John Crowder

John Crowder is a controversial figure within charismatic circles and is known for leading the "New Mystics" movement and founding the ministry “Sons of Thunder.” His teachings combine elements of charismatic Christianity with mystical experiences, esoteric practices, and a heavy emphasis on grace, but they differ significantly from confessional Christianity in several key areas.

Key Beliefs and How They Differ from Confessional Christianity

1. Experiential Mysticism and "Drunken Glory":

• John Crowder's View: Crowder is known for promoting what he calls the “drunken glory,” a mystical experience that he describes as being “intoxicated” with the presence of God. He often encourages believers to seek supernatural encounters that resemble states of drunkenness, using terms like “getting whacked” in the Spirit. His meetings are characterized by behaviors such as laughing uncontrollably, staggering, and mimicking drunkenness, which he claims are manifestations of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
• Confessional Christianity: Reformed theology emphasizes that true experiences of the Holy Spirit lead to self-control, holiness, and a deeper understanding of God's Word (Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Timothy 1:7). Confessional Christianity teaches that spiritual experiences should always align with Scripture and lead to greater conformity to Christ, not uncontrolled or disorderly behavior. The Westminster Confession of Faith stresses the importance of sober-mindedness and reverence in worship, contrasting with the chaotic manifestations promoted by Crowder.

2. Hyper-Grace and Antinomianism:

• John Crowder's View: Crowder is associated with the "hyper-grace" movement, which emphasizes God's grace to the point of downplaying or even dismissing the role of repentance, obedience, and holiness in the Christian life. He teaches that believers are fully righteous in Christ and that any focus on sin, repentance, or the law is unnecessary or even detrimental to experiencing God’s love and grace.
• Confessional Christianity: Confessional Christianity teaches that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9), but it also affirms that true faith produces repentance, obedience, and a pursuit of holiness (James 2:17; Romans 6:1-2). The Westminster Confession of Faith emphasizes that while believers are justified by faith, they are also called to grow in sanctification, which involves dying to sin and living in righteousness (Romans 8:13). Crowder’s “hyper-grace” approach lacks the biblical balance of grace and holiness found in Reformed theology.

3. Use of Esoteric and Mystical Practices:

• John Crowder's View: Crowder incorporates esoteric and mystical practices into his teachings, such as “soaking” in God’s presence, practicing “ecstatic” prayer, and using contemplative techniques that resemble Eastern meditation. He often draws on elements from New Age spirituality, promoting practices like “bilocation” (the ability to be in two places at once spiritually) and “Christian mysticism,” which he claims lead to deeper spiritual experiences.
• Confessional Christianity: Reformed theology warns against incorporating non-biblical or occult practices into Christian worship (Deuteronomy 18:9-12; Colossians 2:8). The Bible teaches that believers should worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:24) and avoid practices that blend Christian faith with pagan or mystical elements. The Westminster Confession of Faith emphasizes that Scripture alone is the guide for worship and spiritual practices, rejecting the incorporation of unbiblical mystical techniques.

4. Beliefs about the Atonement and Deification:

• John Crowder's View: Crowder teaches a view of the atonement that focuses heavily on "union with Christ," often blurring the distinction between God and humanity. He emphasizes the idea that believers become "little gods" or partake in the divine nature in a way that suggests a form of deification. Crowder’s language about union with Christ can lead to confusion about the biblical distinctions between Creator and creature, suggesting that believers have the same power and authority as God Himself.
• Confessional Christianity: Confessional Christianity teaches that the atonement reconciles sinners to God through the substitutionary sacrifice of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21). While believers are united with Christ through faith and participate in His life, they do not become divine or share in God's essence (1 Timothy 2:5). The Westminster Confession maintains the clear distinction between Creator and creature, affirming that believers are adopted as children of God but remain finite beings who worship the infinite, sovereign God.

5. Attitude Toward Traditional Doctrine and the Church:

• John Crowder's View: Crowder often criticizes traditional Christian doctrines and the institutional church, suggesting that they are overly legalistic, out of touch, or devoid of spiritual power. He advocates for a more experiential and mystical approach to Christianity that emphasizes personal encounters with God over adherence to doctrine or participation in a local church community.
• Confessional Christianity: Confessional Christianity teaches that doctrine is essential for understanding God’s truth and growing in faith (Titus 1:9; 2 Timothy 4:3-4). The Westminster Confession of Faith affirms the importance of the church as the means by which God administers His grace through the preaching of the Word, the sacraments, and the fellowship of believers (Hebrews 10:25). It emphasizes that sound doctrine and participation in the local church are central to the Christian life.

Summary of Differences

John Crowder's teachings in the "New Mystics" and "Sons of Thunder" ministries reflect a blend of charismatic experiences, mysticism, and a "hyper-grace" message that departs significantly from confessional Christianity. His emphasis on ecstatic experiences, mystical practices, and an overemphasis on grace often leads to a downplaying of repentance, holiness, and adherence to biblical doctrine.

In contrast, confessional Christianity upholds the authority of Scripture, the importance of sound doctrine, the call to holiness, and the role of the local church in the believer’s life. While Crowder’s approach appeals to those seeking supernatural experiences and a sense of spiritual freedom, it lacks the doctrinal clarity, biblical grounding, and emphasis on the transformative power of the gospel that are central to Reformed theology and historic Christian orthodoxy.