Theology Unplugged: Addicted to Experience

Join Michael Patton and Tim Kimberley as they discuss the problem with being “Addicted to Experience” in our Christian lives.

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C Michael Patton

C. Michael Patton is the primary contributor to the Parchment and Pen/Credo Blog. He has been in ministry for nearly twenty years as a pastor, author, speaker, and blogger. Find him on Patreon Th.M. Dallas Theological Seminary (2001), president of Credo House Ministries and Credo Courses, author of Now that I'm a Christian (Crossway, 2014) Increase My Faith (Credo House, 2011), and The Theology Program (Reclaiming the Mind Ministries, 2001-2006), host of Theology Unplugged, and primary blogger here at Parchment and Pen. But, most importantly, husband to a beautiful wife and father to four awesome children. Michael is available for speaking engagements. Join his Patreon and support his ministry

2 replies to "Theology Unplugged: Addicted to Experience"

Timmy Brinkloe
2011-05-13

Great post. This episode is one that I am forwarding to my friends. Our theology is sometimes too experiential.

Experience is powerful. That is why we want to center our theology on it.

For example, some of my most moving theological insights came when my face is flushed with tears. I remember crying fiercely as I read John Calvin. And I was convinced it was because I was reading the truth. I was reading the truth though. but my tears were not the reason it was true.

He gives grace to the humble hearted. I remember singing that psalm in church one day. AS i did I broke down sobbing. Other singers began to weep too. After that moment we werer convinced that psalm was the key to unlocking psalms.

The lesson: don’t let your experience overwhelm your judgement.

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Steve Martin
2011-05-14

I would say that we DON’T want to center or theology around our experience.

Experiences may be great, but “the devil can come all dressed up as an angel of light.” (St. Paul)

We cannot know for sure that experiences are from God. They may be…but we can’t be sure.

So we trust in the Word that comes to us ‘extra nos’, or outside of ouselves. The external Word, and Sacraments come from God and our actions, feelings, thoughts, emotions, do not affect that Word abd the surity of the promises therein.

Thanks.

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2 replies to "Theology Unplugged: Addicted to Experience"