When Ideals Clash with Experience

In this conversation, Kyle discusses the concept of the sanctification gap and its implications for the Christian life. Looking at Richard Lovelace’s account and well as John Coe’s development, Kyle attends to how we can utilize this category fruitfully in our own formation. Kyle emphasizes the importance of drawing near to God in the reality of who we are, rather than turning to oneself as a way to generate or mimic an ideal. He encourages a holistic approach to spiritual theology that incorporates insights from the broader Christian tradition.

00:00 Introduction and Background

05:21 The Rich Tradition of Spiritual Theology

07:20 The Experiential Gap and the Importance of Drawing Near

09:45 The Role of Spiritual Theology in the Christian Life

14:01 Embracing the Wisdom of the Christian Tradition

16:34 Moving from an Idealistic to an Evangelical Approach

21:48 Recognizing Our Need for Forgiveness

24:22 Navigating the Sanctification Gap in Prayer

Resources mentioned:

Richard Lovelace, Dynamics of Spiritual Life: An Evangelical Theology of Renewal.

John Coe, “Spiritual Theology: A Theological-Experiential Methodology for Bridging the Sanctification Gap” in The Journal of Spiritual Formation & Soul Care 2:1 (2009).

Kyle Strobel, Formed for the Glory of God: Learning from the Spiritual Practices of Jonathan Edwards.

Kyle Strobel and John Coe, Where Prayer Becomes Real: How Honesty with God Transforms Your Soul.