In our recent article, Jesus Camp, Film Reveals the Mystical and the Militant, Not Biblical Christianity, it was clear to see that children have become victims to contemplative spirituality and the New Age. As we mentioned in the article, kids are being led into dangerous meditative trances. Another example of this is an upcoming conference called The Baby Summit: Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Science. According to an Arizona Republic article, speakers for the conference will “provide the latest scientific information along with ancient traditions from Arizona’s indigenous and tribal ceremonies.” Wendy McCord, organizer for the event, told the Arizona Republic that “Ancient people have always thought of children as spiritual beings with spiritual paths … This conference will bring together the ancient traditions and combine them with solid scientific background.” Presenters at the conference include Joseph Chilton Pearce, author of Spiritual Invitation and the Breakthrough of Consciousness: The Bond of Power and Lewis Mehl Madrona (on tribal healings).
This isn’t the first time Lighthouse Trails has reported on children and meditation. Unfortunately, our other reports have had to do with children in Christian settings. For instance, a June 2006 story, Sad News for Preschool Children: MOPS Heads Contemplative, shows how MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) is becoming more and more entrenched in contemplative spirituality and New Age influences:
MOPS is promoting (and selling) books that are pro-contemplative. The book that stands out among the others is Breathe. The author, Keri Wyatt Kent, is a writer for Willow Creek Community Church and often speaks on spiritual formation. Her upcoming book, Listen: Finding God in the Story of Your Life, teaches readers to “listen” to God through “spiritual practices,” including the practice of silence. The author quotes extensively throughout the book both contemplatives and New Agers, including Henri Nouwen, M.Scott Peck, Sue Monk Kidd, Anne Lamott, Julia Cameron, Rick Warren, Richard Foster, Ruth Haley Barton, and Eugene Peterson…
For those who might be saying right now, “Ok, so MOPS likes one of Kent’s books, Breathe – it isn’t this one that is so blatantly contemplative and filled with New Age meditation concepts and quotes.” But on the back cover of Listen: Finding God in the Story of Your Life sits an endorsement by Elisa Morgan, president of MOPS, which reads: “Keri offers insightful and practical help for all of us who are “hearing impaired” in our spirits. Ah … what a relief!”
A July 2005 article revealed how NavPress is now teaching children to practice contemplative prayer! And in a May 2006 article, several examples were given of Christian children and contemplative spirituality, including Awanas.
Recent films such as Indigo Children and Bee Season are indicators that secular society is beginning to accept the idea that children can be involved with deep meditation practices. Jesus Camp and these other things we have mentioned today show that Christendom is heading in the same direction.
“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea.” Mark 9:42