Why I'm enthusiastic to make this page about enthusiasm
I'm ethusiastic to be making this page about enthusiasm because I feel enthusiasm is an important element in keeping out attitude on track.
To have an enthusiastic attitude about we do is essential to our success, as it wil drive us onward toward our chosen goals and desires. For more on this check out some of the books in the "Books on Enthusiasm" module below.
Next I'll tell you about the meaning of the word and trace it's history some of it's usages and then make my own Spiritual application in the light of the foregoing.
Books on Enthusiasm
The meaning of the word "Enthusiasm"
from Greek enthousiasmos, from enthousiazein, to be inspired by a god,
from entheos, possessed: en=in + theos=god;
thus, a strong warmth of feeling, keen interest or fervor; Great excitement for or interest in a subject or cause.
2. A source or cause of great excitement or interest.
3. Archaic a. Ecstasy arising from supposed possession by a god.
b. Religious fanaticism.
Irving Hexham's concise Dictionary of religion explained it this way: ENTHUSIASM: the original Greek word means "rapture" or being possessed by a GOD. The word was used disparagingly in the seventeenth century to depict the religious attitude of the PURITANS and in the eighteenth century the METHODISTS.
Enthusiasm in religious history
It's necessary reading for anyone interested in the history of fringe religious movements in general, any of the sects described here specifically, or the psychology of fanaticism
Enthusiasm: A Chapter in the History of Religion : With Special Reference to the XVII and XVIII Centuries
Amazon Price: $37.00 (as of 11/09/2009)
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This is a work of humanism, grounded on faith, but in no way condescending or superior.
Release Date: 12/31/1969
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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition gives the following: "Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm," said the very quotable Ralph Waldo Emerson, who also said, "Everywhere the history of religion betrays a tendency to enthusiasm." These two uses of the word enthusiasm-one positive and one negative-both derive from its source in Greek. Enthusiasm first appeared in English in 1603 with the meaning "possession by a god." The source of the word is the Greek enthousiasmos, which ultimately comes from the adjective entheos, "having the god within," formed from en, "in, within," and theos, "god."
Over time the meaning of enthusiasm became extended to "rapturous inspiration like that caused by a "god" to "an overly confident or delusory belief that one is inspired by God," to "ill-regulated religious fervor, religious extremism," and eventually to the familiar sense "craze, excitement, strong liking for something."
Natural History of Enthusiasm
Natural History of Enthusiasm (1834)
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Reason as well as faith justifies this doctrine, and demands that we deny independency to whatever is created, and devoutly confess that God is " all in all." In Him, by whom they were formed, " all things consist;1'--in Him all "live and move and have their being."-He ...
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Release Date: 12/31/1969
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My Spiritual Application
Of course, if you know me, you might suspect I'd make a Spritual applicaltion.
Although the word was originally used disparagingly, there must be some truth behind it's origins. After all, when you think about God, how do you see him--as a lethargic being, not having any feeling for his handiwork? On the contrary. In Genesis we are told that God saw that what he had created was very good (Genesis 1:21). I believe he was excited about what he had made.
Thus the origin of enthusiasm lies with God Himself. To be told, even desparagingly, that one is enthusiastic (or seeming to have God within) should be viewed as a compliment. Enthusiasm demonstrates the character of God. An enthusiastic person is acting or reacting as God would act or react. Of course anyone can act and even be enthusiastic about anything without knowing God at all. But, for the Christian, there is a built in source of enthusiasm. If you'll pardon my preaching for a second, when we accept Jesus as our Savior, God comes to dwell in us, in the person of the Holy Spirit, so we literally do have God within us. Then we must alow him to fill us, controll us and empower us.
Enthusiasm brings power. Jesus told his disciples that they would receive power after the Holy Spirit had come upon them (Acts 1:8). Thus, our greatest source of enthusiasm is the indwelling and infilling Holy Spirit of God. If you don't know this source of power, I pray you would find it today by first inviting Jesus into your life and then asking him to fill you with His Holy Spirit.
Amazon Spotlight
Faith on Fire will provide inspiration and hope for those seeking to make sense of life. The hidden longings of the heart will be given a voice through the stories shared. Those who have lost their way, are spiritually hungry, thirsty and searching to fill the emptiness within, will find enthusiasm in the midst of community and discover their passion.
Faith On Fire: FUELING YOUR ENTHUSIASM
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The truth of God's presence is fleshed out with openness, honesty, and vulnerability.
Release Date: 12/31/1969
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Books on the Holy Spirit
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