During this time of year, Christian bookstores are visited more now than perhaps any other time of the year. And the majority of the books and DVDs filling the shelves of most of these Christian walk-in stores are from the largest Christian publishers. Unfortunately, most of the larger Christian (evangelical) publishers are releasing books … [Read more…]
by Kjos Ministries If my goal was to undermine Christianity, incite rebellion against parents, eradicate Biblical values, and spread moral chaos, I would urge teens to read the Twilight series. I would prompt them to immerse their minds and emotions in the dark, emotional whirlpool of sensual occultism. And I wouldn’t warn them of the … [Read more…]
By Cathy Lynn Grossman USA TODAY Evangelical Christians are adopting–and adapting–the rituals of Advent, the four weeks leading up to Christmas that are traditionally celebrated by Catholics, Lutherans, Eastern Orthodox and other liturgical churches. They’re giving a new, personalized spin to the prayers, candles and calendars to track the building excitement, and set a spiritual … [Read more…]
According to a press release issued by Rick Warren’s media outlet, Rick Warren has formed a partnership with Reader’s Digest, which will be launched early next year. The headline for the release states: “RICK WARREN AND READER’S DIGEST ASSOCIATION CREATE A MULTI-PLATFORM PARTNERSHIP TO SERVE PURPOSE DRIVEN READERS: New Purpose Driven Connection to Deliver Spiritual … [Read more…]
‘We firmly believe it’s a Buddhist practice,’ mother says Jennifer McFee Coquitlam NOW A program aimed at promoting relaxation is causing stress for some Coquitlam parents. Ken and Rebecca Kavanagh are speaking out against mindfulness education in local schools, saying it contravenes B.C. legislation to keep religion out of the classroom. Last spring, actress … [Read more…]
According to a Fox News article, Muslim leaders in Malaysia are telling Muslims that Yoga is dangerous for them because of its Hindu roots. And yet, Christian leaders in America say virtually nothing against contemplative spirituality, which is also based on eastern-style meditation principles and practices. The Bible says Christians are to be the … [Read more…]
Lighthouse Trails has just learned that one of the few non-contemplative Christian colleges in North America is closing its doors next month (December). Pillsbury Baptist Bible College in Owatonna, MN made the announcement in October. Reasons given for the closure were national economic conditions coupled with school deficits caused by declining enrollment. Pillsbury Baptist Bible … [Read more…]
The New York Times best seller Christian fiction, The Shack, is enjoying the endorsements and ravings of top Christian figures. Contemporary Christian singer Michael W. Smith says: The Shack is the most absorbing work of fiction I’ve read in many years. My wife and I laughed, cried and repented of our own lack of faith … [Read more…]
LTRP Note: After reading this article by the Catholic News Service, please refer to the links we have provided in the “Related Information” section below. “Monasticism reminds Catholics of what is essential, pope says” By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In their silence, their prayer and their work, monks and nuns … [Read more…]
LTRP Note: As Lighthouse Trails has reported on in the past, there is a correlation between those who practice and/or promote New Age mysticism and a leniency toward the homosexual lifestyle. Campolo, who has openly endorsed mysticism, is another case in point. “Tony Campolo tells messengers he opposed Calif. Prop. 8” by Robert Dilday” Baptist … [Read more…]
“eHarmony.com to match ‘gays’” Dating site originally promoted by James Dobson bows to lawsuits By Chelsea Schilling WorldNetDaily Internet dating service eHarmony has officially agreed to begin matching homosexual couples, beginning next year. The popular California-based service has been known for focusing on long-term relationships, especially marriage, which has been said to align with … [Read more…]
According to an article this week by Jane Chastain titled “Girl Scouts go hard left–and downhill,” the Girl Scouts of America are heading deeper into New Age spirituality. Chastain states that the direction the organization is going in was clear to see at the “51st Girl Scout National Council Session and Convention,” which took … [Read more…]
A website launched Friday with the backing of technology industry and Hollywood elite urges people worldwide to help craft a framework for harmony between all religions. The Charter for Compassion project on the Internet at www.charterforcompassion.org springs from a “wish” granted this year to religious scholar Karen Armstrong at a premier Technology, Entertainment and Design … [Read more…]
by Johanna Ginsberg NJJN Staff Writer When Rabbi Donald Rossoff of Temple B’nai Or in Morristown was asked if he would consider twinning his synagogue with a nearby mosque for a national weekend of Jewish-Islamic interfaith outreach, he said, “It was pretty much a no-brainer.†B’nai Or is one of several NJ synagogues participating in … [Read more…]
THE COMING KINGDOM by Larry DeBruyn Evolution or Revolution? In recent years, Christendom’s thinkers have offered a smorgasbord of ideas and theories about Jesus, thus begging the question–will the real Jesus please stand up? If one pays attention to the Jesus revisionists, we are left with the impression that nobody really understood Him, not even … [Read more…]
A Critique of Dallas Willard and The Spirit of the Disciplines by Bob DeWaay Practices called “spiritual disciplines” that are deemed necessary for “spiritual formation” have entered evangelicalism. Recent encounters with this teaching narrated to me by friends caused me to investigate these practices. The first experience involved my friend and co-worker Ryan Habbena who … [Read more…]
An article, “A proven enlightened counter-measure,” written by Dr. David Leffler, an eight-year US Air Force veteran, now the Executive Director at the Center for Advanced Military Science (CAMS), appeared in The Aljazzera Magazine, an “independent media organisation established in 1992 in London” reporting on world events that affect the Middle East. In the article, … [Read more…]
An article, “A proven enlightened counter-measure,” written by Dr. David Leffler, an eight-year US Air Force veteran, now the Executive Director at the Center for Advanced Military Science (CAMS), appeared in The Aljazzera Magazine, an “independent media organisation established in 1992 in London” reporting on world events that affect the Middle East. In the article, … [Read more…]
By Bob Unruh WorldNetDaily A video of a 2006 interview with now-Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel for president-elect Barack Obama reveals plans for mandatory induction for all young adults into a civilian “force.” “If you’re worried about, are you going to have to do 50 jumping jacks, the answer is yes,” Emanuel told the interviewer, … [Read more…]
by Olive Tree Ministries with Jan Markell There is a saying in the Jewish community, “But is it good for for the Jews?” Thus, many are asking, will the Obama administration be an asset or liability for Israel? While many Christians place little interest or importance on this, this ministry does. Much is being made … [Read more…]
Lighthouse Trails Research now has a spot on YouTube where we will place video clips of people like Warren Smith, Ray Yungen, and Roger Oakland. Luke, a young man from the East Coast, is helping us with this project, and we are so grateful for his efforts. We do not have open comments on YouTube … [Read more…]
LTRP Note: The following letter regarding the ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) is posted to further substantiate our concerns over this highly influential organization, which provides resources and information to thousands of Christian schools worldwide. We have written articles about this (see links below letter). To Lighthouse Trails: I recently attended an ACSI Conference … [Read more…]
“A new spiritual energy is emerging in the country … Just as the political landscape is changing, so too is the spiritual landscape. We must tap this new energy to gain a forward looking vision of how to advance our national well being.” “Spiritual leaders gather in Aspen” Group hopes to discover collective voice Carolyn … [Read more…]
Now that the election is over, Lighthouse Trails has a question, and that is, “What about the Department of Peace?” Most Christians have probably never heard of it. Those who have been tracking the news through Lighthouse Trails for some time most likely have. One thing that may happen with the new administration is that … [Read more…]
by WorldNet Daily Decisions by voters in Florida, Arizona and California to join residents of 27 other states with constitutional protections for traditional marriage have prompted threats of violence against Christians and their churches. “Burn their ___ churches to the ground, and then tax the charred timbers,” wrote “World O Jeff” on the JoeMyGod blogspot … [Read more…]
VATICAN CITY (AFP) – The Vatican’s first-ever Catholic-Muslim forum kicks off Tuesday, two years after Pope Benedict XVI sparked outrage among Muslims for a speech seen as linking Islam with violence. The three-day forum opens “a new chapter in the long history” of dialogue between the two faiths, the head of the Catholic delegation, Cardinal … [Read more…]
Last week, we reported on the L.A. Times article titled “Rev. Robert H. Schuller ousts his son as ‘Hour of Power’ preacher.” On this week’s Hour of Power, Robert Schuller has issued a statement about the new vision for his ministry, one he says will be “ecumenical.” Below are a few excerpts from his statement: … [Read more…]
Two letters written to Lighthouse Trails recently (similar to many others we receive): 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 1990s) and so many more that at one time … [Read more…]
Elaine Woo Los Angeles Times Marilyn Ferguson, 70, dies; writer’s ‘The Aquarian Conspiracy’ was pivotal in New Age movement Marilyn Ferguson, whose best-selling book “The Aquarian Conspiracy” helped establish the New Age movement by tying together its disparate threads, has died. She was 70. Ferguson died Oct. 19 at her home in western Riverside County. … [Read more…]
by Caryl Matrisciana The current popularity of visualization techniques is largely due to a woman named Shakti Gawain. Her book, Creative Visualization, teaches that we can, in essence, create our own reality. Her teaching goes beyond the boundaries of a normal use of the imagination–it delves into the supernatural, mystical world where one can conjure … [Read more…]