Archive for the ‘Contemplative Colleges’ Category

Today, we received the following e-mail from a Lighthouse Trails reader. We have removed any identifying information so as to maintain the privacy of all parties. Please see our comments below the e-mail.

To Lighthouse Trails:

As a result of a casual conversation with a friend, I was telling her about your listing of contemplative colleges.  She asked me if Liberty University was one of them.  When I e-mailed to tell her yes, she did not reply; but her husband did.  He was VERY angry at me – vehemently denied that there was any truth to information posted on your site.  Can you please help me with this?  I have been using your site for a few years now and have never found anything that was untrue.

Thank you very much for any support you can offer me in this delicate matter.

Our Response:

We do have Liberty listed as a college/university that is promoting contemplative spirituality. The information we have posted and written about Liberty is documented, and we provide this documentation for all to see. For instance in the one article we wrote, http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/newsletter021307.htm#article2, we state that David Wheeler, professor at Liberty was using contemplative leader, Mike Yaconelli’s book for his classes. Wheeler was indeed using this book, and we talked to him on the phone in 2008 to confirm this. We explain in the article the nature of Yaconelli’s book.

In this article, http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=2035, we listed several areas where Liberty was using contemplative materials.. Mind you, a lot of those links have now been changed by Liberty, but everything we wrote when we wrote it was true and accurate.

Liberty is still promoting Youth Specialties (one of the biggest advocates of contemplative AND emerging spirituality). In the 2010 National Youth Workers Convention website (an event presented by Youth Specialties), Liberty is listed as one of the event’s exhibitors: http://nywc.com/exhibitors/. To participate in any form of this pro-emerging event, where mystic proponents Tony Campolo and Mark Yaconelli will speak, shows that Liberty is still sympathetic toward contemplative spirituality.

Further, on Liberty’s website, they still carry the Code of Ethics which in it explains their connection with contemplative pioneer Richard Foster. http://www.liberty.edu/media/1118/%5B5975%5DAACC_Christian_Code_of_Ethics.pdf  (From page 3 of the Code:  “Although rooted primarily in an orthodox evangelical biblical theology, this Code is also influenced (according to the paradigm offered by Richard Foster) by the social justice, charismatic-pentecostal, pietistic-holiness, liturgical, and contemplative traditions of Christian theology and church history.”) If Liberty University does not agree with this strong supporting statement, they should remove the Code of Ethics from their website.

On the Liberty University Center for Worship Resource Center, they list a number of emerging/New Spirituality authors as resources for students: http://www.liberty.edu/index.cfm?PID=10757(Rob Bell, Erwin McManus, Donald Miller, Dan Kimball, David Crowder, and Michael Card, etc). Also in Liberty’s Center for Worship are two Spiritual Formation programs. (Spiritual Formation, a term developed by contemplatives Richard Foster and Dallas Willard and identified in the early 1990s by Rick Warren in The Purpose Driven Church).

Other instances where Liberty is using contemplative material: 

In Youth 201 course, they are using Ron Luce’s book for a textbook. Luce is another contemplative advocate. http://liberty.bncollege.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/BATTLE_CRY_FOR_A_GENERATION/BNCB_TextbookDetailView?catalogId=10001&storeId=22559&langId=-1&productId=500000950748&sectionId=42763398&partNumber=MBS_869060&item=Y&displayStoreId=22559.  

In DSMN course, Alan Hirsch’s book, Forgotten Ways, is being used as a text book. Hirsch too is an emerging advocate. http://liberty.bncollege.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/FORGOTTEN_WAYS/BNCB_TextbookDetailView?catalogId=10001&storeId=22559&langId=-1&productId=500000881850&sectionId=42671971&partNumber=MBS_828909&item=Y&displayStoreId=22559

Further material:

Other courses at Liberty using contemplative and/or emerging authors:

COUN 506, 373 and PACO 506, 373: Henri Nouwen (2 books)

CHMN 497 and PLED 520: Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline

COUC 735 and 397: Dallas Willard

LTRP Note: The following is a chapter from Castles in the Sand, the only novel exposing the dangers of contemplative spirituality. The story is about a young Christian college girl who is introduced to mysticism through her spiritual formation professor. In the following chapter, Tessa, troubled by some of the strange symptoms she is experiencing when practicing meditation, seeks help from her school counselor. But alas, the counselor is involved in the very spirituality that is affecting her. His advice? He encourages Tessa to turn to an ancient mystic, Teresa of Avila, for wisdom and understanding.

Castles in the Sand
by Carolyn A. Greene
Chapter 19: Bad Counsel

But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.–Jesus, Matthew 6:7

March 23
“And so, I’m really not sure what to think anymore about this spiritual formation training,” Tessa said softly. She felt very small and insignificant sitting in front of the huge desk in the head counselor’s office. The walls were covered with hardwood panels, and on the one with the credenza pushed against it hung a framed portrait of a man staring down at her with knowing eyes. The counselor wrote on a notepad with an expensive-looking gold pen. He had been at Flat Plains [Bible College] for nearly five years and most of the students respected him. Tessa had often heard him play the cello in the string quartet during chapel for Monday meditations. He was a bachelor, but not the kind the girls would flirt with. She wondered if he ironed his own shirts every day, as he always wore a crisp white one under his sports jacket. He had a few odd quirks but was generally kindhearted and caring. Tessa didn’t know why she felt so uncomfortable as she sat in his office. The counselor analyzed the comments he’d been jotting down. His notes said this girl had dark circles under her eyes and seemed very nervous. She had no previous record of drug use and had never gotten into trouble at school.

“Miss Dawson, we realize it’s an emotionally and spiritually demanding course. You have probably been working very hard. I see you stayed at school over the Christmas holidays as well as spring break last week to catch up on some course assignments. With the semester nearly over, the pressure will soon be off. Have you talked to your spiritual formation professor?”

“Well, she was the one who recommended that I be mentored by Ms. Jasmine. Naturally, I was excited about that, at first. Now, I’m not sure anymore. So I talked to the other counselor this morning, and she told me that you and Ms. Jasmine are the only people I need to talk to about my concerns.”

“Did she now? Instead of speaking to me, have you talked to Dr. Winters first about your concerns?” He secretly wished Dr. Jasmine Winters hadn’t been so casual with the students, allowing them to address her by her first name. It was simply disrespectful.

“Well, that’s the problem. I’m not comfortable with that.”

The counselor leaned forward on his oak desktop and looked at her over his black-rimmed glasses. “Well, apparently Dr. Winters is comfortable enough to have you all call her Ms. Jasmine. Now, could you tell me exactly why you are ‘uncomfortable’?”

“It’s like this. I . . . when I am in a session . . . I mean, when I did the sessions with Ms. Jazz, I mean Dr. Winters, strange things happen, I mean, happened.” Tessa started to cry. “I’m sorry, I haven’t been sleeping well.”

Tessa felt her throat tightening. This wasn’t easy for her. At first, in the beginning of the school year, everything was good. Really good, actually, and Tessa had soon become a keen and open-minded student. But later, she’d begun having reservations, even before Katy read her “the list.” She couldn’t say why, exactly, only that she’d started to feel vaguely suspicious and oddly unsettled about the whole thing. That was probably why she could never muster the courage to take it to the next level. And lately, her resistance seemed increasingly ineffective. She used to have control, but she didn’t seem to have it anymore. Had the words of warning, the words she had so carelessly rejected, been right after all?

“What sort of strange things?” the counselor asked, interrupting her thoughts.

“Yes. Well, this may sound very, very weird, but I get a tingling, prickling sensation in my head and my hands, and sometimes all the way down to my feet.”

“Has Dr. Winters been letting you drink her Yerba Mate? It sometimes has an . . . effect on certain people.”

Tessa shuddered at the thought of the South American tea Ms. Jasmine sometimes drank through a metal straw. She thought the Yerba leaves looked and smelled like a wet horse stall.

“No. You don’t believe me, do you?” She reached into her pocket and pulled out a folded, wrinkled paper. It was the list Katy had tried reading to her the other night. Later, when Katy wasn’t there, Tessa picked it up, folded it neatly, and put it in one of her books. “I would like to read this to you. These are some symptoms that–”

“That you have?”

“Well, I might have some, but so does my friend Elise and at least half the class. But Dr. Winters has most of these. Can I just read this?”

“Have you been to see the school nurse?” he asked.

“I don’t need a nurse!” she said too loudly, and remorsefully looked down at the floor. “Please . . .” she said quietly.

“Go ahead.” The counselor leaned back in his chair.

“These are some of the symptoms I am talking about. It’s only some of them.”

Before coming there that day, she had highlighted certain symptoms on the list with a yellow marker, ones she had either experienced herself or saw or heard about in others, including Ms. Jasmine–especially Ms. Jasmine. She held the wrinkled paper in her clammy hands and began reading the symptoms she had marked:

Hearing sounds like a flute, waterfall, bees buzzing, ringing in the ears, inner voices, mental confusion, difficulty concentrating, emotional outbursts, uncontrollable laughing and crying, rapid mood shifts, fear, rage, heightened awareness, trances, sensations of heat or prickling in the hands and head, feelings of peace and tranquility, ecstasy, dreams or visions of spirit guides, out-of-body experiences, awareness of auras, chakras, healing powers, sensitivity–

“All right, all right. That’s enough, I’ve got the point,” the counselor interrupted. He pulled off his glasses, puffed a few breaths of hot air onto the lenses, and unfolded a clean white handkerchief to polish them.

“But I’m not finished. I–”

“Miss Dawson, look, I believe you. A few other students have reported minor things. But everything has an explanation. This is a very old school. Before we rule out the insulation or the lead paint, here’s what I think. First of all, you have completed the required reading, am I correct?”

Tessa nodded.

“Then you must know that the ancient Christians who tapped into methods of prayer that the modern church has forgotten also describe many of the same experiences. What if these things, which you say make you fearful, are simply God’s graces and favors being bestowed upon you? Rather than having a fear-based faith, we must open ourselves to God’s voice. We must not shut the door to new forms of God’s communication with us, Tessa. The Bible says, ‘Shout to the Lord a new song!’ We cannot put God in a box.”

He reached behind him and pulled a book from his shelf. The title on the cover said The Interior Castle, but Tessa thought this one looked older and thicker than her copy, which was called Selections from the Interior Castle. He pushed up his thick-framed glasses and opened it to a page with a folded corner.

“As St. Teresa of Avila wrote, ‘Our Lord is just as pleased today as He has ever been to reveal favors to his people, and I’m convinced that anyone who will not believe this closes the door to receiving them herself.’ So you see, only those who believe and open the door will be the recipients of His revelations and favors!”

Tessa knew about that. She had written a paper on the Teresian prayer model. “Yes, I understand that concept. But something is not right, I’m telling you. One evening not long ago I arrived early at our mentoring session, and Ms. Jazz was . . . she was . . .”

“Tessa, Dr. Winters is a very spiritually disciplined person, and a fine role model. She does the fixed hours of prayer several times a day, and some people, when they find out, just don’t understand. It’s a classic case of fearing the unknown. I trust she has been training you to do your prayer exercises as well. May I ask how far you have gone in your quiet prayer time in regard to the inner rooms of the Teresian prayer model?”

“Well, I . . . I could never get past the fourth room,” she said, sniffing. “The castle. It haunts me in my dreams. What I thought was beautiful is turning into a bad dream. It’s just not lining up with . . .” She stopped in mid-sentence and thought about Katy and Gramps, and how they would often say that something was not “lining up with Scripture.” “I guess I just don’t know anymore if the voices I am hearing are from God or . . . I’m just . . . I’m very scared.”

“Dear Tessa, I think I have just answered your own question.” The counselor looked pleased with himself and assured her with a compassionate smile. “Now take a deep breath and listen to me carefully. Close your eyes . . . There, that’s right. Now, do you remember how St. Teresa compared the doubts we have to reptiles? Let me read a little more from the fifth chapter.” The way the counselor read reminded Tessa of the way Ms. Jasmine read–slowly, methodically, pronounced:

In the prayer of quiet in the previous mansion, the soul needs to be very experienced before it can be sure what really happened to it. Did it imagine the whole thing? Was it asleep and dreaming? Did the experience come from God, or from the devil disguised as an angel of light? The mind feels a thousand doubts. And so it ought, for as I said, we can be deceived in these mansions, even by our own nature. It is true that there is little chance of those poisonous creatures entering the Fourth Mansion, but slippery little lizards are small enough to slip in unnoticed. They do no harm, especially if we ignore them, but these little thoughts and fancies thrown out by the imagination can be annoying.

However active those lizards may be, they cannot enter into the Fifth Mansion. Here, neither the imagination, the understanding, or the memory has any power to prevent God’s grace flowing into the soul.

The counselor closed the book and placed it on a stack of Travel Mongolia magazines. His chair creaked as he leaned back and took off his glasses again. “Tessa,” he said, “perhaps you need to enter into the fifth room of the castle and allow God’s grace to flow into your soul. You seem too focused on poisonous, negative thoughts, which you simply must choose to ignore. I suggest you contemplate Scripture more often through your lectio divina exercises.”

Tessa nodded her head, folded the paper, and stood up. Her ears began to ring again. The book he had read from sounded different from the one she had. Why were they always quoting to her out of books? Gramps usually quoted the Bible, and he seemed to know a lot of it by heart. She wasn’t sure if Ms. Jasmine even owned a Bible. If she did, Tessa had never seen it.

She was more confused than ever. Everyone here kept telling her to shut out the noises and go within herself. “There you will find your true self,” they’d say. However, her true self was the part of her that was so confused. Gramps always said that God is not the author of confusion. For some reason, Tessa remembered that cold fall day at the retreat when they were instructed to go and find their true selves, and she found the [mysterious] woodsman instead. What was that verse he read? “Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.”

She had no idea why she remembered that verse today, but how desperately she longed to know truth and have wisdom right now.
“May I go now?” she asked, rubbing her temples. “I . . . I have a really bad headache.”

The counselor nodded and watched her walk to the door….

“Oh and Miss Dawson, one more thing,” he said as she paused with her hand on the knob. “St. Teresa, your namesake, also said that a venomous reptile cannot live in the presence of divine light. If we are to be Christ followers, we must choose not to join the ranks of the spiritually uncivilized who refuse to be enlightened. Please keep this in mind.”

Tessa gave a weak, “OK,” then opened the door and stepped into the hall. The door swung shut behind her with a precise click. She watched as students walked past her to their classes, chatting and laughing happily as though everything was normal and there wasn’t a care in the world. As for herself, she wondered if she was going mad. Nothing made sense anymore.

Back in the office, the counselor glanced at his watch. Thank goodness she’s gone, he thought. It was nearly noon. Time for the Daily Office, the fixed hours of prayer Ms. Jasmine had taught them at their second staff retreat. He found that even five minutes spent centering down helped him get through a stressful day. Lately, more students like Tessa had begun to ask him too many difficult questions. Not to mention that paranoid old Mr. Brown who had been phoning and giving him a hard time.

He was beginning to feel more than a little annoyed.

He locked his office door, put a Taize worship CD into his Sony player and sat down in his chair again. Glancing up at the chart on his wall, he took a deep breath. He nearly had it memorized but wanted to be sure of the steps, so he read them again:

-Be attentive and open
-Sit still
-Sit straight
-Breathe slowly, deeply
-Close your eyes or lower them to the ground

Then he closed his eyes and slowly repeated the verse of the day from the Sacred Meditation website–

Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know . . .
that I am God . . .
that I am God . . .
that I am God.
That I am God,
I am God,
I am God,
I am God,
I am,
I am,
I am,
I am . . .

The noise in the hallway soon disappeared as Dr. Frank Johnson … shut out the sounds around him and slipped into a peaceful inner silence.

(This is an excerpt from chapter 19 of Castles in the Sand, the 1st novel ever written that exposes the dangers of contemplative spirituality.

LTRP Note: The following is an excerpt from Carolyn A. Greene’s novel, Castles in the Sand, based on the true story of contemplative spirituality in the church today. A growing number of Christian colleges, seminaries, and universities are incorporating this mystical spiritual formation into classes and chapel programs. This excerpt takes place during a lecture by the very contemplative professor, Ms. Jasmine. For those who are skeptical about this, check out our growing list of “contemplative colleges.

From Castles in the Sand: The Lecture -

Winter Term 2008

“Please keep your questions for the end of the lecture,” Ms. Jasmine announced. “Instead of boring you today, I will use the last part of our class time for your inquiries regarding your marks.” She pulled a thick stack of papers from her briefcase and put them on the desk. She nodded disapprovingly at Tessa, who was ten minutes late again. Tessa could already tell the room was going to feel much too warm. Her cheeks and nose were still rosy from her brisk morning walk as she sat down in the front row of the lecture hall beside Elise. She pushed up her sleeves, pulled off her knit hat, and shook the melting snowflakes onto the floor.

Ms. Jasmine removed her glasses, glanced at the clock on the wall, and walked to the white board. Her black high-heeled shiny boots were the kind that clicked loudly with each step she took. She picked up a marker and began her lecture. Tessa admired her black pants and bright pink tailored jacket with oversized buttons that only someone like Ms. Jasmine could get away with. It seemed that anything she wore made her look elegant, even that bright pink lipstick.

“That’s gotta be Bombshell Blonde hot pink lipstick by Gigi,” Elise leaned over and whispered to Tessa. “I have that one, but it looks totally dumb on me. Maybe if I get a psychology degree like she has, I can afford to look like that someday.”

Tessa was …  wondering whether she received a good mark on her paper.

“After today’s lecture, I will hand back your papers. You have all worked very hard, and I’m pleased to say a few of you have done excellent research. In fact, several of you have earned such high marks you are being considered for a special, brand-new scholarship which will be announced in the spring.”

Tessa had indeed done her research for this paper on prayer. It had been an enormous challenge trying to work with a chatty roommate nearby. If it hadn’t been for earplugs and her favorite quiet spot in the library, she could not have accomplished what she had. Tessa had never applied herself so completely to any assignment, but because she liked Ms. Jasmine, she had put a lot of effort into this class. Even so, she thought if anyone in this class deserved a scholarship, it was Elise. Elise did everything well, putting more effort into studying than Tessa had energy for, and always achieved her goals for the difficult assignments she tackled.

“I’d also like to mention that we had a great turnout two nights ago for the outdoor prayer walk, in spite of the snow. Wasn’t it lovely? Thank you Elise and Tessa for helping organize the evening.”

Ms. Jasmine allowed a few minutes of chatter while she turned and wrote something on the board. It was a time line of the current era, something she often drew during her lectures, although it wasn’t too likely anyone could make out the title, as usual.

“Can you read that?” whispered Tessa.

“No,” Elise answered, “typical doctor’s handwriting. It’s just another one of her time lines.”

“All right, students,” Ms. Jasmine said loudly, drawing a vertical line at the sixteenth-century mark as she waited for the noise to stop. “Let’s talk about controversy and the test of time. As you know, some of the early Christians who were contemporaries were known to disagree on many things. Two, for example, are St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross, yet their writings are considered to be the greatest of all mystical theology. Even St. Teresa’s advisors couldn’t agree on whether her experiences were from God or from the devil. Some thought her visions were the work of the Holy Spirit, and others remained convinced that her visitations were illusions of Satan. But in the end, the truth came out. Today we see how valuable her writings and experiences are for the church. So in spite of these controversies, the works of many of these misunderstood saints have stood the test of time and are still in print today. You all, of course, know that St. Teresa is a personal favorite of mine.”

She turned and made an “x” on the board at the 1970 mark on her time line. “Case in point . . . some of you may have read in your research that not too long ago, St. Teresa was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Paul the VI. She was the first woman to be named as a Doctor by the Roman Catholic Church. By the way, ladies, be glad you live in modern times. It took Teresa of Avila several hundred years to get her doctorate. It only took me eight.”

As Ms. Jasmine waited for the chuckles and giggles to finish, a girl wearing thick glasses near the front of the room, whom Teresa only knew by first name, gingerly raised her hand.

“Yes, Nicky,” responded Ms. Jasmine.

“Um, one book I read said something odd,” began the girl timidly, her cheeks flushed. “It mentioned that mystics like St. Teresa had erotic experiences during their spiritual peaks. Can you comment on that?”

“Yes, thank you for that excellent question,” Ms. Jasmine answered in her usual professional manner. “We can all learn from a fairly new view within psychology and holistic health that an erotic component can be integrated into the mystical ecstasy, which brings about a whole new level of union with the divine. Take for example St. Teresa’s experience of ecstasy with the angel that is so beautifully captured in the statue by Gianlorenzo Bernini. Of course, you can imagine that critics opposing mysticism would have an even tougher time accepting this as a superior level of intimacy. I guess it all depends on what one believes. Those of us who understand the mystical state as a state where God is encountered would welcome this deeper dimension of spirituality.”

Tessa felt more than a little embarrassed to think about what Ms. Jasmine was implying. She slid down slowly in her chair and looked straight ahead, not wanting to hear anymore about that. It just didn’t sound right. They had all read the same book, but she didn’t have the courage to ask such a question in front of all the guys. She didn’t really want to know the answer, anyway.

“And let me add this,” continued Ms. Jasmine. “While I personally do not see the need, there are some contemplative practitioners who offer ‘warning,’ saying that this kind of prayer is not for the inexperienced novice.” Ms. Jasmine made quotation marks with her fingers as she said the word in a mocking tone.

Teresa’s ears perked up. A warning? Ever since the retreat she’d been having very good success talking to Jesus during her journaling times, and had even written about it on the student blog. She vaguely remembered seeing that warning in some book she had read. The author had advocated praying a prayer of protection before praying with your imagination, but she had completely ignored it. Now, a brief cold wave of fear passed over her, but she refused to consider it and quickly put it out of her mind. How could she fear the gentle Jesus she met on the beach, and the warm presence she’d experienced only a few nights ago in the prayer labyrinth?

“One well-known contemplative author writes,” Ms. Jasmine continued, “that you must offer a prayer of protection to God, lest you come in contact with demons.”
Half the class snickered when Ms. Jasmine overemphasized the last word in a low scary tone, especially a group of guys in the back row. “Thomas, you always have novel ideas. Could you tell the class what you and your friends find so amusing?”

“Uh-huh. That is so paranoid. I mean, if you pray to Jesus, He’s not going to send a demon. That’s just stupid.”

“Exactly right, thank you Thomas. Many of us . . . many of those who have been practicing these methods of silence and contemplation for years also disagree with that statement. Contemplative prayer is not dangerous, and it is for everyone. The Bible says to ‘be still and know that I am God.’ If we don’t silence our minds, how else will we hear Him in our busy lives, amid the constant barrage of noise from televisions, CD players, and a myriad of other electronic gadgets? In order to really know God, you have got to have an inner stillness.”

No sooner had Ms. Jasmine finished her sentence, than the ring tone of a cell phone chimed from someone’s bag, throwing everyone in the lecture hall into fits of laughter.

“Thank you Amanda. That was perfect timing. The point is, one will hear different views on the subject of listening prayer, but one must always go back to the tried and true, the experiences of the early church fathers and mothers, to whom we owe so much. Why else would their writings still be in print to this day if God did not want us to learn from them? Why would they be given doctorates by the church, even years later, if what they practiced and taught was not from God? Isn’t that what you meant, Thomas?”

Thomas nodded his head and leaned back in his chair grinning, proud to have Ms. Jasmine’s approval.

“Now, let me ask how many of you are going home for Christmas?” Almost everyone raised a hand. Ms. Jasmine twirled her marker back and forth between her fingers. Her long pink nails made a rhythmic clacking noise on the pen. Tessa couldn’t help but think it was to the same beat as, “Oh what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh . . .”

How Tessa had wanted to go home for Christmas and see Sassy and of course, Gran and Gramps too, but the roads were bad with a blizzard in the forecast, and a plane ticket was out of the question. Besides, she’d had a sore throat and thought it best to stay in Flat Plains and catch up on her assignments. She hadn’t been feeling well these last few weeks and could use some peace and quiet, especially if her roommate was going to be away. There were other students staying in her dorm who couldn’t afford to travel either, so Sonya had invited them all to spend Christmas Day with her family, who lived only forty miles away in what was rumored to be a very big mansion. When Elise told Tessa that Sonya’s home was as big as a castle, that it had many guest rooms filled with tapestries and antiques from Europe, she immediately accepted Sonya’s invitation. How could a girl with a weakness for castles miss an opportunity like this?

“Class, can I be honest with you?” Ms. Jasmine asked, a very serious look on her face as the room grew quiet. “When you go home, your families and friends may view you in a different light now that you’ve learned new things in this class. For example, if they notice you practicing your daily lectio divina readings, they may try to persuade you that the old-fashioned religious ideas they learned are the only right ones. This may even spark controversy within some of your relationships. But remember, the ancient disciplines you have learned were around long before they were. Fundamental Christians who have grown up with a certain narrow brand of religion can’t help it—they just don’t know any better. If they don’t understand, teach them to listen, as you have learned. Remind them that even Jesus retreated to places of solitude and silence to find union with the Father. Tell them that this is why Christmas has come, that the light may be found in each one of us!”

Tessa glanced at Elise. She was closing her eyes and smiling. Ms. Jasmine is right. Gran and Gramps really are old-fashioned and narrow-minded in many of their views. Better to spend the holidays here with some of her friends in a modern-day castle.

“I’m sure you are all anxious to get going before the snow gets too deep, but as you leave, come to my desk and pick up your marked papers. I’ll stay for half an hour to answer your questions. For those who need to go, have a peaceful and divine Christmas! And be careful if you are driving. It’s a blizzard out there!

(To read other sample chapters from this and other Lighthouse Trails books, click here.)

Castles in the Sand byCarolyn A. Greene, 2009

From OneNewsNow:

According to a Christian renewal alliance, a California seminary affiliated with the United Methodist Church is revisiting its plans to launch schools of ministry for non-Christians.  

Two years ago, officials at the Claremont School of Theology (CST) set in motion its plans for “The University Project” to “rethink classical models of theological education” as part of an effort promoting “interreligious cooperation” and training leaders in a number of religious traditions such as Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and others. One of the objectives, according to the project website, is to teach students to recognize the “legitimacy and integrity” of other religious traditions they will encounter in society.
 
In response, earlier this year the school was hit with an embargo on $800,000 from the United Methodist Church’s Ministerial Education Fund; and also was sanctioned by the University Senate, which is concerned about CST’s “proposed transformation from a school of theology to a university with schools of ministry.” Click here to continue reading.

The following letter was sent to Lighthouse Trails this week from a Houghton College alumni couple. Because of our ongoing research on the slide by many Christian schools into the contemplative/emerging camp, we are posting this letter with the couple’s permission. We hope it will help those of you who are trying to warn loved ones on what is happening in the Christian schools today. Following the Putnam’s letter is their research notes on Houghton College. For a list of other Christian colleges, universities and seminaries going contemplative/emerging, click here.

For Lighthouse Trails Editors:

Houghton College, Houghton, NY Slips Into the Emergent Camp

My husband and I, graduates of Houghton College in 1967, began to become familiar with the Emergent/Contemplative Movement this past winter, immersing ourselves in your web site as well as books from authors like Yungen, Oakland, DeWaay, Warren, and others.  We also listened to ministries as Crosstalk, Olive Tree Views, Fighting for the Faith, DVDs, and more.

The Lord directed us step by step unveiling just the right information to ready us for our next encounter.  During this time we were feeling our alma mater was not affected.  That is, until last month, when my husband read President Shirley Mullen’s April 2010 “President’s Page.”  Immediately, he noted she was reading Thomas Merton and Eugene Peterson.  Red flags flew!  I typed in “Houghton College-Emergent Church” and right away up popped Houghton’s “Youth Pastor’s Conference with Mark Yaconelli”

(October 20, 2008) and “Houghton College Emerging Church Conference” with Tony Jones (March 28, 2009).  A third document to surface was The Trinity Review with the article “The Emergent Church’s Retreat into Pre-Reformation Darkness” by Paul M. Elliot.  This paper on page fourteen listed Houghton, along with other institutions, as having gone emergent.

Thus, began our research into Shirley Mullen, the Houghton Wesleyan Church, the Houghton Chapel speakers, and more Houghton conferences.

The result is the enclosed paper that I am sharing with alumni friends.

First we found ”The Houghton Conference on Christian Worship” (Sept.25-27, 2008) with John Witvliet of the “Calvin Institute of Christian Worship.”

Witvliet then became tied into John Brittain, Dean of Houghton Chapel & Professor of Religion, Houghton.  Brittain signed Robert Webber’s“A Call to Ancient Evangelical Future” of which Witvliet was a supporter.

Looking into Houghton’s Wesleyan Church site for this spring showed small groups using contemplative materials including Richard Foster and Emilie Griffin’s  Spiritual Classics  as well as Corrine Ware’s  St. Benedict on the Freeway: Spirituality for 21st. Century Pilgrims.  Not only was the church using these books, but the Western New York District of the Wesleyan Church was as well–notably emergent proponent Earl Creps’ book.

After finding out the above, researching the chapel speakers was the next step.  While there wasn’t any way to begin to research all of them, or include all of the information found from the archives from 2006-2010 a number of prominent speakers were found.

Ben Patterson, of Westmont College, especially proved interesting namely because he’s now Chapel Pastor at Westmont where Mullen taught for a number of years; and he’s also associated with Westmont’s President Beebe who is with Renovare.  The Westmont Chapel Archives, just from the spring of 2009, listed Shane Claiborne, Gayle Beebe, Richard Foster, Shirley Mullen, and John Ortberg as speakers.

We also found it very telling that JoAnne Lyon, General Superintendent of the Wesleyan Church, a chapel speaker, authored a book quoting Henri Nouwen, Richard Foster, and Jurgen Moltmann (see Bob DeWaay’s work).

And this March, once again, the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal spoke to the students in forums besides demonstrating an “instructional mass” causing a senior to state in the Houghton Star (March 24, 2010) that the mass was one of the most profound spiritual events in her four years at Houghton.

Lastly, on May 8, 2010, Eugene Peterson spoke to the graduating seniors.

Thus, from all we’ve read there seems to be little doubt that Houghton, as Paul Elliot said, has gone emergent.  And so it is with sadness, we also feel Houghton should be added to your list of contemplative colleges.

In Christ, W. H. and L E. Putnam

The Putnam’s Research on Houghton College

Dr. Scott Cairns:  Chapel Speaker 9-18-2009

 Just as I was about to mail the paper I researched one more Houghton Chapel speaker–Dr. Scott Cairns, whose story says it all.

Listen!  Dr. Cairns is a superbly talented poet, and a winner of a Guggenheim fellowship.  Prior to this Cairns was a Baptist, and a Presbyterian who began digging into more ancient faiths in order, he said, to learn to pray.

What happened then?  Cairn converted to orthodoxy.  To experience more of this contemplative life style Cairns visited the Mt. Athos Orthodox Monastic Community in Greece.

After, he helped found St. Luke the Evangelist Orthodox Church of Columbia.  With his award money he traveled back to Greece to visit more monasteries.

Cairns said:  “…when God became flesh as Christ, flesh was infused with divine potential.  Cairns also said “…as an orthodox, he has a sacramental view of the whole world as holy-and holy to him means the possibility to become absolutely connected to God and every other person.  He believes every person has this potential.”

This is Cairn’s story.  Will it be the same story for Houghton students being presented with this contemplative lifestyle?  Is this what John Brittain, Dean of Houghton Chapel, wanted when he signed onto Robert Webber’s “Ancient-Future Faith?”  Is this what John Witvliet was after as he infused Houghton with Calvin College’s contemplative worship techniques?  Is this what the Houghton Wesleyan church is hoping will be the outcome of the study of their Benedictine book by Corrine Ware or the spiritual disciplines by Richard Foster and Emilie Griffin?  Is this what the college had in mind when it heard Tony Jones, author of The Sacred Way(Sixteen Spiritual-Catholic-Practices for Everyday Life), during the Houghton College Emerging Church Conference?  Is this what President Mullen wishes for her students when she reads the monk Thomas Merton and embraces the contemplative Eugene Peterson?  Is this what Dr. Mike Lastoria had in mind when he again invited the Franciscan Friars to Houghton to share an “instuctional mass?”

I ask you, too, as a Houghton alumni, is this what you will allow to continue to happen at Houghton?  Will the students, like Cairns, leave their evangelical churches and faith behind in search of a contemplative lifestyle through prayers, through rituals, through joining with nuns and monks, through spiritual formation disciplines being taught in classes, chapels, and the church?

If you care at all for the young people-Houghton students as well as your own children and grandchildren-if you care for their very souls you will take time to stand up and to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints. I beg you, wake up, before its forever too late for many more Houghton young people!

“Poetic Devotion” Article about Scott Cairns: Find at: http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2006/04/19/poetic-devotion/.

Houghton College Speaker– Sufi-’Christian’ Music Writer 

Speaker: Dr. Scott Robinson  Date: Jan 29, 2007

Also: “Mandala” September 21, 2009

Robinson from Eastern University founded “Mandala” as a vehicle for his original Sufi-inspired Christian devotional music.  He’s a member of the Third Order of St. Francis.  He attends the “Church of St. Martin in the Fields” in Philadelphia.  He’s with “The Center for Progressive Christianity.”

He was at “A Festival of New Music” presenting a ”To Go Among the Sacracens: A Franciscan’s Journey into the House of Islam.”

There’s quite a bit of info on him from photos etc.  See: http://www.tcpc.org/about/bio.cfm?person_id=309.

Not only did he speak the first time, but this past year he came back with the whole Mandala group 9-21-09 –you can hear it on the audio.  He is introduced on the audio (group too) and they proudly announce that Robinson will be part of the faculty for their new “Interdisciplinary Master of Arts Degree” teaching “World Music and Intercultural Studies.”  The group did numbers for the chapel and then that afternoon, the announcer said, there would be a “Q&A” with the group as well as participatory work involving some kind of chants; and that night there was to be a devotional world music concert as well as prayer.  All I am thinking of is Thomas Merton–”impregnated with Sufism.” (A Time of Departing: p.59,60, 188) 

Additional Notes about Houghton College Speaker:

 Dr. Scott Robinson or N. Scott Robinson Chapel: January 29, 2007 Chapel: September 21, 2009  The Mandala Music Chapel

 *  Mandala definition: any of the various ritualistic geometric designs symbolic of the universe, used in Hinduism and Buddhism as an aid to meditation. Many other such definitions.

*  Find “Mandala-Who Are These People?” (Robinson’s group.) at http://www.mandalaband.net/whois.html.

* Found on above site:  Mandala was meeting with Yoga group to do “Kirtan“  Called “Kirtan with Mandala”

*  At http://www.hinduism.about.com/od/audiomusic/a/kirtan.htm?p=1 find “About.com “Hinduism” article

“Kirtan: How Chants Can Heal the Heart” says “one of the oldest sacred music traditions of the world, the kirtan call-and-response chanting genre comes to us from India.  Using ancient Sanskrit mantras, the kirtan calls upon sacred energies which serve to quiet the mind, remove obstacles, and bring us back to the center of our being.”

* Dr. Scott Robinson is now on the faculty of Houghton to teach “World Music & Intercultural Studies.”  These classes going on right this week; I have other web pages  from the music department. 

* The Mandala site shows the covers of the groups’ CDs offered to the chapel students last September.

* A quote from “Programs and Presentations” section says: “Dr. Robinson shows how all faiths and cultures can direct us toward the One God who made heaven and earth.” 

The Emergent Church at Houghton 

 A Must Read Book: Roger Oakland: Faith Undone the emerging church…a new formation or an end-time deception. (Lighthouse Trails Publishing) Site Dedicated to Informing Christians of Leaders/Organizations/Books Involved in the Emergent/Contemplative Movement:  http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com.

 “The Houghton Conference on Christian Worship” on September 25-27 at Houghton.

 Keynote Speaker: John Witvliet *“What can the “emerging church” teach us about worship?” Find at:  http://www.houghton.edu/evhttpents/worship-conference/.

 John Witvliet- Director of “Calvin Institute of Christian Worship”:

“Transforming Culture Symposium” Speakers: Eugene Peterson, John Witvliet… Find at: http://www.emersionbooks.com/ Scroll down to second article.

“Feeling Renewed By Ancient Traditions” The Washington Post quotes Witvliet. Find at: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/07/AR2008030702925.html?sid=ST2008037031.

 Robert Webber-late Wheaton Professor & Ancient-Future Faith: “Ancient-Future Faith Or Do All Roads Lead to Rome” by Gary Gilley Find at: http://www.svchapel.org/resources/articles/21-church-trends/21-ancient-future–or-do-all-roads-lead-to-rome.

Calvin Institute of Christian Worship (John Witvliet) “Robert E. Webber’s Legacy: Ancient Future Faith and Worship” (“The Call to an Ancient Evangelical Future”) Find at: http://www.calvin.edu/worship/stories/webber.php.

Robert Webber’s “A Call to an Ancient Evangelical Future” Call Participants-Signers include: John Brittain, Dean of Chapel & Professor of Religion, Houghton; Rev, Dr. Keith Griswold, Rochester, NY;

Dan Kimball & Tony Jones, Emergent Church; Dr. Kristina LaCelle-Peterson , Houghton…..

Note signers denominations and colleges! Find at: http://www.ancientfutureworship.com/afw_callsigners2.html.

 “Second Coming of the ‘Eucharistic” Christ,” a chapter in Oakland’s book: Faith Undoneconnects Brian Mclaren, Robert Webber, A-F Faith, & Wesleyans and much more. See pp.135-139.

 Houghton Wesleyan Church & Contemplative Spirituality:

 Houghton Wesleyan Church Small Groups-Spring 2010 Find at: http://www/hwchurch.org/SmallGroups.htm.

 Small Group:

“St. Benedict on the Freeway: Spirituality for 21^stCentury Pilgrims” by Corrine Ware; taught by Michael Walters who spoke at “The Houghton Conference on Christian Worship.”

 Corrine Ware:

“A Benedictine Bibliography” (Includes Ware book)

Find at: http://www.ben.edu/programs/centers_institutes/CMI/BenedictineBooks/index.asp.

 Small Group: “Spiritual Classics” by Richard Foster and Emilie Griffin; taught by Mike Jordan.

Richard Foster:  “Richard Foster’s Legacy Endures–Christian Leaders Help to Make It So” by Lighthouse Trails Editors

Also includes many more articles on Foster. Find at: http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com. Type in “Richard Foster.”

 “Richard Foster and the Be Still DVD” by Ray Yungen (Author of A Time of Departing) Find at: http://www.erwm.com/RayYungen1.htm.

 Emilie Griffin: “The Renovare Spiritual Formation Bible with Richard Foster and Eugene Peterson” ( And Emilie Griffin Catholic, Contemplative, & Mystic, & Emergent Dallas Willard) Find at: http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/renovarestudybible.htm.

“Conversion: A Journey of Mind, Heart, and Spirit” from Emilie Griffin’s book: Turning: Reflection

On the Experience of Conversion. Find at: http://www.fortunecity.com/campus/medicine/871/church.html.

Houghton Wesleyan Church Youth News: Find at: http://www.hwchurch.org/YouthNews.htm.

“Life Unplugged Retreat” from May-June Newsletter 2010 at Bliss Summit Bible Camp “Solitude and silence are words and situations that are foreign to our face-paced world. Come experience a retreat loaded with these types of situations!…”

Wesleyan New York District of the Wesleyan Church: “The Inner Circle” September, 2009 Volume 10, Issue 1 on page 2: “Leadership Development Journey” from October through April 15 at Wesleyan Church of Hamburg is focusing in on Earl Crep’s book Off-Road Disciplines. (Creps is an Assembly of God Emergent.) Find at: http://www.wnydistrict.com/Pastors_Newsletter.wss. Click on “September ‘09 Issue.”

 Earl Creps: “AGTS Professor EARL CREPS Publishes New Book” Has forward by emergent Dan Kimball and endorsement by emergent Leonard Sweet as well as published by Jossey-Bass & Leadership Network. (Tied to Emergent Church: See pp.23-38 “The Birth of the Emerging Church” in Faith Undone by Roger Oakland.) Find book description at: http://www.agts.edu/news/news_archives/2006creps_earl.html.

“Another Seminary Stepping Toward Emerging and Contemplative Spirituality-Assemblies of God Theological Seminary” (Creps’ Syllabus includes Nouwen, McLaren, Dan Kimball, and others.) Find at: http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/Maynewsletter.htm. Scroll down for article. 

Houghton College: Spiritual Life-Worship and Growth Opportunities: Chapels:

Find Archives listing dates and chapel speakers from 2006-2010 at: http://www.houghton.edu/spiritual_life/chapel_recordings.htm.

Here are just some of the speakers involved with Emerging Church, Contemplative Spirituality, Postmodernism, & Spiritual Formation:

Richard Cizik(September 18, 2006) “Cizik, Clinton, & Christian Pluralism” Find at: http://www.crossroad.to/Quotes/Church/global/cizik-clinton.htm.

 “Remaking Evangelicals In Ted Turner’s Image?” by Mark Tooley Find at: http://www.crossroad.to/News/Church/post-modern.html. Scroll down to February 2008.

 Dr. Richard Mouw (November 16, 2006) President of Fuller Theological Seminary  “Dr. Richard Mouw: We at Fuller Theological Seminary Very Proud of Rob Bell” (Emergent)

Find at: http://www.apprising.org/2008/12/02/dr-richard-mouw-fuller-theological-seminary-so-proud-of-rob-bell/.

“Dr. Richard Mouw: Mormon Apologist Trusting The Jesus of the Bible” Find at: http://www.apprising.org/2008/12/02/dr-richard-mouw-mormon-apologist-trusting-the-jesus-of-the-bible/.

Fuller Theological Seminary’s Emergent Agenda: “Letters to Brian McLaren from Emerging Church Students” Find at: http://www.lifeasmission.com/blog/2010/04/letters-to-brian-mclaren-from-emerging-church-students/.

 “Church Then and Now-Conference in Boston-Part 1” (Fuller’s Emergent Stance)

Find at: http://www.blog.fuller.edu/churchthenandnow/2010/04/17/conference-in-boston-part-one/.

 Shane Claiborne (March 14, 2007) “Mysticism’s Gospel of Goodness and Shane Claiborne” by Ken Silva

Find at: http://apprising.org/2010/02/21/mysticisms-gospel-of-goodness-and-shane-claiborne/

“Castles in the Sand Visits Shane Claiborne” Find at: http://mywordlikefire.wordpress.com/2010/03/10/castles-in-the-sand-visits-shane-claiborne/.

 Lauren F. Winner (March 23, 2007) “Christianity21 and the Future of the Church” by Sharon Autenrieth- Winner’s 21 things that will be said of Christians by the end of the century. Find at: http://www.stltoday.com/blogzone/civil-religion/tag/emergent-village/.

“Emergent & Intergenerational Faith” (PBS-Story of Emergent Church-Second half) with Brian McLaren. This includes extra footage of Phyllis Tickle, Lauren Winner, Tony Jones, and others. Find at: http://emergent-us.typepad.com/emergentus/2005/07/second_half_of_.html

Rev. Ben Patterson September3-5, 2007 Campus Pastor, Westmont College “Renovare Ministry Team” Includes: Gayle D. Beebe (President of Westmont), Richard Foster, Dallas Willard, Emilie Griffin…Think “Beebe,” a Quaker, and his connection to Patterson! Find at: http://www.renovare.us/WHOWEARE/MinistryTeamandStaff/Renovar%C3%A9MinistryTeam/tabid/2367/Default.aspx.

Westmont College Chapel Archives: e.g. Spring 2009 speakers include:Emergent Shane Claiborne, Ben Patterson, Gayle Beebe, Emergent Richard Foster, Shirley Mullen, Emergent John Ortberg … Find at: http://www.westmont.edu/_offices/campus_pastor/chapel/archive/spring09.html.

Bart Campolo (November 5, 2007) “Bart Campolo: Son Like Father” (Tony Campolo) Find at: http://www.christianresearchnetwork.com/?p=314.

“Imagine There’s No Hell Below Us” Find at: http://www.moriel.org/pfp/discernment/church_issues/pseudodidaskaloi.htm. Scroll down.

“Bart Campolo on the Limits of God’s Grace” Find at: http://www.mrhackman.blogspot.com/2009/05/bart-campolo-on-limits-of-gods-grace.html.

 Duffy Robbins (January 25, 2008) “The Message: Who Endorses & Promotes Peterson’s Opinion of the Bible” (p.10-11)

Find at: http://www.SeekGod.ca/themsgendorsements.htm.

“2009 Youth Workers Conference Should Be Avoided” First Duffy and Maggie Robbins. In their book, Enjoy the Silence, the Robbins give detailed instructions. Find at: http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=840.

 Leith Anderson (March 12, 2008) (Linked to: Emergent Doug Pagitt) Former President of NAE: “Winds of Change in Evangelical Response to Global Warming” A list of the signers of the evangelical intitiative on global warming. The top name: Rev. Dr. Leith Anderson. Find at. http://www.stonescryout.org/archives/2006/02/evangelical_cli.html.

 Leith Anderson quote from: Faith Undone by Roger Oakland, p.55,56. Find at: http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/wooddale.htm.

 Matthew Sleeth (October 13, 2008) “Southern Oregon Emergent News“ by David Rapp Locate J. Matthew Sleeth’s book listed at right as well as Doug Pagitt/Tony Jones and Shane Claiborne. Find at: http://www.davidrapp.org/New.html. Click on “Emergent News.”

Wilmore-Lexington Emergent Cohort Group; “Next Cohort Meeting: May 17, with Matthew Sleeth.” Find at: http://centralky-cohort.blogspot.com/.

 Marva Dawn (January 20, 2009) “Renovare Resource Catalog: P.12 Dawn with Eugene Peterson. Note all names/works. Find at: http://www.renovare.us/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=4FY4JvSkS58%3D&tabid=2409

 The Life with GodStudy Bible (Formerly: Renovare Spiritual Formation Bible) Editors and contributors include Marva Dawn, Richard Foster, Eugene Peterson, Dallas Willard and others. Find at “Renovare Resource Catalog.” (See above.)

Amy Oden (January 22, 2009) Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington,DC: “Emerging Ministry” -Cooperative Internship with Cedar Ridge Community Church founded by Emergent Leader Brian Mclaren. Dr. Amy Oden Teaches course “Practice in Ministry and Mission.” Find at: http://www.wesleyseminary.edu/academics/id.27/detail.asp.

JoAnne Lyon, General Supt. (April 24, 2009) Book: The Ultimate Blessing: Experiencing God to the Fullestquoting Henri Nouwen, Richard Foster, & Jurgen Moltmann (An Emergent Father). To see inside book and its citations go to Amazon.com Find at: http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Blessing-Experiencing-God-Fullest/dp/0898272696.

 “The Road to Paradise Imagined” (p.15-30) in The Emergent Churchby Bob DeWaay cites clear evidence that Jurgen Moltmann is tied to the Emergent Church. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=The+Ultimate+Blessing%3A+Experiencing&x=16&y=19

Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (March 10,12, 2010) “Franciscan Friars Welcomed by Community” by Katherine Thompson in the Houghton Star-March 24,2010. Dr. Mike Lastoria invited them. Note students’ comments. Senior: “I…appreciated the way… Father Glen drew…attention to…great people of faith who have gone before…in doing God’s will.”

Another senior: “The instructional mass (held) was one of the most profound spiritual events…in my four years…amazing… to have Christians of varying beliefs to come together…” Find at http://www.houghtonstar.com/news/franciscan-friars-welcomed-by-community-1.1278954.

 

On March 11, 2010, at Cedarville University Jeremiah Chapel in the Dixon Ministry Center,  Cedarville University will be hosting liberal emerging leader Jim Wallis. The event is titled “A Critical Evaluation of Christian Responses to Poverty and Affluence.” The announcement on Cedarville’s website states in part:

Marvin Olasky, founder and Editor in Chief of World Magazinehas been called “compassionate conservatism’s leading thinker” by George W. Bush. Olasky’s book, The Tragedy of American Compassion made such a deep impression on Newt Gingrich that he sent a copy to every Republican in the House of Representatives during the “Republican Take-Over” of 1994. Olasky was instrumental in articulating the philosophy of charity and service that led to the creation of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. Olasky’s conservative credentials are impeccable and he cares deeply about a Biblical approach to poverty.

Jim Wallis, founder and Editor in Chief of Sojourners Magazine has been called America’s leading progressive evangelical by The Washington Post. Wallis’ book, God’s Politics: Why the Right Gets it Wrong and the Left Doesn’t Get it spent 15 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Wallis was picked by Time Magazineas one of the “50 Voices for America’s Future.” He is known as perhaps the leading figure and spokesperson for the “religious left.” Wallis currently serves on Barak Obama’s Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Initiatives. Like Olasky, Wallis identifies himself as an evangelical and he has built a reputation as a Christian advocate for the poor. (Click here to read the rest of this announcement.)

This is not the first time that Cedarville University, once known for its conservative and biblical reputation by many Christians, has shown a propensity toward the emerging church leaders. Lighthouse Trails has written about Cedarville on a number of occasions. Please refer to our links below for some of these situations. As for the upcoming event with Jim Wallis, readers here should be aware that Wallis has a major affinity with atonement denier Brian McLaren, and his magazine, SoJourners, is a media outlet for mystics, emerging leaders and New Age proponents.

In a February 11th announcement on the Cedarville University website, “SERIES TO ADDRESS A BIBLICAL RESPONSE TO POVERTY,”  the announcement states that the issue of poverty is a “heated discussion” among “church-goers.” But this is a misleading statement. It isn’t the issue as to whether Christians should help the poor (Christians traditionally have always believed in helping the poor) or not. No. The issue that is “heated” is that emerging leaders are rejecting the essential elements of Christianity (the Bible as God’s Word, the atonement, relationship with Jesus Christ vs esoteric experiences induced by mysticism, Christ’s literal return, panentheism, universalism, etc). The insinuation of the Cedarville announcement is that Jim Wallis will help to make the case for a “biblical response” to poverty. The announcement says: “This event is part of the University’s Critical Concern Series, which brings in noted scholars to biblically analyzecontemporary issues.” But this statement could be nothing further from the truth.

Interestingly, in 2008, Cedarville attempted to bring in emerging leader Shane Claiborne, who had Jim Wallis write the foreword of his book, The Irresistible Revolution. The event was eventually cancelled after a number of complaints were received at the university. But now, a man who resonates with Claiborne is going to be bringing his ideas to the students at Cedarville. In our 2008 we stated:

While Cedarville’s Dean of Student Life (Dr. Purple) told Lighthouse Trails that Cedarville is “very conservative,” pointing students to a book that is partially written by Wallis seems to give a different message…. Sojourners[magazine] would not represent the views of a “conservative” Christian college by any means, and it is a dichotomy for Cedarvilleto call itself conservative Christian then introduce students to a book written by Wallis and Claiborne in a favorable light, which CU is doing when it says that Claiborne is “rooted in the values of the Christian faith.”

Worth noting, in 2009, Barack Obama named Jim Willis as part of his newly formed Faith Advisory Council. 1

Past Coverage on Cedarville:

Cedarville University Controversy Escalates – Draws Broader Attention

Cedarville University Bringing Emerging Church Activist to Campus

Cedarville University Cancels Shane Claiborne Event

Cedarville University Heading Down the Contemplative Road?

The following pertains to our January 25 article, Buddhist/Universalist Sympathizer Woos Nazarene Students at NNU. NNU’s president, Dr. David Alexander, has issued the following response to an undisclosed number of concerned Nazarenes. We are posting this and also our comments and documentation about his response (see our commentary below Dr. Alexander’s response).

From Dr. Alexander:

Greetings from the campus of Northwest Nazarene University.  I am writing to follow-up on an email you sent to General Superintendent Porter regarding the appearance of a guest on the NNU campus several years ago [2006].  Please allow me to speak to that, as well as make a couple general observations and finally update you on the present work of NNU for the Kingdom.

You wrote asking about the appearance of Jay McDaniel on our campus.  He was a guest speaker at NNU in the Fall of 2006.  Unfortunately, the video clip that you are referencing omits an NNU faculty member’s introduction of Dr. McDanie[l].  In effect, the introduction was a “disclaimer” regarding the fact that while we welcome him to speak, not all his views may align with our institutional views on matters of orthodoxy, theology and creedal statements.

Therefore, let me state explicitly so you know exactly where NNU stands as an institution.  NNU believes and affirms the Articles of Faith and Covenants of Christian Character and Conduct that are the bedrock of the Church of the Nazarene.  Furthermore, we espouse the centrality of Christ in all we are and all we do.  To that end, I’m inserting a paragraph from the Hallmarks of an NNU Education, that underscore this fact:

Northwest Nazarene University is built upon belief in and relationship with the One Triune God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  In Him and His Son all things live and move and have their being.  He is the way, the truth and the life.  Therefore, we gather and organize ourselves around our relationship with God in Christ, made available to us through the Holy Spirit.  We exist to seek God.  He is the centerpiece around all we plan, do and are.  We seek His rule, righteousness and relationship in our lives and in the life of the institution.

Here is a link to the entire Hallmarks of an NNU Education document:  

http://www.nnu.edu/offices/office-of-the-president/hallmarks-of-an-nnu-education/

Let there be no doubt.  We organize and act from our belief that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.  I understand that in viewing the remarks of our campus guest that some may mistakenly assume that what he said is what we believe.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  

Having said that, I want to explain the nature of his invitation.  (Please recall that this occurred in Fall of 2006, I became President of NNU in Summer of 2008.)  The university as a whole and our School of Theology & Christian Ministry in particular realize that the world is shrinking.  Culture and belief systems that were once a world away, are now as near as an immigrant student, a next door neighbor or a link to a website.  Consequently, it is the duty and responsibility of the university to make ourselves and our students aware of the world’s religions, sects and quests for God.  This is necessary if we are to appropriately know how we as Christians, are to proclaim the gospel to Muslims, pantheists, or Buddhists (an area where Dr. McDaniel has done research). 

It is our privilege and duty to assess and guide in this process, so that we and our students become adept at highlighting the good intentions and fallacies of various religions in order to then preach Christ and Him crucified.  This is in keeping with the same posture that the Apostle Paul used on his missionary travels, when he spoke directly to the belief systems of a particular town or region (e.g. Athens, Corinth) and then connected the hunger for a god, with the path to God in Jesus Christ.

To this end, we, as a missional expression of the Church of the Nazarene, promote the exercise of faith and reason, so that we might better observe the hand of God and His grace, preveniently at work in the world, so that we might be a part of the Holy Spirit’s moving.  In fact, my recent address to the campus community in our first Spring Semester Chapel, explores how to deal with the healthy tension that God has placed within us, His children, as we learn to exercise our minds in harmony with our faith.  Here’s a link to the text of that chapel message:  

http://www.nnu.edu/offices/office-of-the-president/presidents-messages/spring-2010-chapel-january-13th/

I’m sorry if this video of one of our guests, which you have encountered, has caused you to think poorly of our work.  I wanted to be quick respond and encourage you to stay in dialog.  For NNU has, is and always will be committed to proclaiming the good news of the gospel, saturating all we teach and do with His perspective, as we continually seek to provide transformative experiences for our students as they grow up into the full measure and stature of Jesus Christ.

Thank you again for your interest and concern.  I take it to mean that you have a heart for our beloved Church and the work the university does as the Church at work in higher education.  

May God bless you, may God bless NNU,

David Alexander, President

Northwest Nazarene University

Lighthouse Trails’ Commentary and Documentation Refuting Dr. Alexander’s Response:

We believe this is a case of a university president who does not appear to understand the nature of the current spiritual deception sweeping through the church, and very much so the Nazarene denomination. By his own admission, Dr. McDaniel was there to instruct the students, as Dr. Alexander points out (end of paragraph 6) when he says “make ourselves and our students aware of the world’s religions … an area where Dr. McDaniel has done research.”I think many parents would disagree with NNU’s idea that New Age Christians who dangerously teach another gospel should be the ones to teach their students about world religions. That’s a ridiculous argument by Dr. Alexander. There are many excellent books and resources that teach on world religions, written by fine Christian men and women. So when Dr. Alexander says that “it is the duty and responsibility of the university to make ourselves and our students aware of the world’s religions,” how that is done is up for dispute. 

Secondly, if the school is indeed “committed to proclaiming the good news of the gospel” and if something has changed since Dr. Alexander became President of NNU, which he points out in his letter that he began AFTER McDaniel’s visit, then why was Brian McLaren invited to speak in 2008, Philip Yancey this year and why do they presently have a Spiritual Formation program, in which heretical authors such as Richard Foster, Rob Bell, Henri Nouwen, Brian McLaren, Dallas Willard, Steve Chalke, David Benner, Brother Lawrence, Eugene Peterson, and Donald Miller are being used to teach the students?  http://www.nnu.edu/academics/graduate-programs/graduate-theological-online-education/master-of-arts-tracks/wwwnnuedumasf/textbooks/ Some of these listed above have outrightly denied the Atonement of Jesus Christ and all listed above are part of the new emerging spirituality, which promotes a mystical viewpoint. 

At the risk of sounding disrespectful, we will tell you why this is happening at NNU – it is because Dr. Alexander and the other teachers and leaders at the school think they understand, but they do not. 

Incidentally, the use of heretical teachers (ones who promote mysticism and panentheism) does not stop at NNU’s Spiritual Formation program. In their Missional Leadership program, the same thing is happening. Part of that list includes Brian McLaren (clearly a favorite of NNU, though McLaren calls the doctrine of the Cross and Hell “false advertising” for God), Eddie Gibbs, Leonard Sweet (promotes quantum spiriutality – see AWD), Dan Kimball, and a number of others. Dr. Alexander needs to understand that he is president of a university that has become an institution that is promoting the new emerging spirituality, a spirituality that by its very nature denies the tenets of the Christian faith, of which he says the school believes. 

For Dr. Alexander to single out McDaniel as if this was some rare exception is erroneous, because the names we have mentioned above are following the same spirituality as McDaniel. In his case, he was just more candid than some of the others. But for those who have studied McLaren, Sweet, and Foster, they have learned that the spirituality is the same.

Note: For detailed information on the beliefs of the names mentioned in this commentary, use the Lighthouse Trails Research Topical Index and Search Engine.

The following is a list of Christian colleges that Lighthouse Trails reported on in 2009. Below this list is a list of Christian colleges that we added this year to our “Contemplative College” list:

January 2009 – Southern Baptist Theological Seminary May Be Heading into Troubled Contemplative Waters

February 2009 – Trevecca Nazarene University Promoting Contemplative Spirituality in No Small Way

February 2009 – Keri Wyatt Kent Continues Leading Women Toward Contemplative – Moody Bible Institute Helps

April 2009 – Emergent/Mystical Leaders at Baylor University

April 2009 – Point Loma Nazarene University Welcomes Brian McLaren and Embraces Contemplative Spirituality

June 2009 – Gordon College in MA Brings Emerging Contemplative Spirituality to Students

November 2009 – Buddhists at Bethel University

November 2009 – Jan Markell and Bob DeWaay Challenge Bethel University

December 2009 – Is Taylor Seminary leading the “lost brethren” home to Rome?

New Colleges Added to Contemplative College List in 2009:

Alberta Bible College (Alberta, Canada)
Belmont University (Nashville, TN)
Cedarville University (Cedarville, OH)
Grace Theological Seminary (Winona Lake, IN)
Malone College (Canton, OH)
Rocky Mountain College (Alberta, Canada)
Urshan Graduate School of Theology (Florissant, MO)

For a complete listing, click here. There are currently 83 schools on this list. For a list of schools that DO NOT promote contemplative/spiritual formation, click here. There are currently 21 on that list.