Charles H. Kraft, a professor of anthropology and intercultural communication at Fuller Theological Seminary, addresses the crucial issue of how our worldview impacts our openness to the supernatural activity of the Holy Spirit in the life of the church. Is it possible that we have allowed the worldview of Western culture to distort our view of reality? Have we adopted a sub-biblical paradigm that falls far short of authentic Christianity?
Kraft suggests that evangelicalism has rightly emphasized the word aspect of the gospel, but has ignored and minimized the power aspect. As a result, "though it provides abundant knowledge about the things of God, there is not a corresponding demonstration of the works of God." The root of our problem, according to Kraft, is the worldview that we have adopted. He defines worldview as "the culturally structured assumptions, values, and commitments under lying a people's perception of reality." Kraft asserts that only God sees reality in all its fullness. Our perception of "the big R"—reality—is subjective, limited, and partial. But we should strive to learn as much as possible about reality and adjust our "small r" reality accordingly. The author suggests that evangelicals have adopted the naturalistic worldview of western culture and abandoned supernaturalistic worldview of Scripture. As a result, they, along with Western culture, have become obsessed with materialism, humanism, and rational ism. Kraft, therefore, asserts that it is time for evangelicals to stop acting like deists, castoff the naturalistic worldview, and rediscover authentic Christianity—Christianity with power. He observes that an increasing number of non-Christians in Western culture are already expressing dissatisfaction with the naturalistic worldview and are turning to the occult and New Age religions in search of a more adequate view of reality.
Kraft not only presents the problem, but also provides practical ways to es cape from "worldview captivity." This book is filled with firsthand experiences that demonstrate not only a paradigm shift from a naturalistic to a supernaturalistic worldview, but also a "practical shift" from a powerless ministry to a ministry of spiritual power. Theologian Clark Pinnock may be right in hailing Christianity With Power as a "landmark publication." It is certainly worthy of your careful study and may well revolutionize your ministry.
