I have been intrigued by the recent discovery of what is known as "experimental Calvinism" or "experimental religion." I have read Historic Calvinism and Neo-Calvinism: by William Young, and have listened to the sermon The Experimental Roots of Dutch Calvinistic Preaching by Cornelis (Neil) Pronk.
However, I still am a little confused to a strict definition of "experimental Calvinism" and the implications of both it, and it's opposite worldview. It seems right now, that as far as implications of each, I borrow from both the EC side, and what Young calls the "Neo-Calvinism" side.
For example, Young quotes Abraham Kuyper in favor of EC saying (emphasis mine):
He also quotes Kuyper as advocating a
To me, this sounds like a denial of Sola Scriptura, but I want to make sure I am not reading into his quote.
On the other hand, I have a deep desire to be obedient to the law of God, and apply it to my daily life (i.e. keep the Sabbath, etc. etc.) which Young associates with a affirmation of EC, and a denial of "Neo-Calvinism."
So what exactly is "experimental Calvinism" and what are some of the implications of it?
After these questions are answered, is EC a good thing or not (or is some mixture the right answer) and where is support either way in scripture?
[Edited on 1-10-2006 by Jeff_Bartel]
However, I still am a little confused to a strict definition of "experimental Calvinism" and the implications of both it, and it's opposite worldview. It seems right now, that as far as implications of each, I borrow from both the EC side, and what Young calls the "Neo-Calvinism" side.
For example, Young quotes Abraham Kuyper in favor of EC saying (emphasis mine):
Young has the source as Abraham Kuyper, To Be Near Unto God (New York: Macmillan Company, 1925), p. 224.experimental knowledge of God, which comes to us personally from spiritual experience, from communion of saints and secret fellowship with God
He also quotes Kuyper as advocating a
Ibid., p. 44.sacred, blessed mysticism
To me, this sounds like a denial of Sola Scriptura, but I want to make sure I am not reading into his quote.
On the other hand, I have a deep desire to be obedient to the law of God, and apply it to my daily life (i.e. keep the Sabbath, etc. etc.) which Young associates with a affirmation of EC, and a denial of "Neo-Calvinism."
So what exactly is "experimental Calvinism" and what are some of the implications of it?
After these questions are answered, is EC a good thing or not (or is some mixture the right answer) and where is support either way in scripture?
[Edited on 1-10-2006 by Jeff_Bartel]