The Dangers of Choosing Emotionalism over Sound Biblical Doctrine

The Dangers of Choosing Emotionalism over Sound Biblical Doctrine at Christian Research Net

In a document called “Letter III – From the Reverend Daniel Dana, D.D.”(link), we find the following:

“A special cause of doctrinal error and corruption is found in that excitement which frequently attends revivals of religion; and particularly, lengthened religious meetings.


In these cases, the imaginations and feelings of men being powerfully roused, the plain truths of the gospel pall upon their ears, and they demand something more novel, more startling, more overwhelming. The contagion reaches the preacher. His own imagination and feelings are kindled; and he longs to utter something which shall irresistibly seize every heart.


In the ardor of the moment, and perhaps with the best intentions, he utters a sentiment which his cool judgment would have condemned, and which the Bible condemns. But in enkindles thought and feeling. It thrills a whole assembly. Thus sanctioned it flies forth on every wind ; and it remains to trouble the church for ages,

If doctrinal errors are to be deprecated, as hostile to the purity of revivals, errors in experimental and practical religion are still more immediately dangerous and fatal.



In the extraordinary meetings to which we have alluded, the preaching generally assumes the hortatory character. Undoubtedly it ought to embrace powerful and affecting appeals to the conscience, and the heart. But this is not enough. It should abound in instruction respecting the distinguishing nature and evidences of genuine piety.


Such instructions, so far from being, as is sometimes supposed, unsuited to the occasion, is eminently appropriate and needful. If men are urged to religion with unusual energy, let them know what religion is. If the very circumstances under which they assemble, expose them to mistake mere natural excitement or sympathy for piety, let the mistake not be cherished, but counteracted.



Religion should, indeed, be exhibited in all its beauty and loveliness; in all its divine and attractive charms. But we may not conceal its spirituality, its difficulties, or its self-denials.


We may not depress its high demands, nor narrow its broad requisitions. We cannot speak to sinners too emphatically of their obligation to immediate repentance; of the guilt and danger of delay; nor of their encouragement to give themselves to religion; nor of the absolute certainty that if they truly seek, they shall obtain it’s blessings.”

An anonymous pastor wrote on this section of Dana’s book. As he was reflecting upon his years of ministry through 3 different pastoral positions, he had much to say. This is found at puritansermons.com:




“We fear that the present passion derives not so much from any revival of true religion, but rather from a religion which has already departed from allegiance to the Word.


We fear that this passion is essentially man-centered, and that it will crash, within the coming decades, in a most dreadful disillusionment wherein the preacher’s work may have many more difficulties added to it.

The cult of youth enters upon our present experience with desolating power. We recall from our childhood an awe of those who were old in the faith.


‘The glory of young men is their strength, grey hair the splendour of the old’ [Prov 20.29]. Today, however, our western world has gone far to rob old men of their splendour. Even the middle-aged must often give way to youth as we have witnessed when serving as moderator in vacancy committees.



We have sat in despair as believers have stipulated that they shall look only for a man under thirty years of age, or certainly no where beyond his early thirties. Indeed, we must frankly confess to a spirit of outrage at the assumption that men in their forties, with both vigour of mind and body enriched by years of pastoral care, are now dismissed as vessels no longer fit for noble use.


It has seemed to us, in our most dolorous frame of mind, that this is a human sacrifice not totally dissimilar from those which desecrated the kingdom of Judah — to feed upon a man’s youthful strength and vision, and thereafter to forget him. We recall those many overtures made to us in former years, by churches which sought to procure for themselves a pastor.


Now we turn into our manse with the narrowing years at times oppressing our heart. The world seems to have passed us by: ‘I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken vessel’ [Ps 31.12].”



I can say a hearty AMEN! Do we not see this as a sort of prophecy come to life in this day and age?

Just take a look at today’s churches in America that are enamored with youth and with attracting church members with seeker-sensitive, purpose-driven methods.



What about God? Why aren’t we so consumed with love for God that we spend much time alone with Him? Can these look-alike, ‘canned’ preachers who all follow the same marketing methods really be the cure-all for evangelicalism, or are they so afraid of losing a church member that they are afraid to preach the solid TRUTH of God’s Word?

As for me, I choose what Scripture tells me:

(1 Thessalonians 4:1) Finally then, brethren, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you excel still more.

(2 Timothy 4:1-2) I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.

(Titus 1:7-9) For the overseer must be above reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain, but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.

(Titus 2:15) These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you.

(1 Peter 5:1) Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock.

Friends, choose sound Biblical truth! Stand with God even if it costs you. Do not give in to emotionalism just to reach people. Instead, spend time with God and in His Word.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Rob

The Dangers of Choosing Emotionalism over Sound Biblical Doctrine at Christian Research Net