Thoughts on Religious Experience
How do you describe the emotions and behaviors of a Christian who is truly being sanctified by the Holy Spirit? In Thoughts on Religious Experience, Banner of Truth Publishing presents Archibald Alexander’s masterpiece in Christian wisdom and writing.
Academic and Emotional
Alexander (1771-1851) was ordained as a minister in the Presbyterian Church at just 20 years old. He was later unanimously chosen as the leading professor at Princeton Theological Seminary in 1812. This book showcases his work, combining the heart of a minister with the mind of a professor.
Drawing from his own observations and case histories found in Christian biography, Alexander writes with academic rigor and emotional honesty.
Exhortations and Encouragement
At the beginning of the book, Alexander speaks on early “impressions” of the faith and distinguishes them from conversions. This sort of descriptive language is characteristic of Alexander as he helps the reader understand. In later chapters, he speaks of “growth in grace,” including evidences of it and practical directions toward making progress in piety.
Alexander makes a point to distinguish between perpetual and temporary backsliding. He notes that while Christians have the duty to reach out to backsliding brethren, the Lord will often use His own means to restore them. This served as both an exhortation and encouragement as I was reading.
Affliction and Suffering
Trials play a prominent role in the religious experience of believers, and Alexander makes it clear that Christ has chosen His people to be refined through affliction and suffering. I was reminded and repented of my disbelief, realizing that even up to the deathbed of the believer, we are to admire and celebrate instances of sovereign grace.
The final chapters act as an appendix, presenting several of Alexander’s pastoral letters. These include letters to the aged, counsels of the aged to the young, counsels to Christian mothers, a letter to a mourning, afflicted widow, and a letter to a bereaved widower. They were inspiring to read and a treasure to reflect on. His words contain timeless truths.
The Maker and Mover
This book will reward a slow and careful read. There is much to unpack, and Alexander demands your full attention. It is hard to put words to true and genuine religious experiences. We’re talking about the thoughts and intentions of the heart. But this book does well to examine and explain what is truly taking place. And it will draw your attention to the reality of the Maker and Mover behind our religious experiences.
I received a media copy of Thoughts on Religious Experience and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.