In this conversation, Matthew Bingham, an Associate Professor of Church History at Phoenix Seminary and author of "A Heart Aflame for God," argues that the Reformed tradition offers a rich approach to spiritual formation often overlooked for its cerebral reputation. He critiques the prevailing notion that emotional or experiential aspects of faith are superior and advocates for a biblically grounded practice. They explore essential spiritual disciplines, the significance of Scripture, and the need for a balanced model that includes both intellectual and experiential dimensions of discipleship.
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insights INSIGHT
Critiques of Reformed Spirituality
Reformed theology is sometimes critiqued for being intellectual but not practical for spiritual growth.
Some Christians adopt an eclectic approach, mixing practices from various traditions, even those conflicting with Reformed principles.
insights INSIGHT
Spiritual Formation: A Contested Term
The term "spiritual formation" gained popularity among evangelicals in the late 20th century.
It often involves drawing from various traditions, but this can lead to incorporating practices that conflict with Reformed theology.
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Word-Centered Piety
Prioritize a word-centered piety derived from Scripture.
Use God-appointed means to grow in Christ, not just anything that "works."
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Heart Aflame for God: A Reformed Approach to Spiritual Formation
How 21st-Century Evangelicals Can Pursue Spiritual Growth through Early Modern Puritan Piety
Matthew Bingham
ESV New Testament, Share the Good News® Edition
ESV New Testament, Share the Good News® Edition
Share the Good News® Edition
Crossway
Practicing the Way
John Mark Comer
John Mark Comer's "Practicing the Way" offers a practical guide to spiritual formation, emphasizing the importance of intentional discipleship. The book blends ancient wisdom with contemporary relevance, providing readers with tools to cultivate a deeper relationship with God. Comer explores the concepts of being with Jesus, becoming like Jesus, and doing as Jesus did, offering a holistic approach to spiritual growth. The book encourages readers to engage in spiritual disciplines and cultivate a life of purpose and meaning. It's a valuable resource for those seeking to deepen their faith and live a more intentional Christian life.
Nine Spiritual Temperaments
Nine Spiritual Temperaments
Gary Thomas
You Are What You Love
The Way to the Good Life
James KA Smith
It is often believed, by friends and critics alike, that the Reformed tradition, though perhaps good on formal doctrine, is impoverished when it comes to spiritual formation. The charge is that the Reformed approach to piety is all about head knowledge, about learning things as brains on sticks. Other Christians may be less critical but simply assume that there is no right or wrong way to do spiritual formation. This often leads evangelical to adopt an eclectic approach to personal growth in Christ. Many Christians in conservative Protestant churches end up adopting Catholic and Orthodox approaches as being more fulsome and effective. But what if there is a Reformed approach to spiritual formation that is rich, deep, historic, and more biblical than the alternatives? That’s what Kevin explores with Matthew Bingham (associate professor of church history at Phoenix Seminary) as they dig into Matthew’s fantastic new book A Heart Aflame for God: A Reformed Approach to Spiritual Formation (Crossway).
Chapters:
0:00 Sponsors & Intro
3:27 Tell Us About Yourself
8:16 Spiritual Formation
14:18 A Heart Aflame for God
21:15 A Reformed Approach to Spiritual Formation
26:53 Sponsor Break
29:44 Biblical Centrality
40:40 The Reformed Triangle of Spiritual Formation
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