One last issue that readers must consider when thinking about Alpha (please see preceding 4 blogs) : Alpha is wedded to the Toronto Blessing. There is a historic tie between Alpha and Toronto, in fact, and the retreat is aimed at bringing persons into this experience. Quite possibly the entire course gravitates more to the experiential than to the doctrinal. Some would say that there is greater emphasis on the Spirit's work than on the work of Jesus on Calvary.

I never want to come against a genuine work of God, nor the possibility that God is moving in hungry hearts in ways that I personally can't understand or intellectually accept. But my own experiences with "toronto-style" believers and teachers is that often they miss the mark Biblically, and teach a shallow message of Scripture.

And that is serious. Why would I want to lead people from the beginning of their Christian experience into something I know is not fully equipping and informing them?

But having said that, I understand that the Western church has in many places departed from energetic worship of the living God. A deadness akin to Pharisaic dogmatism has set in, in more than a few locations. They've got "the Word", but often the Living Word is not present to enrich and make meaningful their great learning.

The church prays for revival. In Alpha, they say, revival comes. But is it a revival based on repentance? The Catholic Cursillo causes many to enjoy the Lord and even His Word a little more. It especially engenders relationships with other seekers.

Is this revival? Having a good time with warm feelings for a few days?

Does this sort of revival, Cursillo or Alpha or whatever it might be called, close down bars, fill up churches, shut the abortion clinics, stir entire communities, if not nations? Think, Wales. Think, Jonathan Edwards. Think Acts 2.

I believe that the Alpha "revival" , as well as great parts of the charismatic "revival" will lead to ecumenical unity, a feeling of belonging, and in some cases more love for the Lord. But I do not believe that what is being called revival in our day will bode well for the apostles' doctrines, the holiness of the church, the separation that God calls for, or true repentance.