What is emotionalism in the Christian life?

Emotionalism is when our feelings become the lens through which we interpret truth, rather than letting the truth of Scripture regulate our emotions. Instead of submitting our hearts to God’s Word, we allow experiences, moods, or impressions to determine what we think is true.

Are emotions themselves unbiblical or wrong?

No. Emotions are a good gift from God. He designed us to experience joy, sorrow, compassion, and even righteous anger. Jesus Himself felt deep emotion, yet His emotions were always submitted to the will of the Father. The problem is not emotions themselves, but letting them rule rather than serving God in light of His Word.

How should Christians test their feelings by the Word of God?

Christians should take every strong feeling to Scripture and ask, "What does God’s Word say about what I am feeling right now?" For example, fear must be answered with passages like 2 Timothy 1:7, and guilt with Romans 8:1. The Bible, not our emotions, must be the final authority that interprets our experiences.

How does emotionalism affect worship and discernment?

When emotionalism takes over, Christianity becomes experience-centered instead of Christ-centered. People may confuse strong feelings with the presence of God, or assume that peace always means God’s approval. This weakens discernment, because instead of testing everything by Scripture, we begin testing truth by how it makes us feel.

What does it look like to have emotions shaped by biblical truth?

When emotions are shaped by biblical truth, they become servants rather than masters. Like the psalmist in Psalm 42, we honestly bring our downcast soul to God, yet we preach truth to ourselves and put our hope in Him. Our faith remains anchored in God’s character and promises, even when our feelings are weak, confused, or fluctuating.

Emotionalism, Experience, and the Eclipse of Truth | Contending for the Word Weekly Watch

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Emotionalism, Experience, and the Eclipse of Truth

Series: Contending for the Word — The Weekly WatchHost: Dave Jenkins

Show Summary

In this Weekly Watch, Dave addresses emotionalism and how it can eclipse biblical truth when feelings are treated as final authority. Emotions are a gift from God, yet they must be guided by Scripture. We learn how to test our feelings by the Word, engage both heart and mind, and pursue maturity that stands firm when feelings fluctuate.

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Scriptures Mentioned

Jeremiah 17:9
2 Timothy 4:3–4
John 15–16, ministry of the Holy Spirit
John 17:17
Psalm 42:5
Hebrews 2:18, 4:14–16
John 11:35
Matthew 22:37
2 Timothy 1:7
Romans 8:1
John 4:24

Key Points

Emotions are designed by God, they are not final authority.
Truth renews the mind and shapes the affections.
Test feelings by Scripture, engage heart and mind, pursue maturity over emotional highs.

Call to Action

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Dave Jenkins( Executive Director )

Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah. He is a writer, editor, and speaker living in beautiful Southern Oregon. Dave is a lover of Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology. He serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries, the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine, the Host and Producer of Equipping You in Grace Podcast, and is a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word. He is the author of The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024). You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, or read his newsletter. Dave loves to spend time with his wife, going to movies, eating at a nice restaurant, or going out for a round of golf with a good friend. He is also a voracious reader, in particular of Reformed theology, and the Puritans. You will often find him when he’s not busy with ministry reading a pile of the latest books from a wide variety of Christian publishers. Dave received his M.A.R. and M.Div through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.