Full gospel, fractured minds?

201 Pages·2010·1.43 MB·English

by  Nanez

Endorsements for
Full Gospel, Fractured Minds?
by Rick M. Nañez

The greatest explosive movement of any kind in history has been the expansion of the kingdom of
God in the last sixty years. By some estimates, seventy percent of this expansion has come at the hands
of Pentecostal, Charismatic, or Third-Wave believers. Clearly, God has honored these believers, and
they have much to teach other parts of the body of Christ. That’s the good news. The bad news is that
this part of Christ’s body has, sadly and unnecessarily, been anti-intellectual for far too long. This has
not only hurt the health of a more Spirit-oriented fellowship, but it has prevented them from having a
greater impact on their more traditional evangelical brothers and sisters.
With gratitude to God, I am delighted to celebrate the publication of Full Gospel, Fractured Minds?
by Rick Nañez. Standing squarely within the Pentecostal-Charismatic tradition, Nañez cannot be
dismissed as an outside critic or faulted for not knowing the community he challenges. I know of no
book like this. Its uniqueness lies in being a distinctively Pentecostal-Charismatic call to the life of the
mind. This is must reading for all Pentecostal-Charismatic believers, and those outside this camp will
gain much insight into and encouragement about their Pentecostal-Charismatic sojourners. Nañez’s
book is sure to help bring about a deeper love and unity throughout the body of Christ.
J. P. Moreland, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy
Talbot School of Theology, director of Eidos Christian Center,
and author of Love Your God With all Your Mind (NavPress)
Finally, a book long overdue but timely, given the emergence of Pentecostals and Charismatics in the
theological academy! For laypersons in the pew who are a part of these movements, Nañez opens up
the possibility of cultivating the life of the mind in a way that does not quench the Spirit. A must read
for all first-year undergraduates at institutions that cater to Pentecostal-Charismatic constituencies.
Amos Yong, Ph.D, Book review editor, Pneuma: The Journal of
the Society for Pentecostal Studies, and Associate Research
Professor of Theology, Regent University School of Divinity
It was most encouraging to read this full-blown, discerning, culturally sensitive, and bracingly
Christian defense of intellectual life. The book offers exceptionally helpful commentary on the
general plight of learning in modern society as well as unusually shrewd observations on the tragic
consequences when churches abandon responsible intellectual effort. The book’s wisdom is
heightened by the fact that its author says what needs to be said about Christian intellectual endeavor
while maintaining his own Pentecostal convictions with integrity.
Mark A. Noll, McManis Professor of Christian Thought, Wheaton
College, and author of The Scandal of the Evangelical Mind
This book is a clarion call for clarity of thought as well as fullness of the Spirit among Pentecostals
and Charismatics. Nañez makes a good case for the famous phrase of Bishop J. O. Patterson to
Pentecostal students, “Get your learning but keep your burning.”
Vinson Synan, Dean, Regent University School of Divinity,
and author of The Holiness-Pentecostal Tradition:
Charismatic Movements in the Twentieth Century

ZONDERVAN
FULL GOSPEL, FRACTURED MINDS?
Copyright © 2005 by Rick M. Nañez
All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. By payment of the required fees, you have been
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written permission of Zondervan.
ePub Edition June 2009 ISBN: 0-310-86211-6
Requests for information should be addressed to:
Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49530
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Nañez, Rick M.
Full gospel, fractured minds? : a call to use God’s gift of the intellect / Rick M. Nañez.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references and indexes.
ISBN-13: 978-0–310–26308-1
1. Pentecostal churches — Doctrines. 2. Pentecostals — Intellectual life. 3. Faith and
reason — Christianity. I. Title.
BX8762.Z5N36 2005
230’.994 — dc22
2005010116
® ®
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible: New International Version . NIV . Copyright ©
1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.
The website addresses recommended throughout this book are offered as a resource to you. These websites are not intended in any way
to be or imply an endorsement on the part of Zondervan, nor do we vouch for their content for the life of this book.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any
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05 06 07 08 09 10 11 • 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Contents

COVER PAGE
TITLE PAGE
COPYRIGHT
Foreword by Stanley M. Horton
Acknowledgments
Introduction
PART 1
ANATOMY OF THE FRACTURED MIND
1. The Heart and the Head: What the Bible Teaches about the Mind
2. The Life of God in the Minds of Human Beings
3. The Apostle Paul and His Anti-Intellectual Verses
4. Matthew, Luke, and John on Matters of the Intellect
5. Early Pentecostals and the Life of the Mind
6. The Spirit-Filled Mind in Modern Times
7. Anti-Intellectual Roots in the Nineteenth Century
8. Four Giants of Nineteenth-Century Evangelicalism
9. Modern Culture, Anti-Intellectualism, and Pentecostal – Charismatic Beliefs
10. The Anatomy of Anti-Intellectualism
PART 2
AMMUNITION FOR THE FULL-GOSPEL MIND
11. The Fine Art of Thinking: Reason and Logic
12. The Molding of the Human Mind: Education
13. Defining the Faith: Theology
14. Defending the Truth: Apologetics
15. Thinking about Reality: Philosophy
16. Discovering the Realities of Nature: Science
17. Enlarging the Mind: Reading
18. Pondering the Great Minds of God
19. Challenges and Caveats
20. Conclusion and Practical Helps
Selected Bibliography
ABOUT THE PUBLISHER
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS
Foreword

I congratulate Rick Nañez as a Pentecostal author for his insight into our need for sharpening
Pentecostal minds. Though there has been a significant increase in the number of Pentecostals who
are seeking higher education, too many still do not see the need. True, I have learned much from
sincere Christians with little education — and that keeps me humble. Yet God definitely led me to the
University of California, where I studied science, then to Gordon Divinity School, Harvard
University, New York Theological Seminary, and Central Baptist Theological Seminary. I learned that
in-depth study of the Bible, biblical languages, archaeology, psychology, philosophy, other religions,
and church history sharpened my appreciation for the truth of God’s Holy Word and helped me to
realize my dependence on the Holy Spirit for guidance. All of my writing has come from study of
God’s Word and prayer. God has continued to guide me throughout the eighty-eight years of my life.
Rick Nañez has come from a different background but has been led by the Spirit of God in his
education as well. His in-depth understanding of many important subjects is reflected in his research
and in the writing of this book. He dares to point out weaknesses and call Pentecostals and
Charismatics to seek a balance between mind and Spirit. This book will stir you to seek all that God
has for you. After you read it, read 1 Corinthians 15 and pay attention to how Paul logically defends
the truth of the resurrection. As Rick Nañez emphasizes, we all need to be able to take part in the
defense of the gospel. Enemy forces are all around us. This book will help you find and use God-
given resources.
STANLEY M. HORTON, TH.D.
Acknowledgments

From around 1989, I began to chat with influential minds in the Pentecostal – Charismatic movement
about the value of the life of the mind as well as of our lack of discussion on this matter. One by one,
these people shared their concern over our indifference and, at times, antipathy toward intellectual
involvement in the Full Gospel faith. Year after year, I monitored lists of new releases to see if
someone from within our ranks had penned a volume on this vitally important topic. After ten years, I
sensed that the Lord was dealing with my heart, nudging me toward being that person. I was, and still
am, humbled at the thought that he would use me to speak to this critical issue.
The book that you hold in your hand has been written with professors, students, pastors, and lay
people in mind. I know that this is a broad spectrum, but I have strived to make this a readable volume
for as many as possible. Pentecostal – Charismatic scholars are making marked headway in their
various disciplines, but it seems that there is a gap in the literary market between academic endeavors
and the call to intellectual spirituality on the lay level. With this book, I hope to contribute to the
closing of that gap. In order to do this successfully, we must not only continue to work on a scholarly
level, allowing our findings to trickle down to the people, but we must place tools into their hands that
can help them to meet the scholar halfway. In this way, the healing of our fractured mind will take
place more speedily, which will, in turn, help us to become what we already confess to be — Full
Gospel.
I want to give a word of thanks to those who have helped bring about this work. I am so very
grateful for the Pentecostal – Charismatic movement. Without the love, passion, and guidance of
some of her choice servants, I would be wandering in the labyrinth of life, stricken with angst, and
chasing after the winds of an elusive life-calling. There was Bill, a Full Gospel friend who introduced
me to Christ, and James, a Charismatic leader who taught me early on of the indispensable value of
prayer. Charlie and Phil, two Spirit-filled missionary statesmen, were the first to stir my soul for
world missions; and two Pentecostal professors, Hank and John, first provoked me to place my
rational faculties at the disposal of my heavenly Father.
Furthermore, I was privileged to bump into a few authors early in my spiritual expedition who
pricked my mind to offer it to the Architect of my mind. Isaac Watts’ The Improvement of the Mind, A.
G. Sertillanges’ The Intellectual Life, and John Stott’s The Mind Matters have each helped me to think
about thinking as a Christian calling. I also want to thank my perennial professors, my thought-
breeders: Francois Fenelon, Søren Kierkegaard, C. S. Lewis, David Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Francis
Schaeffer, Carl F. Henry, Peter Kreeft, and Philip Yancey. These are the mentors I’ve turned to when in
need of compassionate, balanced, inflamed, Christian minds that tower and shine like beacons over
the sluggish, hazy contour of our modern intellectual landscape. These are the friends I’ve consulted
again and again in order to know that I am not alone.
I am equally grateful for the friends within arm’s reach who encouraged me all along the way as I
fought to remain focused. I offer my thanks to Jim and Lori, Andy and Wendy, Wendell and Laura,
who believed in the project and demonstrated it in so many ways. I also want to make known my
appreciation to the quality people — the sheep of my former pasture — at Victory Bible Church. For
over eleven years they helped me to develop as a pastor. They smiled and loved me as I tried my hand
at blending the intellectual with the devotional. They provided me with freedom and gave me courage
to seek and teach a balanced faith.
I wish to record my indebtedness to Zondervan for their willingness to partner with me in
somewhat untested waters. In a sense, this book is the first of its kind; thus, with courage and faith they
have crossed the threshold with me. Without their vote of confidence, the message contained within
this volume may never have made its way into the minds of the reading public. Again, I am humbled
and grateful.
I owe a hefty word of thanks to Jack Kragt, academic marketing manager at Zondervan, along with
the whole marketing team. Their intense, thorough, and distinct approach to the success of a new title
is impressive. They do so with enthusiasm and class — much like a proud father does when heralding
the arrival of his firstborn.
Through my editor, Verlyn Verbrugge, I have learned that one need not be smug and indifferent in
order to work in the world of revision. Verlyn has gently guided me around the potholes and barriers
that could have otherwise unnecessarily hindered the flow of my message. With wit, skill, and
kindness he has taken a block of manuscript and chiseled out a recognizable sculpture for the viewing
public. He is truly an example of one who possess the gift and art of editorial ministry.
I must make mention of my sons, Joseph and Christopher, at this juncture. I am fully aware of the
sacrifice they made, leaving friends and familiar surroundings for the sake of moving to a quieter
setting where I could research and write. No doubt many times during the year that I wrote, their
drums and trumpets were silenced because of my need for solace and thought. I am likewise pleased
that they are young men who are cultivating a thinking faith.
Finally, I am greatly indebted to my wife, who has bore with patience the life with a bibliomaniac. I
could not have written this book without her tolerance while I held her dining room hostage for
months on end, littered with crumpled copies of half-baked chapters and fortressed by barricades of
reference books. I am honored to have a wife who was willing to leave a comfortable eleven-year
pastorate for the sake of wading into the uncertain waters of a writing sabbatical. When questioned by
less enthusiastic onlookers, Renee believed in the cause. Without such a soul mate, the message in this
book would have never materialized. For all this, I thank her — and I thank God for her.
Introduction

The year was 1985; the occasion was the annual summer camp meeting of a well-known Charismatic
leader. I had only known the Lord in a personal way since August of the previous year and had
experienced an infilling with the Holy Spirit the following November. During a ten-month period, I
had sat under the teaching of several prominent Pentecostal – Charismatic personalities within a
several-hundred mile radius of my hometown, Wichita Falls, Texas — well-known speakers such as
Kenneth Copeland, Oral Roberts, Jimmy Swaggart, Kenneth Hagin, Bob Tilton, Norvel Hayes, and
Billy Jo Daugherty. Each one placed a brick in my soft but growing foundation. Though my traveling
companions and I belonged to a local Pentecostal church, we were once again on our weekend trek to
gain more spiritual treasures from the anointed teaching of yet another Spirit-filled preacher.
On that trip I devoured a book written by the man whom we were traveling to see. Up to this point,
my literary diet had consisted of those books gifted to me by my Pentecostal and Charismatic friends
in the faith — books like They Speak With Other Tongues, The Late Great Planet Earth, Angels on
Assignment, Armageddon 198?, The Miracle of Seed Faith, I Believe in Visions, Pigs in the Parlor,
God’s Formula for Success and Prosperity, and Understanding the Anointing. One by one, these works
challenged me and spurred me on in the life of faith. This trip was no different from the rest; I was
primed for a miracle!
During that camp meeting so many years ago, one of the greatest miracles of my life did take
place, but not in the way I had anticipated. It all began when the host speaker challenged the
participants to empty our minds and to battle the temptation to think about anything at all. We were
instructed to refuse to allow reason to get in our way and to restrain our heads from blocking the
route to our hearts. When most had complied with the speaker’s authoritative directives, he then told
each one of us to turn to the person behind us and prophesy into his or her life. I stood bewildered by
the unthinking obedience of the thousands who were participating in what seemed like a dangerous
and mindless exercise.
I was a baby Christian who had been nurtured for only a short time in biblical teaching. But it
seemed to me that what was taking place was a mishandling of people’s minds and that there were
philosophical implications in the mental gymnastics I was witnessing. I became aware that this group
of professed believers both undervalued and misunderstood the place of the intellect in the enterprise
of worship. Haunting and hounding questions plagued me following the incident. How could adults so
easily forfeit their reasoning faculties? Did they think of their minds as mere mechanized calculators
twice removed from the spiritual life? Or was I the only one perhaps out to lunch; maybe I didn’t
recognize the full meal deal when I saw it.
Ever since that episode, I have watched and listened, and I have pondered why so many Pentecostals
and Charismatic believers minimize the “life of the mind.” The situation would be confusing enough
if we were simply neutral about our views concerning the connection between the intellectual and
spiritual life. But we seem to go a step further; we are often suspicious of reason and give the
impression that we actually distrust the mind.
Don’t get me wrong. I deeply love the Pentecostal – Charismatic movement. It is within her realm
that I choose to make my theological home. I have elected to worship and minister in the “Full
Gospel” environment for many reasons. Without a doubt, she has been a phenomenal blessing to the
worldwide body of Christ. Her spiritual enthusiasm, passionate pursuit of the transcendent, and
openness to the restoration of many gifts of the Holy Spirit have captured the attention of and
enriched God’s people around the globe. Millions outside of Spirit-filled circles have been drawn