Sometimes I have to say that a lot to keep reminding myself. I found that to be true while reading Mystical Union: Stuff They Never Told You About the Finished Work of the Cross. In fact, I hate to admit just how much I struggled with this book. The book is by John Crowder, an advocate of supernatural Christianity, although I have to wonder if there is any other kind.
I write this review as a member of a holiness movement myself, which is one of the reasons I hate admitting my struggle. I believe in God's complete and victorious work on the cross. I believe that, by grace alone, I have been saved by God. I believe that this life is all about God and Jesus and, therefore, not about me. I'm comfortable with all of that.
In fact, I have often taught and confused the next generation with what I was taught was a second act of sanctification. This work being the entire removal of sin from our lives. Some call it Christian Perfection, some call it Entire Sanctification. Despite many people's struggle with it, I've taught it and believe in it.
If I had interviewed John Crowder, however, I imagine he would say I haven't gone far enough. Crowder teaches that justifiation and sanctification were all done at the same moment when Jesus died. Some in the holiness movement would have called that Instant Sanctification. That still would not have pleased Crowder because he writes convincingly that this is what is done for all believers.
It's hard to argue against his points. After all, who wants to say that we have some responsibility in this deal, other than saying yes to the arrangement? Believe me, I have said that, but it always sounds arrogant when you try to make yourself even a 5% partner with God. Either you agree that God has done 100% of the work or you do not.
I have just two overall problems with the book. I don't feel I ever got a full answer to what this means, for John, for the sin that is still in existence among those who are Christians. At points he centered on identity. The sin does not define us, which I agree with. At other points, however, he made it sound like to sin was impossible for us, although near the conclusion he did say otherwise. You know, can salt water and fresh water mix? I get the point, but as I look around...
The other detail, minor perhaps, was the million different versions of the Bible he used. He said it enhances his understanding of scripture to see many different translations. I get that. I think it also opens up the possibility of looking for exactly the wording that backs up your case. I'm not saying that is what John did, although at times I did wonder.
Overall, this is a good book that I think is worth the read. I received it from Mike Morrell and my friends at Speak Easy. They don't tell me what to say, just say something. This book will push your thinking and, at the very least, bring you to a greater appreciation of the work of God on the cross.
For more information you can link to.....
John’s online home: http://www.thenewmystics.com/
An example of John Crowder’s good-news bottom-line: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOcWH-VkudE (How you respond to this is a good gauge to how you’ll like the books)
A press conference for Crowder’s book ‘Mystical Union’ - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cd8nlvrY-Po&feature=grec_index
The first installment of my blog series on Crowder three years ago – much has changed, much has stayed the same: http://zoecarnate.wordpress.com/2008/05/27/charismatic-chaos-or-holy-spirited-deconstruction/
#SpeakEasyCrowder
Comments