Motivations Behind Externalism in Spiritual Practices
Externalism in Spiritual Practices: Understanding the Motivations
The concept of externalism in spiritual practices refers to the tendency to prioritize outward appearances or rituals over genuine, inward spiritual transformation. This phenomenon is a recurring theme in the New Testament, with various authors addressing the motivations behind such behavior.
In Galatians 6:12-13, the apostle Paul critiques false teachers who emphasize external circumcision to avoid persecution from non-Christian Jews, suggesting that their motivation is self-serving and driven by a desire to maintain a good reputation [1]. Similarly, in 2 Corinthians 5:12, Paul contrasts his own sincerity with the false teachers' focus on external appearances, noting that they "gloried in their outward appearance, and in external recommendations" [3]. This emphasis on external validation is seen as a corruption of true spirituality.
The carnal mind, according to John Gill's commentary on Romans 8:7, is characterized by enmity against God, manifesting in a desire to deny or distort God's being and perfections [2]. This mindset is antithetical to the spiritual law, which requires inward obedience and truth (Romans 7:14) [4]. The carnal mind's focus on external observances rather than internal transformation is thus a manifestation of its hostility towards God.
In contrast, true spiritual practices are characterized by a focus on the edification of the entire church, rather than individual self-aggrandizement (1 Corinthians 14:4) [5]. The wisdom that is "earthly, unspiritual, and demonic" (James 3:15) is marked by a failure to acknowledge or respond to God's Spirit, leading to a prioritization of external appearances over genuine spirituality [6].
The Protestant academic interpretation of 1 Corinthians 14:4 highlights the importance of considering the purpose of spiritual gifts, which is not self-edification but rather the strengthening of the church [5]. This understanding underscores the need to evaluate spiritual practices in light of their impact on the community, rather than solely on individual experiences or external appearances.
The contrast between externalism and genuine spirituality is not limited to the New Testament. Throughout Christian history, various traditions have grappled with the tension between outward observance and inward transformation. The Baptist/Reformed tradition, as represented by John Gill's commentary, emphasizes the importance of understanding the law as spiritual, requiring inward obedience and truth [4]. Similarly, the Presbyterian tradition, as seen in the Jamieson, Fausset & Brown commentary, highlights the need for sincerity in one's faith, rather than mere external conformity [3].
The motivations behind externalism in spiritual practices are complex and multifaceted. However, at their core, they often involve a desire for external validation, a failure to acknowledge or respond to God's Spirit, and a prioritization of individual interests over the edification of the church. By understanding these motivations and contrasting them with the biblical emphasis on genuine spirituality, Christians can cultivate a more authentic and transformative faith.
The historical development of this doctrine is closely tied to the controversies and debates within the early Christian church, as well as the ongoing struggles against various forms of externalism and legalism. As the church continues to grapple with these issues, it is essential to return to the biblical anchor of true spirituality, emphasizing the importance of inward transformation and the edification of the community.
Sources
- Galatians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Galatians 6:12: 6:12-13 For all of their theological reasoning, the false teachers’ motivation was self-serving: They felt pressure from non-Christian Jews and were more concerned with their own reputation than with honoring God.”
- Romans (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Romans 8:7: Because the carnal mind is enmity against God,.... These words contain a reason why the issue of carnal mindedness is death; because the carnal mind, the wisdom of the flesh, is not only an enemy, but enmity itself against God: against his being; it reasons against it; it wishes he was not; it forms unworthy notions of him; thinks him such an one as itself; and endeavours to bury him in forgetfulness, and erase out of its mind all memorials of him: it is at enmity against his perfections; either denying his omniscience; or arraigning his justice and faithfulness; or de”
- 2 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Corinthians 5:12: For--the reason why he leaves the manifestation of his sincerity in preaching to their consciences (Co2 3:1), namely, his not wishing to "commend" himself again. occasion to glory-- (Co2 1:14), namely, as to our sincerity. in appearance--Greek, "face" (compare Sa1 16:7). The false teachers gloried in their outward appearance, and in external recommendations (Co2 11:18) their learning, eloquence, wisdom, riches, not in vital religion in their heart. Their conscience does not attest their inward sincerity, as mine does (Co2 1:12).”
- Romans (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Romans 7:14: For we know that the law is spiritual,.... We who have a spiritual understanding of the law, who have been led into the true nature of it by the Spirit of God, know by experience that that itself is "spiritual"; and therefore can never be the cause of sin or death: the law may be said to be "spiritual", because it comes from the Spirit of God; and reaches to the spirit of man; it requires truth in the inward parts; spiritual service and obedience; a serving of it with our minds; a worshipping of God in spirit and truth; a loving of him with all our hearts and souls, a”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 14:4: 14:4 The primary purpose of spiritual gifts is not self-edification, but the strengthening of the entire church (see 12:7; cp. 8:1; 14:12).”
- James (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on James 3:15: 3:15 The wisdom that is earthly is not part of the good creation; it is the opposite of heavenly wisdom because it excludes God. It is unspiritual because it does not acknowledge or respond to God’s Spirit (1 Cor 2:14; Jude 1:19). It is demonic since it comes from the devil, the ultimate source of this destructive wisdom (Jas 3:6; 4:6; 1 Tim 4:1).”