Letter to the Editor: UrbanPromise—Christian Doctrinal Statement Contrary to Its Focus on New Age Meditation Practices

UrbanPromise logo; used in accordance with the US Fair Use Act and Copyright Laws that allow the use of logos for informational and educational purposes in written articles.

Dear Lighthouse Trails:

I am writing to warn about UrbanPromise. Of course, in its stated doctrine and Mission and Vision, it is Christian; and at first glance, they are not ashamed of the Gospel. However, in just about every case of compromise that I’ve seen, it is not stated doctrine that we should be satisfied with, but the practical application of said doctrine(s). So let me tell you why I am warning about this organization.

Over a year ago me and my wife attended a dinner and performance (it was a plea for regular donors) for UrbanPromise that raised funds for their schools and ongoing youth programs internationally.  My wife and I were invited by a friend and enjoyed the program for the most part. During the performance and explanation of what programs were included, we noticed that meditation and mindfulness were mentioned. My wife and I looked at each other in disbelief and questioned whether we actually heard what we thought we heard.

It wasn’t until I began to do some research on the organization’s website that I confirmed what we both heard that evening. I found that among promoting Jesus and the Gospel to at-risk youth within inner cities and in foreign countries, which is suppose to be the core of everything we do as Christians, that there was outright promotion and implementation of New Age practices aimed at those same youth [see this example, this one, and this one].

So I prayed and wrote an e-mail to the founder and president, Bruce Main, warning about the dangers of these practices especially when it comes to youth (screenshots of our dialogue below). Sadly, over a year later, nothing has been addressed and it seems the biggest concern is attaining funds to forward their cause and ministry.

Upon further review of UrbanPromise, the entire ministry was inspired by Tony Campolo and his call for “Christians to seek justice for the poor and liberation for the oppressed” (http://urbanpromiseusa.org/mission).  It also has direct ties to Eastern University (funding), whom you have listed under the Colleges and Universities that Promote Spiritual Formation. So there should be no surprise that they would endorse/practice the things that those who have the most influence over the ministry practice and endorse.

I don’t know how useful this information will be to other readers, but I pray the Lord uses it for His glory somehow. Thank you for your continued and faithful stance on the Word of God; you have been a blessing and refreshment to me and my family.  To this we are eternally thankful.

In Christ,

Mr. Smith

Related Information:

Tony Campolo: Coming to Christ Through Mysticism

 What You Need to Know About Jim Wallis and the Social-Justice Gospel

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