Don’t Make Confessionalism the Enemy of Piety

Some Christians have been guilty of elevating spiritual experience—or pietism—over the ordinary means of grace such as preaching, baptism, and the Lord’s Supper. Others have emphasized adherence to right doctrine (confessionalism) to the point that personal holiness and enjoyment of God are marginalized as nonessential so long as the believer confesses what is true. These two extremes have led some to pit pietism and confessionalism against each other as if they are mutually exclusive. But are they?

In this podcast, TGC Council member Kevin DeYoung moderates a high-level discussion that cites the writing of Herman Bavinck, Philipp Jakob Spener, John W. Nevin, and others. Michael Horton explains his concern with pietism, arguing that it creates a church within a church where some Christians pursue the really exciting spiritual experiences. Council member Ligon Duncan responds by drawing on the Scottish confessional tradition, which encouraged vibrant experiential Christianity without denigrating the church’s ordinary ministry.

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Related:

Pietism and Confessionalism Round Up by Kevin DeYoung
Especially Preaching: The Ordinary Means of Grace and Christian Spirituality by Luke Stamps
Should Christians Really Pray for Revival? by Kevin DeYoung, Bryan Chapell, Rick Phillips

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Kevin DeYoung (PhD, University of Leicester) is senior pastor of Christ Covenant Church (PCA) in Matthews, North Carolina, and associate professor of systematic theology at Reformed Theological Seminary (Charlotte). He is the author of more than 25 books and a popular columnist, blogger, and podcaster. Kevin’s work can be found on clearlyreformed.org. Kevin and his wife, Trisha, have nine children.

Ligon Duncan (PhD, University of Edinburgh) is chancellor and CEO of Reformed Theological Seminary, president of RTS Jackson, and the John E. Richards professor of systematic and historical theology. He is a Board member of The Gospel Coalition. His new RTS course on the theology of the Westminster Standards is now available via RTS Global, the online program of RTS. He and his wife, Anne, have two adult children.

Michael Horton is professor of systematic theology and apologetics at Westminster Seminary California. The author of many books, including The Christian Faith, Ordinary, Core Christianity, and Recovering Our Sanity, he also hosts the White Horse Inn radio program.