Sentimentalism, Emotionalism, Mysticism and Anti-intellectualism Are Trending in the Church!

In the following 6 minute video, Dr. Voddie Baucham explained to a group of students the social trends that currently render apologetics a distasteful business in our society, and in the church. First among those is the fear of claiming to know “the truth,” especially about the Bible. Prominent subsequent points include the tendency to rely upon emotions instead of facts as a test of truth; sentimentalism, and anti-intellectualism.

Dr Baucham suggested this is a bigger problem with the youth. I am guessing that’s because they have been raised in a postmodern culture where it is possible for everyone to have his own truth; they may also desire to be politically correct, thereby avoiding being hated for taking an unpopular stand.

He encouraged students to study systematic theology and feed their minds that they might know the truth [thereby fostering the experience of correct emotions that derive from doctrine].

He made some powerful points in 6 minutes via his intellect, humor and irony.

 

 

STUDY RECOMMENDATIONS:

The title of this post identifies several unbiblical ways that churches, preachers and their congregations, err. These are not just random points of error, they are in line with a huge twentieth century social movement in the western world. To understand that movement better, so that you might understand this connection and be armed for discernment, and moved to abide in the Bible, see: Categories: Paganism / Neopaganism; Yoga.

The posts in those two categories will enable you to understand why members of churches and preachers believe it is right to worship God via emotionalism, mysticism and anti-intellectualism: these are feeling-based ways and are unbiblical because the Bible calls us to renew our minds; emotions follow knowledge of doctrine, they ought not precede it.  

 

In case you do not know Dr. Voddie Baucham, I posted his bio below. He and Pastor Washer are good friends, I learned of him via Washer.

Voddie Baucham (March 11, 1969) is an American Professor, Public speaker, Author, and Christian Pastor. He currently serves as Pastor of Preaching at Grace Family Baptist Church in Spring, TX. ^[3]

Background

Early Life

Born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, California to a single, teenage, Buddhist Mother. ^[7]

Education

After high school, he attended Houston Baptist University where he received his two Bachelor’s degree in Christianity and Sociology. He then attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary where he received his (M.Div.), and his (D.Min.). He also received an honorary degree from Southern California Seminary (D.D.). ^[3]

He also did his additional post-graduate study at the University of Oxford, England (Regent’s Park College). ^[3]

Career

Voddie currently serves as Pastor of Preaching at Grace Family Baptist Church in Spring, TX. He has served as an adjunct professor at the College of Biblical Studies in Houston, TX, and Union University in Jackson, TN. He has also lectured at Southern Seminary. ^[7]

Personal Life

Voddie and his wife, Bridget have been married since 1989. They have nine children: Jasmine, Trey (Voddie, III), Elijah, Asher, Judah, Micah, Safya, Amos, and Simeon. The Bauchams are committed home educators. ^[3]

He is an accomplished Martial artist. He started practicing Brazilian jiu jitsu in 2012 as an avenue of self-defense training, personal fitness, and outreach. However, he began competing and found both a passion and a talent. He has won numerous tournaments and titles, including winning the 2014 Pan American Championship in his division. ^[3]