The earth we
inhabit not only has a physical dimension that we see, but also an unseen
spiritual one, where warfare is waged daily. This awareness of the spiritual
battle going on around us has helped me to better understand the world and the
part we play, or are played, in it. Looking at historical or current events,
and studying human behavior from a spiritual perspective can be very
“enlightening”― my segue to the eighteenth century.
I believe it’s no
accident or coincidence that two competing worldviews, “The Age of
Enlightenment” and “The Great Awakening”, the unseen spiritual conflict, took
place during the same period.
“That your faith
should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” 1
Corinthians 2:5 KJV
Spiritual battles
are waged in the mind and in the heart.
The Intellectual
Battle:
The Age of
Enlightenment, or The Age of Reason, was a philosophical and cultural movement
of intellectuals in the eighteenth century stressing the importance of human
reasoning over blind faith and obedience to prevailing religious beliefs. It
promoted a critical reappraisal of existing ideas and social institutions.
The Enlightenment
exalted human reason and celebrated science, advanced logic over absolute
truth, challenged orthodox Christianity, and extolled cultural relativism. Its
champions were Voltaire, Rousseau, John Locke and even Thomas Jefferson and
Benjamin Franklin were somewhat influenced by the movement. The Enlightenment
brought about many changes, some good, others debatable.
“For the preaching
of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it
is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise?
where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made
foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world
by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save
them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after
wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and
unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and
Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness
of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”
1 Corinthians
1:18-26 KJV
The Spiritual Battle:
The Great Awakening
refers to several periods of religious revival in the eighteenth century. These
eras brought about increased interest in faith and religious freedom,
repentance and redemption, revival and evangelism. Some who influenced these
movements were John and Charles Wesley, George Whitfield, and Jonathan Edwards.
This period saw the
initiation of new religious movements as well as denominations, advocacy for a
free press, and the development of democratic concepts that eventually led to
our American Revolution.
Many people of
faith discovered that religion was more than in intellectual pursuit, but one
that was changing hearts and attitudes. While the Enlightenment advocated
stratified social orders, the Bible taught that the value of mankind is God
given and not determined by class.
Historians will
find valid reasons for each movement, and both of these events had an enduring
and powerful impact on our culture. Studying history from an intellectual
perspective is fascinating and important, if for no other reason, history tends
to repeat itself, and we would be wise to learn from those who have gone before
us. Evaluating history from a spiritual vantage point is equally interesting,
and I believe increases our awareness of the presence, power, and provision of
God.
 |
| Lenell Stevenson A Prayer Warrior ~ now with the Lord |
Ephesians 6:10-18
KJV
Thanks, Janet! I still think this is a perfect story for Halloween time. I have been explaining to my son about what spiritual warfare is so I will have him read this article this weekend. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteThose who 'celebrate' Halloween have NO idea what fear is.....spiritual warfare can make Freddy Kruger and Jason (pardon me) wet their pants. When Heaven and Hell collide, there can be only one outcome, only one victor. At times, it seems like Hell has the upper hand in this world. But as Jesus said, "I have overcome the world".........so, we can rest assure that He will always come out the Victor!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Sharing! :)
Thanks Carrie and Debbie. Sometimes the awareness of spiritual warfare is almost palpable. What a comfort prayer brings, knowing that we are sustained by Almighty God.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Janet, for this valuable reminder.
ReplyDeleteThose who will not learn from history are condemned to repeat it. We are in the twenty-first century, and the same conflict between the power of human reason and the power of God is still raging.
The enemy delights in the arrogance of the human intellect. There is no way a finite human mind can wrap itself around the entirety of our infinite God. But Satan keeps selling that lie.
It's the same one he sold Eve and Adam in the Garden: God isn't big enough. You can be in charge, and this is how you do it....
He wraps the "how you do it" in whatever wrapping paper will appeal to the person he's targeting. But it is the same lie. And it has the same results. Disaster!
Thank you for your insights, Judith. History is full of valuable lessons -- if only we would heed them.
ReplyDeleteExcellent post, Janet! I've experienced many things in the spirit realm.. so much so that sometimes it seems more real to me than our physical one. Since the beginning of time, man has always tried to exalt himself above God and use science and reason to explain away what is obviously a universe created by a loving intelligent being. But God has made Himself plain for those who seek Him.
ReplyDeleteThanks MaryLu. Being tuned into the spiritual realm all around us sure encourages awareness and perspective.
ReplyDelete