17
from theology, spirituality can drift into platitudinous piety. [But equally so] isolated from
spirituality, theology can become dry and barren." Demarests conclusion is that "Theology and
spirituality must be bound together in a mutually nourishing relationship" [BD, 92] a statement
we will return to later in this paper.
For Demarest, heart knowledge leads to intimacy with the Lord.
28
This kind of
"loving, deepening relationship with the living God" is the "core of Christian spirituality" [BD,
74]. Seeking spiritual satisfaction through intellectual theology alone backfires, for "Christians
need to view God less as a proposition to be scrutinized and more as a person to be engaged with
the heart" [BD, 96]. Equally deadly is the frenetic hyper-activity characteristic of so many
evangelicals, where we get so caught up in doing for God, that we lose sight of the goal of a
"daily, directed, in-step relationship with Christ" [BD, 92].
29
This union of the believer with
God in Christ is not, according to Demarest, an essential, metaphysical union, but rather an
experiential union in which "we are indwelt, nourished, and empowered by Christ through the
Spirit" [BD, 100]. Demarests focus on intimacy with God is not foreign to Dallas Willard, but it
laxity (cf. 1 Tim 1:10; 6:3, 20) [BD, 293]. Demarest continues, "As we deepen our spiritual
lives, we must remain firmly rooted in the historic Christian message. We must preserve the
pattern of truth set forth in the apostles and Nicene creeds. We must cling to the teachings of
Christ and the convictions of faithful theologians past and present" [BD, 293].
28
See chapter 4, "Knowing God . . . As Intimates" (pp. 92-122).
29
Demarest cites Abraham Kuyper, who says "What were talking about here is a
relationship so personal and intimate that it cant be described in words" [BD, 99-100].