The “Enthusiasts'' of Church History: From Montanists to Modern Day ``Prophets''
May 5, 2024
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The guests delve into the history of enthusiasts in church, exploring the rejection of external authorities for spiritual revelation, with references to Montanists, Anabaptists, and figures like Thomas Moonster. They discuss the dangers of claiming spiritual superiority, division in church communities, and the emphasis on scripture in the Reformation era.
Enthusiasts reject the physical incarnation of Jesus, attributing His humanity to heaven rather than the Virgin Mary.
Misinterpretation of Paul's writings fuels a division between external scripture and internal spiritual revelations, undermining scripture's authority.
Enthusiasm's reinvention through historical figures like Montanus and Anabaptists challenges external authority and prioritizes individual inner experiences over collective faith.
Deep dives
Enthusiasm and the Rejection of Incarnation
Enthusiasts throughout church history have rejected the incarnation of God becoming flesh. They challenge the physical reality of Jesus by denying he had a human body, attributing his humanity not to the Virgin Mary but from heaven. This rejection stems from a dualistic Gnostic view separating physical and spiritual realms, leading to an inability to acknowledge the true incarnation.
Misinterpretation of Paul's Teachings
Misinterpretations of Paul's writings, such as the contrast between letter and spirit in 2 Corinthians 3, have perpetuated through generations. Enthusiasts and mystics misconstrue his distinction between law and gospel, creating a division between external scripture and internal spiritual revelations. This misinterpretation undermines the authority of scripture and emphasizes esoteric spiritual knowledge.
Historical Figures and Enthusiastic Movements
Historical figures like Montanus and Anabaptists exemplify enthusiasm's reinvention across different eras. Montanus, influenced by visions and ecstatic trances, claimed direct prophetic utterances guided by the Spirit. Anabaptists like Thomas Munzer and leaders Hans Dank and Hans Hutt critiqued external authority, perceived contradictions in scripture, and prioritized individual inner experiences over collective faith.
Scripture as God's Divine Address
The Reformers upheld scripture as a divine word, distinct from tradition, emphasizing its authority as God's address to humanity. They viewed scripture not as a mere timeless truth repository, but as a narrative of God's redemptive work in Christ. This perspective rooted their theological framework in the practical pastoral assurance that scripture is God's own sermon, offering a promise from God and an authoritative guide for faith.
Impact of Enthusiasm on Prayer and Christian Practices
Enthusiasm's influence on prayer and Christian practices manifests in the tendency to prioritize individual spiritual experiences over collective belief. This shift from ecclesiastical tradition to personal revelation challenges the authority of scripture and emphasizes an internalized understanding of truth. The evolution from pietism to enlightenment to romanticism exhibits a trajectory that promotes an individualistic and subjective approach to spirituality.
Martin Luther once said that, "Adam was the first enthusiast," and by "enthusiast" he doesn’t mean someone who is enthusiastic. The philosophy of enthusiasm is "god-within-ism," a belief and tendency to pit internal spirituality versus external texts, institutions, and authorities. In this episode, Michael Horton, Justin Holcomb, Walter Strickland, and Bob Hiller discuss how this "god-within-ism" has appeared in the church, from Montanists, to medieval monks, radical figures in the Reformation, Enlightenment philosophers, and contemporary movements today.
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Subscribe to Modern Reformation magazine. Our May/June issue is "This Isn’t the Reformation You’re Looking For," where we feature essays and articles about the “New Apostolic Reformation” (NAR) and how its vision of revivalism and enthusiasm is not the kind of renewal the church and culture needs.
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Featuring: Michael Horton, Bob Hiller, Walter Strickland, and Justin Holcomb
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