Letter to the Editor: ConvergePacWest Using Contemplative Books and Authors to “Grow Spiritually”

Dear Lighthouse Trails:

After reading Seduction of Christianity by Dave Hunt years ago, I have watched the insidious encroachment of mysticism into the evangelical Christian church.  When I discovered you several years ago, I used some of your resources to help inform the small part of the flick that I have contact with.

There is a church in our city that changed affiliation several years ago from Baptist General Conference to ConvergePacWest.   The name alone made me suspicious, so I researched it and, sure enough, if you click on to “Grow Spiritually,” then “Resources,” they have a list of books for “Personal Spiritual Formation” that includes Richard Foster, Dallas Willard, and John Ortberg.

Since I hadn’t seen any reference to ConvergePacWest on your website, just thought I would mention it.

Your Friend in Christ,

C.A.
California

LTRP Note: ConvergePacWest is also recommending books by contemplative proponents Philip Yancey, John Piper, and Tim Keller and lists Discipleship Journal under their “Grow Spiritually” resource list (although that link is broken). Discipleship Journal, is a publication put out by NavPress that uses a wide array of New Spirituality authors such as Ruth Haley Barton and has regularly promoted contemplative spirituality and the emerging church.