Letters to the Editor
New Convert Runs into Contemplative in a Missionary Society
I just found your site yesterday, after a Google search about Henry Nouwen, as I had heard his name in association to dangerous doctrine, but couldn't recall what precisely. Upon finding your site, I immediately signed up for the newsletter. The world needs more discernment ministries, and more Christians (myself included) need to speak up against this utterly wicked "doctrine of devils" (1 Tim 4:1)
Having been converted only a year ago, I had never really heard of any of the contemplative spirituality mess. I first was introduced to it when I started work for a missions organization. Almost all that I was taught at 'training' was a mishmash of New-Age Buddhism, meditation, with a total disregard of Sola Scriptura. Praise the Lord that my conscience was not at ease with it all, and, by the Holy Spirit, I looked into it, and compared what I was being taught with Biblical Christianity. It didn't match up.
I am currently serving in _______________ with this same organization, biding my time, praying for the boldness to speak out against the wickedness that is preached by those around me, and cry out to them to see their danger as they dance gleefully on the edge of the pit of Hell.
So, this is a great thank you for your site and what you do. May the Lord bless you efforts to the Glory of Jesus Christ, and the salvation of men's souls.
Sincerely,
________
Warning Signs at Southwest Commission on Religious Studies
I had an interesting experience attending the Southwest Commission on Religious Studies annual meeting this month, a conference about religion in Dallas [TX] attended by a lot of professors from Christian colleges and seminaries in that area.... I encountered a lot of people who certainly confirmed the dire situation of the Christian educational world now.
To begin with, I encountered a man (whose name I forgot) who teaches hermeneutics at Central Bible College in Springfield, Mo. Thinking that it was something like what I studied in seminary, I naively told him I thought that was a very important subject, since many people don't know how to interpret the Bible. Well, it turned out that the guy is a postmodernist who believes that there is "no meaning in the text" but that "the meaning is in the reader." Another man I met at lunch was a Christian psychologist. He informed me that he had given up sweets for Lent. I asked him "Are you a Roman Catholic?" Apparently not.
Two other papers presented were about Hans Kung, the Roman Catholic theologian, and Stanley Grenz. Both were by teachers at Baptist colleges. Dan Stiver at Hardin-Simmons College made it obvious that he was a great admirer of Hans Kung and told various stories such as one about inviting him to speak at his college. Jay Smith from Howard Payne University presented a paper about Stanley Grenz, whom he also praised without any qualification as a person who helped to "rescue" evangelicalism from irrelevancy. I wasn't aware that it was in need of rescue. He also presented another paper in another session about Grenz along similar lines. Other papers also commended postmodernism or feminist theology, and people speaking up in the sessions identified themselves as in the "emergent church." They seemed confused about what to believe.
Anyway, it gave me a dose of what the evangelical college world is becoming nowadays. To be fair, there were a few papers critical of people like Rick Warren and Bill Hybels too. But after what I saw, I'm not sure I could safely recommend any Bible college or Christian college in the US or Canada. So I can appreciate what you've been doing in your research and publishing. I thought maybe you should keep an eye on the colleges I mentioned. I don't know how they are in general, but I wanted to alert you about what I saw.
Your brother,
(Because the writer of this letter also taught a workshop at this event, we are withholding his initials and location to protect his identity.)
Barbara Marx Hubbard Scary
Thanks for the "From The Lighthouse" message on Barbara Marx Hubbard.
Honestly, I have never heard or seen someone so scary in my life. It's written in Matt. 6:22 that the light of the body is the eye. Her eyes look as black as cesspools. And to write so calmly of murdering the corrupting "one fourth" for the good of the whole smacks of nazism. With people like her, it's no wonder there will be so many martyrs revealed in the fifth seal.
John
Colorado
Has World Vision Gone Contemplative?
Has "World Visions" gone contemplative recently or is it just that I am just now seeing it? Their President, Rich Stearns, has just written a book titled "The Hole In Our Gospel." Check out the list of "great Christians" who endorse it. I stopped after i got to Bono and Bill Hybels. I plan on calling them tomorrow and telling them to take me off their mailing list and not to expect another $500 contribution from me. Can you get the word out? Thank you for your time in this matter.
In Christ Jesus,
Mark D. Carpenter
mdbuild@charter.net
Home Churches in Australia
The survey report was interesting. In Australia many Christians are opting for house churches. They are effective in China and Burma, why not in US and Australia? When the only churches in one's locality are more like a rock concert, the home meeting where Christ is worshipped in sincerity and in truth becomes a haven of rest. During my recent visit to China I was told of a city in China where one house-church has three baptismal services for converts annually and over 1000 are baptized each year. If they can evangelize and teach the Body of Christ why do we need all the raza-ma-taz? The simplicity of the early church may be God's answer to the secularizing of "evangelical" churches. What do you think?
John R Ecob DD
jrecob@sharpdsl.com
Australia
In the Land of Ninevah
Thanks for keeping us informed. I'm practically a shut-in here in the state of Ninevah and can't find a church. It's not due to lack of trying or seeking the Lord. There just isn't a church worth going to after I left the Catholic church over 3 years ago.
I refuse to be part of any "church" that runs contrary to the teachings of Jesus Christ. That goes for LDS, Catholic, and/or Evangelical churches. The last church I attended a young woman informed me that anyone could believe in Buddha and still be part of the Kingdom of God! Unbelievable! I was shocked and never went back to visit.
I visited Calvary Chapel and was told that the reason there wasn't a cross anywhere is because people can use the cross as a pagan symbol but there was a dove on the podium. My question was can't someone use a dove as a pagan symbol as well? No answer to my question and needless to say I didn't visit again.
I visited a Methodist church and the female pastor couldn't have been more unfriendly. So I never went back.
It's sad but there it's been in a nutshell so I visit sites like yours and feeling pretty cloistered as it is.
Oh by the way if you aren't Mormon here in the great state of Ninevah forget about making friends!
NP
Utah
Rick Warren Not Obvious?
I it not obvious what Rick Warren is by now? How much can he say, and do and write that flies in the face of the true Jesus Christ before people will see him for what he is?
Brett
Alabama
Upset with Lighthouse Trails
I have to say a few things about this site before moving on. I am very concerned with how negative this site is. Whether the "Emergent" movement is subversive or what not, I am concerned by the amount of gossip and such that is taking place. I have to say that I am much more predisposed to joining the "Emergent" movement, as you call it, than your own anti whatever because of the way that you handle these subjects. In Matthew, Jesus, whom we both claim as LORD of our lives, says that if you have an issue with another brother, you should FIRST go to HIM and talk it out, then take a group of two or three witnesses and THEN AFTER that you expose it in front of the church. I think personally think this is the most gossip driven and cowardly website around. Gossip only because you really don't seem to care about loving your enemies and praying for them and GENTLY restoring them as Paul said, its cowardly because it seems, maybe I'm wrong, but it seems that you are too afraid to confront one of them face to face. In addition, I also heard one of these emergent people's defenses of themselves and it is clear to me that they love you anyway. Now you tell me one thing... didn't Jesus say that they would know that you're my disciples if you love one another? Whatever it is you're not loving and if I saw you I would say it to your face.... in a loving manner.
Second, it is quite clear that you don't understand what they are actually all about. In the least case, you haven't much on a particular man, named Rob Bell. So I'm not sure exactly what your argument is against him, except it seems to be how "spiritual" he is and how he seems to claim an Eastern religion. You couldn't be farther from the truth. In fact in one interview, he went so far as to show that he is not part of the emerging movement and is just doing his job. Second, his very purpose is to show how Jesus is the ONE and only Lord, which means that if Jesus is LORD, meaning, God, then we need to give our entire lives to Jesus and live for Jesus, in our day to day lives because knowing Jesus is a way of life, it is the way, and the life, and of course the truth. He is not the only one however, you have bashed people countlessly on this site who only long for a Jesus that takes up their whole lives. If nothing else at least see the craving and desire of these people to KNOW God personally. In addition, from the example on Rob Bell, you first of all post stuff that supports him not hurts him. Second, you only take snippets and cut-outs of what he says and thus take it out of context, thus demonizing a man simply for trying to live the Word and teach others to do the same. I will just say this... I am against your website, but thanks for all the information on here because it is helpful in building a case about why the Emergent church is a grand idea.
Too Much Dependence on the Bible
I am just now exploring this site and I love it for only one reason, and that is that it gives me more insight into the people and actions and resources for the Emergent Missional Movement. Other than that I think that all of your comments and connotations are extremely false and far from fair. Have you ever met one of these men? Maybe they actually are walking the walk that we tend only to talk. Anyway, I do have a question, have you ever considered how the Chinese church and the early church happen to have been the fastest growing Christian movements ever and yet they didn't have a whole Bible or maybe not even a Bible at all? I think the real problem is that maybe we have depended on the Bible as if the Bible were God. The Bible is not God and Jesus is the Word. I don't think that takes away from the authority of the scriptures. No, in fact I think these men are trying hard to live it in the most radical way possible and aren't afraid to try things whether right !
or wrong.
Also as for a "lack of organization" and the like I think that it is quite interesting to note that it was when the Israelites wanted guidance from a man that God became upset with them and complained how they were replacing God as their king and conforming to other nations. Maybe the Emergent movement just wants to follow Jesus. Also I really don't believe that they promote Eastern religions. Just because they believe that some of the practices can be replaced with Jesus doesn't mean they're adding Jesus to them. No, I really think they're adding the practices for Jesus not the other way around.
Thank you for your time,
Al
The Shack, from a different view
I so appreciate your articles on "The Shack." I was asked by an acquaintance to read this book, which had 'transformed her life'. (She was, at the time, on her second reading of it).
This lady is probably not a Christian. She is emotionally drawn to church, Jesus, etc... But, any attempt to actually mention scripture brings a very distant look to her eyes as she literally turns away. Not out of disrespect, but it seems more as if she unconsciously tunes out. (my perception, anyway)
I would love to see an article on "The Shack" that doesn't go so much into the New Age sayings, as they are sometimes kind of hard to understand if you have not been exposed to it. (I am not underestimating the damage done by these sayings, but I have to admit I sort of skimmed over them as I read because they looked like poetic, gobblely-goop)
What I found most disturbing, and most understandable to see as blasphemous in the book, was the idea that Father God did NOT separate Himself from Jesus when He was on the cross and that they both had scars. Several times 'Mack' tried to apologize to God and was stopped as if it were trivial and not necessary. (The heart of Christianity is that we are saved from our sins and need to repent) At one point in the book Mack asked a question and both Papa and Jesus looked to Sarayu to answer it and Sarayu said to Mack, "You will have to forgive those two....", when Sarayu saw a confused look on Mack. (Can you IMAGINE saying, "You have to forgive Jesus....or God the Father"???
I was disturbed by God (forgot which one, Papa, sarayu or 'jesus' said it) telling Mack he didn't need to heed the ten commandments and rules and responsibilities. (Romans 13)
I could go on and on concerning the outrageousness of the book on things that are so obvious, (maybe a bit more obvious to an undiscerning baby Christian perhaps than the New Age implications that read more like goofy poetry than the blasphemy it is), but I think that is enough.
I am going to attempt to make out a step by step list of these things, but am not at a point in my life to take the time it deserves. I would love for one of your writers to do this!
Thank You so much for your wonderful website!!!
Colleen
TX
Shocked about Christian Colleges
I just looked at your list of colleges and seminaries that are joining with the Emergent church movement. I am shocked and horrified. Moody Bible, Taylor University (my children attended Taylor in the 1990's) and so many more that at one time were considered very sound. Are there any left who are trustworthy? This is all happening so fast, the Lord's return must be near, very near. I'm sorry to say I believe my own church has bought into this lie from the pit of hell, and no doubt I will be forced to leave soon. So few people see what is happening. Sometimes I wonder if I am the one who is off base but then I look at the Word of God and know that is not the case. Thank you for keeping us informed of this terrible deception. I am praying for you and thanking God for your faithfulness to His Word.
BH
South Carolina
Overwhelmed
I found your website tonight by reading an article on Beth Moore and "contemplative prayer." She has been someone I have always (and still) respected and admired. On many occasions I have thanked God for her gift of ministry, her love for the word and her sense of humor.
I am profoundly disappointed that Beth would fall for this new age nonsense. I worry about many of our earthly fellow brothers and sisters when they rise so far to the top. I worry because they are human and they can be beguiled just like the rest of us.
I watched Rick Warren, also a believer in "contemplative prayer" as he conducted the OBama/McCain interview. How did he ever rise to the level of conducting a presidential candidate interview? He is a Christian celebrity and because of his book "Purpose Driven Life" he has been elevated to the level of fame. But as I listened to the weak, politically correct questions he asked the candidates, I was disheartened.
I am glad to read your articles. It's good to know God's remnant is always at work.
I have felt overwhelmed lately with the presidential race--the media making fun of Sarah Palin to the point that they are mean-spirited and bent on destroying her credibility. The economy is in its worse shape in my lifetime. But I do know that God is still in control.
Thank your for your good work. May God bless.
Becky Hernandez
Nevada
Biola University
The article on Biola and its theological shift to the contemplative is spot-on. Having known several Biola students and grads I wonder if they even understand the truth of the theology of the institution? Some bright and gifted people teach and study at Biola and lack of true leadership has brought them to this place. Thank you LHT!
John Prentice
Quartz Hill, CA
A Passion for the Truth
Wow. That was one powerful and clearly articulated set of articles. Thanks so much for the research, providing the details and the thorough citation concerning the current issues addressed. As it is passed on by many of us who share your concerns, passion for the Truth, and compassion for the unwittingly deceived ones, I know it will be equipping others as myself to "contend for the faith" and to keep from being "lead astray from our pure and sincere devotion to Christ." As you convey the Devil is a deadly liar and deceiver cycling through the same old schemes that only fail when God graciously intervenes with the Truth through His saints who take a stand for the Truth. And he never gives up or lets up.
Continue your unwavering stand for Him.
Twila Beck
NE
From a Former Saddleback Member
Thank you for your resources and information on the Purpose Driven movement. I was a member of Saddleback Church from 1993-2005 and a recovering addict of the Purpose Driven movement. Needless to say, I am embarrassed to have supported such a church for so long, but quite honestly it appealed to me when no other church did fifteen years ago. I don't think that I started to see the problems described until seven or eight years ago.
In reading some of the resources, I can identify mostly with the manipulation from the pulpit, such as contrived emotion or intimating that anyone who didn't go along with his program "wanted" the world to go to hell among other things that I heard that I now realize is disturbing at best. I can also identify with the ruthlessness shown against those who don't go along with program. Moreover, I agree with the manipulation of Scripture, something I discovered when I was writing devotions based upon the Saddleback messages and found that verses used to support their points actually did not.
I appreciate what you're trying to do in warning Christians about the unhealthy aspects of the Purpose Driven programs. It is alarming to see the destruction it has brought to other congregations, much less to our country with Pastor Rick Warren giving a forum to political candidates or persons that are not a friend of Christians nor have any intention of being a friend to Christianity. Lately, I've said that the best thing Pastor Rick can do for Saddleback Church is to resign as Senior Pastor so that the congregants no longer have to be guinea pigs for this manipulative agenda.
If I can do anything to offer support, such as providing any information from my experience as a former member that might be useful to exposing problems with the Purpose Driven philosophy, please let me know.
May God bless your work to expose the truth about these matters.
Bob
Alistair Begg Drops from Reimagine Conference
I so appreciate all of the hard work that goes into your website. I pray that God would bless you and the desire of your heart to be a light in the dark world. We Christians benefit from your research. Thank you for following up with Alistair Begg regarding the ReImagine Conference. I hope his withdrawal means that he sees and understands the apostasy and refuses to become a part of it. I am thanking God today for the good news.
HF
California
New Believer Says Thank You - Looking for a Church
I would just like to thank you for informing us about the emerging church and all the new age leanings the church is involving themselves in today. I am a new Christian and have not found a church yet. I surrendered my life to Jesus while peeking in on some Christian forums, where someone led me in a prayer. I am a little intimidated in visiting churches because I don't know which one would be best for me. So, thanx for the help in knowing what to watch for.
Bonnie
IA
Scare Tactics by Lighthouse Trails?
To be Christian doesn't mean you have to worship God in the same way as they did in the 1800s. Do you not think that God still speaks? As I see it, you are the ones putting God in a box. I often engage and use these "new age" practices, but I am very much a Christian and believe in the Five Fundamentals of Christianity. I think your website and message are scare tactics for Christians living in a box. I feel sorry for those who will read this and will take it as the truth. Shame on you. You are just as bad as the Roman Catholic hierarchy of the 1500's.
P.S. A lot of your "evidence" slaps you back in the face and truly supports the other side. You might want to rethink that before you post it on your site. It just furthered my opinion that you are so closed-minded you couldn't see the truth if it slapped you in the face.
SG
Tennessee
Bob Jones Not Contemplative
I was so thankful to see that my alma mater, Bob Jones University was not on the list of institutions which has not fallen for that "contemplative" nonsense. Thank you for the work you do.
Alan
NE
Question about Walk to Emmaus/Upper Room Ministries
Dear Lighthousetrailsresearch,
Your web site is one of my absolute favorites, because of the integrity of your material, and the abundance of it. I have long been doing research on the Ecumenical movement and now the Emergent movement. I am a former Roman Catholic who is now a born again believer in Jesus Christ.
One of my areas of great concern is The Upper Room program called A Walk To Emmaus, which is being used by my pastor and his wife to influence each member of our church toward greater spirituality. Please expose this program.
Lorraine
MS
The Mystery of Iniquity ... Deceiving Much of the World
I want to thank you for the work you are doing to raise awareness of the bride of Christ regarding the apostasy taking place in the world today and shining a light on the mystery of iniquity that is deceiving much of the world through experiences and signs and wonders. I am a watchman for Christ and in my watching, aided very much by your research and other great watchmen, I have come to recognize the signs of the times and the nearness of our Lord's coming. Some of my reasons for the timing aspect come from watching the reviving of Israel and study of scripture in context of the Hebrew focus in which it was written as well as God's working with the nation of Israel. http://www.watchmanbiblestudy.com/Productions/HIStoryOurFutureProduction.htm
Thank you for your good work and may God continue to bless you and your ministry!
Your brother in Christ,
Phillip
Washington
In a State of Shock
Praise God for Watchmen on the Walls like you. I am still in a state of shock after reading what Rick Warren has to say about fundamentalist Christians...it beggars belief....he simply cannot be reading his Bible and is simply driven by a desire to fill his pews and get famous (in which case he is terribly successful!) and then the Catholics? according to him we just have to get along and focus on the ''bits we do agree on." Its laughable....but I also know deadly serious, as I have just read I am one of the hated fundamentalists!! so I give thanks for those of you in Lighthouse Trails & Understand the Times who are still standing. When I became a Christian 6 years ago, I never in my wildest dreams understood I would be attacked by ''my own kind'' what ignorance. I see now we need to be especially careful of those who proclaim to be leading us. I continue to support you & keep you in my prayers,
Blessings In His Name,
Allene
China
Putting on the Whole Armor of God
Thank you so much for standing and defending the TRUTH of the WORD of GOD! I teach a ladies Sunday School Class and I have taught the last 3 weeks on "Putting on the Whole Armor of God". The first piece is the 'Belt of TRUTH', which is an Armament, not an ornament. Foundational for discerning the lies of this world, the flesh and the devil. I am so blessed to come upon your site. In these perilous times CHRISTIANS MUST stand united upon the WORD of GOD and know that TRUTH never changes for no man, for no liberal thinking religious group. I pray that many will come to your site realizing that the master of THE LIE, through men, is soothing many itching in these last days. May God help each who have been saved by the blood of Christ never compromise God's Truth for the ease of belonging or fitting in. One day the living WORD will judge this world and put to rest its rejectors and ridiculers of our Lord's precious gift. It is indeed easy to detect dark from light!
It but much that is happening today is gray verses light. There is enough GOD mentioned in what thus saith men, such as Rick Warren and others, that we must stay in the Word of Truth to know that TRUTH of GOD. Bless you all for your godly stand for TRUTH and what it means to all we Christians. As I told my ladies this past Sunday TRUTH is not a what BUT a WHO, and HIS name is JESUS CHIRST our LORD. Thank you for this site and your love for GOD'S TRUTH.
By His Grace,
Helen
Georgia
Oprah, Tolle, and the New Age Plan for Elimination
In response to your latest "Coming From the Lighthouse" I just received and in reference to the quote from Warren Smith's article, "Tolle and Oprah stayed away from the harsher aspects of this "evolve or die" dictate in that first Internet class. Hubbard, however, has made it clear that in the future, those who refuse to make the "shift" by seeing themselves as "God" will be eliminated by something called "the selection process" Hubbard, who is highly respected by her New Age colleagues, claims that her "Christ" has laid out an Armageddon alternative peace plan to save the planet. This peace plan is predicated on accepting the "shift" in consciousness that Oprah and Tolle (and other New Age leaders) are teaching - the "shift" to the Christ within:"
Deborah, my sister interned with from Werner Erhard's(who was spoken of earlier in the article) New Age EST program in the 70's in California! Through the years of her "ever expanding world of the New Age," I have learned so much about the New Age Movement that other Christians have found insignificant, uninteresting, unimportant; yet,for decades I have believed the New Age would be the catalyst behind what the Bible calls the "Falling Away." I am so glad to see mentioned here that New Agers actually believe those of us who do not "Get It" and who do not join in the "collective consciousness" will be, for the sake of the planet, " eliminated." Many Christians are under the false assumption that when the Rapture takes place, those who remain will be so stunned and convicted that they will suddenly want to receive Jesus. It has been my belief, however, that this is not so; but rather, they will be delighted we are gone. Unbeknownst to many in the Church, New Agers are a already being indoctrinated to the idea that when we are actually taken out, removed, eliminated from this planet, it will have been to help their cause rather than to spare us from the Tribulation that Lord has actually warned us would come on the face of the earth. Because they will believe the lie that it is to help their cause, they will be overjoyed rather than fearful of what is about to take place after our departure. Not as many as we would hope for will be alarmed and driven into the arms of Jesus. I believe that is why we are told so emphatically, "Today is the day of salvation." The time is now to accept Christ. Those who are delivered from this powerful deception are most blessed! I believe the degree of the deception of the New Age, the New Spirituality, The Emerging Church is so strong it is very difficult once you have embraced it to come away from it! It is nothing to toy around with! One might Fall Away!
"Hebrews 6:4-6 "For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, if they shall fall away, to renew them again to repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh,and put Him to open shame."
KG
Virginia, USA
The Shack
Just last week I wrote to you inquiring about the book, "The Shack", and I was so thankful that you had an article by Berit Kjos today. I really hope that many in the area we live will read this article and tell others about the truth of this book. When "Christian" brothers and sisters recommend this literature to us to read because they say it will change our lives, it is very disheartening indeed. We left a church many years ago that was already promoting Rick Warrens' ideals before any other church in our area was aware of him. I am so thankful for the discerning husband that God blessed me with. My husband & I are very appreciative of your newsletter and the discernment that God has given you all. God bless you and continue to give you the wisdom you need to continue in this ministry. Times are not getting easier.
Margo
Canada
Judgments on Lighthouse Trails Website
There are judgments on this website that don’t conform to the idea of a Universal Church as established by Christ, a kind of 'collective thinking' that fails to allow individuation to occur, without which one is left with Pharisaic rules instead of the soul's mystical journey. You are right that there are some off-track Christian 'New Agers', but you are preaching fear of entering into the soul's journey. "Born again" does not have to mean 'born blind'.
You say the Bible is the 'Word of God' instead of Jesus being the “Word of God”, which makes a book into an idol. If the Bible is literal truth then its 613 laws including slavery, polygamy, smashing the enemy’s teeth, prostitution such as Tamar's, and all of the Christian tenets are still operative.
A real Christian faith-life modeled upon the Christ does not need to define itself by putting down others' faith experience or practices. Jesus said, "Be not afraid" more than anything else; true faith is embracing rather than exclusionary. He embraced faith formation and contemplation. Have you selectively excluded Acts 2:17-18? How can visions, dreams, and prophecy exist within the faith system you propose?
QB
MA
Roger Oakland and Calvary Chapel
I am NOT totally amazed that Roger Oakland was taken off CC's KWave after reading "Ichabod". It was one of his BEST articles! As I read it, all I could think about was that he was exhorting the Calvary Chapels. (I was from one of the CC's that had troubles.) I knew instantly, when I read "Ichabod" the other day, that the Holy Spirit had moved in Mr Oakland to reach out in a caring, Biblical way. I knew the ball was in CC's court, and they dropped it. How sad.
I recently read Mr Oakland's "Faith Undone" and all I could think was, "What a discerning man! What a blessing to us all who still believe that the Bible is the true and inspired Word of God!" And now, with this move by the CC's I look even more at Mr Oakland as a present day "Martin Luther". May God continue to bless him with knowledge, wisdom, discernment, skill, and love to stay strong in the fight, in God's power!
Thank you LTR for keeping us informed.
Chris
Wisconsin
Emergent Connection to Marxism
First, I want to thank you so much for your website and the information that you provide. I currently a member of a Calvary Chapel which does not participate in Purpose Driven or in the Emergent movement. However, before that I was a member of the Every Nation church movement, which I learned was descended from the notorious campus cult of the 70s and 80s, Maranatha Campus Ministries. They are more aligned with C. Peter Wagner and the so-called "New Apostolic Reformation" but they take an anything goes approach to church growth (as a cult, that's one of their primary aims), and several of their churches have adopted Purpose Driven in particular.
Anyhow, I'm also a PhD candidate in English, and know a bit about "literary theory" aka postmodern philosophy. I was a new Christian when I was studying for my masters, and discovered that my degree in English was really a degree in postmodern philosophy and how to inculcate college freshmen in the same. Fortunately, the Lord protected my heart from these philosophies... I thought at the time that they presented a grave danger to the church (this was even before my cult involvement). This was in the mid 1990s and many pastors at that time were still addressing secular humanism, even though that was on the decline.
Long story short... the "emergent" concept comes from a postmodern literary theorist, specifically a Marxist cultural materialist named Raymond Williams. According to Williams, there are three cultural forms in any society--dominant, emergent, and residual. The mainstream church (ie those who still believe in the Word of God as truth) would be considered a once-dominant cultural form, but the Emergent church threatens to make it "residual" in Williams' theoretical "construct." His seminal work is Marxism and Literature, published in 1977. I'm sure it's no surprise to anyone that the concepts behind the Emergent church don't come from the Word of God, but your readers may be interested and possibly shocked to learn that it's ultimately based on the theories of a Marxist cultural materialist.
blessings,
Bridget
Louisiana
South Africa in Trouble Too
It is really sad to see how many Christians have fallen prey to the new spirituality (mysticism) which is spreading its tentacles worldwide. I have often asked myself the question why so many Christians are so easily hood-winked into believing New Age teaching. Is it because they have experienced a false conversion and are not really saved? In fact, the Bible clearly states that most people will appear to have been converted to Christ (2 Tim 3:5) but will deny the power of God's cross (1 Cor. 1: 18). It is also clear from Scripture that the latter follow another Jesus because they have received another Gospel and another spirit, mainly because God Himself sends them strong delusion so that they may believe the lie - not because He wills their destruction but because they have rejected His Word and His only Way of salvation (2 Thess. 2:9-12).
Here in my own beloved country, South Africa, many of our theological seminaries and churches are openly advocating heresies ranging from the purpose driven agenda of Rick Warren to panentheism and the Jesus Seminar. What the promulgators of these heresies fail to see, is that they themselves are living monuments of the eternal inerrancy of God's Word, simply because His truly inspired apostles and prophets predicted the rise of false apostles and prophets in the last days.
I commend you for warning and admonishing those who have been deceived. May God grant them the mercy to return to Him and His eternal Gospel.
Tom
South Africa
Spiritual Formation
I'm sorry that you have so much fear. That is all I hear when I read your comments about all your comments about spiritual formation. How sad. These that you quote have been great inspirations in my faith walk. You should try really reading them. I have been a christian for over 20 years. I never liked the christian lingo, and yes that is what it is. I like this language a lot better, it fits who I am. I pray God will show you the beauty in the lives of contemplation and action. Don't have so much fear about it. Satan loves division and fear and legalism, that is what turns people off from christianity.
Marcia
Maine
Discernment
Thank you for your mission and calling to discern the many voices out in the world and church today. I came upon your site when I did a search about "Soaking Prayer." As I suspected, when an acquaintance mentioned of her involvement as a speaker for the Toronto movement, of its dangers to the "New Age" and "Feel Good" craze of christianity. :(
I also was reacquainted with some concerns with Rick Warren's "Purpose" series and FOF endorsement to the "Sacred" series. I have the "Sacred Marriage" book in my bedroom from a friend & Women's leader @ our church. God has told us to discern the spirits of this world & church. I forwarded this to my accountability partner & her husband, an elder and head of our "Men's ministry."
Thank you and God bless!
Diane
New York
Beth Moore Narrator into the Occult?
The Beth Moore DVD "BE STILL" opened my eyes to Tereas of Avila and Madame Guyon (who was inv loved in occult practices using jesus as a cover up). The most disturbing to me concerning the book audio Narrator of JESUS THE ONE AND ONLY BY BETH MOORE - Laural Merlington ... narrates horrible evil demonic seducing books ... I will only mention - No Humans Allowed by Kelly Armstrong. How could Beth Moore or the publisher allow such evil to speak about Jesus the One and Only ... that connects the sister saints ... sensuality in their experiences ... Christians Wake Up.
Deedee
Florida
Ruth Haley Barton on KWAV
I heard Ruth Bailey Barton on kwve this morning on Jim Burns show, Homeword....I was very disappointed and will be writing Pastor Chuck Smith about this. I tried calling the station many many times at 888-564 6173, and it was constantly busy. I checked the internet site for KWVE 107.9 and was able to get another # to call. I spoke to Mike and expressed my disappointment and he said to write the program director. I also called Calvary Chapel and the woman who answered told me to write a letter to the station and to Pastor Chuck. I was going to write pastor chuck the other day when to my surprise and happiness, his wednesday night service was on contemplative and its subtlety .........i didn't write him, now i will and express not only my happiness on his study but my disappointment on the kwve station airing this unfortunate discipline of (silence and solitude).
[B]eing a former new ager myself in my late teens ( i was born again at 14 and fell into new age around 15 16....and my life went down hill fast...) i know how it works...you want God but not Jesus...and one sure way to recognize this, is if they do not mention Jesus name..and this morning I did not hear it...i heard God ...but not the name of Jesus...that is a beginning of the all God one thing.
T.K.
California
Don't Put Down Other Religious Beliefs
I disagree about your opinions regarding Christian meditation and mysticism. It has existed since the beginning of Christianity;St. Paul is credited as one of the earliest of mystics. I also disagree with your opinion regarding other world religions such as Hinduism or Buddhism. I do not believe those who practice these religions are trying to become a God, but that they are searching for salvation in the way they know best, as are we. I do agree however that only one religious path should be chosen (such as trying to worship Christ and Krishna at the same time), but that there exists truth in all religions. I believe God works differently in all humans and the way he works in you may not work in someone else. I disagree with the putting down of religious beliefs though and that all are allowed their own interpretation of God and that in most cases it is valid. I believe in something similar to the points outlined on your belief page and I put faith into my beliefs. I however do not claim that my way is absolute and the only path to salvation. Do not confuse this with doubt, I am only trying to convey that right and wrong is not the most important thing. If man can empathize with each other on even the simplest level, we are further towards understanding, love...and peace.
Daniel
Virginia
I Think You Are Wrong
You seem to have contemplative prayer confused with New Age. Please learn some history. Contemplative prayer is as old as Christianity itself - even older. Have you not read the story of Elijah who was able finally to hear God in the silence - the "still small voice"? Indeed, many contemplative orders trace their history to Elijah himself - the Carmelites. Certainly Jesus himself probably used this form of prayer on many occasions. Please don't mislead your readers into confusing "New Age spirituality" (which is just a mishmash and very self centered) with true contemplative prayer which leads one into life with God and enables one to then articulate and live.the Good News in the world.
M.L.
Missouri
No Answers to Problem?
Upon
stumbling across Lighthouse Trails Research's web site, I spent
some time exploring the site, and yet have been left with a
few troubling questions. A lot is said very critically about
contemplative prayer under assumptions that it is all intrinsically
panentheistic or pantheistic, and yet very little time or attention
is spent trying to 'correct' a person's beliefs as to what one
should believe, or how one should pray. The Bible is brimming
over with the truth that God is present everywhere. Eph 1:23
"And the church is his body; it is filled by Christ, who fills
everything everywhere with his presence." The key is that we
can only access God's presence through Christ. If you miss that
key point, you run the risk of drifting into New Age ideas and
the 'pans'. But the danger of a web site such as this is that
you blanketed-ly discredit well-meaning and inspired Christian
authors and ministries that God is willing to work through,
and suggest nothing. ! All books (except the Bible), authors,
theologians, and speakers are 'off' to some degree. We all fall
short. But God is willing to use us and work through us. It
is dangerous and harmful to simply put out a list that seemingly
condemns so many people and ministries. A word of caution, and
a reminder to stay focused on Christ, yes! But instilling fear
and potentially driving people away from these resources and
offering virtually nothing in replacement (except more warnings
against contemplative-ness) can give the feeling that you may
run the risk of doing more harm than good. Can Contemplative
Spirituality be 'dangerous'? Sure. Can traditional dry orthodox
religion be 'dangerous'? Definitely. Try not to be so sucked
into a witch hunt, however, that you miss how God is wanting
to use you to proclaim him, and not only detract from others.
Respectfully submitted.
AO
Minnesota
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