Can the Holy Spirit make you shiver? Or is shaking just psychological?

[TruthSeek3r]

There are many examples of people experiencing dramatic body shaking and trembling in religious settings, such as the ones below:

• Example 1
• Example 2
• Example 3
• Example 4
• Example 5
• Example 6
• Example 7
• Example 8
• Example 9
• Example 10
• Example 11
• Example 12

Moreover, even children are experiencing this (like here, here, here, here), very old people (like here, here) and even prison inmates, which makes me doubt they are actors.

Many people claim they are the result of a supernatural influence acting upon these individuals. Here are some quotes from first-hand experiencers of the phenomenon:

• Testimony 1: this is by far the best testimony I know of. The context is the Brownsville Revival. In the video a lady testifies about her experience of body shaking and trembling allegedly as a manifestation of the Holy Spirit acting upon her. In fact she begins to shake and tremble on camera as she is narrating her testimony. At 6:46 the lady and the preacher begin to talk specifically about the causes of her tremors. At 7:12 she says "[...]like right now, I think the Glory of God is so strong up here, my body can't really take it and that's why I'm doing this [...]"
• Testimony 2: The testimony as a whole is powerful, but regarding body shaking and trembling at 4:54 the guy describes his experience. Here a quote: "[...] my body started doing things that defied metaphysics, my body started doing things that I couldn't explain. I started levitating and bouncing off of the chair I was sitting in like a jack hammer [...]"
• Testimony 3: "[...]I felt an electricity, a fire[...]" followed by the girl trembling and fainting in reaction to the command of the preacher. Then the preacher says "The power of God is the kingdom of God manifesting in our midst[...]".
• Testimony 4: "[...]I felt an electricity all through my body, in all of my joints[...]", followed by the woman trembling and fainting in reaction to the command of the preacher (just like in the previous testimony).
• Testimony 5: "[...]I felt a heat, and I felt a peace[...]", followed by the woman trembling and fainting in reaction to the command of the preacher (again).
• Testimony 6: "[...]I felt a vibrating that I'm feeling right now[...]", followed by the guy fainting and feeling a sort of ecstasy based on his facial expression, in response to the preacher's command.
• Testimony 7: "[...]I was burning all over, and I felt so free, He just embraces you and makes you feel so loved[...]", followed by the guy losing the equilibrium and fainting, in response to the preacher's command.

Many of these videos pertain to Andres Bisonni's ministry, who has run dozens of "miracle crusades" around the world. In this video he claims that his ministry is about "signs, wonders and miracles" and in this video he claims that his ministry started with a supernatural encounter with the Holy Spirit that changed his life. Andres Bissoni has a YouTube Channel with more than 375K subscribers, from which I borrowed most of the example videos above. Most of these videos are highlight video clips from "miracle crusades" and "Holy Spirit revival meetings" and are intended to showcase "the power of God". In particular, most of those highlight clips show instances of dramatic body shaking and trembling, so the claim that they are supernatural is obvious.

Likewise, Example 1 took place in an evangelistic campaign in Mexico led by the Hispanic pastor and evangelist Juan Carlos Harrigan, who also has a YouTube Channel with over 1 million subscribers. In the video the preacher says in Spanish "[...] está muy fuerte la unción sobre ella, agárrenla, está muy fuerte [...]" which in English translates to "[...] the anointing over her is very strong, hold her, it's very strong [...]", meaning that the dramatic body shaking and trembling the girl experienced is allegedly the result of God's anointing being poured over her.

So we have live recordings of people dramatically shaking and trembling, multiple first-hand testimonies and at least two very influential preachers claiming these manifestations are supernaturally caused by the Holy Spirit.

Are these supernatural manifestations of the Holy Spirit? Is the supernatural the only "reasonable" explanation? Are there scientific explanations? Are there scientific studies explaining the mechanics behind this phenomenon, rendering the "supernatural explanation" unnecessary?

 

[Rachel20]

Whether they're real or not is between them and God. But I'm personally cautious. Justification for belief in being "slain in the Spirit" is usually derived from verses like Revelation 1:17 and Act 9:4 . But you'll notice in these verses, "falling down" was only secondary to some primary purpose that was God-willed and not man-driven - John's vision, Paul's conversion/calling, etc...

 

[Mr. M]

1 Corinthians 12:7. To each person the manifestation of the Spirit is given
for the benefit of all.

When one is filled with the Holy Spirit, what matters is the words spoken and workings upon others. Anything physical is incidental, whether trembling, weeping, unusual boldness, a different 'voice' or language. Paul said that tongues were of no value without another who understood, and could interpret, that all could be edified.
Shaking and trembling without "the work of faith with power", can be mimicked.
If a person is carrying on that way without any real gift for the body, themselves
being deceived, would be psychosomatic, and demonic. Personal experiences though, should remain personal.

Romans 14:22. Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves.

8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another
the word of knowledge through the same Spirit,
9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit,
10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.
11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

 

[Albion]

The Holy Spirit, being God, CAN make people shake. The question really is this: Is there any reason to think that he is the cause of such a phenomenon and, if so, why??

 

[-57]

Got Questions has this to say:

Question: "Is being slain in the Spirit biblical?"

Answer: Most commonly, being “slain in the Spirit” happens when a minister lays hands on someone, and that person collapses to the floor, supposedly overcome by the power of the Holy Spirit. Those who practice slaying in the Spirit use Bible passages that talk about people becoming “as dead” (Revelation 1:17) or of falling upon their face (Ezekiel 1:28; Daniel 8:17-18, 10:7-9). However, there are a number of contrasts between this biblical falling on one’s face and the practice of being slain in the Spirit.

link to complete article.

 

[Lost4words]

When Jesus saw anyone writhing about what did He do? He told the evil spirit/s to leave that person!

I stay clear of such things as in the OP...

 

[TruthSeek3r]

Got Questions has this to say:

Question: "Is being slain in the Spirit biblical?"

Answer: Most commonly, being “slain in the Spirit” happens when a minister lays hands on someone, and that person collapses to the floor, supposedly overcome by the power of the Holy Spirit. Those who practice slaying in the Spirit use Bible passages that talk about people becoming “as dead” (Revelation 1:17) or of falling upon their face (Ezekiel 1:28; Daniel 8:17-18, 10:7-9). However, there are a number of contrasts between this biblical falling on one’s face and the practice of being slain in the Spirit.

link to complete article.

Then how do you explain the videos?

 

[TruthSeek3r]

The Holy Spirit, being God, CAN make people shake. The question really is this: Is there any reason to think that he is the cause of such a phenomenon and, if so, why??

So, what do you think is causing people to fall, shake and tremble dramatically in the videos I shared?

 

[Albion]

So, what do you think is causing people to fall, shake and tremble dramatically in the videos I shared?

I cannot rule on every last incident, of course, but it appears that there is no reason for the Holy Spirit to affect these people in this physical manner simply in order to gift them with a spiritual benefit. Nor does there seem to be any Biblical answer to that.

Obviously, to use only one example but one that's already been mentioned, Saul falling off his horse is not analogous to this kind of thing...and that was a unique event anyway.

So we are left to think that this is a psycho-physiological reaction of some sort which, however, doesn't make the bigger spiritual meaning associated with it be bogus.

 

[TruthSeek3r]

So we are left to think that this is a psycho-physiological reaction of some sort

Are you saying this as an "educated guess" or are you sure on the matter? If the latter, can you share some references to learn more about it?

 

[Albion]

Are you saying this as an "educated guess" or are you sure on the matter?

What I am saying is that there is almost no other conclusion that we can come to if we look at all the possibilities. There isn't really a Biblical precedent. There is no known reason why the Holy Spirit would operate this way. And it isn't necessary for the reception of whatever spiritual benefits are received.

There is nothing remarkable about having a physiological or emotional reaction to a powerful event, however. Sweating, getting weak in the knees, trembling, or even fainting have been known to happen to some people for all manner of reasons, so long as the occasion is filled with meaning for them. We've seen brides or grooms exhibit all of those reactions during the wedding ceremony simply because the feelings are so intense.

So if there is no known theological reason for it to happen under the circumstances you described, and we know that it's not uncommon for it to happen for other and unrelated reasons, the conclusion is just about certain.

 

[renniks]

Let me share with you a few examples of body shaking and trembling first to make sure you understand what I mean.

• Example 1
• Example 2
• Example 3
• Example 4
• Example 5
• Example 6
• Example 7
• Example 8
• Example 9
• Example 10

Are cases like these genuine manifestations of the Holy Spirit? Or are they just psychological? In particular, if you claim they are just psychological, can you share sources to back it up? Are there studies explaining the body shaking and trembling observed in these videos from a pure psychological point of view? Would you mind sharing those studies?

Well I have certainly trembled when under conviction by the spirit. I tend to be very sceptical of these things, but don't rule out what is possible. God can do as he pleases.

 

[Lost4words]

God will be the judge. He will judge accordingly.

It looks scary to me.

 

[TruthSeek3r]

There is nothing remarkable about having a physiological or emotional reaction to a powerful event, however. Sweating, getting weak in the knees, trembling, or even fainting have been known to happen to some people for all manner of reasons, so long as the occasion is filled with meaning for them. We've seen brides or grooms exhibit all of those reactions during the wedding ceremony simply because the feelings are so intense.

I wouldn't be so sure. Would you mind sharing live footage of brides or grooms exhibiting reactions even close to this one, this one, this one, this one, this one or this one ? Just show the best video you know of where a bride or groom reacts in a similar fashion to any of those examples.

So if there is no known theological reason for it to happen under the circumstances you described, [...]

Remember though that there is always the risk of trying to put God in a box, as if we were able to establish how God can and cannot manifest himself.

[...] and we know that it's not uncommon for it to happen for other and unrelated reasons, the conclusion is just about certain.

Please show examples of people legitimately reacting as in the videos for other unrelated reasons.

 

[Mayflower1]

To be honest, I don't know. I have fallen at Teen Challenge in a similar way. I always wondered about that if it could have been psychological or genuine. Or demonic. I think there is a lot of fakeness about, but I have felt the Holy Spirit very thick in some places where I have cried and maybe trembled, but not like seizure type...I try to focus on God's Word and what He shows me in His Word to be true. If it is a grey area I am not sure about and doesn't contribute to my spiritual growth, I don't focus on that so much. God shows me what I need to know and I am always growing and maturing spiritually.

 

[tturt]

Some need to look at the criteria for postng on this forum

Since God can cause a building to shake, don't think people would be a problem. "When they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness." Acts 4:31

Here's some scriptures that says they fell - in all directions:
-2Ch 5:14 "So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God."
-Rev 1:17 "And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:"
-Eze 44:4 "Then the man brought me by way of the north gate to the front of the temple. I looked, and the glory of the Lord filled his temple. And I fell facedown."
-They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.” John 18:5-6
-"Then the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face." Num 22:3

They trembled including:
-"And all the people saw the thunderings, and the flames, and the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw [it], they trembled, and stood afar off,"
-"Then were assembled to me every one that trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of the unfaithfulness of those that had been carried away; and I sat overwhelmed until the evening oblation." Ezra

They laughed including-
"Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with rejoicing: then said they among the nations, Jehovah hath done great things for them.... Jehovah hath done great things for us; [and] we are joyful." PSA 126:2-3
"...for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in [the] Holy Spirit." Rom 14:17

 

[Mayflower1]

Some need to look at the criteria for postng on this forum

Since God can cause a building to shake, dont think people would be a problem. "When they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness." Acts 4:31

Here's some scriptures that says they fell - in all directions:
-2Ch 5:14 "So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God."
-Rev 1:17 "And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:"
-Eze 44:4 "Then the man brought me by way of the north gate to the front of the temple. I looked, and the glory of the Lord filled his temple. And I fell facedown."
-They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground.” John 18:5-6
-"Then the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face." Num 22:3

They trembled:
-"And all the people saw the thunderings, and the flames, and the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw [it], they trembled, and stood afar off,"
-"Then were assembled to me every one that trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of the unfaithfulness of those that had been carried away; and I sat overwhelmed until the evening oblation." Ezra

They laughed-
"Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with rejoicing: then said they among the nations, Jehovah hath done great things for them.... Jehovah hath done great things for us; [and] we are joyful." PSA 126:2-3
"...for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in [the] Holy Spirit." Rom 14:17

I know the criteria. And I was thinking on even responding, because this is a safe haven. This is a grey area for me though, and I'd love to follow this discussion in a different sub forum. I believe in a lot of the sign gifts for today; tongues, dreams, dream interpretation, words of wisdom and knowledge, prophecy...and I do know the Holy Spirit can move the mind, body, and emotions in different ways. But as one who has struggled with anxiety and am also a very emotional person raised as a conservative Independent Baptist, I have had to really search the scriptures and pray about the gifts of the Holy Spirit. And shaking doesn't seem like a sign gift. Nor "Holy Laughter." I am unsure what that is classified as. So presented as a question, it was a bit tempting to open my rudder.

 

[Albion]

I wouldn't be so sure

It's not a matter of being absolutely sure.

But please don't misunderstand what I wrote. God can do anything; that doesn't mean that he does do everything, however. And definitely not every time someone thinks it might possibly have happened.

Here the question was whether or not certain specific acts fall into one category or another. It wasn't about everything that is similar to these actions or about actions that were not asked about.

On balance, there doesn't appear to be a reason to conclude that what was described and pictured IS, for sure, the doing of the Holy Spirit. It could be, but if the question is asked if it IS, then that's different.

And finally, if we are inclined to think that the physical aspects in these cases are probably not the doing of the Holy Spirit, that does not mean that the gifts of the Holy Spirit themselves are not real or that the Holy Spirit does not give gifts in our day and age.

 

[tturt]

Why not ask the Holy Spirit? He guides us to truth.

 

[-57]

Then how do you explain the videos?

They don't.
They said:
We are not claiming that all examples of being slain in the Spirit are fakes or responses to a touch or push. Many people claim to experience an energy or a force that causes them to fall back. However, we find no biblical basis for this concept. Yes, there may be some energy or force involved, but if so, it is very likely not of God and not the result of the working of the Holy Spirit.