Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 6
He describes televangelists showcasing testimonies where the sinner’s prayer “changed everything,” while never showing those who prayed it and “nothing has changed”; what does his critique imply about self-deception, real conversion, and how a church should evaluate professions of faith without becoming cynical?
Another way to ask: He says TV testimonies show people who prayed and changed, but not those who prayed and didn’t change. What does this say about fooling ourselves and real conversion, and how should a church test professions of faith without becoming cynical?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
His critique implies that some professions are sincere but shallow or momentary, and that people can deceive themselves by mistaking emotion for conversion. A church should take professions seriously but also look for lasting repentance, changed direction, and commitment—without mocking those whose first “start” wasn’t yet permanent.
- He notes televangelists highlight those who say, “I said this prayer, and now everything is different in my life.”
- He adds, “I don’t think any of them were lying,” acknowledging genuine conversions exist.
- But he says they never show “the millions… prayed that prayer, and nothing has changed… still doing drugs… Nothing has changed.”
- He also describes repeated attempts: prayed it “again at another revival meeting, and nothing happened there,” until later when “things became permanent.”
- His main conclusion: “don’t look for a magical answer,” but recognize it “is a start.”
- He explains the difference is heart-depth: you can be “momentarily stirred” without “deep conviction.”