“Not one of the students [at the symposium at Bethel University] standing up refuted biblically what they these … Zen Buddhists were saying.” –Ingrid Schlueter

by CrossTalk with Ingrid Schlueter

Recently, Bethel University in the Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota, area held an interreligious symposium that was titled: Meditation–Buddhist and Christian: Is There Common Ground?

Pastor Bob DeWaay of Twin City Fellowship appeared on Crosstalk to discuss this symposium, a gathering that sought to explore how much common ground there is in both Christian and Buddhist meditation.

Just how dangerous is the belief that Christians can gain insight into themselves by practicing Buddhist approaches to meditation? Pastor DeWaay presents the Bible truths that speak directly to this issue on this edition of Crosstalk.  To listen to this interview, click one of these links: (mp3), (Windows media). You may also order the tape by clicking here.

Related Information:
Bethel University (MN) Throws Students to Interspiritual Wolves
Richard Foster’s Contemplative Prayer or Terror?

 Taken from the powerful film, The Radicals, based on the true story of Michael and Margaretha Sattler, who defected from the Catholic church and who were martyred for their faith in Christ.

Carl Teichrib
from Kjos Ministries

Note: Some sections of this article were originally published a decade ago. However, because of a new movie [based on a true story] slatted for release this November, an updated version is being offered to Forcing Change readers.

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It’s a strange name for a movie: “The Men Who Stare at Goats,” and what makes this more remarkable is that it’s based on a “true story.” (see trailer)

Staring George Cloony, Ewan McGregor and Jeff Bridges, this flick – to be released in November 2009 – follows the bizarre story of a United States military program that attempted to employ psychic powers and occult techniques to gain an edge on the battlefield. Welcome to the “First Earth Battalion,” a New Age military concept initiated by Lt. Colonel Channon in the late 1970s.

I originally found out about the First Earth Battalion idea in the mid-1990s when I obtained a copy of its “field manual.” This book, like the program it was promoting, wasn’t in the normal military style; most of it was presented in the form of graphics, and the text promoted global citizenship, yoga, cosmic evolution, and self-godhood. It even offered a prayer to Mother Earth, and suggested that in the future this First Earth Battalion would be the foundation for an “Army of Light.”

But why the movie title, “Men Who Stare at Goats”? Apparently, participants in this occult-military program where supposed to take down enemies by projecting psychic powers. Training for this was apparently done on goats, and the warrior monks – the term used by these mind solders – would stare at goats in an attempt to kill them using mind power alone.

While all of this seems strange, even goofy (the trailer for the movie takes a comedy bent), the First Earth Battalion isn’t the only connection between occultism and the military community. Nor is the United States the only nation that has pursued spiritual/psychic links for battlefield supremacy – Russia, Germany, Great Britain, and other countries have flirted with occult/military programs. However, the US does have the largest and most proficient military in the world, and as a nation that has strong Christian roots, this occult partnering therefore needs some investigation.

by Berit Kjos
Kjos Ministries

On September 17, 1995, I signed in at Mikhail Gorbachev’s well guarded State of the World Conference as an official [amateur] reporter. I wanted a first-hand glimpse of the global plans for the 21st Century. Those earlier signs helped build the foundation for today’s rapid change.

This was clearly a global event. The former head of the Soviet Union had gathered “nearly 500 senior states-people, political leaders, spiritual leaders, scientists, intellectuals, business executives, artists and youth from 50 nations to begin a process of deliberation on the central question of what priorities, values and actions should guide humanity as it moves into the next phase of development.” As Gorbachev announced,

“From the outset I would like to suggest that we consider the establishment of a global Brain Trust [forget representative government] to focus on the present and future of our civilization … this idea of a Brain Trust can only succeed if endorsed and actively pursued by people who are widely respected as world leaders and global citizens.”

The elite speakers and partners in this venture included the elder president George Bush, Carnegie Chairman David Hamburg, Ted Turner, Maurice Strong, the New Age chief of the UN’s 1992 environmental conference in Rio de Janeiro, and Zbigniew Brzezinski, founder of the Trilateral Commission (with David Rockefeller), who became a foreign policy adviser to Barack Obama thirteen years later.

An elegant Baha’i singer in a flowing white gown set the spiritual tone with a prayer to her universal god: “O faithful One… O helping one… Source of all being…” The music was her own, she said — given by the unknowable, compassionate god of Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, and other spiritual avatars throughout time.

Her prayer-song fit the conference theme. As Mikhail Gorbachev observed during a dialogue on a new form of democracy,

“…there was no trace of the futile debate about what is better, capitalism or socialism…. We should seek a synthesis of ideas and values that have proven their viability…”

That synthesis abolishes all Biblical absolutes. Again and again, the Communist leader and his hand-picked “council of the wise” or “global brain trust” told the assembly of more than 1000 guests and participants that a new set of inclusive universal values must replace the Judeo-Christian world view. Familiar terms must be redefined to fit the new global perspective, while the old beliefs and political systems must be abandoned.

Like many other speakers, New Age author Dr. Deepak Chopra repeated the call for synthesis in his evening plenary speech. He challenged his friendly listeners with this question:

“Can you step out of the river of your own conditioning…? For only then is there an opportunity to create… a new world. We cannot do it the way we have done it in the past. It is time to change the whole paradigm through which we view physical reality.”

Apparently, these esteemed visionaries had already made that paradigm shift. The conference left little doubt that the chosen speakers and enthusiastic audience viewed reality from a decidedly evolutionary/universalist perspective — the kind that popular author Dan Brown promoted through his latest book on the philosophy behind Freemasonry and the mystical Noetic Sciences. Click here  to continue reading and for links and citations.

by Finding the Truth in Jesus

Lighthouse Trails recently reported on the fact that Joel Rosenberg and Frank Peretti have been slated to speak at the upcoming Break Forth conference in Alberta, Canada. They will be sharing the stage with New Age sympathizers, and mystic/emerging proponents, such as William Paul Young (The Shack), Leonard Sweet (Quantum Spirituality), and contemplative proponents such as Duffy Robbins (Enjoy the Silence) and Brad Jersak.

Their participation in the conference has concerned Lighthouse Trails, as to how followers of these prominent Christian figures will come to view emerging contemplative/mystical spirituality, and rightly so.

Following their initial report, Joel Rosenberg released a public statement explaining his participation in the conference. This led Lighthouse Trails to write another report questioning the wisdom, of such prominent evangelical leaders sharing the stage with prominent mystic/emerging proponents. I have to say my sentiments resonate completely with Lighthouse Trails.

I have nothing to add or take way from their latest posts regarding this issue, and I certainly appreciate them raising this voice of concern. I would simply like to share a couple of observations I had while reading this latest post. Click here to continue reading.

“More Proof — The East is Seducing the West”

By Jan Markell
www.olivetreeviews.org 

RADIO: Catch last weekend’s (November 14) archived program with a Bethel University professor. This is a spirited debate concerning a potential “common ground” Christianity could have with Buddhism.

On Saturday I had a spirited on-air discussion with a Bethel University professor who acted as spokesman for the college regarding its recent interfaith symposium. As I wrote last week, Buddhism was featured and there was a suggestion that there just might be “common ground” with Buddhism and Christianity when it comes to “meditation.” Hear the program at this link. The potential “common ground” regarding meditation would be an eastern-style mystical meditation. I saw once again how the East has been seducing the West for nearly 50 years.
 
When I came home from the radio studio I had more e-mails that brought the total to about 15 in two weeks on the issue of “spiritual formation.” It is hitting Christian universities and churches like Hurricane Katrina. Bad metaphor, you say. Not really. It is causing real destruction. And since spiritual formation, too, deals heavily with the mystical, I thought I would take time to give a brief overview of this topic. I know many of you feel nothing unsound as this could walk in the door of your church, but don’t be so sure!
 
Roger Oakland explains, “As the Word of God becomes less and less important, the rise in mystical experiences escalates, and these experiences are presented to convince the unsuspecting that Christianity is about feeling, touching, smelling, and seeing God. The postmodern mindset is the perfect environment for fostering spiritual formation.

 “This term suggests that there are various ways and means to get closer to God and emulate Him. Thus, the idea is given that if you do certain practices, you can be more like Jesus. Proponents of spiritual formation erroneously teach that anyone can practice these mystical rituals and find God within.  Some even say that having a relationship with Jesus Christ is not a prerequisite.”
 
Oakland continues, “The spiritual formation movement is widely promoted at colleges and seminaries as the latest and the greatest way to become a spiritual leader. It teaches people that this is how they can become more intimate with God and hear His voice. Even Christian leaders with long-standing reputations of teaching God’s Word seem to be succumbing. In so doing, many Christian leaders are frivolously playing with fire, and the result will be thousands, probably millions, getting burned.”
 
The proponents of the spiritual formation would tell you the Christian life is always a process of spiritual formation.  We are always in transition, becoming more and more spiritual. But they seem to suggest that it would be helpful if we had some gimmicks to help us speed this up.
 
In 2008, Christianity Today online gave the term of spiritual formation credibility by interviewing the man most prominent in this movement, Richard Foster. They said to Foster, “Evangelicals have been reading your book, A Celebration of Discipline, for 30 years. What is the discipline you think we need to be exploring more at this point?” Foster then promoted “solitude.” But over time we have learned that once again those in this movement are borrowing from Hinduism, Buddhism, and Catholic mystics to perfect a practice for the 21st century.
 
Promoters of Emergent conversation say we are on the verge of an era that promises renewed spiritual awareness. “Spiritual disciplines” are being touted as the avenue to a spiritual reformation that will take Christianity to a new and higher level of spirituality, drawing all participants closer to God.  The problem is that the means to attain this are not godly!
 
Pastor Bob DeWaay writes in his Critical Issues Commentary, “I met a lady who attends a Christian college. As part of her study program, she was required to take a course on spiritual formation. Spiritual formation in her class also concerned the study of Roman Catholic mystics and the search for techniques to help those who implement them feel closer to God. This study also explored ’spiritual disciplines’ which promised to make those who practiced them more Christlike.  After she finished the class, she shared her text books with me.”
 
He continues, “To hear evangelicals like Dallas Willard and Richard Foster tell us that we need practices that were never spelled out in the Bible to become more like Christ or to get closer to God is astonishing. What is more astonishing is that evangelical colleges, seminaries, and church denominations are requiring their students and members to study practices that are relics of Medieval Rome, not found in the Bible, and closely akin to the practices of many pagan societies.”
 
So while the term spiritual formation sounds like a good concept as we all want to grow spiritually, it comes with questionable baggage that is, once again, mystical and hardly sound. Ask questions of your church leadership or college staff. Challenge the issue by pointing out that much of this foundation has been laid by mystics and Catholicism – and throw in some Buddhism and Hinduism as well.  You will then conclude that when the term spiritual formation comes up as it does more and more frequently, it should have a “buyer-beware” label on it. If you see your church bulletin announcing its arrival, don’t just sit there — do something. Confront your leadership!
 
Such things as the Bethel University symposium on “meditation” and the spiritual formation movement are driven by what is known as “contemplative prayer.” Contemplative  (mystical spirituality) is the heartbeat of the spiritual formation movement.  It is more likely to derail you spiritually than draw you closer to God.  Don’t believe them when promoters of spiritual formation tell you that this will take you to a higher level of Christianity and to a new level of spirituality. New spiritual programs aren’t necessary;  rather, hearts yearning to grow in the knowledge of the Lord simply from reading the Bible. We cannot get any “closer to God” than Jesus Christ indwelling us through His Holy Spirit!
 
So, Isaiah had it right when he wrote, “For you have abandoned your people, the house of Jacob, because they are filled with influences from the east, and they are soothsayers like the Philistines, and they strike bargains with the children of foreigners” (Isaiah 2:5, 6).

Spiritual formation is just another “tickle the ears” effort drawing on experience rather than the Bible.

To help you better understand the dangers of this kind of prayer and the spiritual formation movement, check out the two items: Roger Oakland’s book Faith Undone and Ray Yungen’s DVD, The Face of Mystical Spirituality. Also visit the “Spiritual Deception” category at my Web site. 

Awaiting His return, 

Jan Markell 

Olive Tree Ministries, Inc.
Box 1452
Maple Grove, MN 55311

763-493-3010 or 763-210-8291

From the Lighthouse blog is a non-interactive blog. That means that readers can’t leave comments. Lighthouse Trails has it set up that way because of time restraints which would not allow us to moderate comments. But we always appreciate emails and phone calls we receive. Yesterday, we received many emails in response to our article on the Break Forth conference featuring Joel Rosenberg, Frank Peretti, Leonard Sweet, and William Paul Young. Below we have posted some of those comments as we think they will be helpful to our readers. For privacy sake, we are putting only the initials or first name of each person.

Comments:

Thank you for the article.You are absolutely right it is getting very confusing for a lot of people.The information that you send me I share with friends. They don’t want to believe it. They think the leaders they listen to can not be wrong. You are doing a great work.  J.T.
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From personal experience, if one takes a stand vs Warren, Schuller, and others involved in heretical teaching, he is out. I took such a stand in a church I pastored. Along with other elders, I spoke out from the platform. It did not take long for those within the congregation, who ‘idolize’ such figures, to begin a covert campaign to undermine us. One example: when we chose not to allow “The Purpose Driven Life” to be taught, it went underground and home studies began. I am pretty old, my wife contracted cancer, and as a result we resigned. The message of the ‘new age’ is strong and continuing in the body of which I was a part. Hopefully, the second pastor who followed me [first lasted about a year] will understand what is going on. Some of the elders do, but I fear are not willing to speak out because of the pressure.  It is subtle, guys … keep up the good work. D. and G. L.
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I believe Joel Rosenburg is making excuses for his attending the upcoming “Break Forth Conference.” As the path gets narrower and narrower and the financial support dwindles for these leaders, they will cave in to joining the wide path as it is a way to earn financial support.  I really believe that money is the bottom line for them.  We know that Satan is the “god of this world” and any means to keep these leaders in with the crowds will prevail!!!!  Money speaks big in our failing economy!!! Sincerely, S.L.
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Preach it! I am thankful for this latest update.

I just received a monthly newsletter from Bible Tract Bulletin, a publication of Bible Tracts Inc. out of Bloomington, Illinois. I have purchased some of their tract material in the past but was dismayed to read on the front page this sentence: “When speaking of a healthy spiritual diet our minds run first to taking in God’s Word and breathing out prayer. These seem to be taken for granted as David writes.” The author of this, who isn’t stated in the article, is referring to Psalm 26, verses 4-7, which has absolutely nothing to say about breathing out prayers.

Their website is bibletractsinc.org and their email address is bibletractsinc@juno.com. Thanks for all you do,

T. L. Administrator/Principal for a Christian school
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Dear Faithful Folks at Lighthouse Trails:  I just got your newsletter about Rosenberg and Peretti.  I can’t say I have ever been impressed by their Christian reputations or their obvious lack of discernment.  I think the reason most of this coupling of “believers” and unbelievers is taking place is because of ego and compromise, pure and simple.  They want to be considered “tolerant” and they want to be seen and heard, which they will not be if they stand up for the pure gospel of Jesus Christ!!  I think if it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck and looks like a duck, it may very well BE a duck!!  It is easy to say you are a Christian, but even the meaning of the name has lost its authenticity, just like the term “born again”.  Apostasy is the name of the game and these so-called Christian leaders (although I don’t think they deserve the name) should take advice from the Bible and examine themselves to see whether they be in the faith!!  My only hope is that the Lord will come back and get us very soon and straighten out the whole mess as only He can!!!  I tremble at that thought of where our “Christian leaders” might lead us next.  I look forward to your newsletters as you are truly a Lighthouse in these dark days.  Love in Christ, D.T.

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WHO is left that isn’t sharing a stage with Emergent leaders? We have never been so discouraged or disconnected from the body of Chirst.  We have lost countless friends over this issue and avenues by which to give our tithes as well.  No longer do we have a church body to fellowship with either…This can’t be good and I’m having trouble discerning what course to take now. Do you know of any solid churches in the Carlsbad or San Diego area?

Dependent on Him alone, C.N.

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Has there been any talk of a national conference or something to address some of these issues on a large scale? We have things like “creation fest” why not a “anti-new spirituality fest”? (probably choose adifferent name) if there is nothing in the works, how can we get it started?… Also, my wife and I are missionaries with ___________ and we were wondering what effect this “new spirituality” is having on missions both the churches view of missions and the impact overseas? Any info or resources you have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! K.B.
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I just had to respond to this article re: Joel Rosenberg and Frank Peretti.  You may not actually read it…but..at any rate, I totally AGREE with this article.  The Word warns us over & over again about “the company” we keep and “fellowshiping” with unbelievers, etc.  We’re to abstain from any “appearance” of evil.  It would be one thing if they were all just having coffee together or were invited to the same party & “happened” to see each other & struck up conversations, but to deliberately agree to appear on the same platform with those they KNOW to be heretical is so dangerous to the Body of Christ, because it’s just what you said – it gives credibility where it shouldn’t be given.  But I DO think that they really don’t realize what they’re dealing with…and if THAT is true, then what RIGHT do they have to be called our “leaders?”  It’s like the joke, “I think the inmates are running the assylum.”  If they are THAT ignorant of spiritual matters, then they have NO place influencing the thoughts and persuading ANY Christian in ANY area.

I’m such a fan of Joel Rosenberg’s, as an author, and have enjoyed his books tremendously, so am very disappointed in his lack of understanding of this.  And I have met Frank Peretti. ..

This whole thing is so frightening, but what’s scarier is that so MANY people just don’t “get it!”  They don’t see the harm!  Even when you explain it to them.  And to see so many Christian LEADERS fall under the spell of this delusion, is appalling.  My pastor is one.  He thinks he can still be a Christian and “dabble” in the Emergent movement without being harmed.  He’s an intellectual….but he sure ain’t very smart. So I am looking for a new church.  Thanks for you GREAT work.  I love your website and pertinent information which helps keep me strong in the faith. (That, and burying my whole self in God’s Word.  How precious it is to me, more & more every day.) God bless you, S.M.
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L.T.R. THANKS FOR THE HEADS UP.AND KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK! I’VE BEEN TRYING TO KEEP MY CHURCH UP TO DATE ON THE HERESY AND DANGER OF THE EMERGING CHUCH MOVEN’T. AND TO MY SURPRISE, MY PASTOR STATED “I THINK THAT MOVEMENT IS FADING AWAY.” TO WHICH I REPLIED, THATS JUST WHAT THEY WANT YOU TO THINK! O.H.
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Thank God for your vigilance! I attend a Calvary Chapel here in _______________ and especially since receiving your newsletter, I have prayed for discernment and will continue to do so. I’m praying for you to continue to be fearless, bold and courageous in exposing increasing spiritual darkness. Jesus did say that we are the light of the world, that shines forth in darkness. Thank God for this great privilege! May the Lord bless and keep you. JP
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Thank you for standing firm. I am finding that too many people, even in my own family, are finding it difficult to push back the things of this world. My deepest concern is for the young, those of my grandchildren’s age. They are being tossed to and fro by Satan, especially in the schools. E.C.
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I think Joel may have a point. I hate this new movement of the Emergent church as much as anyone but I have to say if I was asked to speak on a platform with 10 Muslims and I could preach the truth, I would do it too. I didn’t read into it that he was promoting any thing but truth. He said he found The Shack to be “heretical.”

I like the Lighthouse publishers and think their work is excellent. Sometimes however they push a little too much on the issue of who is in and who isn’t. I would go and speak at Rick Warren’s church. They wouldn’t like what I said probably but I wouldn’t turn down the opportunity to get the truth out there. I though they pushed too hard when they said Billy Graham was in on this stuff because he spoke with somebody. He spoke with the Pope after 9/11 but I don’t think it made him Catholic. D.S.
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Thanks for your press release….my feelings exactly.  I mentioned to some leaders about Joel R. and they said ‘not to worry’ because he knows what he is doing…I wouldn’t be too sure of that.  D.C.
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Thanks so much for the “Break Forth Update.” It is a blessing to know there are others who are concerned for Christianity in this day. I did appreciated your cited examples of compromise in the article. I see this all the time, men trusting and turning to men and not only resting on the inerrant Word of God. So many are withdrawing from the Bible’s inerrancy and pointedness. They only want to read what famous men and women of the day pen regarding Christianity. God reveals through Jeremiah, “cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes man his strength;” 17:5. This causes a shunning of the truth and the God of the Bible.

I left our church heartbroken yesterday, as it appears it will be traveling down a more liberal road. I am still hurting today. Our pastor’s closing words very much concerned me. The words bothered my husband as well. My husband and I know of no other church that is not compromising to a great degree in our area. I believe our pastor is wanting far more numbers in attendance and wants to go the way of large, thriving churches that please a great amount of entertainment-minded people. What he stated is exactly what we have heard from churches we had to leave when they went liberal. Our church is in debt due to a new building. I am praying for the pastor and our church! Thanks for listening and standing strong. V.L.
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Amen, and amen, and AMEN!!! We are praying for you as you bring the TRUTH to all those of us, and to those who DO NOT KNOW THE TRUTH, that you will remain strong with the fact that there are praying warriors out there that continue to “uphold your arms” even as Aaron and Hur did for Moses!!!!!!

What is wrong with men like Joel?? Is it the money that is offered and they cannot say no. . . . .or are their eyes being deceived when they say things like, “it is the largest Christian Conference”. . . . . what does he call Christian?????…

We are coming into the arena in America that was so undetected in Germany!! Stay strong, never give up, never give up!! The Lord is our SHIELD and councilor, who can defeat us!!!!!!! C.R.
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We are so grateful you are keeping us informed.It becomes harder and harder to see thru New Age and in to the truth . We attend a church that has a small group of those who push Rick Warren and the others. But with that small group who are pushing they become louder and louder to get attention. They have caused a great deal of deceit of the truth that eventually they gain support. Most have left but two still remain. So we have to stay alert and the Lord keeps us protected. Thanks for what you do and how you keep us informed.  Blessings B.E.
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Your newsletter is so refreshing, so encouraging! It fills me up where like-minded fellowship falls short around here. Please know, what you are doing, though rejected, mocked, ignored, and incites persecution by some, that for some of us, it is a huge encouragement. Some of us out here are experiencing to a smaller degree some of the same battle you do, but we are also getting the word out to many others we never dreamed possible. Your continued work supports us where we are as well! Not in vain!! God bless you!! K. D.
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I am very saddened and distraught over the news of Joel Rosesberg attending the Break Forth Conference. Be assured that after much prayer and thought, I will email him with whatever the Lord wants me to say. Thank you for standing up for the Gospel, and exposing those who don’t. Standing for the Truth, S.C.
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This is a sticky situation. I don’t believe either Peretti or Rosenberg are deceived by new spirituality. Perhaps, they do feel they can make a difference with their messages at this conference. I trust the theology of both. I’m sure they just want God to use them. I know I could not share a platform with Paul Young, etc.! We need to pray for them to speak boldly, soundly and biblically.

I have seen this pattern with these emergents of mixing sound evangelical speakers with those who are promoting emergent and new spirituality. I think this is an intended tactic to confuse listeners, draw them in and introduce them to the “not so bad” heresy.

Peretti and Rosenberg aren’t dumb, and I think they’re probably just trying to be faithful with their messages at this “opportunity.”

But, I understand the confusion it can cause in listeners. The times we are in are extremely troubling. Thanks for your continued warnings. D.G.
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I recently read your message about the upcoming conference Joel Rosenberg will be speaking at in Canada. I wanted to inform you that I believe the church he worships at in the DC area is at the least, seeker friendly. My nephew has been attending the church. I attened it once when in the DC area. I have been working ever since to get my nephew to consider leaving the church. The summer I was there, member from Rick Warren’s church were coming to give a conference. I am very thankful for Rosenberg’s ministry and hope if there is something wrong, you can talk some sense into him. Blessings to you all, S.H.
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[M]y husband and I want to thank you sincerely for your teaching and keeping us updated on what is happening in the church. It is extremely distressing… I am a secretary in a Christian School and I can see things happening all around me. You always encourage us and help us not to feel alone. We have learned so much through you and your authors and you spur us on to try to contend for the faith, love and trust in God, study His word and walk in His ways without fear. We have been down wide paths of deception in the past and are really conscious of seeking to walk the ‘narrow way’ that leads to life and somehow help others. …

Thank you also for your courage and for promoting the truth of the Scriptures. Sometimes I think about people like William Tyndale and how ‘alone’ physically he was but it didn’t prevent him in his task and he and many died just for reading the Bible in English. All through the centuries there have been battles and thanks be to God He never leaves us nor forsakes us. So many Christians are persecuted these days in many different ways, as you would know.  Kindest regards, K.R. (Australia)
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Many years ago in _______ I belonged to a good Bible teaching church. I remember the pastor describing how in his early ministry he was asked to give the benediction at a local community event. While he waited, a priest, rabbi, religious liberal ‘pastors’, and more, offered prayers, shared, etc.
He never again shared the platform with those who held to a contrary doctrine or theology or heretical teaching, etc.

Thanks again for sharing the ‘inconvenient truth’. L.P.
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Thank you for sending this article. Hard words for sure and I fear for what’s happening with the rising water temperature and the frogs are not jumping out of the pot. I constantly warn my fellowship and update them with articles from Lighthouse, Understanding the Times from Jan and Discernment Ministries. Some have turned and gone back to the emergent, etc., etc., local churches. Paul
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Thank God we have folks like you keeping us informed of the perilous times in which we are living. I am a ______ missionary serving now for 21 years in ______. I am amazed at the apostasy happening in our world, and especially among those who claim they believe the Bible. Keep up the good work! Charles
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Joel Rosenberg says he will speak at Break Forth, but serious implications should be considered 
 
Dear Concerned Christian,

If your head is spinning, trying to keep up with the latest happenings of the leaders of the evangelical Christian church, it’s no wonder. For many, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to see clearly through the muddy waters of organized Christianity. More and more leaders, who have been considered orthodox and traditional, are ending up on speaking platforms with those from the emerging/contemplative/New Spirituality arena.

These minglings are not occasional or isolated events any longer. They are happening with increased frequency. For the most part, Christian leaders are not speaking up about the confusion it is causing.

Some people watching this unfold are angry that ministries like Lighthouse Trails would dare question their  spiritual” heroes.” For others, they laugh and say, “See, I told you there was nothing wrong with this new paradigm spirituality.” And still others say, “I thought at one time it was wrong, but one of my favorite Christian figures shows no concern (and in fact stands alongside them), so now I believe this new spirituality is not wrong at all.” And in the midst of all this, confusion mounts, and the Gospel message is looking more obscure all the time.

Examples, you ask? Too many to list them all. But here are a few:

1. Joel Rosenberg and Frank Peretti have joined with New Spirituality teachers Leonard Sweet, William Paul Young, and a host of other contemplative/emerging figures to speak at the upcoming Break Forth conference in Canada in January. This is in spite of the fact that Peretti himself has written fiction stories that actually expose the darkness of the New Age.

2. Greg Laurie invited Rick Warren to give the opening prayer at Laurie’s 2009 Harvest Crusade and asked Chuck Smith to publicly welcome Warren at the event.

3. Apologetic figures Norman Geisler and Greg Koukl  joined other “apologists” at Saddleback Church for an apologetics conference. Future Saddleback apologetic conferences are already being planned.

4. Emerging church leader Rob Bell and Chuck Swindoll shared a platform at the 2009 Catalyst event.

5. Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa invited emerging church author/pastor Mike Erre to speak to thousands of youth at their 2009 Movement event. In opening remarks at the event, concerned ministries were called “haters” for publicly stating their concerns.

6.  In the 2007 Break Forth conference, Kay Arthur shared a platform with emerging/mystic Tony Campolo.

7. Andy Stanley (son of Charles Stanley), who says he is not part of the emerging/New Spirituality, shared a platform at Youth Specialties 2009 National Youth Workers Convention with contemplative/emerging figures Donald Miller (Blue Like Jazz), David Crowder, Duffy Robbins, Tony Campolo, Jim Burns, and a number of others in that camp. In fact, Youth Specialties is one of the main avenues through which the contemplative/New Spirituality is entering the church today and has been for many years.

8. The 2009 National Worship Conference brought together Calvary Chapel leader Greg Laurie and Jesus movement singer, Chuck Girard, with New Spirituality leaders Leonard Sweet, Brennan Manning, David Crowder, and Sally Morgenthaler.

This is just a sampling of conferences that have combined the “traditional” with the heretical. These conferences throughout North America are happening at a furious pace, and we believe are being used by Satan to converge and blend truth with error, so that soon there will be no distinction. Christians are flocking to these events, showing their full support. But this is one fast moving train that Christian believers should hop off before it’s too late.

On November 9th, Lighthouse Trails posted a report titled, WHY are Joel Rosenberg and Frank Peretti Appearing With New Age/New Spirituality Sympathizers? Then, on November 13^th, Joel Rosenberg issued a public statement regarding this matter. He stated:

A few of you have expressed concern that I’ve agreed to speak at the “Break Forth 2010″ conference in Edmonton, Canada Jan 29-31 because there are some other speakers slated to attend whose theology is questionable. Chief concern: William Young, author of “The Shack,” a novel I and others have found heretical. The reason I am attending is because it is the largest Christian conference in Canada (some 15,000 evangelicals are expected) and I’m not ready to concede such ground to those who are peddling false teaching. I’ve been asked to come there at [sic] [to] teach the Word of God and preach the gospel, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do. I can’t explain why Young, for example, was invited. But why cede the entire stage to him. Moreover, at this critical juncture, I plan on explaining why God loves Israel so much and why He wants us to help mobilize a global movement to stand with Israel while so much of the rest of the world is turning against her. Thanks for your concerns. I would appreciate your prayers. May God bless you guys.

In his statement, Joel Rosenberg has implied that Break Forth is a trustworthy organization that is bringing in just one heretical teacher, William Paul Young, but the conference is bringing in a number of them, and in fact, the New emerging spirituality is the dominant presence in the conference. Even though Rosenberg’s rationale sounds credible on the surface and even though his message is valid, unless  he specifically identifies and challenges what these other speakers are saying, he in essence gives credence by sharing a platform with them because his respectability will be implanted in the minds of the attendees. It is logical that because Rosenberg is respected and trusted,  the others will be too because in people’s minds you don’t have heretics and proclaimers of the Gospel on the same bill in  a non-debate scenario.  In essence, it is the opposite of guilt by association; it is validity by association.

In Rosenberg’s earlier announcement on his blog about Break Forth, he called this a “powerful Christian conference.” Saying this indicates that he may not understand the gravity of what is going on in the church. This is not just a doctrinal issue – what’s at stake is  what Christianity will be in the future. Will it be mystical, panentheistic, and New Age, or will it be the Gospel once delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3)? If our concerns sound outlandish, read our report from last week where we show how Leonard Sweet resonates spiritually with New Age icons such as David Spangler and Pierre Teilhard de Chardin.

As the New Spirituality becomes more widespread and acceptable, we’ll be seeing in the future many more of these dichotomies: the defenders of the faith sharing platforms with those who seek to radically change and alter the very Gospel these defenders are seeking to uphold. This is not the example that the Old Testament prophets or the New Testament disciples set. Most of them stood alone and often died alone because they would not compromise under any circumstances. Regarding those who teach or promote heresy, the apostle Paul writes strong words: “A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject” (Titus 3:10). According to the Rosenberg’s rationale, it is OK for him to share a platform with false teachers because his message is so important. But doesn’t his desire to get his message out override the Scripture in Titus 3:10? (And other Scriptures as well.) We must strongly disagree with this reasoning. The end does not always justify the means, and in this case, the end is highly questionable.

While Rosenberg says he is attending Break Forth to “defend Israel,” does he not realize that by giving credence to emergent/New Spirituality speakers, he is  abetting the emerging philosophy that sees NO prophetic importance in Israel. A flood of Christian leaders are turning their backs on Israel, directly or indirectly, merely by promoting the emerging/contemplative/New Spirituality. Mr. Rosenberg, defend Israel, yes, by all means, but first defend the Gospel.

A note of irony. In Rosenberg’s  rebuttal statement, he gives a link to Norman Geisler’s article refuting The Shack. Yet, Geisler recently teamed up with emerging-church-promoter Rick Warren (at Warren’s apologetic conference), all the while Rick Warren is selling The Shack on his Purpose Driven Connection website.  Perhaps part of the problem here is that  Christian leaders are not taking spiritual deception seriously. And yet Scripture warns that the days before Christ’s return will be very spiritually dark and that many will fall away: “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first. (II Thessalonians 2: 2).

This fusion of orthodox and heretical is not a new tactic. One of the best examples of this blending is Robert Schuller, identified by Bruce Wilkinson as “the real leader” (see A “Wonderful” Deception, p. 69) who has been inviting orthodox traditional Christians to  Crystal Cathedral for a long time. Often these invited guests, such as Corrie ten Boom, come because they want to share their messages. But often they are being used to bring credibility to these vehicles of heresy–just as we believe Rosenberg and Peretti are being used. Even Break Forth’s promotion photo shows William Paul Young sandwiched between Peretti and Rosenberg.

We want to make one thing very clear. Lighthouse Trails believes Israel has a biblical prophetic role, and we agree with Rosenberg that anti-Semitic as well as anti-Israel sentiment is growing at an alarming rate. We too are vitally concerned, which is one of the reasons we publish and distribute several books and DVDs by Holocaust survivors and former resistance workers.

But Rosenberg and other dedicated Christian leaders must understand that it is also vitally important for defenders of the faith to warn against the devastation of spiritual deception that is quickly overtaking much of the evangelical Church. The Bible warns that a day will come when a one-world religious body will join together with a one-world governmental body, and together they will serve a world master who will seek to destroy Israel (and the Church) and cause all mankind to worship him. What good will the church be to Israel (or anyone else for that matter), if the Gospel is no longer preached? “[F]aith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17).

 If Rosenberg and other Christian leaders can steer their own followers away from this subtle yet deadly deception, they will do more to help thwart anti-Israel sentiments than they can know, just by the very reason that they will be pointing believers back to the Bible and away from the New Spirituality.
Does Rosenberg realize that the very emerging spirituality that is represented at Break Forth will help to usher in a “kingdom” that will allow no room for Israel? Roger Oakland explains:

As the world becomes more and more resentful toward Israel, the view that the church takes the place of Israel, leaving Israel no prophetic significance (replacement theology), will become increasingly accepted within Christianity at large. Those who believe the Book of Revelation predicts an apocalyptic future will be considered a danger to society and the well-being of this new kingdom of God. (Faith Undone, p. 227)

New Agers believe these dangers of society (Bible-believing Christians) will need to be gone before the world can truly be “healed.” (Please read the free online book Reinventing Jesus Christ by Warren B. Smith for documentation on this “selection process.”)  This is where the emerging, apostate church is heading. And whether they realize it or not, many are helping her to get there through their promotion of this New Spirituality. 

Are we being extreme in saying these things? We think not. Watch, and see as the events and deception that the Bible warns about unfolds before your very eyes. And pray that there will be some courageous Christian leaders who will take a stand no matter the cost. It is possible that Rosenberg and Peretti could do more harm to Israel and the church than help by attending such conferences. We pray there will be those in these days,  when the birth pangs in the Earth continue to intensify, who will “earnestly contend for the faith” (Jude 1:3). And may we as believers truly trust in Him and not lean to our OWN understanding but in all our ways acknowledge Him; then He promises to direct our paths (Proverbs 3).

Commentary by Ingrid Schlueter
CrossTalk

Emergent author and teacher, Brian McLaren, is offended because a The Daily Kos has questioned whether “evangelicals” belong in the Democratic party at all. McLaren has been trying to make inroads for “evangelicals” with the Democrats because he doesn’t think Christians should be defined by opposing abortion, gay marriage and so forth. McLaren sees the Democratic Party as a far more Christian kind of party, unlike the greed-driven Republican bunch.

It offends McLaren that the Democrats he has so admired just aren’t that into him and his cronies. McLaren, Campolo, Wallis, Sider and company apparently believed that the Dems would welcome them with open arms as bridge people who could connect the less pugnacious, more intellectual, kinder, more open-minded sort of evangelicals to the Democratic Party. Instead, they are finding out that the party of child-killing, gay marriage and oppressive government is not interested in debate any more than the “religious right” reportedly are. In short, McLaren et al find themselves in a kind of no-man’s land. They reject and despise the “religious right” Republicans, but are far from warm acceptance in the Democratic Party because they insist on using the hated label, “evangelical.” Click here to read more.

Related Information:
Ingrid’s recent talk show on Ft. Hood tragedy
Brian McLaren: Hoping Obama Will Be Our Next President

LTRP Note: For parents or grandparents who have thought it is harmless to let their little children or grandchildren watch an hour of Sesame Street once a day, we offer this warning. While many Christian parents have most likely seen the liberal slants of the popular T.V. show, and perhaps kept their children away from the show, turning to Mr. Rogers instead, many Christian parents have allowed Sesame Street into their homes, feeling that the underlying New Age, liberal message was subtle enough to bypass the hearts and minds of little eyes and ears. But the following articles show that Yoga (the heartbeat of Hinduism) is alive and “well” on Sesame Street, and parents should beware. While warning a 4 year not to participate in any Yoga exercises they might see on Sesame Street can make parents feel they have done their job in protecting their kids, it isn’t likely that a 4 or 5 year old will understand the dangers when Big Bird tells them how fun it is or when they see their favorite personality on Sesame Street telling a room full of kids to do the Yoga exercises. Check out the following articles and see the video clip below.

New York Times:  ”Same Street, Different World: ‘Sesame’ Turns 40″:

The pedagogy hasn’t changed, but the look and tone of “Sesame Street” have evolved … Now there are green spaces, tofu and yoga…. 

This season has an Om sensibility. “My mom takes me to yoga class, I love doing yoga,” a little girl in pigtails says in an episode that ran in October. She is narrating a short film that shows a pixieish teacher and her pupils folding into the downward dog position. After class her mother arrives with a plastic water bottle. “She says it’s important to drink water when you exercise,” the girl explains. “When I grow up I want to be a yoga teacher.” 1

The Independent (London, UK): “Why Sesame Street still counts”

In recent years Sesame Street has faced challenges. It can sometimes seem at odds with the era of political correctness. The Cookie Monster has been accused of promoting obesity and sponsorship by McDonald’s was drew wide criticism. The show still attracts big name guest-stars but is up against competition from newer forms of entertainment. Even the programme’s core values have changed. In 1970 it taught racial tolerance, now young viewers hear about the environment or healthy food. In an episode of the new series a child talks about her mother’s yoga class. “I love yoga,” she announces. “When I grow up, I want to be a yoga teacher.”2

Check this out:

(from Sesame Street, Season 9, Episode 52)