In contrast, [Simeon] Zahl argues for what he calls an \u201cAugustinian theory of change.\u201d This one assumes that \u201chuman beings are driven not by knowledge or will but by desire. We are creatures of the heart, creatures of love.\u201d He further argues that the human heart is highly resistant to change, often blocking direct attempts to alter it.<\/p>\n
To make his point, Zahl asks us to recall a time when we\u2019ve tried to change someone\u2019s mind about politics through rational arguments or\u2014even worse\u2014to talk a person out of pursuing someone he or she has fallen in love with.<\/p>\n
Very early in my ministry, I was taken aback by a man who could recite all the relevant biblical passages about the dangers of adultery and the importance of marital fidelity but who sat in my office\u2014with his wife and new baby\u2014waving all of that aside as he told me he was leaving his marriage for someone else. \u201cI\u2019ve fallen in love,\u201d he said, with a shrug that seemed to imply, What is there left to say?<\/p>\n
That\u2019s why, Zahl argues, \u201cextracting practical advice for Christian living\u201d won\u2019t overcome fallen human resistance to judgment and law. It\u2019s also why, he contends, Pentecostals\u2014whatever shortcomings they may have\u2014tend to be more effective at seeing lives turned around. \u201cThe intransigence of the human heart is the fundamental problem of Christian ministry,\u201d he writes. \u201cThe Spirit of God traffics in emotion and desire.\u201d<\/p>\n
Read it all<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cAt the most cynical time of my life, I found myself undone just by hearing the words of \u2018Jesus Loves Me,\u2019\u201d writes @drmoore<\/a>. <\/p>\n \u201cThis I know.\u201d https:\/\/t.co\/4kvucCC6qD<\/a><\/p>\n — Christianity Today (@CTmagazine) August 3, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n \n