Q&A – Mysticism
A regular reader of this blog writes, “Dear Paul, a friend of mine is extremely, extremely confused about the ‘leading of the Spirit’ etc., very mystical, continuously telling me about experiences she had and how the Lord explained them to her. I have begun to discuss the dangers of this with her and was looking for some resources that you might recommend on the subject. Maybe particular books, or even chapters of books that address this subject?”
Mysticism is a growing problem within Evangelicalism. In response, Gary Gilley, pastor of Southern View Chapel in Springfield, Illinois, has a 5-part series on mysticism. His most recent book deals with this issue in a thorough manner. Here’s what the publisher says about the book, Is that You, Lord? – Hearing the Voice of the Lord, a Biblical Perspective:
We live in a world of communication – telephones, the internet and satellite serve to connect people all over the world. Still, communication is messy business. Poor call quality, dropped lines and misdials are all too common and frustrating … and that is before we get to try and understand what the other person is really saying.
Perhaps this is how we fell about communicating with God. When the Bible was seen as the central means of dialogue it wasn’t so bad, but the new and “improved” methods popularized by modern movements and mystics have disillusioned many individuals. The quest to “discover the will of God”, discern the mysterious promptings of the Spirit and open the floodgates of divine communication are all hot topics in popular Christian culture, and cause much unnecessary anguish and confusion.
But what does the Bible say? Dr. Gary E. Gilley shows us, in clear and precise language, what God’s Word teaches on this important subject. Essential reading for pastors, teachers, college students, and anyone interested in the Holy Spirit’s communication to humanity, Is That You Lord? will guide you to biblical soundness and Christian sanity.
