Under the Unpredictable Plant: an Exploration in Vocational Holiness

pp. 14-15

The “higher sins,” the “sins of the spirit,” are often pretty hard to detect. “Is this outburst of zeal energetic obedience or human presumption? Is this exuberant confidence holy boldness inspired by the Holy Spirit or a boastful arrogance fed by an anxious ego? Is this assertive leadership courageous faith or self-importance? It is not easy to tell. Not at all easy.” “The commonest forms of devil-inspired worship do not take place furtively at block masses with decapitated cats but flourish under the bright lights of acclaim and glory, in a swirl of organ music.”