Suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent
wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Acts 2:2.
Religious experiences, particularly those with a high emotional
content, are very complex. Anglo-Saxons are generally afraid of their
emotions. They have a ‘reserved’ approach to worship, and a somewhat
rationalistic approach to faith and doctrine. Very few could be
accused of ‘being drunk with new wine’! Religious experience is for
them a private matter. At the other extreme, for some Christians
their religious experiences are for constant public demonstration.
Now feelings are important, and experience is important. And so is
rationality. Friedrich Schleiermacher has reminded us that we know God
primarily through our experience; for him, a ‘passional’ experience of
religion made more sense than a purely intellectual one.
No great idea gets hold of us without our feeling something. But
feelings can fluctuate wildly, and they must never be used to test our
spiritual state!
But, that said, we must confess that with our new openness to the
Spirit in these days many are experiencing some quite dramatic
encounters with the living Christ. That’s OK. The Spirit may come to us
via a ‘rushing, mighty wind’, or a ‘still small’ zephyr.
I’m ready, Lord, however your Spirit comes. Amen.