Thoughts on Religious Experience by Archibald Alexander

The new year seemed like a good time to get stuck into a meaty book again after some easy-reading picks in the busyness at the end of last year. So far this one is proving to be worthy of slow, thoughtful reading. What an enormously complex subject of spiritual experience Archibald Alexander endeavours to address…

On the subject of experimental religion our dependence must not be on the theories of men, but on the unerring Word of God, and on the facts which have been observed in the experience of true Christians. In the exercises of new converts there is, in some respects, a remarkable similarity, and in others a remarkable variety. All are convinced of sin, not only of life but of heart. All are brought to acknowledge the justice of God in their condemnation, and to feel that they might be left to perish, without any derogation from the perfections of God; and that they have no ability to bring God under any obligations to save them, by their prayers, tears, or other religious duties. All true Christians, moreover, love the truth which has been revealed to their minds, and are led to trust alone in Christ for salvation; and they all hunger and thirst after righteousness, and resolve to devote themselves to the service of God, and prefer His glory above their chief joy. But besides those varieties already described, as arising from several causes, there is often much difference in their exercises, arising from the particular truths which they are led to contemplate when their eyes are first opened.

Chapter VI, pg 66-67

And so Alexander attempts to identify the variety and similarities in spiritual experience due to circumstances, ministry, age, personality, health and other factors. He highlights the signs of false experience in comparison to genuine experience whilst also confessing that no man can truly judge the heart and soul of another. As a pastor during a revival era, he brings many case studies and observations to bear on his thoughts and assesses the practical problems of dealing with and understanding spiritual regeneration in the soul, Christian growth or backsliding, spiritual conflict and depression, and many more deep religious experiences.

Although first published in 1844 and the writing style is very much of the times, it is not difficult to read and gives much food for thought. Give it a try!

Lorna

Thoughts on Religious Experience by Archibald Alexander, published by Banner of Truth