Try and picture two streams of Christianity flowing side by side through history. In one stream you have those strange mystics who regularly experience the supernatural life of healing and abundant joy. In the other stream you have all the logos-loving reformers who have no time for such shenanigans – all they need is simple faith in the grace of God. From time to time these two streams converge in rare individuals whose feet are planted on the ground and whose heads are way up in the clowds. John Crowder seems to be such a person.
In his book Mystical Union (also available on Kindle), Crowder argues that there is a new mysticism on the rise, one that is coupled with a new reformation. Identifying himself as a “reformed mystic,” Crowder draws lessons from both groups. The mystics and reformers needed one another, he says. “The mystics needed the reformers’ faith. The reformers rejected the mystics’ experience.” The mystics were hungry to experience the presence of God and this hunger drove them to perform “spiritual jumping jacks”; but the reformers knew that grace in all its expressions comes to us only through faith. You don’t need to climb a mountain or explore the caverns of the soul to experience God. There are no secrets, no steps, no spiritual keys. There is only the revelation that Christ has done it all. Our part is simply to rest in Him.
The mystery of Christ
Some church folk get a bit antsy whenever you talk about experiences, especially mystical ones. Indeed, the word mystical has been hijacked by all sorts of airy-fairy, new agey, occultic groups. But the word itself is Christian in origin. The term mystics was originally used to describe believers who experienced an interactive life with Christ characterized by intimacy and supernatural power. Paul wrote much about the mysteries of God which, in a word, are simply Christ. His concern was that we would “become progressively more intimately acquainted with and may know more definitely and accurately and thoroughly that mystic secret of God, [which is] Christ (the Anointed One)” (Col 2:2, AMP).
Do you have a problem becoming more intimately acquainted with Christ? No? Then neither do you have a problem with mystical experience.
The mystical union of which Crowder writes is simply the revelation that we are in Him and He is in us. This union was made possible through the cross. We did nothing to make it happen. We are merely the happy beneficiaries of His divine favor:
The abundant blessings of this union are far too many to account. Physical healing. Financial provision. Reconciliation in relationships. Emotional fulfillment. Unspeakable joy. Righteous authority to be wielded over regions and people groups. Creative miraculous abilities. Mystical powers. Authority in this age and the age to come. The possibilities are endless, as you are wed to God. Loc. 3498
Crowder takes care to point out that we don’t pursue spiritual experiences as a means of drawing closer to the Lord. Rather, we have these experiences because we are already united with Him. They are simply a consequence of effortless union. Peter and Paul never went looking for trances; they both “fell” into them. When you are living and breathing the mystery of God, namely Christ, mystical stuff just happens.
The flavor of faith
Since I would characterize myself as more of a logos-lover than a mystic, I was really blessed by this book. I found it disarming and inspiring. I would like to think that I am open to anything and everything God wants to do, but I have, at times, been distracted by the monkish seriousness or the drunken ecstasy of those who are more experiential than me. I agree that mystical experiences are valid – they’re in the Bible! – but I have sometimes felt that they are forced upon people. “If you are not manifesting these experiences, then you’re not mature/pressing in/encountering the fullness blah blah blah.” Peer pressure is alive and well in charismatic circles. And, if I’m brutally honest, I have probably pushed others whose comfort zones were smaller than mine. (If I have pushed you, I apologize!) The truth is, grace doesn’t force itself on anyone. The flavor of faith is rest. Happily, Crowder understands this:
I’m not pressing in anymore. I’ve been pressed into. I’m not contending anymore. I’ve been contended for. I’m not a God chaser anymore. I’ve been chased down, roped, hogtied, bagged and dragged. I’m not appropriating what I have. It’s mine. I’m not getting closer to God. He’s like a Siamese twin. I’m not even seeking God anymore. He found me. Loc.2130
Mystical Union is an eclectic book full of rabbit trails but each page is infused with grace. Near the end of the book Crowder touches on the subject of work and although he doesn’t say much, what he says is wonderfully liberating. Check this out:
God is not looking for workers, but for lovers. And the lovers will outwork the workers in these days. I do not preach much about working. That’s one area where actions should speak louder than words. I preach on work by using my hands. The definition of “work” however, has changed for us. Like Adam, a new creation is now tending the Garden of Pleasure. Our chief end is toward the enjoyment of God in the midst of our vocation. In divine union, work and play should rise to meet together as one. This is your calling. Loc.3814
Amen!
Incidentally, John Crowder leads a church and regularly ministers with Benjamin Dunn. A few weeks ago I posted my review of Mr. Dunn’s book The Happy Gospel and this drew some heat from a few people who have formed their opinions of both men based on what Dunn later said were “some old stupid videos that don’t reflect our direction and heart.” If you have seen these infamous videos (I haven’t), let me just say, “We are all learning.” I have personally seen about a dozen John Crowder videos on YouTube and I have been blessed by them all. If my review of Mystical Union has whet your appetite, don’t let some “old stupid videos” deter you from checking out his thought-provoking and inspiring book.
—
Related posts:
- By which gospel are you saved? The gospel of grace!
- What happened to me at the cross?
- see all E2R’s book reviews here
