Along my journey I have made an observation. At least it’s something I have observed within the limits of my experience, which is by no means a complete sample of all that is out there. But I have observed that there are two main branches of the Christian experience. There is the experiential branch and the philosophical branch. Often these branches are pitted as in opposition to one another is certain streams.

Let me define them:

Experiential Christianity are those streams and practices which emphasize visible miracles, experience and feelings. They emphasize doing over knowing. They have vibrant emotional worship and prayer. They believe in signs and wonders. They do a lot of missionary work. They have a lot of public exposure.

Philosophical Christianity are those streams and practices which emphasize intellect, mysticism and wisdom. They emphasize knowing over doing. Their worship and prayer tends to lean towards the liturgy and ritual. The supernatural is expressed through the rituals and through contemplation. They tend to cloister and have less public exposure.

Historically these have been seen to be in opposition. However there is nothing really wrong with either of these approaches. And they are not exclusive of one another either. There is a spectrum along which people and streams lie. Just because someone would see themselves as more of a philosophical believer does not mean they never do missionary work. Likewise the experiential believer may also engage in contemplation and love wisdom.

Notice that both of these have supernatural elements. So this is not a divide between whether the charismata are for today or not. Both have elements of the supernatural in them.

Experiential Christianity says that we need to be a demonstration of God’s love to the world in what we do. So we see healing, miracles, missions, expressive worship and a lot of preaching in these streams.

Philosophical Christianity says we need to demonstrate God’s love to the world by how we relate to people and through our academics and theology, creativity in the arts, music, etc. It’s less about what we do and more about who we are.

You can see that both of these share some of the same goals, demonstrating God’s love, being aware of the supernatural around us, loving people.

So why can’t we come together? I have my hand in both of these worlds. Right now I consider my self mostly a philosophical Christian, but the stream I am part of is greatly influenced by the experiential side. We have to learn to appreciate both. We may lean one way or the other in our preferences, but we have to stop dismissing the other way. Both are important. Both contribute.