Wrangler
Well-Known Member
Allow me to make a reasoned defense of those who say not to spiritualize or over-spiritualize Scripture. One of the sayings I hate is 'happy medium' because it implies something that is not necessarily true, such as compromising with evil. So, the subject comes down to proper discerning of Scripture.What I hate ... it is said to be bad to “Spiritualize” scriptures ... without it being condemned as as “over-spiritualizing”.
Is there such a thing? Is there such a thing in light of Hebrews 4:12, the word of God is alive. Considering Satan testing Jesus with Scripture certainly teaches us there is improper discerning of Scripture. So, logic dictates that there is a proper discerning of Scripture.
I think the pivot point is Spiritual (not symbolic) compared to metaphor. I was just talking to a friend the other day about the proverb of a dog returning to its own vomit. This is a metaphor. Scripture is a highly figurative book. A great line from Father Brown Murder Mystery show is it's best not to take God's word too literally.What is the difference in “symbolic” and “a metaphor”?
So, where does that leave us? As an unorthodox Christian, I reject mysticism in all it's forms. Christianity is meant to be a practical way of life, not in keeping with the philosphies - and dare I say, new age spiritualism of the world. The following verse that speaks to me about all this was the verse of the year for me a few years back and I hope it helps:
17 The mission given to me by the Anointed One is not about baptism (or over spiritualizing Scripture), but about preaching good news. The point is not to impress others by spinning an eloquent, intellectual (or spiritual) argument; that type of rhetorical showboating would only nullify the cross of the Anointed.
18 For people who are stumbling toward ruin, the message of the cross is nothing but a tall tale for fools by a fool. But for those of us who are already experiencing the reality of being rescued and made right, it is nothing short of God’s power. 19 This is why the Scripture says:
I will put an end to the wisdom (mysticsim) of the so-called wise (mystics),
and I will invalidate the insight of your so-called experts (or mystics).
20 So now, where is the philosopher? Where is the scholar? (Where is the mystic?) Where is the skilled debater, the best of your time? Step up, if you dare. Hasn’t God made fools out of those who count on the wisdom of this rebellious, broken world?
1 Corinthians 1:17-20 (VOICE) (emphasis added)