(See Year in Review 2022, Part 1, The Chosen)
While we receive numerous letters, comments, calls, and e-mails throughout the year, and consider them all important and of value, we believe the 10 letters and comments below illustrate very well what many of our readers are concerned about in these difficult days. Click the “Read more” link at the end of each article to read the complete letter.
1. Author of The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, John Mark Comer, Bringing “Renewed” Contemplative Spirituality Into the Churches
Today my neighbor who’s in an emergent church . . . told me his church started a sermon series called “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry.” Hmm . . . I’ve left enough emergent churches to know a sermon series probably has a book. … [Read more…]
2. My Experience With “Walk to Emmaus”
I was sponsored to go on a Walk to Emmaus in 2003 and was told that it would be a wonderful, spiritual experience and was told literally nothing else. My sponsor drove me out to this remote, secluded location (I still haven’t been able to figure out exactly where it was) took my wristwatch (I didn’t have a cell phone at that point) and left me with a group of total strangers, completely cut off from the outside world, having no idea what to expect. From that point on, my life was not my own. . . . [Read more . . .]
3. Our Son Might Go to Grace College in Winoka Lake, Indiana -Why Is LT Warning About It?
To Lighthouse Trails Editors: Are you able to tell me the evidence that you gained by putting Grace College and Theological Seminary on your page of colleges you warn about? Our son is considering this college, and this was disappointing to see. C. Dear C., The school is on our list because they have incorporated … [Read more…]
4. Saved in 2022 – Searching for Discernment
I was saved by Christ in June 2022. A Christian friend recommended The Chosen about 2 months ago. The truth is that I didn’t pay that much attention to the introduction to the series, this is something I need to be diligent about, “testing the spirits, proving all things and holding to what is good” I was grabbed by the “purity” of the show, no profanity, love the time period, as a new Christian, the stories “made sense” to me. I started to feel moved by the actor playing Jesus . . . [Read more . . .]
5. Salvation Army Pushing Yoga, Meditation, and Mystic Henri Nouwen
I am enclosing some magazine articles put out by the Salvation Army during the summer of 2022. One of them is from Peer magazine that is for teenagers and college-age kids. The article from that magazine is about [the Catholic contemplative mystic] Henri Nouwen. The other article, “Meditation in Movement,” is from … [Read more…]
6. Wycliffe Brings “Spiritual Formation” and Contemplative Practices to Its Members
Wycliffe has now added Spiritual Formation heresy to its ranks. Sue Russell, the Spiritual Formation “specialist” has two Webinars on the website. One is about “hearing God” and the second, entering God’s presence in “The Silence.” Yes, we are to enter in with reverence and awe and confession in Jesus name, but the phrase, “The Silence” is now the universal platform for all to enter in no matter what faith. I also personally talked to a missionary from Wycliffe who said he reads Dallas Willard and feels people just have “misunderstood” Spiritual Formation. … [Read more…]
7. The Salvation Army Continues on the Ecumenical Road
We have seen the link with the Salvation Army and the Catholic Church before especially in Bible studies. There was one study in particular where the leader recommended additional reading. Each item was from a Catholic mystic. We pointed this out to them, all to no avail. However, to start praying to the dead I thought would be against everything the SA would stand for. Obviously not! This is so sad that an outfit like the Salvation Army will use material like this without even realizing the dangers of another Gospel. Maybe the draw card for the SA is the ecumenical stance that the Catholics push. … [Read more…]
8. Sad Day for Church in the UK—(Wesley’s) Oldest Methodist Church in World Now Offering Same-Sex Marriage
Some further sad news regarding the Christian church in the U.K. This news is from the BBC today (June 30th): “World’s oldest Methodist church to allow gay marriage.” The article states: The world’s oldest Methodist building will now offer same-sex marriage after voting unanimously in favour. The New Room is a Chapel … [Read more…]
9. Amazed at What Comes From the Pulpits and More Amazed at Congregations That Blindly Follow
Just discovered a large (formerly good) church in our area that is into [contemplative spirituality] – very sad. You can often pick up clues by the churches’ websites. My guess is that you would be hard pressed to find churches that aren’t at least a little affected by these and other deceptions. Up until 5 years ago I played in a brass group for 10 years. We performed at a broad mix of denominations. I was amazed at what came from some of the pulpits; but I am more amazed at the congregations that just blindly followed. [Read more . . .]
10. Diana Butler Bass and Westmont College Steered Daughter Away From the Faith
Our daughter, unfortunately, attended a Christian college in the mid 90s (Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California), and they steered her away from the faith. I still don’t understand exactly what they taught. But I do know that her mentor and one of her professors (a Ms. Diana Butler—you’ve probably heard if her) really did a number on her. … [Read more…]
(Image from dreamstime.com; used with permission)