Are You Living In Dead Orthodoxy?
Has your vibrant faith become routine theology? Do you long to reconnect head and heart in your faith journey? In this episode, pastor and author Ryan Denton confronts the crisis of “dead orthodoxy” - when Christians have all the right theology but have lost their first love. Join us for an encouraging discussion about rekindling authentic spiritual life without compromising biblical truth.
Transcript Summary
In this episode of Remnant Radio, hosts Joshua Lewis and Michael Rowntree engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Ryan Denton, pastor and author of “Dead Orthodoxy and Its Cure: Restoring Power to the Spiritual Life,” exploring the tension between intellectual assent to Christian doctrine and a vibrant, lived-out faith. Denton shares his motivation for writing the book, stemming from his observations of “dead orthodoxy” within some churches, particularly in his own faith tradition of Presbyterian circles, where an emphasis on intellect and knowledge sometimes overshadows evangelism, prayer, and an active engagement with the Holy Spirit. The discussion delves into a definition of “dead orthodoxy,” contrasting it with a healthy expression of Christian life that balances sound doctrine with a genuine love for Christ and a dependence on the Holy Spirit. Denton clarifies that “dead orthodoxy” doesn’t necessarily imply a lack of salvation but rather a disconnect between belief and practice.
The conversation explores the role of spiritual experiences, cautioning against both the excesses of “charismania” and the potential for intellectualism to stifle genuine encounters with God. Denton emphasizes the importance of grounding experiences in Scripture and highlights the need for Christians to cultivate a life of worship and dependence on God’s power, rather than relying solely on their own knowledge or abilities. The three emphasize dependence on the Holy Spirit.
The discussion shifts to the practical aspects of cultivating a vigorous prayer life and maintaining a healthy balance between corporate and individual prayer. Denton shares personal anecdotes and insights, emphasizing the importance of intentionality, perseverance, and focusing on adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication. The Remnant Radio team also explores the role of historical accounts and revival stories in stirring up spiritual hunger, cautioning against uncritical acceptance of potentially fabricated narratives. Finally, Denton offers exhortations to both the reformed and charismatic traditions, urging them to guard against rationalism, intellectualism, pragmatism, and a deistic understanding of God, while emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that integrates both sound doctrine and a vibrant, Spirit-filled life.
