1. Introduction
The Charismatic/Pentecostal emphasis on Rhema as a specific, personal word from God raises concerns about its relationship to:
- Rational, critical thinking.
- Objective Scriptural authority and sound judgement in religious practice.
This analysis examines whether reliance on Rhema undermines reason, and explores how faith and reason are biblically and theologically integrated.
2. Understanding Rhema in Charismatic Theology
2.1 Definition
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Rhema | A spoken, specific word from God to an individual or situation, perceived through inner conviction, prophecy, or illumination of Scripture. |
2.2 Potential Concerns
- Subjectivity: Rhema words are experienced internally, potentially lacking external verification.
- Authority Confusion: If elevated above Scripture, they risk becoming unquestioned directives, bypassing reasoned reflection or communal discernment.
3. Biblical Integration of Faith and Reason
3.1 Reason in Biblical Faith
| Aspect | Examples |
|---|---|
| Analytical Reflection | Paul “reasoned (dialegomai) with them from the Scriptures” (Acts 17:2). |
| Discernment | Testing prophetic words is commanded (1 Thessalonians 5:19–21). |
| Wisdom | Proverbs extols disciplined thought, prudence, and understanding (Proverbs 4:5–7). |
3.2 The Role of the Mind in Christian Life
3.2.1 Renewed Mind
- Romans 12:2: “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind” – implying critical, reflective transformation grounded in God’s truth.
3.2.2 Loving God with Mind
- Matthew 22:37: “Love the Lord your God… with all your mind,” signifying devotion involves intellectual engagement, not mere emotional or mystical experiences.
4. Theological Reflection: Does Rhema Undermine Reason?
4.1 Risks of Uncritical Rhema Reliance
- Anti-intellectualism: Prioritising subjective impressions over scriptural study and rational evaluation.
- Authoritarian misuse: Leaders claiming Rhema words to control decisions without accountability.
- Decision-making errors: Personal desires or emotions mistaken as divine directives without testing (Jeremiah 23:25–32 warns of false prophetic impressions).
4.2 Proper Integration
4.2.1 Biblical Testing of Rhema
| Principle | Scriptural Basis |
|---|---|
| Test all things | 1 Thessalonians 5:21 – “Test everything; hold fast what is good.” |
| Discern spirits | 1 John 4:1 – Not all spiritual impressions are from God. |
| Submit to Scripture | Isaiah 8:20 – “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.” |
4.2.2 Role of Reason and Community
- Acts 15: The Jerusalem Council discerned doctrinal questions through Scripture, reasoned debate, and Spirit-led consensus.
- Rhema must be evaluated by:
- Scriptural truth.
- Reason and wisdom.
- Counsel and accountability within the believing community.
5. Faith and Reason: A Holistic View
5.1 Biblical Faith is Not Blind
| Aspect | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Faith (pistis) | Trust based on knowledge of God’s character and promises. |
| Reason (nous/logismos) | The God-given faculty to analyse, discern, and apply His truth. |
Christian life is not faith versus reason, but faith seeking understanding (fides quaerens intellectum), as Augustine and Anselm classically affirmed.
5.2 Spirit and Mind Together
- 1 Corinthians 14:15: “I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind.”
- Spirit-led Rhema words should illuminate and guide rational decision-making, not replace it.
6. Summary Table
| Aspect | Conclusion |
|---|---|
| Potential Undermining | Reliance on subjective Rhema can undermine reason if untested, unbalanced, or elevated above Scripture. |
| Biblical Integration | Faith involves both spiritual sensitivity and rational discernment under God’s Word. |
| Healthy Practice | Rhema words should be tested, evaluated with reason and community, and submitted to Scriptural authority. |
7. Conclusion
Reliance on Rhema words does not inherently undermine rational, critical thinking, but uncritical acceptance without testing poses dangers of:
- Anti-intellectualism.
- Spiritual manipulation.
- Decision-making errors.
Biblically, faith and reason are complementary; Rhema words should be discerned through renewed minds, grounded in Scripture, and evaluated within community to ensure faithful obedience to God’s will.
8. References
- Carson, D. A. (1996). Exegetical Fallacies (2nd ed.). Grand Rapids: Baker.
- Fee, G. D. (1994). God’s Empowering Presence: The Holy Spirit in the Letters of Paul. Peabody: Hendrickson.
- Grudem, W. (1994). Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. Leicester: IVP.
- Wright, N. T. (2012). How God Became King: The Forgotten Story of the Gospels. New York: HarperOne.