Neologisms for Neoevangelicals
SOLA EXPERIENTIA [(soh-luh) (ɪkˈspɪər ee ən’ see uh)]
[(1685–95; < Italian, Latin sōlus alone); (1350–1400; Middle English < Latin experientia, equivalent to experient- stem of experiēns, past participle of experīrī to try, test; see ex-1, peril} + -ia noun suffix; see -ence) (Latin ablative, “by experience alone”)]
- Experience alone—in contrast to the Reformation, which set forth the doctrine of Sola Scriptura (the Bible alone) as the basis for spiritual authority; experience as modern evangelicalism’s basis for final authority.
- Giving sole or final authority to the totality of the cognitions given by emotions; placing feelings over reason, rational thought or biblical Truth.
- Ascribing preeminent spiritual significance to all that is perceived, understood, and remembered in personal experience.
- Placing sole or final authority in the knowledge or practical wisdom gained from what one has observed, encountered, or felt.
- Placing sole or final authority in the knowledge or practical wisdom gained from what others have observed, encountered, or felt, especially including those of spiritual leaders, popular speakers, authors and celebrities.
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” (2 Timothy 4:3-4)
*Adapted from www.dictionary.com
NOTE: The original posting can be found HERE. Several members of the Discernment Research Group have been collaborating with Pastor Ken Silva of Apprising Ministries to develop a descriptive vocabulary for the new doctrines, practices and heresies of the emerging evangelical church.