Critiquing: #083 — How do I feel God’s presence?

September 16, 2021 | Ask NT Wright Anything – Premier

• Holy Spirit Presence — Emotional Blockages — Pastoral Guidance — Spiritual Dryness — Feeling God’s Presence

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Episode Assessment:

		Commentary
Degree of Accuracy	B+	The episode accurately reflects Christian theological principles and teachings. NT Wright’s responses are consistent with established doctrine, but the personal nature of the questions means that some answers are necessarily subjective.
Degree of Coherence	B	While the episode generally maintains logical coherence, some responses appear somewhat anecdotal and fragmented, reflecting the complex and personal nature of the topics discussed. This affects the overall flow and clarity of the arguments presented.
Absence of Fallacies	B+	The episode largely avoids logical fallacies, sticking to theological and experiential claims. However, occasional appeals to authority and anecdotal evidence could be seen as weaker forms of argumentation.
Degree of Evidence	C	The discussion primarily relies on scriptural references and personal anecdotes rather than empirical evidence. While these are valid within the context of theological discourse, they do not provide a robust evidential basis that can be empirically tested.
Degree of Testability	C-	The nature of the topics—spiritual experiences, emotional blockages, and feelings of shame—makes them difficult to test empirically. These experiences are highly subjective and vary widely among individuals, challenging the ability to measure them objectively.
Rational Confidence	C+	Confidence in the responses is moderately justified by the evidence presented. The heavy reliance on personal belief and subjective experiences means that the level of confidence does not strictly align with empirical standards of evidence.

Potential/Apparent Weaknesses:

1. Degree of Evidence

The episode’s reliance on personal experiences and scriptural interpretation, while appropriate for the context, does not provide a strong empirical foundation.

“God’s people sometimes have to share the darkness of the world like Jesus did in Gethsemane and on the cross in order that there may be light coming through as a result.”

This statement, rooted in theological belief, lacks empirical evidence to support the notion that shared suffering leads to divine light or resolution. The evidence presented is largely anecdotal or scriptural, which, while valid within a theological framework, does not meet rigorous empirical standards.

2. Degree of Testability

The experiences and feelings discussed are inherently personal and subjective, making them difficult to test or measure using scientific methods.

“Yet, I feel nothing but that I’m wandering this world alone. Am I doing something wrong?”

This kind of subjective experience is difficult to evaluate or test empirically. The deeply personal nature of spiritual feelings varies greatly among individuals, making standardized testing and measurement challenging. The discussion does not offer concrete, testable criteria for these experiences, limiting the ability to empirically validate the claims made.

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Formulations of Major Arguments

Argument #1: Feeling the Holy Spirit

1. Premise: Christians are filled with the Holy Spirit.
2. Premise: The presence of the Holy Spirit should be felt.
3. Premise: Some Christians do not feel this presence.
4. Conclusion: Not feeling the Holy Spirit may indicate a blockage or misunderstanding.

Counter-Argument:
The experience of the Holy Spirit is highly subjective and varies widely among individuals. Some may never feel a tangible presence yet still live a deeply spiritual life. Psychological and emotional factors, such as past trauma or personality type, can significantly influence one’s spiritual experiences. Thus, the absence of a felt presence should not be seen as an indicator of spiritual deficiency or error. Additionally, theological perspectives vary, with some traditions emphasizing the inward, quiet work of the Spirit rather than overt emotional experiences.

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Argument #2: Road-to-Damascus Conversion

1. Premise: Significant conversion experiences, like Paul’s, are impactful.
2. Premise: Some Christians do not have such experiences.
3. Conclusion: Lacking a dramatic conversion does not negate one’s Christian faith.

Counter-Argument:
Spiritual journeys are deeply personal and diverse. A dramatic conversion like Paul’s is not the norm and should not be used as a standard measure of genuine faith. Many Christians experience gradual, quiet transformations that are equally valid. The emphasis should be on the authenticity and ongoing nature of one’s faith rather than the initial conversion experience. This approach recognizes that God works in varied ways, respecting the individual paths of believers.

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Argument #3: Coping with Shame

1. Premise: Past sins can lead to feelings of shame.
2. Premise: God offers forgiveness for sins.
3. Premise: Some people continue to feel shame despite forgiveness.
4. Conclusion: Individuals may need pastoral help to overcome lingering shame.

Counter-Argument:
While pastoral care can play a crucial role in addressing feelings of shame, it is important to integrate psychological approaches as well. Persistent shame often has deep psychological roots that may require professional counseling. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, for instance, can help individuals reframe their thoughts and manage guilt. Additionally, the theological teaching that God’s forgiveness is absolute should be emphasized, helping believers internalize this truth and apply it to their sense of self-worth and identity.

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Argument #4: Emotional Blockages

1. Premise: Emotional blockages can hinder spiritual experiences.
2. Premise: Such blockages may stem from past trauma or psychological issues.
3. Conclusion: Addressing these blockages can improve one’s spiritual life.

Counter-Argument:
Addressing emotional blockages is essential, but it should be approached with sensitivity and a recognition of the complexities involved. Professional psychological support should be sought alongside spiritual guidance to ensure a holistic approach to healing. It is also important to understand that spiritual experiences are not uniform and that emotional resilience varies among individuals. The goal should be personal growth and healing rather than achieving a specific type of spiritual experience.

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Argument #5: Spiritual Dryness

1. Premise: Many Christians experience periods of spiritual dryness.
2. Premise: These periods are a natural part of the spiritual journey.
3. Conclusion: Spiritual dryness does not indicate a lack of faith or spiritual failure.

Counter-Argument:
Periods of spiritual dryness are common and should be understood within the broader context of a person’s faith journey. Such times can serve as opportunities for growth, reflection, and deepening one’s relationship with God. It is important to offer support and resources to those experiencing spiritual dryness, emphasizing that these periods are not indicative of personal failure but are part of the ebb and flow of a mature spiritual life. Encouraging practices like regular prayer, community involvement, and spiritual reading can help individuals navigate these challenging times.

◉ Addressing Argument #2:

Paul’s Dramatic Conversion and the Insufficiency of Evidence

The story of Paul’s dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus is often cited as a cornerstone of Christian faith, illustrating the power and presence of God. However, this narrative, whether taken as historical fact or myth, raises significant questions about the nature of evidence and the expectations of a loving God. The crux of the argument is simple: if God can provide clear, undeniable evidence of His existence to one person, why does He not do so for all? The implications of this question are profound and challenge the very foundations of Christianity and the notion of faith itself.

Paul’s experience, as described in the New Testament, was one of overwhelming clarity and certainty. He encountered a divine presence so powerful that it transformed him from a persecutor of Christians into one of the most ardent apostles of Jesus Christ. This event, if not mythical, demonstrates that God has the capability to provide clear evidence of His existence. Such evidence would undoubtedly lead to a high degree of belief, minimizing doubt and fostering a more universal acceptance of the divine. The question then arises: why does God choose to reveal Himself so unmistakably to some, while leaving others in ambiguity and doubt?

A loving God, one who desires a relationship with His creation, would not allow humans to languish in uncertainty. The inconsistency in the degree of evidence provided to individuals suggests either a capricious deity or, more plausibly, a mythical construct. If God truly loves humanity and wishes for all to come to faith, the logical expectation would be a consistent and compelling display of His existence. Yet, by all accounts, the Christian God has left His substantiation weak at best. The evidence for God’s existence, as presented through Christian teachings, relies heavily on personal experiences, historical documents, and scriptural interpretations, none of which provide the robust, empirical evidence that would befit a being of divine omnipotence and omniscience.

The lack of universal, unequivocal evidence is not just a minor inconvenience; it is a fundamental flaw in the premise of a loving, all-powerful deity. It suggests that the Christian God is either unwilling or unable to provide the level of proof that would eliminate doubt and secure faith universally. This is not the disposition of an actual God but rather that of a myth, constructed to fill gaps in understanding and to provide comfort amidst uncertainty. The selective nature of divine revelation, exemplified by Paul’s conversion, undermines the credibility of the Christian God.

Given these considerations, it is reasonable to suggest that we can dismiss the Christian God as mythical based on this argument. The narrative of Paul’s conversion, rather than reinforcing the existence of God, highlights the inconsistencies and inadequacies of the evidence provided. It reveals a deity more concerned with selective displays of power than with universal enlightenment, a characteristic more fitting of myth than of reality.

In conclusion, the insufficiency of evidence for the Christian God, juxtaposed with the dramatic yet singular conversion of Paul, points to a mythical origin rather than a divine reality. A truly loving and powerful God would not leave His creation in doubt but would provide clear, consistent evidence accessible to all. The failure to do so is indicative of a belief system grounded in myth rather than in objective truth.

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I invite you to discuss this topic further in the comments section. Whether you agree or disagree, your perspectives are valuable and contribute to a richer understanding of this complex issue. Let’s engage in a thoughtful and respectful dialogue.