Dr. Fred Sanders, an expert in evangelical spirituality, joins Derek, Alastair, and Matt to celebrate the 50th anniversary of J.I. Packer's 'Knowing God'. They discuss evangelical spirituality, the doctrine of God, classic hymns, the Keswick movement, and the contemporary literary context of the book.
J.I. Packer's book 'Knowing God' has had a significant influence on evangelical piety over the past 50 years by emphasizing the knowledge of God as central to the Christian life.
Hymns play a crucial role in evangelical spirituality, helping believers digest and internalize doctrine through experiential engagement with the words of Scripture and the things of God.
Deep dives
The Role of Quiet Times and Devotions in Evangelical Spirituality
The podcast delves into the significance of quiet times and devotions in evangelical spirituality. The speaker discusses how people are aware of the need to spend time on these practices, even though there may not always be an immediate tangible reward. There is also a mention of how young people refer to devotions as 'divos' and how it is important to find practical applications in these times of consecration and connection with God. The episode explores the distinctive nature of evangelical spirituality and its emphasis on personal experience and knowledge of God, with J.I. Packer's book 'Knowing God' being highlighted as a significant influence on evangelical piety over the past 50 years.
The Influence of J.I. Packer's 'Knowing God' in Evangelical Piety
The podcast highlights 'Knowing God' by J.I. Packer as one of the most influential books within evangelical piety in the last 50 years. The book, first published in 1973, emphasizes the knowledge of God as central to the Christian life. It explores the cognitive aspect of faith, which can sometimes lead to critique from those who argue for a greater emphasis on love and experience. However, Packer's work incorporates both cognitive and affective elements, drawing on the affective Puritan reform tradition. The episode also touches on Packer's retrieval of old books and the impact of his endorsements in spreading valuable and constructive literature within evangelicalism.
Evangelical Spirituality and the Importance of Hymns
The podcast highlights the role of hymns in evangelical spirituality and their ability to encapsulate and express theological teachings and ideas. It discusses how hymns, especially those written by influential figures like Charles Wesley and Isaac Watts, have helped evangelicals in digesting and internalizing doctrine. Hymns serve as a means of meditation and reflection, allowing believers to engage with the words of Scripture and the things of God in an experiential manner. The episode acknowledges the potential challenge of aligning hymnody with cultural shifts and urges caution not to solely evaluate worship based on its emotional impact or immediate usefulness.
Balancing Active Piety and Doctrinal Comprehension in Evangelicalism
The podcast explores the tension between active piety and the need for a solid theological foundation in evangelicalism. While emphasizing the importance of conscious experience and deliberate intention in living out the Christian faith, the episode cautions against over-reliance on personal actions and experiences for assurance. It encourages a balance between active engagement and the below-the-surface depth of theological understanding. The integration of doctrine and meditation is highlighted as vital for preventing a transactional approach to God and worship, and for fostering a more comprehensive and meaningful Christian life.
The classic intro to Christianity, Knowing God by J.I. Packer, was published 50 years ago. To celebrate this anniversary, Derek, Alastair, and Matt welcome Fred Sanders back to the show to discuss the distinctives of evangelical spirituality and practice which shine forth in Packer’s book. They also discuss the doctrine of God, classic hymns, the Keswick movement, and the contemporary literary context of which Knowing God may be the apex.
Full show notes at www.merefidelity.com.
Timestamps:
Half a Century [0:00]
Evangelical Spirituality [5:31]
What’s Missing [11:42]
Old Books [13:04]
Keswick [17:55]
Experience and Assurance [27:52]
Thin and Thick Piety [34:09]
Active/Contemplative [40:09]
Remediation [42:11]
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