I appreciate you input. I must say I'm a bit confused about the material not fitting your article format. I wasn't aware that anyone had turned the webinar in for any type of article publication. Perhaps it happens automatically with all webinars.
I assume that you are aware that the topic of Spiritual Warfare has been formally discussed within the CRCNA for a number of years and that in 2009 Synod approved the report of the "Third Wave Pentecostalism" study committee, which had an extensive section on spiritual warfare.
It is unfortunate that you were not able to attend the webinar, because it did focus on what seems to be your main issue of contention--worldview. You are clearly speaking from a western worldview, which is greatly impacted by scientific naturalism. However, by it's very definition, it doesn't not allow for the reality of that which is spiritual (supernatural, if you will) and, therefore, not limited to the analysis proffered by scientific naturalism. Those from a Reformed perspective have, for the most part, done a good job in being able to find a balance between a western and a biblical worldview, which are at times in conflict with each other; or at minimum, approach the world from differing perspectives, resulting in differing outcomes, responses, expectations, etc...worldview.
Since the Bible account seems to clearly demonstrate that Jesus spent a significant part of his ministry in dealing with the demonic (and at least one recorded direct encounter with Satan), it would seem that the presence of the demonic represents for than "deluded, superstitious first-century view of the world;" unless we are willing to count Jesus (God) among those so deluded.
Roger, I have a feeling I will not easily sway you from your convictions. I do invite you to view the webinar in its entirety, or better yet, read the book the Webinar series is based upon: "Straight Talk About Spiritual Warfare," publish by CRC Publications. It is technically currently out of print, but still available on line. I would assume it is also in Calvin's library since it was used as one of the texts in a CTS class for a time.
Posted in: Introduction to Spiritual Warfare
Roger:
I appreciate you input. I must say I'm a bit confused about the material not fitting your article format. I wasn't aware that anyone had turned the webinar in for any type of article publication. Perhaps it happens automatically with all webinars.
I assume that you are aware that the topic of Spiritual Warfare has been formally discussed within the CRCNA for a number of years and that in 2009 Synod approved the report of the "Third Wave Pentecostalism" study committee, which had an extensive section on spiritual warfare.
It is unfortunate that you were not able to attend the webinar, because it did focus on what seems to be your main issue of contention--worldview. You are clearly speaking from a western worldview, which is greatly impacted by scientific naturalism. However, by it's very definition, it doesn't not allow for the reality of that which is spiritual (supernatural, if you will) and, therefore, not limited to the analysis proffered by scientific naturalism. Those from a Reformed perspective have, for the most part, done a good job in being able to find a balance between a western and a biblical worldview, which are at times in conflict with each other; or at minimum, approach the world from differing perspectives, resulting in differing outcomes, responses, expectations, etc...worldview.
Since the Bible account seems to clearly demonstrate that Jesus spent a significant part of his ministry in dealing with the demonic (and at least one recorded direct encounter with Satan), it would seem that the presence of the demonic represents for than "deluded, superstitious first-century view of the world;" unless we are willing to count Jesus (God) among those so deluded.
Roger, I have a feeling I will not easily sway you from your convictions. I do invite you to view the webinar in its entirety, or better yet, read the book the Webinar series is based upon: "Straight Talk About Spiritual Warfare," publish by CRC Publications. It is technically currently out of print, but still available on line. I would assume it is also in Calvin's library since it was used as one of the texts in a CTS class for a time.
Thank you for your interaction. - J. Stam