E. W. Kenyon’s essay “Two Kinds of Knowledge” argues that human understanding divides cleanly into two categories: head knowledge and heart knowledge. Head knowledge consists of facts, doctrines, and intellectual assent; heart knowledge is experiential, personal, and transformative. Kenyon presents this distinction to emphasize that true spiritual life depends not merely on knowing about God but on personally receiving and appropriating spiritual truth so that it becomes living reality. This essay examines Kenyon’s distinction, explains its theological and practical implications, evaluates strengths and weaknesses in his presentation, and considers how the two kinds of knowledge interact in a mature religious life.
The book is structured to systematically deconstruct the reliance on the senses and build a case for a Spirit-led life. Its chapters are dedicated to exploring the limits of human experience and the boundless nature of divine revelation:
Sense knowledge is information gathered through the physical senses: what we can see, hear, taste, touch, and smell. Kenyon argues that human education, science, and philosophy are entirely built upon sense knowledge. While necessary for navigating the physical world, sense knowledge is inherently limited. It cannot perceive spiritual realities, it is bound by time and space, and it is fundamentally broken due to the fall of man. When believers try to understand God through sense knowledge, they fall into doubt, skepticism, and legalism because the promises of God often contradict physical evidence. 2. Revelation Knowledge (The Spiritual Realm)
In contrast to the limitations of the senses, Kenyon presents Revelation Knowledge . This is not information we discover, but something that is revealed to us by God. It comes from a source far more reliable than our fallible senses: the Word of God, illuminated by the Holy Spirit. two kinds of knowledge ew kenyon pdf better
The title says it all. In his book The Two Kinds of Knowledge , Kenyon draws a sharp distinction between:
When sense knowledge reaches its limits, Kenyon notes, it turns to philosophy, which is essentially educated "guessing".
Which of these would help you today? Share public link The book is structured to systematically deconstruct the
Kenyon’s entire argument rests on this core dichotomy, as the book's title suggests.
Instead of trying to "work up" faith, one simply accepts the truth of Revelation Knowledge as reality. 5. How to Walk in Revelation Knowledge
Practical steps for applying these truths include the regular confession of the Word , consistent prayer, and maintaining a state of expectancy for God's power. It judges things solely by appearance
Kenyon does not condemn sense knowledge. He acknowledges it is essential for navigating daily life. However, he warns that to the physical realm. It cannot comprehend the supernatural. It judges things solely by appearance, symptoms, and material evidence.
In the case of sickness, Revelation Knowledge looks at 1 Peter 2:24 ("...by whose stripes ye were healed") and declares that healing is already done. It focuses on the reality of the spirit rather than the evidence of the senses. 4. Why Revelation Knowledge is "Better" (PDF Analysis)
The late theologian E.W. Kenyon remains one of the most influential Christian authors of the 20th century. His pioneering insights into the finished work of Christ laid the foundation for modern faith teaching. Among his many profound concepts, none is more foundational than his teaching on the .
Essek William Kenyon was born in 1867 and, after a period of personal spiritual crisis, rededicated his life to Christianity in 1893. He went on to found the Bethel Bible Institute and became a pioneer of Christian radio on the Pacific Coast, earning the nickname "The Faith Builder". Through his prolific writing, Kenyon laid the groundwork for what would later become the Word of Faith movement, and his insights into faith and revelation continue to influence believers worldwide.