Michael Horton, In the Face of God: The Dangers and Delights of Spiritual Intimacy. Thomas Nelson, 1997.
Referenced in: Congregational Renewal Through Spiritual Revival
LifeandLeadership.som Summary
LifeandLeadership.com lists this as a critique on revivals and revivalism. Horton does not address revivalism per se, but he tackles the revivalistic spirituality expressed in popular Christian literature, and contends that it is a modern Gnosticism. Some criticize revivalism as a more “direct encounter” experience that is at times elitist and formulaic in its approach to knowing God. To the extent this is true, Horton’s treatment of the subject may be helpful.
LifeandLeadersip.com commends responsible material on revival and intimate spirituality. Yet it is always helpful to balance such influential phenomena with reasonable critique. Horton’s book is out of print, and may be hard to find, but is worth the search for those who are serious about the subject. For other materials on revival, including good evaluative tools, see the resources guide on Spiritual Revival.
From the Publisher
Have modern believers grown too comfortable with God? In response to the unbiblical, mystical spirituality of our day, Michael Horton calls for a return to the teaching of the Apostle Paul and the early church. The result is a compelling picture of true spiritual intimacy with God.
About the Author
Michael Horton is J. Gresham Machen Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics at Westminster Seminary California. He is also the president of White Horse Media, exploring issues of Reformation theology in American Christianity. He is also the editor-in-chief of Modern Reformation Magazine.
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