January 17, 2006

Spirituality and the Reformed Christian

A number of us here in X-R land identify ourselves to one extent or another with the Reformed flavor of Christianity. Today I was thinking about the whole idea of ecstasy and the Spirit (prompted by a new book from Eerdmans … yes, my life is determined and directed by book catalogs, thankyouverymuch). So here’s a thought experiment I’d like everyone/anyone to chime in on:

Presuppositions: (1) Cessationism: that is, the ’sign’ gifts of tongues, miracle working, and whatnot ceased with the closure of the New Testament.

(2) Mysticism is not allowed.

Question: What ways, given the above presuppositions, do you see it possible to live a life that is open to ecstasy from the Spirit?

Filed under: Off my chest and onto yours — Matthew Winslow @ 4:29 pm
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5 Comments »

  1. I can’t contribute substantially to this discussion for obvious reasons , but I’ll toss this question into the mix. Before considering the possibility of such aside, do you believe that Christians are supposed to live a life that is open to spiritual ecstasy?

    It would seem that the answer to this question would automatically answer the proposed question, if not provide the mechanics. :)

    Comment by hooligan — January 18, 2006 @ 12:32 pm

  2. Yes.

    Now, where’s the answer? :)

    Comment by bluewoad — January 18, 2006 @ 5:08 pm

  3. Well, if we’re supposed to live a life that is open to the ecstasy of the Spirit, then it’s obviously possible to do so. I expect your next question is “how?”

    The answer … well, as I don’t agree with the presuppositions, I can’t answer that in any meaningful way for you.

    Comment by hooligan — January 19, 2006 @ 9:07 am

  4. I am a curious breed of “Presbycostal”. Sometimes I lean towards being more of a Reformed Charismatic, while at other times I’m definitely a Charismatic Reformed. So, while I, too, don’t readily subscribe to your presuppositions, I am much more reserved than the average Charismatic.

    The obvious questions are, “Having banned manifestations and mysticism, what is this ‘ecstasy’ of which you speak; and how would I know it if it bit me on the posterior?”

    Comment by Scothia — January 19, 2006 @ 12:05 pm

  5. Given the presuppositions of cessationism and no mysticism, I think it would be rather difficult to live a life open to ecstasy from the Spirit… the two places I can think of that holy ecstacy happening are as a charismatic manifestation, or as a mystical experience.

    Comment by josh — January 27, 2006 @ 8:25 am

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