by Chris Lawson of Spiritual Research Network
Do Christian leaders understand the dangers of the Contemplative Prayer–Contemplative Spirituality [Spiritual Formation] movement? It appears that countless numbers of them do not. Countless others do not seem to care and others are hostile to those who expose the dangers of this so-called, ancient-future spirituality.
Contemplative Spirituality can be clearly defined this way:
Contemplative Spirituality: A belief system that uses ancient mystical practices to induce altered states of consciousness (the silence) and is rooted in mysticism and the occult but often wrapped in Christian terminology. The premise of contemplative spirituality is pantheistic (God is all) and panentheistic (God is in all). [http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/]
The concern that has motivated the writing of this article stems from the fact that many Christian leaders are ignorantly engaging in and outright promoting this dangerous spiritual method. The core of this methodology, which can lead to extreme spiritual hazards, is meditative, contemplative–centering prayer. In light of this, vast volumes of contemplative promoting literature is being gobbled up by undiscerning Christians. This fact alone shouts forth with clarity that the missing jewel in the 21st Century Church is biblical discernment. The following examples and citations serve to show the incredible lack of discernment showing forth in the Church today.
NATIONAL PASTORS CONVENTION DISPLAYS LACK OF DISCERNMENT
The 2008 National Pastors Convention, which was brought to you by: Zondervan and InterVarsity Press, also had Presenting Sponsors: Vida, World Vision and Christianbook.com. The purpose of the 2008 National Pastors Convention was stated in their banner sentence for the convention:
nourish your soul. engage your mind. connect in meaningful conversation
[Zondervan links to the 2008 National Pastors Convention are no longer active]
Along with the Christian Yoga classes which will be [were] offered by Shelly Pagitt (Wife of Doug Pagitt from Solomon’s Porch) at this “Pastor’s Convention,” people had the opportunity to attend the National Pastor’s Retreat. The link to the National Pastors Retreats page informed Church leaders that they could “Experience a Deeper Connection with God” by attending this overnight retreat. According to the advertisements, the main speakers for this retreat were Joe Sherman and Ruth Haley Barton.
