Let Go and Let God by Andrew Naselli

I love reading Ph.D. Theses and so I was delighted when Andy Naselli sent me a copy of his to review. Naselli’s thesis – Let Go and Let God – is a historical and theological analysis / critique of the theology of the Early Keswick movement. For those who are not familiar with this – and I include myself in that number before reading this book – it involves the belief that the work of sanctification in the believer is wholly the work of God which requires a “second blessing” baptism in the Spirit. This Second Blessing transforms the believer from a “carnal” to a “spiritual” Christian. Although I was unfamiliar with the movement I did recognise many of the names of those who propagated Keswick theology and have read their books. Naselli’s historical section very helpfully demonstrates how Keswick teaching was worked out in their lives and ministries – not always with positive results. The theological analysis / critique of the movement is concise and telling, demonstrating that early Keswick’s teaching on holiness was based first on experience and then on faulty exegesis which attempted to support that experience. The Keswick Movement – which continues to this day – stands apart from its early forebears and no longer holds to this teaching, yet early Keswick’s influence continues to make itself felt.