Rick Warren

Christianity Today: “We are theologically conservative . . . committed to the glory of God.”—CT History Shows Differently

9 Comments

On December 19th, 2019, Christianity Today, the magazine that considers itself the “flagship” magazine for Christianity released an article written by the just-retired editor-in-chief, Mark Galli, titled, “Trump Should Be Removed from Office.” According to CT, the article set off a firestorm. And by our estimates, millions have now seen the article as scores of … [Read more…]

Fearing God in a Fearless New Age

3 Comments

By Warren B. Smith Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways. (Psalm 128:1) We are living in fearful times, yet the Bible repeatedly tells us to “Fear not.” Scripture assures us that “God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of … [Read more…]

GC2 Conference on Mental Health Includes “Spiritual Formation” Teachers Rick Warren and Ruth Haley Barton

4 Comments

On December 12, 2019, Christianity Today posted an article by “new” Christianity pastor Ed Stetzer, giving a recap of the GC2 Summit that took place on December 6th. The article, titled “Lies Pastors Believe, Part One,” states: Two months of planning for our GC2 Summit on Facing Hard Truths & Challenges in Pastoral Ministry couldn’t … [Read more…]

Pope Francis/Vatican Launch eRosary to Help Bring About “World Peace”

2 Comments

In October of this year, Pope Francis and the Vatican launched the “eRosary” app with the hopes of drawing in more young people to pray the rosary. A BBC article, “Vatican launches new ‘eRosary’ bracelet,” states: The Vatican is hoping to pull in tech-savvy youngsters with the launch of an “eRosary” bracelet. The gadget, which … [Read more…]

Remembering Ray Yungen and Richard Foster’s “School” of Contemplative Prayer

3 Comments

Three years ago today author and researcher Ray Yungen passed away at the age of 64. As regular Lighthouse Trails readers know, it was through Ray’s work that Lighthouse Trails began nearly 18 years ago. Interestingly, on the eve of this 3rd anniversary of Ray’s departure, we read an e-mail notice we received this week … [Read more…]

The Call for Unity at the Price of Truth

7 Comments

Today, church sermons, books, commentaries, and lectures are inundated with the call for unity, and are all pushing for the idea that we must have unity at all costs and do “whatever it takes” to accomplish that goal. Over the years, we’ve heard this “unity” cry from various Christian leaders, such as Rick Warren and … [Read more…]

Purpose-Driven Mandate: Those Who Focus on Bible Prophecy “Not fit for the kingdom of God”

25 Comments

By Roger Oakland Many who were once looking for the return of Jesus have fallen asleep. We now live in a period of time where numerous prominent Christian leaders are telling the Christian masses that paying attention to the signs of our times in light of the Bible is a waste of time. And many … [Read more…]

Be Still and Know That You are Not God!—God is Not “in” Everyone and Everything

3 Comments

LTRP Note: As you read this article by Warren Smith, you may be surprised to hear of some of today’s leaders who believe that God is in everyone and everything. Be Still and Know That You are Not God!—God is Not “in” Everyone and Everything By Warren B. Smith Our Spiritual Adversary would have everyone … [Read more…]

Contemplative Mystic Jean Vanier Dies (90), But Influence Over Rick Warren Will Continue

1 Comment

God’s Dream for humanity is the gradual realization that we can become One.—Jean Vanier (1) On May 7th, Canadian Catholic humanitarian, Jean Vanier, died at the age of 90.2 Vanier, founder of L’Arche where Henri Nouwen spent the last ten years of his life, was a major proponent of contemplative spirituality, believing that all religions … [Read more…]

Letter to the Editor: Southern Baptist Convention Leaders Taking SBC Far From Its Biblical Moorings

23 Comments

Dear Lighthouse Trails: As a Southern Baptist, I am concerned that powerful leaders in the Southern Baptist Convention are taking the denomination far from its biblical moorings. Bureaucracy within the organization is to blame, as are a few mega-church pastors who take turns filling decision-making posts whether elected or appointed. What can Southern Baptists do … [Read more…]

Roma Downey’s Financial Contribution to New Ager Marianne Williamson Raises Many Questions

8 Comments

Evangelical leaders such as Rick Warren, Greg Laurie, and David Jeremiah have shown public support for Roma Downey and her books, movies, and other media work for a number of years now. Lighthouse Trails has attempted to alert these leaders and the church at large that while Downey may be a sincere person, she is … [Read more…]

Letter to the Editor: The New Age/New Spirituality in Christian & Missionary Alliance Forced Me to Leave

19 Comments

LTRP Note: The following letter to the editor was written in response to our recent post “Letter to the Editor: Yoga at Our CMA Church in Canada Broke Our Hearts.” Dear Lighthouse Trails: I too was once in a C&MA church in Southwestern Ontario. I attended from 1999 to 2001. I witnessed the whole shift … [Read more…]

John MacArthur No Longer on Proclaim 19 Speaker Line Up “Due to Illness”

11 Comments

A Lighthouse Trails reader brought to our attention this week that John MacArthur is no longer appearing on the speaker line up for the NRB’s convention, Proclaim 19. Editors at Lighthouse Trails called Grace to You (MacArthur’s ministry) to confirm this and were told that due to illness, John MacArthur would not be speaking at … [Read more…]

Release of New Booklet on “A Course in Miracles” Coincides With Marianne Williamson’s Announcement About 2020 Presidential Election

7 Comments

The journey to the cross should be the last “useless journey.”—The “Jesus” of A Course in Miracles Just as Lighthouse Trails was about to release this new booklet, a stunning news announcement by New Age leader Marianne Williamson was broadcast throughout America’s media. Williamson announced that she is seriously considering running for president in the … [Read more…]

Warren B. Smith New YouTube Channel, Chuck Smith, Calvary Chapel, and Purpose Driven

12 Comments

  Former New Age follower and Lighthouse Trails author Warren B. Smith has a new YouTube channel created by Chris Lawson of Spiritual Research Network. Lawson will be adding numerous talks over the next several weeks that Smith has given over the past twenty-five years. Two particular videos on the channel took place in 2008 … [Read more…]

“They Hate Christianity But Love (Another) Jesus – How Conservative Christians Are Being Manipulated and Ridiculed, Especially During Election Years”

9 Comments

  In May of 2013, Lighthouse Trails released a report titled, “They Hate Christianity But Love (Another) Jesus – How Conservative Christians Are Being Manipulated and Ridiculed, Especially During Election Years.” In view of the upcoming elections and some of the things going on around the country in the “background,” it seems diligent to repost … [Read more…]

Letter to the Editor on Proclaim 19: Lighthouse Trails Not Being Accurate About Speakers . . . Facts Prove Otherwise

10 Comments

To Lighthouse Trails: I looked up speakers for the Proclaim 19 and did not find Charles Stanley on their list – nor did I find John MacArthur as a speaker. He is only listed as holding the worship service. From the Proclaim 19 web site: “Join us in worshiping our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. … [Read more…]

Roma Downey No Longer Listed as Proclaim 19 Speaker – Reason Unclear From NRB Office

6 Comments

On October 8th, Lighthouse Trails posted the following comment when introducing Greg Reid’s new booklet Butterfly Illusions: Roma Downey, who has never renounced her extensive New Age involvement, is now firmly entrenched and aligned with contemporary Christian leadership. Because Christian leaders and day-to-day believers have given Roma Downey a get-out-of-the-new-age free pass, Lighthouse Trails is releasing a … [Read more…]

Key Players and Buzz Language of the Social-Justice “Gospel”

3 Comments

The following two lists are from Mary Danielsen’s booklet, The Dangerous Truth About the Social-Justice “Gospel,” which we posted earlier this week. It’s good to be aware of both the names and the language. (see video clip below) Some Key Players in the Social Gospel Movement* Bill Hybels Bono Diane Butler Bass Greg Boyd Henri … [Read more…]

Welcome to the New (Contemplative) Christianity – Just Breathe In . . . Breathe Out

16 Comments

The acceptance of contemplative prayer has hit an all-time high in the church. And is it any wonder? Christian media, Christian publishers, pastors, mission societies, Bible societies, authors, radio hosts, youth leaders, women’s group leaders, and Christian ministry leaders are all promoting it more than ever.  The video below that was posted on Charisma Magazine’s … [Read more…]

Popular Christian Magazine – RELEVANT – Tells Millennials to Practice Breath Prayers and Mindfulness Meditation

6 Comments

A summer 2018 Relevant Magazine article titled “Why Learning to Breathe May Be the Best Way to Pray,”  tells readers that, Breath prayer [are] an ancient Christian prayer practice with origins in the lives of the Desert Fathers and Mothers, is a vehicle we can use to live out Scripture’s call to “pray without ceasing. (1 … [Read more…]

Update on Former Saddleback Youth Pastor In Child Molestation Case

4 Comments

Update (October 15, 2019): As of this date, we have not been able to confirm whether Ruben Muelenberg was ever sentenced, and if so, when that sentencing took place. There is virtually no information available on the Internet about the outcome of this case. Lighthouse Trails editors also contacted authorities in California and were given … [Read more…]

NEW BOOKLET: “GOD’S DREAM”—Satan’s Ultimate Scheme

8 Comments

NEW BOOKLET: “GOD’S DREAM”—Satan’s Ultimate Scheme by Warren B. Smith is our newest Lighthouse Trails Booklet. The Booklet is 18 pages long and sells for $1.95 for single copies. Quantity discounts are as much as 50% off retail. Our Booklets are designed to give away to others or for your own personal use. Below is the … [Read more…]

Why Richard Foster’s “School of Contemplative Prayer” Should Be Avoided

9 Comments

LTRP Note: For sixteen years, Lighthouse Trails has been warning about the contemplative prayer movement. In the following article, Ray Yungen has provided  information that makes the contemplative argument (against it) irrefutable. We have sent a copy of this booklet to all of the major Christian leaders whom we have challenged including Beth Moore, Rick … [Read more…]

A Book Review: To Unpack Roma Downey’s “Box of Butterflies” Is to Discover a Core False Teaching (And Christian Leaders Love It)

4 Comments

  LTRP Note: The fact that Roma Downey’s recently released, New Age-promoting book, Box of Butterflies, is being endorsed by numerous evangelical leaders like Rick and Kay Warren, Focus on the Family, Jonathan Falwell, Craig Groeschel, John Hagee, Max Lucado, Erwin McManus, Luis Palau Association, Hillsong, and Ronnie Floyd (the last SBC president) is reason … [Read more…]

Kenneth Copeland Carries On Tony Palmer’s Crusade to End the Protestant Church

5 Comments

  As many readers may remember, in 2014 Word of Faith preacher Kenneth Copeland invited the Anglican priest Tony Palmer to speak to his congregation.* Palmer, who died in a motorcycle accident a few months later, was an “evangelist” for Pope Francis to convince leaders in the Protestant church that the reformation was over and … [Read more…]

Katy Perry Invited to Speak About Transcendental Meditation at Vatican Conference Along with Other Meditation Teachers

10 Comments

LTRP Note: The following is posted for informational  and research purposes and not as an endorsement of the source or the content. It is not surprising to Lighthouse Trails that the Pope would be drawn to those who teach meditation as he is a contemplative advocate and told the U.S. Congress he considers Thomas Merton … [Read more…]

“A Life With Purpose” – A Glimpse at the Past to Better Understand the Present

1 Comment

LTRP Note: Six years ago this month, a man named George Mair passed away. He had written a glowing biography about Rick Warren, and what followed broke his heart and revealed many things that would clarify the roots of where the church was heading. By Warren B. Smith (The following is from Warren Smith’s book, … [Read more…]

What Christian Leaders Need to Know – The Final Outcome of Practicing Contemplative Prayer

2 Comments

LTRP Note: With the majority of Christian colleges and seminaries now bringing in contemplative spirituality via Spiritual Formation programs, and with Christian leaders such as Rick Warren and Beth Moore endorsing the movement, and with countless pastors giving it a thumbs up to their congregations, isn’t it time professors, pastors, and leaders understand what the … [Read more…]

Francis Chan Warns Those Who Criticize Christian Leaders: “God Will Destroy You”

43 Comments

A recent YouTube video that has been viewed over 50,000 times thus far* of highly prolific and popular Christian author and speaker Francis Chan creates a very disturbing scenario of how the Body of Christ should operate. Speaking to a group at Bethel Church, he strongly implied that God will destroy (kill) anyone who questions … [Read more…]