Are You Experienced? Q&A

Shawn McCraney critiques a prevalent form of "Commanded Christianity" where preachers, particularly those of the Reformed tradition, assert that there is a specific "God's way" for every aspect of life, from sex and family to government and art, and feel obligated to instruct their audience on these matters. He questions whether these preachers truly possess the ability to convey God's specific expectations as they claim, and whether the Bible provides contemporary instructions applicable to all these areas.

Shawn critiques the top-down approach of applying Old Testament principles to Christianity, highlighting that notable thinkers like John Calvin, Abraham Kuyper, and others have emphasized that every aspect of a Christian's life should be governed by divine laws, without much New Testament backing. He argues for a more personal and mutual relationship with God, criticizing the application of such principles to culture and society as lacking biblical support and relying heavily on the law rather than the spirit.

Calvinist thinkers like Henry Van Til advocate for a Christian culture imperative, where God's principles are applied to all aspects of society including politics, science, and arts, arguing this approach is necessary for a true Christian worldview. However, critics such as Shawn argue that this mindset leans toward Christian totalitarianism, emphasizing that genuine guidance comes from the Holy Spirit's love rather than rigid, human-imposed interpretations of biblical law.

Creative Christianity emphasizes a personal, love-based relationship with God, where individuals freely choose to let God guide their lives, leading to genuine spiritual expression devoid of imposed religious mandates. Unlike commanded faith that often leads to totalitarianism, this approach fosters individual faith and love through creativity, inspired by notable figures, and prioritizes God’s spirit and goodness over legalistic interpretations.

Jesus embodies life, love, and light, emphasizing that He is not merely a component of these concepts but their very essence. Through Him, individuals experience life, love, and light, underscoring His integral role in the spiritual journey of those who follow Him.