Understanding and Overcoming the Zealous Phase in Christian Faith

What is often called being “on fire for the Lord” describes an all-too-common phenomenon among Christians who, after coming to salvation and beginning to study the Word, develop their first sense of theology and then become excessively zealous and confrontational in defending it. This stage, sometimes referred to as the “cage stage,” “zealous phase,” or “new convert zeal,” is not limited to any particular tradition; believers of various doctrinal backgrounds can experience it. The term suggests that such individuals might benefit from tempering their initial fervor, allowing them to engage more graciously with others.

This phenomenon is not new to the Christian faith. Throughout church history, we’ve seen examples of zealous converts causing division. In the 4th century, Augustine of Hippo, after his dramatic conversion, became a fierce opponent of his former Manichaean beliefs, sometimes to the point of intolerance. During the Protestant Reformation, many new adherents to Reformed theology became militant in their opposition to Catholic doctrine, often leading to violent conflicts. More recently, the rise of the Young, Restless, and Reformed movement in the early 2000s saw many young believers aggressively promoting Calvinism, sometimes at the expense of church unity.

In Calvinism, the cage stage often involves new adherents who become overly aggressive in promoting the doctrines of grace. They might harshly criticize others, misapplying the principles of total depravity and unconditional election. The cage-stage Calvinist might fail to recognize that all believers struggle to embrace biblical truths due to human sinfulness. Arminians, too, experience a similar zealous phase, often called the “Arminian zealous phase” or “Arminian enthusiasm.” In this stage, new adherents become passionately defensive of their views on free will, prevenient grace, and the universal scope of Christ’s atonement. They may aggressively debate Calvinists or others, emphasizing human responsibility and the potential for apostasy.

The underlying cause of this stage, regardless of theological perspective, is often pride. New adherents may think too highly of their own understanding and look down on those who do not share their views. This prideful attitude contradicts the humility and dependence on God’s grace that their theology should instill. Scripturally, this behavior runs counter to the apostle Paul’s exhortation in Ephesians 4:2-3: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Similarly, Proverbs 11:2 warns that “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”

This zealous phase can have significant impacts on church communities. It can lead to division within congregations, strain friendships, and create an atmosphere of judgment rather than grace. In some cases, it may drive seekers or new believers away from the faith altogether. On a broader scale, it can hinder ecumenical dialogue and cooperation between different Christian traditions, reinforcing stereotypes and misunderstandings.

Interacting with overzealous new believers to guide them towards maturity requires a balanced approach that encourages their enthusiasm while gently steering them towards a more mature faith. It’s important to affirm their zeal, acknowledging their passion and sharing personal experiences of similar fervor. Teaching humility and patience is crucial, using biblical examples and scriptural guidance such as James 1:19-20: “This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.” Encouraging discipleship and mentorship can be highly effective, perhaps by pairing them with mature believers who can guide them and model a balanced Christian walk. Promoting balanced learning and service through diverse ministry involvement and continuous theological education can broaden their understanding. Above all, modeling Christlike behavior by demonstrating gentleness and the fruit of the Spirit is essential. Providing constructive feedback, both through positive reinforcement and gentle correction when necessary, can help guide their growth without dampening their spirit. By implementing these approaches, churches can help channel the enthusiasm of new believers into a mature, steady faith that contributes positively to the body of Christ.

Overcoming this zealous phase is crucial for fostering unity within the broader Christian church. As believers mature beyond this stage, they become better equipped to engage in constructive dialogue with those of different traditions. This can lead to a richer understanding of the faith and more effective cooperation in areas like evangelism, social justice, and cultural engagement. The zealous phase, while challenging, can be a stepping stone to deeper spiritual maturity. When navigated well, it can lead to a more profound and gracious expression of faith, reflecting the character of Christ in all interactions. As the apostle Peter exhorts in 1 Peter 3:15, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

By recognizing this common stage in spiritual development, addressing it with humility and wisdom, and focusing on the unifying aspects of the Christian faith, believers can grow beyond their initial zeal into a more mature and gracious expression of their convictions. This maturity not only benefits individual believers but also strengthens the church as a whole, enabling it to more effectively fulfill its mission in the world.