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Biola University Contacts Lighthouse Trails - Accuses of Libel
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On
October 21st, a person from the Media Relations department at Biola University
contacted Lighthouse Trails because of articles we have posted about
Biola's promotion of contemplative spirituality. This person, who asked not
to be identified in our articles, said that statements Lighthouse Trails
has made are libelous. Upon asking for examples of libelous statements,
none were given. Biola's media person did say that our definition of
contemplative spirituality (eastern-style mysticism) is not what they mean
by contemplative.
To supplement our previous articles (see links at bottom) and to show that
Biola is indeed promoting and introducing students to contemplative
mystical spirituality, the following links are provided. Please also refer
to the many links provided through the articles at the bottom of this
statement.
Spiritual Formation at Talbot School of Theology:
Prayer Seminar (TTSF 705) with lectio
divina, recollection, centering prayer, Jesus Prayer (all of these fit the
contemplative prayer model)
Practicums in contemplative prayer
TTSF 532 - Developmental Spirituality & Contemplative Prayer with
emphasis on mystic St. John of the Cross (a panentheist)
TTSF 531 - History & Traditions of Christian Spirituality: Experiential
projects in several mystical streams and traditions
*Note: The Spiritual Formation department at Talbot is instructed by
several contemplative proponents including director, John Coe and J.P.
Moreland.
The Journal of Spiritual Formation and Soul Care:
This is a new publication put out by Talbot (Biola). The inaugural issue
has an article by Dallas Willard. In fact, Willard permeates Biola's
Spiritual Formation program. Willard emulates mystics such as Richard
Foster and Henri Nouwen. He helped to launch Foster's Renovare Spiritual Formation Study Bible (filled with
contemplative references), wrote the foreword to mantra-proponent Ruth Haley Barton's book Invitation to Solitude and
Silence, and is extremely influential in the spiritual formation
movement.
Perhaps one of the strongest influences at Biola for contemplative
spirituality is Biola's professor of philosophy J.P. Moreland. On Biola's
newspage it announces the recent award given to Moreland for his book Kingdom
Triangle: Recover the Christian Mind, Renovate the Soul, Restore the
Spirit's Power.1 Lighthouse Trails issued a book review on this book in January, and we encourage
all who are concerned about Biola to read it. His book identifies what
Moreland calls one of three needed elements for the church -- spiritual
formation. In the book, Moreland says he has drawn from the life of Dallas
Willard for 25 years. In chapter 6 of Kingdom Triangle, Moreland
includes discussion about the "true self" and the "false
self." He echoes Thomas Merton and Martin Buber, both who had strong
mystical propensities, and who believed we could attain to our true self (a
perfect self) through mystical practices. Moreland encourages the writings
(and practices) of St. Ignatius Loyola, (p. 156), saying such practices
will help us to "cultivate the ability to discern the divine
components" within us. This follows the course of thinking that Thomas
Merton had - that divinity is already within, and mystical practices help
us to realize what is already there. That is why Merton said,
It is a glorious destiny to be a member
of the human race, ... now I realize what we all are ... If only they
[people] could all see themselves as they really are. I suppose the big
problem would be that we would bow down and worship each other.... At the
center of our being is a point of nothingness which is untouched by sin and
by illusion, a point of pure truth....This little point ... is the pure
glory of God in us. It is in everybody. (Conjectures of a Guilty
Bystander, pp. 157-158)
With the influence of Willard and
Moreland, and other contemplative proponents at Biola, we believe this
school is in trouble, and many of the staff and students do not even
realize it because they don't understand the nature of contemplative
spirituality.
As an example of just where this belief
system will take Biola, take this into consideration. On Dallas Willard's website, he names several figures who are examples of
people we should follow and learn from. Three of those are women,
all with mystical propensities, one of whom even levitated during mystical
experiences. These women are: Teresa of Avila (who levitated), Evelyn Underhill (author of Mysticism: A Study in
Nature and Development of Spiritual Consciousness), and Madame Guyon. It was Guyon who said that during the
contemplative state she came to realize that God was in everything (from Experiencing
The Depths of Jesus Christ p. 4]).
Willard also recommends Henri Nouwen, Richard Foster, and Jan Johnson, all
who have written favorably about a mantric-style meditation.
Willard and Moreland resonate with the mystics - and they have brought
these affinities to Biola. Lighthouse Trails will continue to report on
these matters with the hope of warning students who are being caught in a
deceptive snare, often unknowingly. If Biola is going to erroneously accuse
Lighthouse Trails of libel, perhaps it would be a good idea if their staff
and professors brought themselves up to speed on what contemplative
spirituality is and how it is affecting the halls of their institution and
the minds of their students.
Related Articles on Biola:
Biola University Student Reports on Contemplative Chapel
Services -Warns Parents to Avoid Biola
The Shape of Things to Come: Biola University Embraces
Contemplative Spirituality
Student Concerned Over Biola's Contemplative/Emerging Focus
Respected Ministries Say OK to Contemplative J.P. Moreland
Also researchers should check out Biola's Institute of Spiritual Formation.
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Confusion
Over Moody's 2009 Pastors Conference - Concern Over Their Continued
Contemplative Promotion
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Soul
Care is a "publishing and ministry vision" that promotes
contemplative spirituality. Last week, under their events page, it gave
information on Moody Bible Institute's 2009 Pastors Conference, showing
that one of the break out sessions would be presented by Soul Care (click here to view. Lighthouse Trails contacted Moody
to inquire about this session. Lindsey Crystal, Associate Director of
Public Relations at Moody left a phone message telling us that the break
out sessions had not been finalized--no comment was given regarding the
Soul Care session. On October 26th, on the Soul Care website, the
Moody Bible Pastors Conference had been removed.
Lighthouse Trails continues to have serious concerns about Moody's leanings
toward contemplative spirituality. With regard to "soul care,"
another term for contemplative, on January 10th 2008, Moody's Mid-Day
Connection radio program interviewed Soul Care's founder Mindy
Caliguire and contemplative advocate Adele Ahlberg Calhoun to "talk
about practices that can transform us." Ahlberg Calhoun has been the
subject of Lighthouse Trails articles because of her book, Spiritual
Disciplines Handbook.1 In the book (which is mentioned on the radio
interview), a book that emerging church proponent Rick Warren uses for
Saddleback's Spiritual Formation, Ahlberg Calhoun promotes mantra
meditation, giving detailed instructions on several types of contemplative
practices. In addition, she quotes from many New Age sympathizers and New
Age contemplatives and encourages the use of centering prayer, breath
prayers, contemplative prayer, labyrinths, palms-up, palms-down exercises,
and recommends for further reading a who's who of mystics. One of those she
lists is Tilden Edwards (p. 62). Edwards,
the founder of the Shalem Prayer Institute, said that contemplative prayer
is the bridge between Christianity and Eastern religion.
The fact that Moody has done a positive, favorable interview with Soul
Care's founder as well as Ahlberg Calhoun is further proof that Moody is
indeed heading down the contemplative path. We hope those concerned about
the future welfare of Moody will contact the school and encourage them to
stop promoting contemplative spirituality, a panentheistic belief system
that ultimately leads people away from the Cross, not to it.
Moody Contact Information:
Public Relations
Moody Bible Institute
312-329-4449
Related Stories:
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Political and Spiritual Updates from Kjos Ministries
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LTRP Note: Kjos Ministries is one of the ministries Lighthouse Trails turns to for
accurate information, news, documentation, and commentary, with a strong
foundation on Scripture. Kjos has posted a number of articles this past
couple of weeks relating to the present political and spiritual situation
in the United States. Below are links and synopsis to a few of them.
Socialism in America: A Revolution in the Making by Jan
Markell -
In recent weeks it has become more
obvious that America is on the yellow-brick road to Socialism. In 1962
Russian Premier Khrushchev said,
"We can't expect the American people to jump from capitalism to
Communism but we can assist their leaders by giving them small amounts of
Socialism until they awaken one day to find out they have Communism."
He also said that Communism would take over America "without firing a
shot."
I am not suggesting that the "movers and shakers" trying to take
over many of our capitalistic institutions are secretly planning a
Communist revolution in America. Some like the idea of Socialism; others
just want to bail America out of financial trouble to stabilize the world.
However, more industries are going to fail in the coming months and need
further government intervention. When does the spinning wheel stop and
where will we be at when it is over?
The Joseph Principle and Crisis Economics by Carl
Teichrib -
Confusion reigns. Economic bewilderment
appears to be the hallmark of 2008. Banks don't seem to know what to do;
politicians offer stimulus packages that don't stimulate; and everywhere
financial planners and advisors proclaim that "it will get
better" while each passing week gets worse. And at the gut level
everyone knows that if the markets completely unravel, if currencies
shatter in the confusion, a brutal monster - Chaos - will appear from under
the bed and run rampant while the financial house burns.
Mind Change and Collective Service by Berit Kjos -
At the dawn of Stalin's deadly reign in
the 1930s -- when Communist leader Antonio Gramsci was writing his cunning
formula for transforming the West -- numerous European Marxist were
searching for effective strategies for mass control. As Hitler rose to power,
some fled to America where they fine-tuned their tactics at
"progressive" institutions like Columbia University. Welcomed by
liberal educators, they found plenty of opportunity to test and teach their
theories. Others merely exported their research to fellow revolutionaries
in America. Their names--Adorno, Marcuse, Lukas and Lewin--don't ring
many bells today, but no one can escape their impact on our nation.
In the Name of Purpose: Sacrificing Truth on the Altar
Unity by Tamara Hartzell -
According to Tom Bandy, "a whole new
species of church is emerging." This emerging church is "not a
machine"--"preoccupied with theological purity, ideological
correctness, and behavioral conformity"--but "an organism."
This "organism" "worships differently, thinks differently,
and depends on an entirely different kind of leadership." This
"new species of church" is the "Spiritual Redwood"
growing in the midst of the diverse, cultural "forest."
More
from Kjos Ministries
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The Shack and Universal Reconciliation
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by
Larry DeBruyn
Reconciliation means a change in "relationship." The need for
reconciliation presupposes estrangement between two parties (Matthew
5:23-24). Whereas they became enemies, two parties become friends again.
Often, reconciliation needs to occur between humans, between friends,
spouses, races, tribes, and nations. But reconciliation also needs to occur
between people and God. "alienated" from God (Colossians
1:21-22). Because of our sinfulness we are all separated from God, and need
to be reconciled with Him. As such, the doctrine of reconciliation is core
to the Christian faith. As White remarks, "Since a right relationship
with God is the heart of all religion, reconciliation, which makes access
welcome and fellowship possible, may be regarded as the central concept in
Christianity."
In contrast to those who are "enemies of the cross of Christ" and
"lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God" (Philippians 3:18;
2 Timothy 3:4), the Bible calls faithful Abraham "the friend of
God" (James 2:23; Romans 4:3). In their relationship to God, all humanity
falls into two groups: they are either His friends or enemies. Either, they
are reconciled to God, or they are not. The Shack therefore, is big
on relationships. Click here to read this entire article.
More on The Shack:
Update on the Shack: New Age Similarities, Popularity
Continues, and Calvary Chapel Gives Official Statement
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L.A. Times: "Rev. Robert H. Schuller ousts his son as 'Hour of
Power' preacher"
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LTRP Note: The following news report by the L.A. Times regarding Crystal
Cathedral and Robert Schuller is being posted at Lighthouse Trails because
of our articles regarding Schuller's Rethink Conferences and the
co-mingling of popular Christian figures such as Kay Warren, Erwin McManus,
Ravi Zacharias and several other evangelical leaders with Robert Schuller
(see links below).
"Rev. Robert H. Schuller ousts his son as 'Hour of Power'
preacher"
By Sam Quinones
L.A. Times staff writer
The Rev. Robert H. Schuller removed his son Saturday as preacher on the syndicated
"Hour of Power" television show less than three years after
handing over to him the ministry he began more than 50 years ago.
Schuller announced the removal of his son, Robert A. Schuller, in a
statement read to some 450 Crystal Cathedral congregants by Jim Coleman,
the church's president.
"It is no secret to any of you that my son, Robert, and I have been
struggling as we each have different ideas as to the direction and the
vision for this ministry," his statement read.
"For this lack of shared vision and the jeopardy in which this is
placing this entire ministry, it has become necessary for Robert and me to
part ways."
Schuller said he was bringing in several guest pastors from around the
country to preach during the show, which has been cut to half an hour in
some markets since summer. Click here to read this entire news article.
Related Stories:
Crystal Cathedral Postpones Rethink 2009 - Ravi Zacharias
and Dan Kimball Will Have to Wait Until 2010
Rethinking Robert Schuller
Erwin McManus Teams Up with Robert Schuller - Could Have
Far-Reaching Effects
More on Robert Schuller
More on Rethink Conferences
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Radio Interview: The Resistors - Diet Eman Story
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VCY
America's Jim Schneider interviews Diet Eman on Crosstalk - October 23rd. Click here to listen to this 50 minute interview.
Diet Eman grew up in Holland and was a young woman as Adolph Hitler came
into power. Upon Hitler's invasion of Holland, Diet joined with her fiance
and others in the Christian resistance movement in the Netherlands, a
movement that helped to save the lives of many Jews.
Diet's story is a fascinating one as she describes life in Holland before
World War II, what it was like to be part of the resistance movement, how
help was given to the Jews, her imprisonment that included a meeting with
Corrie Ten Boom, along with a message for young Christians today.
Don't miss this rare opportunity to learn from someone who was greatly used
of God during Nazi occupation; a time of great trial, oppression and
persecution.
For information about Diet's book, Things
We Couldn't Say, click here.
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Lectio Divina, Social Justice, and Continued Mysticism
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Two Important News Briefs From Watcher's Lamp blog:
#1: Lectio Divina and the Idolatry of Marian Worship - Presentations from the Roman Catholic Synod of
Bishops in Vatican City continue to reveal the pagan, mystical idolatry
that exists in this religious system...
VATICAN CITY, OCT. 23, 2008 (Zenit.org).- On Tuesday afternoon when Carl
Anderson, supreme knight of the Knights of Columbus, and papal-appointed
auditor, finally addressed the full Synod of Bishops, he touched upon two
very important topics...
"... Carl Anderson spoke specifically about the art of "lectio
divina" and called for a renewed Marian devotion and piety. The
supreme knight of the world's largest, Catholic, fraternal and charitable
organization said: "For many years the Knights of Columbus has
promoted a form of "lectio divina" within the context of Marian
devotion through the rosary and Marian Hours of Prayer. Click here to read more.
#2: Mysticism Driven
Social Justice (New Book by Tony Campolo) - THE
GOD OF INTIMACY AND
ACTION: Reconnecting
Ancient Spiritual Practices, Evangelism, and Justice (Jossey-Bass, a Wiley imprint; October 2008; $14.95; Paper; ISBN:
978-0-470-34521-4) by Tony Campolo and Mary Albert Darling uncovers
mystical "holy habits" that modern people can employ to open
themselves further to God, thereby nurturing and deepening their spiritual
intimacy. Quelling fears that these contemplative practices are
inaccessibly "New Age", the authors spend the first part of the
book culling the lives of Francis of Assisi, Ignatius of Loyola, Catherine
of Siena, and Methodist preacher and activist John Wesley for their wisdom,
vitality, and joy. The second part explores how rituals such as the prayer
of examen, lectio divina, and centering prayer can cultivate an intimacy
with God that results in a passionate commitment to bring salvation to the
lost and to work for justice for all of the poor and oppressed of creation. Click here to read more.
Also from Lighthouse
Trails Research:
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'Gay' Pedophilia and Obama
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LTRP Note: Lighthouse Trails is posting the following WorldNet Daily article by
Linda Harvey because we believe the rise in pedophilia and the acceptance
of the homosexual lifestyle are two inter-related issues that need to be
brought to light in our spiritually darkened society. These are signs of
the times and indirectly connected to occultism.
"'Gay' pedophilia and Obama"
By Linda Harvey
WorldNet Daily
I'd been wondering what Kevin Jennings was doing these days. Jennings is
the founder and long-time head of the radical homosexual group GLSEN, the
Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network. GLSEN's mission has been to
plant "gay" clubs and training programs in as many schools as
possible. GLSEN now claims 4,000 "gay-straight alliances" exist,
although this number is doubtful.
Certainly, there are way too many. The group's target has been to place
these clubs in all U.S. schools, K through 12. If you think a
kindergartner signing up for a "gay" club is ludicrous, you are
not alone.
But Jennings has moved on to better things. He's now the Obama campaign
fundraising co-chair for the "LGBT" community" that's
"lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered." You can listen to
Jennings lay out the rights-oriented rhetoric in two interviews with Joe
Solmonese of the Human Rights Campaign, on the website "LGBT for
Obama."
Their conversation, reviewing Jennings' record, dwells on preventing
bullying of "gay" kids. Jennings constructed this Trojan horse
for access to schools despite the ability of every community to punish
school bullying without accommodating the "gay" agenda. This
smokescreen hides the pornographic reality of GLSEN's "support"
for kids under Jennings' leadership. Click here to read this entire article.
Related Stories:
Homosexuality and the New Age
Ted Haggard Story Will Raise Serious Questions For All
Baptist Press Reports: Obama: If elected I will use the
bully pulpit for gay causes
Rick Warren's New Reformation to Include Muslims and
Homosexuals
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Warren Smith DVD: Standing Fast in the Last Days
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Silverton,
Oregon
October 2008
Lighthouse Trails Publishing is pleased to announce the release of Standing
Fast in the Last Days DVD by Warren Smith.
On June 5th, 2008, former New Age follower Warren Smith spoke to 800
pastors at the 2008 Calvary Chapel Senior Pastors' Conference in Murrieta,
California. Warren, integrating his compelling testimony into his talk,
shares his deep concerns regarding the spiritual deception taking place in
the church today. Covering topics such as the Emerging Church,
Purpose-Driven, the New Age, and what is being called the New Spirituality,
Warren exposes what may be the signs of a great spiritual falling away that
the Bible has predicted will happen prior to Christ's return. Some of the
topics Warren addresses are: the influence of Oprah Winfrey and Robert
Schuller, a growing hostility toward biblical Christians, a plan for a
false world peace, how mysticism is becoming an integral part of today's
society, and the interspiritual, ecumenical movement that is gaining
momentum and deceiving many.
$14.95 Retail * 57 minutes
For more information: Lighthouse Trails Publishing
Toll Free Order Line: 866/876-3910.
*************
ORDER
This product qualifies for quantity discounts (10 or more copies).
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2008 New Release: Out of India Now Available
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Out
of India now available!
Product Information:
Apologetics Biography
248 pages
1st Edition
$12.95 Softbound, over
40 photos and illustrations
978-0-9791315-3-0
Revised & adapted from the best-selling book, Gods of the New Age (Harvest House 1985)
Description: The biography of
Caryl Matrisciana. Born and raised in India, Caryl saw firsthand the
effects that Hinduism had on the people of that nation. After leaving India
as a young adult, she became involved in the counter-culture New Age
movement, only to find that the elements of Hinduism and the New Age were
very much the same. Later as a Christian, Caryl discovered that this same
spirituality had entered the Christian church through various avenues.
Author Bio: As co-founder and
co-producer of Jeremiah Films for 23 years, Caryl contributed research and
expertise to more than 55 documentaries and also served as the Creative and
Marketing Director. In 2002, she founded Caryl Productions, (visit www.caryltv.com) which produces
cutting edge video journalism and information to help discern the times in
which we live.
Topics covered in this
book:
*The hippie generation and the Beatles
*Chicken Soup for the Soul
*Centering Prayer and mantra meditation
*The
Secret and The
Moses Code
*Horoscopes and Astrology
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2008 Release: Christian Resistance Book - A Must Read
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Lighthouse
Trails Publishing is pleased to announce the release of Things We
Couldn't Say by Diet Eman.
This is the true story of Diet Eman, a young Christian woman who joined the
resistance movement in the Netherlands during WWII. Together with her fiance'
and other Dutch men and women, "Group Hein" risked their lives to
save the lives of Jews who were in danger of becoming victims of Hitler's
"final solution."
For more information: www.lighthousetrails.com
Toll Free Order Line: 866/876-3910 (M-F/8-5)
Or order from your local bookstore.
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Publishing News
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THREE WAYS TO ORDER
DIRECTLY FROM LIGHTHOUSE TRAILS PUBLISHING:
2. Toll Free Order
Line: 866/876-3910
Quantity Discounts: 40% off retail for
orders of 10 or more copies, 50% off for international orders of 10 or more
copies
We ship both retail
and wholesale orders within 24 hours of receiving order.
BOOKSTORES AND OUTLETS
for small retail orders: Lighthouse Trails books are also available to
order from most bookstores (online and walk-in). If your local
bookstore isn't carrying one of our titles, you can ask them to order
it for you. While you may have to wait longer to receive your order,
the advantage of ordering through bookstores is that you will have no
shipping charges.
BOOKSTORES MAY ORDER DIRECTLY
FROM LIGHTHOUSE TRAILS OR FROM INGRAM OR SPRINGARBOR.
LIBRARIES MAY ORDER DIRECTLY
FROM LIGHTHOUSE TRAILS OR FROM BAKER & TAYLOR.
SAMPLE CHAPTERS OF
LIGHTHOUSE TRAILS BOOKS:
Lighthouse Trails Publishing now has
sample chapters available online for most of the books we publish. We
believe you will find each of these books to be well-written, carefully
documented, and worthwhile. Click here to read some of the chapters.
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Newsletter in Print
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Our
print newsletter has been delayed. However, we are still taking names. If
you would like to receive the Coming
from the Lighthouse newsletter in print form by mail, please
send an email to newsletters@lighthousetrails.com.
Be sure to include your mailing address in the email. We will be
issuing a printed newsletter several times a year for those who prefer that
over the email edition or for some reason need both. We apologize for
the delay.
Both email and printed editions
will be free. The first issue of the print newsletter has not yet been
issued.
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Book Spotlights
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Book Spotlights
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These two
important books expose the truth about contemplative spirituality,
spiritual formation, and the new age.
A Time of Departing and For Many Shall Come in My
Name |
HOLOCAUST: LEST WE FORGET
A true story that will change your life and challenge your faith ..
"Will sweep you into
1930s Germany and back with your faith intact ... [Trapped in Hitler's
Hell] carries a stark message for today's Western Christian ... will
refocus your priorities and recharge your spiritual life."-Leo
Hohmann, Read entire
review at The Messianic Times Trapped in Hitler's Hell
See all books and DVDs on the
Holocaust |
The Other Side of the River by Alaskan Kevin Reeves
When mystical experiences and strange doctrines overtake his church,
one man risks all to find the truth ... a true story. Read more about this
important book, especially now in light of the Todd Bentley
"revival" in Florida. |
Find out the truth about the emerging church
and the avenues through which it is entering Christianity.
Faith Undone by Roger Oakland
Find out more about the book that tells it like it
is. |
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Featured Resources
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Contemplative Spirituality: A belief system that
uses ancient mystical practices to induce altered states of consciousness
(the silence) and is rooted in mysticism and the occult but often wrapped
in Christian terminology. The premise of contemplative spirituality
is pantheistic (God is all) and panentheistic (God is in all). Common
terms used for this movement are "spiritual formation," "the
silence," "the stillness," "ancient-wisdom,"
"spiritual disciplines," and many others.
Spiritual Formation: A movement that has provided a platform and a channel through which contemplative prayer is entering the church. Find spiritual formation being used, and in nearly every case you will find contemplative spirituality. In fact, contemplative spirituality is the heartbeat of the spiritual formation movement. |
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