As many of you may know, we received a letter in May from Focus on the Family after asking them why they were promoting and endorsing author Gary Thomas, who is a promoter of contemplative prayer. Thomas, in his book Sacred Pathways, lists different ways people can draw near to God incorporating contemplative prayer. In … [Read more…]
Women of Faith is a Christian franchise that has held conferences for over 3 million women since its inception in 1996. In 2000, Christian publisher Thomas Nelson bought the Women of Faith franchise and has a strong influence in the organization. Nearly all of the regular Women of Faith speakers are Thomas Nelson authors, and … [Read more…]
The following article, though written quite a few years ago, is still one of the best we have seen on contemplative. If you haven’t read it this before, or if it has been a while since you read it, we encourage you to do so. It answers so many questions as to why contemplative spirituality … [Read more…]
Biola University is the home to both Talbot School of Theology as well as the Institute of Spiritual Formation (a Department of Talbot). There is ample evidence to show that both Talbot and the Institute are promoting and teaching contemplative spirituality. The Institute alone has three masters degree programs and has dozens of courses in … [Read more…]
For some time now, Biola University has been promoting contemplative spirituality. Biola’s Institute for Spiritual Formation teaches contemplative prayer, and Biola has a seat on the Board of Directors with the very contemplative Spiritual Formation forum. As is so often the case with those who follow after contemplative, emerging spirituality goes hand in hand. In … [Read more…]
by Larry DeBruyn Contemplative Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer. Between contemplative spirituality and biblical Christianity there reside watershed distinctions between first, the definition, and then, the practice of prayer. Simply stated, prayer is talking to God. In speaking to God, believers are free to disclose their hearts’ deepest longings and vexations to him, including their … [Read more…]
Dear Ray Yungen and Lighthouse Friends, My deepest thank-you for this website and the book, A Time of Departing. I have been a born again believer for six to seven years now and a youth leader for two. I have passionately pursued Jesus through all of them. However, not always according to truth as … [Read more…]
Brennan Manning, popular writer and speaker, is considered by many to be a kind of expert on the topic of God’s grace. Philip Yancey, editor for Christianity Today magazine, says “Brennan Manning [is] my spiritual director in the school of grace.” On the back cover of Manning’s book, Ragamuffin Gospel, Max Lucado states: “Brennan does … [Read more…]
Conversations Journal (a “Forum for Authentic Transformation”) is an offshoot of Psychological Studies Institute. The Journal’s target audience “is purposefully broad — all thoughtful, seeking followers of Christ who long for a complete transformation of soul and full restoration of His image within.” Of the journal, Wheaton College calls it “penetrating” and “high-quality” and carries … [Read more…]
by Let Us Reason Ministries (Mike Oppenheimer) Walking the labyrinth has become a popular spiritual exercise across the country and around the world. I first read of it in Leadership Magazine, a Christian publication and became a bit concerned, since looking into it further I’m definitely concerned. Labyrinths are said to been used for over … [Read more…]