "Christianity Today."
Three stars? Yep. I wish I could give it more, but until "Charisma" starts a deeper inspection and introspection of the charismatic events and people, I must regrettably stay at three.
I recommend "Charisma" but with reservations.
Anthony Trendl
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Charisma is a good source for news of the latest goings-on in the world of the contemporary charismatic movement. If you want to know what the televangelists are up to, where the latest revival is breaking out, or in what exciting and exotic ways the Holy Spirit is being manifested in this place or that, Charisma magazine is the place to look. Its usefulness pretty much ends there.
The glossy advertisements for hotshot healing evangelists, success gurus and big-name ministries are simply nauseating to most outside the world of card-carrying Pentecostals and charismatics, and next to them, anything useful or sensible the editors might occasionally have to say looks rather hollow and disingenuous. Most of the content will seem alien and bizarre to all but health and wealth, devil-bashing conservative fundamentalists. And "fundamentalist" -despite the sometimes relatively moderate stance of the editors -does describe very accurately Charisma's readership, I think, as a glance at the letters page will usually show.
One caveat: It is a few months since I have been a regular reader, so there is a slim chance things may have changed.
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As others have said, the best thing about "Charisma" is its news section and its reportage of religious persecution and political issues. They do a decent job there. However, it typically takes a pop "People" magazine approach and tone with the rest of its material. The Bible teaching, what little there is of it, is generally shallow and designed to sell magazines, stroke readers, or stir controversy.
There is a definite bias towards the Word-Faith, Pentecostal, Arminian, feminist, faddish, "Prophetic Stream," prosperity, name-it-claim it crowd. Once upon a time, these emphases were not all that defined the larger Charismatic movement, but perhaps they do now. This niche certainly defines "Charisma" Magazine.
Another thing that bothers me is their advertising policy, and I use the term "policy" loosely. Is there one? Seems like there has been an overabundance of snake-oil salesmen hawking their wares in "Charisma" over the years. Plus, the ads are so numerous that it seems like the editorial content is being squeezed out. Although, given the declining quality editorial content, maybe that's not a bad thing.
The most baffling advertising case was with the famous "prophet" who was offering "words" and blessings for sale in ads in "Charisma," even as the editorial section of the magazine criticized that man's "ministry." Excuse me, Mr. Strang, but do your editorial and advertising departments ever talk together?
Seems like "Charisma" has always trafficked in stirring up controversies on the one hand while stroking church celebrities on the other and then promoting fads on the other and then sanctimoniously belittling theological conservatives on the other. Hey, what's up with all the hands over there?
Another reviewer said that "Charisma" is one of the best national charismatic publications because it's one of the only ones. That about sums it up.
And, by-the-by, I am a Holy Spirit-filled, tongue-speaking, Jesus following, dancing, shouting, healing, prophetic charismatic Christian and have been for more than 30 years. I hate to be critical of one of "our own" publications, but there it is.
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Charisma and its sister publication Ministries Today have taken a refreshingly prophetic tack in their editorials and their story selection. I have been pleasantly suprised to see issues such as interracial marriage, women in ministry, spiritual abuse by pastors taken on. Sexual sin, fiscal irregularity, and heresy have also been highlighted. Charisa is the most diverse popular Chrisitan magazine that I have seen. Unlike most, it does not ignore the existence of a large Christian movement in the African American community.
However, Charisma is comercial. It has chosen not to apply the same standards that it uses in editorials and stories to its advertisers. One might say that it is biting the hands that feeds it. It also has not taken a hard stand against some teachings that many consider wrong headed and dangerous but where there is still substantial disageement in the Charismatic/Pentecostal ranks.
I heartily recommend this magazine to evangelical Christians. I never agree 100% with what I read but I deeply respect the approach that Charisma and the other Strang publications have taken.
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Don't let the great cover photos fool you. This magazine is all advertisement. It does not have any good articles. It is only a source book with the same products. It should be sent out free.
