The Spiritual Stream
Over the last 4 weeks I have introduced, or maybe reintroduced, the 3-streams of the Anglican Tradition in these weekly emails. They are: The Sacramental, The Scriptural, and The Spiritual. The metaphor of “3 streams” flowing into (from) “one river” represents the historical Anglican Tradition.
As it happens with most metaphors, especially when talking about God, it does not reflect the reality quite right. I guess the idea behind the metaphor is to show how each of these expressions of worship comes from and points to God – the One and Only!
In going through each of the streams separately, we have attempted to highlight some of their specific characteristics, while affirming their nature as one. The truth is that they cannot be separated. Unfortunately, in the history of the Church, there has definitely been abuse and/or neglect when it comes to over- or under-emphasizing one particular stream versus another. As a community of saints, as well as individuals, we ought to be careful not to make this mistake, which leads to stunted spiritual growth.
The Sacraments were instituted by Jesus Christ, who is the fullness of God, moving in the power of the Spirit. It is in the Scriptures, which were also inspired by the Spirit, that we learn all this. And, it is the Spirit of God who open our eyes to understand what we read in the Scriptures, as well as our hearts to receive and be one with Christ in the Sacraments and beyond.
Spirit – Sacraments – Scriptures – Spirit
Instead of thinking of this in a linear fashion, I would suggest to keep in mind a picture of a circle, with a constant flow of the Spirit of God – the One true source of Life, moving in and through us, for His honor and glory.
With all that in mind, let us take a closer look at The Spiritual, which has also been called the Charismatic stream.
This stream represents an openness to the move of the Spirit, and often has a more emotional and expressive form of worship through spiritual gifts. In 1 Corinthians (chapters 12-14), Paul had to address the early church to instruct, encourage, and correct new church leaders. Especially, reminding them that of all the gifts of the Spirit, Love surpasses them all.
It is a great reminder that the gifts of the Spirit are exactly that… of the Spirit. They are shared with us for edification of the Body of Christ. There is no room for pride or entitlement. The greatest gift is Love. The love of our Triune God, which is beyond our understanding, is made available to us. His love and kindness lead us to repentance, transform us from inside out, and empower us to extend it to others for His honor and glory.
Despite controversies, emotionalism, and other forms of abuse and neglect portrayed in regards to this stream, I want us to be open and know all the encouraging and empowering ways the Holy Spirit shares God’s gifts with us.
I could talk about revivals, healing prayers, and all the positive or negative ways people have experienced or kept a distance from this particular stream. Instead, I would like to leave you with some practical notes on how to welcome the wholeness of the streams with an open and grateful heart for all that the Lord has done for us.
One of the most refreshing connections I have with God in this way is through Lectio Divina, which is a Latin term meaning “Divine Reading”. James Bryan Smith, a student of Dallas Willard, in his book “Good and Beautiful God” says this of Lectio Divina:
