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Thoughts on Religious Experience
The nature of spiritual experience is probably both the most interesting and the most difficult subject in Christian interesting because it concerns human life in all observable stages from childhood to death, and embraces all the emotions and behaviour possible in a man regenerated by the Holy Spirit; difficult because the adequate treatment of the subject makes immense demands upon the author. To trace sanctification and backsliding, as they appear in human consciousness, presupposes a sound biblical theology as well as a spirituality of mind and a pastoral knowledge broad enough to interpret all the varieties in type which occur.
Twenty years a pastor and preacher in a revival era, then forty years a professor at Princeton Theological Seminary (commenced in 1812 when he was the sole instructor), Archibald Alexander brought to this volume the best wisdom of his life. From his own observations, and from case histories drawn from Christian biography, he follows his subject with the hand of a master. He was, in Dr. Theodore Woolsey's words, 'The Shakespeare of the Christian heart'. Primarily concerned with what ought to be the impression made upon the life by scriptural truths he has nothing of the vague devotionalism of the religious mystics. But within this biblical context a wide variety of experiences passes under review, along with a consideration of the practical problems involved in an understanding of the new-birth, Christian growth, spiritual conflict and kindred subjects.
This is a lucid and fascinating volume almost alone in the field which it covers.
Twenty years a pastor and preacher in a revival era, then forty years a professor at Princeton Theological Seminary (commenced in 1812 when he was the sole instructor), Archibald Alexander brought to this volume the best wisdom of his life. From his own observations, and from case histories drawn from Christian biography, he follows his subject with the hand of a master. He was, in Dr. Theodore Woolsey's words, 'The Shakespeare of the Christian heart'. Primarily concerned with what ought to be the impression made upon the life by scriptural truths he has nothing of the vague devotionalism of the religious mystics. But within this biblical context a wide variety of experiences passes under review, along with a consideration of the practical problems involved in an understanding of the new-birth, Christian growth, spiritual conflict and kindred subjects.
This is a lucid and fascinating volume almost alone in the field which it covers.
338 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1844
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281 people want to read
About the author
Archibald Alexander
277 books7 followersArchibald Alexander (April 17, 1772 – October 22, 1851) was an American Presbyterian theologian and professor at the Princeton Theological Seminary. He served for 9 years as the President of Hampden–Sydney College in Virginia and for 39 years as Princeton Theological Seminary's first professor from 1812 to 1851.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 4, 2024
Excellent - the inclusion of certain pastoral letters in the appendix is most appropriate. I especially benefitted from the counsels to youth.
The anecdotes are very effective for illustrating the points. This is a work of supreme experimental religion.
The anecdotes are very effective for illustrating the points. This is a work of supreme experimental religion.
July 30, 2022
Outstanding. Was recommended by one of my elders. Even though it was written as a treatise on evangelical and experimental faith, it serves as an excellent Christian treatise on counseling pre-freud.
July 10, 2025
It was recommended at the last Banner Conference I attended, and I figured I would give it a shot. It was a great book to read with helpful information/testimony on life as a Christian.
"There are two kinds of religious knowledge which, though intimately connected as cause and effect, may nevertheless be distinguished. These are the knowledge of the truth as it is revealed in the Holy Scriptures and the impression which that truth makes on the mind when rightly apprehended."
This quote sums up the book.
Alexander (1771-1851) was ordained as a minister in the Presbyterian Church at just 20 years old. He became the lead professor at Princeton Theological Seminary. He wasn't a slouch theologically or experientially. He pastored for 20 years and was a preacher in the revival. He had a good handle on the "Nature of Spiritual Experience"
The book covers a number of important areas of our religious experience that are often overlooked or ignored today. For example, here are a few of the chapter headings/themes covered:
1) The importance of piety in children -
2) The new birth and its importance
3) False views of regeneration
4) Sanctification/spiritual warfare
5) Backsliding
and so on. The author truly hits the hearts mark when talking about the Christian experience. I find it to be open, honest and applicable.
He goes over death bed experiences of believers. These testimonies I thought were inspiring and hopeful.
The book closes out with various letters including ones written to the aged, Christian mothers, those in mourning and widows.
The book was an easy read with only 370 pages.
"There are two kinds of religious knowledge which, though intimately connected as cause and effect, may nevertheless be distinguished. These are the knowledge of the truth as it is revealed in the Holy Scriptures and the impression which that truth makes on the mind when rightly apprehended."
This quote sums up the book.
Alexander (1771-1851) was ordained as a minister in the Presbyterian Church at just 20 years old. He became the lead professor at Princeton Theological Seminary. He wasn't a slouch theologically or experientially. He pastored for 20 years and was a preacher in the revival. He had a good handle on the "Nature of Spiritual Experience"
The book covers a number of important areas of our religious experience that are often overlooked or ignored today. For example, here are a few of the chapter headings/themes covered:
1) The importance of piety in children -
2) The new birth and its importance
3) False views of regeneration
4) Sanctification/spiritual warfare
5) Backsliding
and so on. The author truly hits the hearts mark when talking about the Christian experience. I find it to be open, honest and applicable.
He goes over death bed experiences of believers. These testimonies I thought were inspiring and hopeful.
The book closes out with various letters including ones written to the aged, Christian mothers, those in mourning and widows.
The book was an easy read with only 370 pages.
December 8, 2023
Pastor Jason said no more❌new book. It was too scattered/not very organized which bothered me but I enjoyed most of the content that we got through.
December 6, 2018
Excellent pastoral wisdom on a variety of topics.
November 3, 2020
How do you describe the emotions and behaviors of a Christian who is truly being sanctified by the Holy Spirit? In Thoughts on Religious Experience, Banner of Truth Publishing presents Archibald Alexander’s masterpiece in Christian wisdom and writing.
Academic and Emotional
Alexander (1771-1851) was ordained as a minister in the Presbyterian Church at just 20 years old. He was later unanimously chosen as the leading professor of Princeton Theological Seminary in 1812. This book showcases his work having the heart of a minister and the mind of a professor.
Drawing from his own observations and from case histories found in Christian biography, Alexander writes with academic vigor and emotional honesty.
Exhortations and Encouragement
At the beginning of the book, Alexander speaks on early “impressions” of the faith and distinguishes them from conversions. This sort of descriptive language is characteristic of Alexander as he helps the reader understand. In later chapters, he speaks of “growth in grace,” including evidences of it and practical directions toward making progress in piety.
Alexander makes a point to distinguish perpetual versus temporary backsliding. He notes that while Christians have the duty to move toward backsliding brethren, the Lord will often make use of his own means to restore. This acted as both an exhortation and encouragement as I was reading.
Affliction and Suffering
Trials play a prominent role in the religious experience of believers, and Alexander makes it clear that Christ has chosen his people to be refined through affliction and suffering. I was reminded and repented of my disbelief, that even up to the death bed of the believer we are to admire and celebrate instances of sovereign grace.
The final chapters act as an appendix, presenting several of Alexander’s pastoral letters. These include letters to the aged, counsels of the aged to the young, counsels to Christian mothers, a letter to a mourning, afflicted widow, and a letter to a bereaved widower. They were inspiring to read, and a treasure to reflect on. His words contain timeless truths.
The Maker and Mover
This book will reward a slow and careful read. There is a lot to unpack, and Alexander demands your full attention. It is hard to put words to true and genuine religious experiences. We’re talking about the thoughts and intentions of the heart. But this book does well to examine and explain what is truly taking place. And it will draw your attention to the reality of the maker and mover behind our religious experiences.
I received a media copy of Thoughts On Religious Experience and this is my honest review.
Academic and Emotional
Alexander (1771-1851) was ordained as a minister in the Presbyterian Church at just 20 years old. He was later unanimously chosen as the leading professor of Princeton Theological Seminary in 1812. This book showcases his work having the heart of a minister and the mind of a professor.
Drawing from his own observations and from case histories found in Christian biography, Alexander writes with academic vigor and emotional honesty.
Exhortations and Encouragement
At the beginning of the book, Alexander speaks on early “impressions” of the faith and distinguishes them from conversions. This sort of descriptive language is characteristic of Alexander as he helps the reader understand. In later chapters, he speaks of “growth in grace,” including evidences of it and practical directions toward making progress in piety.
Alexander makes a point to distinguish perpetual versus temporary backsliding. He notes that while Christians have the duty to move toward backsliding brethren, the Lord will often make use of his own means to restore. This acted as both an exhortation and encouragement as I was reading.
Affliction and Suffering
Trials play a prominent role in the religious experience of believers, and Alexander makes it clear that Christ has chosen his people to be refined through affliction and suffering. I was reminded and repented of my disbelief, that even up to the death bed of the believer we are to admire and celebrate instances of sovereign grace.
The final chapters act as an appendix, presenting several of Alexander’s pastoral letters. These include letters to the aged, counsels of the aged to the young, counsels to Christian mothers, a letter to a mourning, afflicted widow, and a letter to a bereaved widower. They were inspiring to read, and a treasure to reflect on. His words contain timeless truths.
The Maker and Mover
This book will reward a slow and careful read. There is a lot to unpack, and Alexander demands your full attention. It is hard to put words to true and genuine religious experiences. We’re talking about the thoughts and intentions of the heart. But this book does well to examine and explain what is truly taking place. And it will draw your attention to the reality of the maker and mover behind our religious experiences.
I received a media copy of Thoughts On Religious Experience and this is my honest review.
November 2, 2017
This is the first book I've read by Archibald Alexander, the American theologian who served as Princeton Theological Seminary's first principal. This was wonderful. It carries the scent of the American frontier's optimism and hope, and the Puritan instinct for true, devout religion of the heart. The main thrust is that true religion must affect the heart. Think of this book as a "Reader's Digest" version of Jonathan Edwards' "Religious Affections." Christianity cannot be mere intellect, but must get "into" a man. Of course, this can only be the result of the Holy Spirit's work.
Alexander ranges over the topography of the Christian life and shows how the Holy Spirit works in various ways to win souls to Christ, and thus we should be careful of laying down "schemes" for how conversion happens. It is not some formulaic recipe. God brings men to conversion in a multitude of ways, but the fruit and experience of it will always become evident.
He touches on various other ordeals the saint must face, and pastorally guides how we should approach sickness, health, wealth, poverty, and death. All in all, very helpful. You can also read it for free over at GraceGems.
Alexander ranges over the topography of the Christian life and shows how the Holy Spirit works in various ways to win souls to Christ, and thus we should be careful of laying down "schemes" for how conversion happens. It is not some formulaic recipe. God brings men to conversion in a multitude of ways, but the fruit and experience of it will always become evident.
He touches on various other ordeals the saint must face, and pastorally guides how we should approach sickness, health, wealth, poverty, and death. All in all, very helpful. You can also read it for free over at GraceGems.
November 23, 2024
This book has probably had the biggest impact on my spiritual formation besides the Bible. After reading it my first year of seminary, I have read it once a year and find new insights and devotional thoughts every time. Maybe it was my particular season of life, my personality, or my stage of sanctification when I first read it—regardless of the occasion, the Lord used Archibald Alexander’s book in my life in a very profound and powerful way. The death-bed conversations are especially transformative.
Grateful.
Grateful.
September 2, 2023
The pastoral advice was exceptional. My issue with the work was the voluminous number of personal testimonies given verbatim and at length. If these were presented as individually published and passed around, then I’d be fine with the manner at which they were included. But to present so many “testimonies” as “I heard about this from someone”, and then proceed to specifically quote those testimonies at length (I.e. multiple pages) as word-exact/verbatim when they’ve been orally passed multiple times…is very unlikely, and casts a great deal of suspicion on the purpose of the accounts. There is a way to couch such testimonies in general terms, such as “spoke at length on x”, “took great encouragement from x”, in a way that could’ve been legitimately passed on from person to person and still offered encouragement. Doing it this way puts more emphasis on the specific words and their arrangement, making them seem planned, contrived, or specifically crafted FOR the purpose of being passed around as “super testimony.”
It’s hard to take such “religious experiences” as genuine, or at least without artifice—especially knowing this was an era (second “great” awakening) whose more prevalent “religious experiences” came from the rampant psychologically manipulated Finney revivalism. Do I believe these people were moved and had religious experiences? Absolutely. Do I believe these well-crafted testimonies are an honest accounting of those religious experiences? No. I think it introduces sophistic artifice, which is not only unnecessary, but dangerously self-propagating. It becomes a false standard of what a “good” religious experience is, encouraging those who like/are skilled at Pharisaical religious show, and discouraging those who have genuine experiences but no skill of pen or tongue.
And that perspective is not without evidence to back it up. These sorts of testimonies became rampant in American Evangelicalism, to the point many denominations reordered their liturgies to dedicate worship service time to personal testimonies…which didn’t take long to become abused more often than not. Egocentric soteriology, egocentric hymnoloy, egocentric liturgical lineups…it’s hard NOT to draw a direct cause/effect line from the personal “religious experiences” of the 19th century to the decline in personal theological knowledge, righteousness, holiness, and dominion in the 20th and now 21st century evangelicalism.
It’s hard to take such “religious experiences” as genuine, or at least without artifice—especially knowing this was an era (second “great” awakening) whose more prevalent “religious experiences” came from the rampant psychologically manipulated Finney revivalism. Do I believe these people were moved and had religious experiences? Absolutely. Do I believe these well-crafted testimonies are an honest accounting of those religious experiences? No. I think it introduces sophistic artifice, which is not only unnecessary, but dangerously self-propagating. It becomes a false standard of what a “good” religious experience is, encouraging those who like/are skilled at Pharisaical religious show, and discouraging those who have genuine experiences but no skill of pen or tongue.
And that perspective is not without evidence to back it up. These sorts of testimonies became rampant in American Evangelicalism, to the point many denominations reordered their liturgies to dedicate worship service time to personal testimonies…which didn’t take long to become abused more often than not. Egocentric soteriology, egocentric hymnoloy, egocentric liturgical lineups…it’s hard NOT to draw a direct cause/effect line from the personal “religious experiences” of the 19th century to the decline in personal theological knowledge, righteousness, holiness, and dominion in the 20th and now 21st century evangelicalism.
June 29, 2018
An aged pastor-friend who I admire very much for his great wisdom and love for God and people told me that this book profoundly shaped him. And it has certainly done so for me as well. It will take me weeks to take my notes from this book. This is not a quick read. Every page is packed.
The book is written by an old pastor who is sharing his experiences on the conversion of people and the circumstances surrounding how the Lord granted true saving faith to different types of people from all walks of life. So many varied experiences. Experiences of children and the differences in spiritual “impressions” that they have if being raised by Christian parents, and then when actual conversion occurs. The experiences of those steeped in sin with no interest in spiritual things and the various ways God stirs them to be awakened out of their death such as certain attributes of God they gradually begin to think upon, or a person he brings into their lives who speaks one sentence that they dwell on, or an event that causes their eyes to begin seeing some light. And then he traces their gradual steps to a saving knowledge of Christ, repentance and faith. He also speaks of the experiences of those saved in emotionally charged “revival” services and the trajectory of these persons.
He also tells of those who struggle with assurance and the brutally honest thoughts they share with him, and how/when the Lord gave peace and assurance, all varied and unique.
This is a heavy book but worth the time. I have learned so much about the uniqueness of how God chooses to shed his grace abroad in our hearts through his Son.
The book is written by an old pastor who is sharing his experiences on the conversion of people and the circumstances surrounding how the Lord granted true saving faith to different types of people from all walks of life. So many varied experiences. Experiences of children and the differences in spiritual “impressions” that they have if being raised by Christian parents, and then when actual conversion occurs. The experiences of those steeped in sin with no interest in spiritual things and the various ways God stirs them to be awakened out of their death such as certain attributes of God they gradually begin to think upon, or a person he brings into their lives who speaks one sentence that they dwell on, or an event that causes their eyes to begin seeing some light. And then he traces their gradual steps to a saving knowledge of Christ, repentance and faith. He also speaks of the experiences of those saved in emotionally charged “revival” services and the trajectory of these persons.
He also tells of those who struggle with assurance and the brutally honest thoughts they share with him, and how/when the Lord gave peace and assurance, all varied and unique.
This is a heavy book but worth the time. I have learned so much about the uniqueness of how God chooses to shed his grace abroad in our hearts through his Son.
June 15, 2021
Let's start with the good points:
1. There are very few published works on religious experience from a Christian point of view. This one is an excellent example.
2. Most works on this subject set out to discredit religious experience as psychological short-comings, this is a refreshing antithesis to that approach.
Now the weak points:
1. The publisher - First Rate Publishers. Reader, avoid this edition if you possibly can! No index, no chapter headings, narrow type, very inelegant setting, all adding up to a very hard and discouraging read.
2. A little too 'preachy', resulting in far more words than is needed. A good foreword could have set the tone instead.
Overall:
Get a different edition and this is a remarkable work, well worth the effort, so long as you can find a publisher that cares.
1. There are very few published works on religious experience from a Christian point of view. This one is an excellent example.
2. Most works on this subject set out to discredit religious experience as psychological short-comings, this is a refreshing antithesis to that approach.
Now the weak points:
1. The publisher - First Rate Publishers. Reader, avoid this edition if you possibly can! No index, no chapter headings, narrow type, very inelegant setting, all adding up to a very hard and discouraging read.
2. A little too 'preachy', resulting in far more words than is needed. A good foreword could have set the tone instead.
Overall:
Get a different edition and this is a remarkable work, well worth the effort, so long as you can find a publisher that cares.
December 7, 2019
Overall, a great book on a difficult subject.
I felt that it was a bit unorganised but that can be forgiven.
There was a mix of testimonies, pastoral teaching, application points and so on.
I found the part on "melancholy" which today translates to depression, very well written and would be helpful for all to read in this day and age. Also, the closing prayer was quite robust, rich and full of doctrine.
This is an easy read due to the topic. I think it would be helpful to those who are struggling with their religious experience or those having doubts about it. This books helps the guide the reader to what a Christian experience should look like while leaving much room for variation. It goes through topics such as the new birth, regeneration, sanctification and death.
I felt that it was a bit unorganised but that can be forgiven.
There was a mix of testimonies, pastoral teaching, application points and so on.
I found the part on "melancholy" which today translates to depression, very well written and would be helpful for all to read in this day and age. Also, the closing prayer was quite robust, rich and full of doctrine.
This is an easy read due to the topic. I think it would be helpful to those who are struggling with their religious experience or those having doubts about it. This books helps the guide the reader to what a Christian experience should look like while leaving much room for variation. It goes through topics such as the new birth, regeneration, sanctification and death.
October 31, 2017
Great book full of gospel truths with compassionate and wise pastoral insights. It is very interesting to have the insights into American Christianity from a few hundred years ago, and how much today's Christianity is similar. I highly recommend this book.
The only draw back is due to its length. It can become dull because there is so much on each subject. For me, to really get the best of this book, it is to be read in parts. As questions come up or I just need some insight on a particular subject, I can find the subject in the index and make a quick read as needed. Will continue going back to this work
The only draw back is due to its length. It can become dull because there is so much on each subject. For me, to really get the best of this book, it is to be read in parts. As questions come up or I just need some insight on a particular subject, I can find the subject in the index and make a quick read as needed. Will continue going back to this work
August 18, 2019
Encouraging study of the Christian experience from birth to death
What an encouraging and enlightening book as he goes from birth to death to cover the various experiences Christians can and have had. God is not a cookie cutter God, giving the same experience of salvation and sanctification to His children. Rather He works with who we are and where we are, giving different experiences so that each of us can learn from one another and impact people differently.
What an encouraging and enlightening book as he goes from birth to death to cover the various experiences Christians can and have had. God is not a cookie cutter God, giving the same experience of salvation and sanctification to His children. Rather He works with who we are and where we are, giving different experiences so that each of us can learn from one another and impact people differently.
January 12, 2021
This was so excellent. It does a good job sorting out people who are going through a faith crisis, and explains all the stubbornness and despair that goes along with it, in a variety of cases. I identify closely with the "obduracy" man in chapter two, as well as R.C.'s story, minus the part where he's convinced he's beyond saving. This is free on Monergism as well as sermonaudio. God save us. Please!
October 21, 2024
I thought this book was very helpful. Although it is not necessarily an easy read, but Alexander discusses topics of conversion and the Christian life that I haven't heard discussed very often. Convicting, encouraging, edifying. There's several people I want to get to read this.
His section on melancholy was the only one I didn't like - he says that it must be a physical illness, and that doctors must have scientific proof, much like is said these days about depression.
His section on melancholy was the only one I didn't like - he says that it must be a physical illness, and that doctors must have scientific proof, much like is said these days about depression.
June 4, 2023
Incredible wisdom when it comes to evidence of salvation in a life and the means by which God saves. Very edifying. The discussions on Chrsitians dying was particularly personal, and I think this is a book I'll need to revisit at some point.
November 14, 2020
Most of it is great. Some of it is not so great. But the great is still great.
December 26, 2022
At times heavy-going, but gospel-centred and very practical.
November 12, 2023
It is an excellent book. I enjoyed the first 2/3 more than the last bit. Lots of truth. You can get a pdf copy to read on an ereader for free at monergism.com.
January 8, 2025
A lot of thoughts on death bed experiences. I’m thankful for the encouragement to think on these things. It would do many Christians today good to consider the end of their life.
Want to read
August 15, 2025Deyoung
May 10, 2012
gives great insight into the way people thought about religion during that time. Is full of meaty descriptions.
One feels that Alexander was a physician in religious matters and brought healing to his patients.
One feels that Alexander was a physician in religious matters and brought healing to his patients.
July 12, 2011
Alexander, the great Old School Princeton theologian, does a great job striking a balance between both extremes of religious experience.
May 19, 2014
Not what I expected. Good, but there are other works, on the same issue, worth your time.
March 7, 2016
There is good insight here, but I found reading this book very dull, I'm calling it quits after 75 pages or so
April 14, 2021
Necessary reading. Even better than Edwards on the Affections.
Read
June 21, 2017Profound and stirring. Alexander's observations on the diversity of experiences in both the Christian's conversion and life are balanced, remarkable and rich.
I benefited greatly.
I benefited greatly.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews