John Eldredge, a New York Times bestselling author and president of Wild at Heart ministry, discusses his new book, *Experience Jesus. Really.* He explores the significance of mysticism in faith, urging a deeper, experiential relationship with God. Eldredge emphasizes the importance of storytelling and mentorship in nurturing faith among youth. He also highlights the challenges of digital overload on spiritual practices and the need for solitude and reflection in teenagers. Finally, he touches on the global awakening of faith, particularly within the Muslim community.
John Eldredge redefines mysticism, urging believers to seek heartfelt connections with God rather than solely relying on intellectual faith.
To inspire young Christians, parents should share authentic stories of their spiritual encounters, fostering genuine belief and emotional engagement.
Deep dives
The Call for Ordinary Mystics
The concept of mysticism is redefined to encourage individuals to seek a deeper, experiential relationship with God, moving beyond merely intellectual understanding. John Eldridge emphasizes the need for believers to experience the heart of God, suggesting that contemporary Christianity often over-prioritizes rationalism while neglecting the emotional and spiritual aspects of faith. This shift is deemed necessary for bridging the gap between one's lived experience and the vibrant spirituality depicted in scriptural texts, such as the Psalms. Eldridge's assertion that Christians should strive to become 'ordinary mystics' aims to inspire a more profound engagement with the divine, highlighting that true faith involves heartfelt love and connection with God rather than just doctrinal knowledge.
The Importance of Experiential Faith for the Next Generation
Statistics reveal that a significant portion of young Christians are leaving their faith due to unmet spiritual expectations and a lack of transformative experience with God. Eldridge points out that many young believers feel their prayers and devotions yield no change in their lives, leading to a crisis of faith. To pass on faith effectively to younger generations, it is essential for parents to share authentic stories of their own encounters with God, as this can inspire awe and possibility in children. Eldridge suggests that cultivating a relational understanding of faith—by celebrating personal experiences of divine love and guidance—can counteract the disillusionment commonly faced by youth today.
Navigating Skepticism and Deepening Spiritual Connection
In an age dominated by the internet and constant access to information, many individuals, particularly youth, struggle with skepticism regarding faith and truth claims. Eldridge discusses how this overwhelming barrage of contradictory information fosters distrust, complicating the pursuit of genuine communion with God. Acknowledging these challenges, he encourages a focus on experiential faith and the cultivation of spiritual practices—such as prayer and stillness—that deepen one's relationship with Christ, thereby fostering resilience against skepticism. By creating spaces for authentic encounters with God, individuals can break free from internet-induced doubts and reawaken their innate capacity to experience divine joy and assurance.
John is a New York Times bestselling author, counselor, and teacher who has inspired millions to go deeper in their relationship with Jesus. He is also president of Wild at Heart, a ministry devoted to helping people discover the heart of God, recover their own hearts in God's love, and learn to live in God's kingdom. We’ll be talking today primarily about his new book Experience Jesus. Really.: Finding Refuge, Strength, and Wonder Through Everyday Encounters with God.
