COLLEGE WATCH: John Brown University Says Yes to Emerging and Contemplative

According to the Articles of Faith at John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, the university believes the Bible is the “inspired, the only infallible, authoritative word of God” and that Jesus Christ is God. But their Bachelor of Science Degree with Major in Youth Ministries may send out a conflicting message. According to the program description, “Students are exposed to a broad range of topics and are given the opportunity to acquire and develop skills directly related to ministry with the contemporary youth culture.Youth Specialties and Zondervan Publishing House in partnership with John Brown University are dedicated to helping teach those who’ve been called into the ministry of working with youth. We are official members of the Youth Specialties Academic Support Network. Visit the Youth Specialties website at www.youthspecialties.com to learn more about the training, textbooks, and resources that Youth Specialties provides.”

Unfortunately, students who turn to the Youth Specialties website for help and resources are going to be introduced to universalism, pantheism, mysticism and Eastern-style meditation and a host of emergent/contemplative authors who ridicule biblical Christianity and devour the faith and beliefs of young minds.

On a Suggested Resources list, JBU recommends students read panentheist Thomas Kelly (A Testament of Devotion), contemplatives Henri Nouwen, Dallas Willard, Richard Foster, John Ortberg and Brother Lawrence.

Under Formation Initiatives are examples that include “Silent Retreats,” “Spiritual Mentoring,” and “Silence and Solitude.”

Parents should think twice before sending their children to this college. See our research on Contemplative Colleges .

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