November 11, 1997 (David W. Cloud, Fundamental Baptist Information Service, P.O. Box 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061-0368, fbns@wayoflife.org) - According to a report on the November 1997, Charisma magazine, Laughing Revival evangelist Rodney Howard-Browne has brought his phenomenon to the Presentation Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Philadelphia. More than 1,200 Catholics, many from far distances, attended the meeting in August. Charisma magazine noted that "Catholics laughed hysterically after they were hit with what Howard-Browne refers to as 'the joy of the Holy Ghost.'" The church's priest claims that the "revival" began at his Catholic church in 1994. Howard-Browne plans returns visits.

One of the names of the Spirit of God is "the Spirit of Truth" (John 14:17; 15:26; 16:13; 1 John 4:6). When He comes in His saving and sanctifying power, He also comes with Truth. One clear biblical evidence that the "Laughing Revival" is not of God is its doctrinal carelessness. Those who experience the Laughing Revival might have powerful religious experiences and they might become better people in a moral and religious sense; they might "feel" closer to God; but they continue in their abominable false doctrines, and the Holy Spirit of God is not the author of such confusion.

At the Way of Life web site there are dozens of articles exposing the unscriptural nature of the Laughing Revival promoted by Howard-Browne and other Charismatic leaders. The reports include critiques of the so-called Pensacola Outpouring and the Toronto Blessing. We also have a booklet entitled "The Laughing Revival" which contains much of this material.