The Final Outcome of Practicing Contemplative Prayer: Interspirituality

LTRP Note: Occasionally, we hear, through the proverbial grapevine, the words, “Why does Lighthouse Trails keep talking about contemplative prayer?” With the majority of the Christian colleges and seminaries introducing students to contemplative spirituality via Spiritual Formation programs, and with Christian publishers continuing to vigorously publish books promoting the mystical spirituality, and with countless pastors and church teachers giving it a thumbs up to their congregations, what else can we possibly do but to continue warning about it? Of course, if Christian pastors, leaders, publishers, and schools would diligently warn about this dangerous false teaching themselves, Lighthouse Trails could pack it up and call it a day. But we continue to stand in amazement that after nearly 23 years of warnings, we have witnessed very few in positions of Christian leadership taking on the task, or frankly, even taking the time to understand it. So to answer the question, “Why does Lighthouse Trails keep talking about contemplative prayer,” it is because the final outcome of contemplative prayer is interspirituality, which means contemplative prayer leads practitioners away from the Cross, not toward it. It is for this reason, we cannot stop.

The Final Outcome of Practicing Contemplative Prayer

By Ray Yungen

The final outcome of contemplative prayer is interspirituality (i.e., all paths lead to God). If you have truly grasped the portrait I have tried to paint in my book, A Time of Departing, and articles I have written, you have begun to see what this term signifies. The focus of my criticism of mystical prayer must be understood in the light of interspirituality.

Just what exactly is interspirituality? The premise behind interspirituality is that divinity (God) is in all things (panentheism), and the presence of God is in all religions; there is a connecting together of all things, and through mysticism (i.e., meditation) this state of divinity can be recognized. Consequently, this is a premise that is based on and upheld by an experience that occurs during a self-hypnotic trance linking one to an unseen world rather than to the sound doctrine of the Bible.

It is important to understand that interspirituality is a uniting of the world’s religions through the common thread of mysticism. New Age teacher Wayne Teasdale, a lay monk who coined the term interspirituality, says that interspirituality is “the spiritual common ground which exists among the world’s religions.”1 Teasdale, in talking about this universal church also states:

She [the church] also has a responsibility in our age to be a bridge for reconciling the human family . . . the Spirit is inspiring her through the signs of the times to open to Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, Sikhs, Jains, Taoists, Confucians, and indigenous peoples. As matrix [a binding substance], the Church would no longer see members of other traditions as outside her life. She would promote the study of these traditions, seek common ground and parallel insights.2

An article in my local newspaper revealed just how well received interspirituality has become in certain circles. One Presbyterian elder, who was described as a “Spiritual Director,” made it clear when she said:

I also have a strong interest in Buddhism and do a sitting meditation in Portland [Oregon] as often as I can. I considered myself ecumenical not only in the Christian tradition, but with all religions.3 (emphasis mine)

There is a profound and imminent danger taking place within the walls of Christianity. Doctrine has become less important than feeling, and this has led to a mystical paradigm shift. Sound doctrine must be central to this debate because New Ageism has a very idealistic side to it, offering a mystical approach to solve human problems. Everyone would like to have his or her problems solved. Right? That is the practical aspect I have previously written about—a seemingly direct route to a happy and fulfilled life. However, one can promote the attributes of God without actually having God.

People who promote a presumably godly form of spirituality can indeed come against the truth of Christ. Then how can you be assured what you believe and practice is of God?

The Christian message has been clear from the beginning—God has sent a Savior. If man only had to practice some kind of mystical prayer to gain access to God, then the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ was a fruitless, hollow endeavor.

Sound Christian doctrine comes from the understanding that mankind is sinful, fallen, and separated from God. Man needs a saving work by God! A teaching like panentheism (God is in everybody), which is the foundational root behind contemplative prayer, cannot be reconciled to the finished work of Christ. How could Jesus be our Savior then? New Age constituents will say He is a model for Christ consciousness, but the Bible teaches He is the Savior of mankind. Therefore, panentheism cannot be a true doctrine.

The problem is that many well-intentioned people embrace the teachings of panentheism and interspirituality because it sounds so good. It appears less bigoted on God’s part. No one is left out—all are connected to God. There is a great appeal in this message. Nevertheless, the Bible does not teach a universal salvation for man. In contrast, Jesus said:

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (Matthew 7:13-14)

Christ’s message is the polar opposite of these universalist teachings. Many people (even Christians) today think only a few really bad people will be sent to Hell. But in Matthew, the words of Jesus make it clear that this just is not so.

While God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for the sins of the world, He did not say all would be saved. His words are clear that many would reject the salvation He provided. But those who are saved have been given the “ministry of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18) making an appeal to those who are perishing (2 Corinthians 4:3). The Christian message is not samadhi, Zen, kundalini, or the contemplative silence. It is the power of the Cross!

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. (1 Corinthians 1:18)

Yes, perishing, and not just unaware of their true self (a term used by contemplatives to indicate man’s supposed divinity).

In an opinion poll, the startling results describe how Americans actually view God. Spirituality and Health magazine hired a reputable pollster organization to gauge the spiritual beliefs of the American public. This national poll revealed that 84 percent of those questioned believed God to be “everywhere and in everything” rather than “someone somewhere.”4 This means panentheism is now the more popular view of God. If true, then a high percentage of evangelical Christians in America already lean towards a panentheistic and interspiritual view of God. Perhaps many of these Christians are fuzzy about the true nature of God.

How could this mystical revolution have come about? How could this perspective have become so widespread? The answer is that over the last forty years, a number of authors have struck a deep chord with millions of readers and seekers within Christendom. These writers have presented and promoted the contemplative view to the extent that many now see it as the only way to “go deeper” in the Christian life. They are the ones who prompt men and women to plunge into contemplative practice.

Endnotes:

1.  Wayne Teasdale, “Mysticism as the Crossing of Ultimate Boundaries: A Theological Reflection” (The Golden String newsletter, https://web.archive.org/web/20030210032238/http://clarusbooks.com/Teasdale.html).
2. Wayne Teasdale, A Monk in the World (Novato, CA: New World Library, 2002), p. 64.
3. Jan Alsever quoted in Statesman Journal, January 27th, 1996, Religion Section.
4. Katherine Kurs, “Are You Religious or Are You Spiritual?” (Spirituality & Health Magazine, Spring 2001), p. 28.

10 thoughts on “The Final Outcome of Practicing Contemplative Prayer: Interspirituality

  1. Yes, I remember when my wife and I were looking for a church to attend about twelve years ago. I emailed or contacted about 7 or 8 churches nearby that we felt might be “safe” to attend. If I remember right all but one responded. And they all said they endorse contemplative prayer, or teach it in their discipleship classes, or in counselling. Of course we never found a church after hearing that. I also noticed a “christian” organization that works with homeless people and people with addictions in the city of Calgary. The Mustard Seed. They also are very proud of teaching contemplative prayer to recovering addicts and those with mental health issues. Very concerning and very depressing actually as well. That “christianity” has wandered off the straight and narrow path so far. It is hard to fathom sometimes. But it is unfortunately very true. Very good evidence though for the “falling away” God warned us about before the return of Christ.

  2. The thought that struck me is that it is difficult for a person who is truly born again, having been brought to the place where he realises that he can do nothing to deserve salvation, and repents with a degree of understanding of the enormous sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ for his/her sins, and having seen that his heart is wicked above all things, to turn from that to New Age religion. It would seem to me to be turning from the glorious light of Christ and the Word of God, to darkness, no peace (for the Word tells us that the peace of God – the true peace, not contrived by telling yourself you have peace when you don’t – should rule, even as the Greek suggests, act as an umpire in our hearts). Sorry my grammar isn’t the best, but I think you will grasp my meaning.

  3. Regarding those adopting Contemplative Prayer/Spiritual Formation:
    >Their discernment skills are lacking or compromised
    >They have not done their due diligence regarding this practice (and associated practices) and its promoters
    >They think the fuzzy feelings and sense of achieving a higher level of spirituality is of God – the question is which
    God/god.
    >They are caught up in the hype
    >Instead, they are opening doors best left closed. They risk finding more than they are looking for and it is not good.

    Don’t latch onto the attractive evil practice fads of the day that masquerade as the Light.
    I also find that the CP followers are usually compromised in other areas too, such as yoga, soaking, and etc.

    I have watched over the decades that there are those (shallow) Christians just constantly searching for a new spiritual high (emotional addicts) and get in spiritual trouble – The Bible is just not good enough for them. If they spent more time developing good discernment……..

  4. So many false teachers and those misled by them as we see the warnings of the Apostles becoming manifest in our day. Please continue to pray for the Lord to open the eyes and ears of those being deceived by these false teachers so they will see the lies and turn from the deceivers and turn back to the Word of God for Truth and Salvation. Encourage our brothers and sisters to stay true our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. John 14:6, Acts 4:12

  5. So I jumped the gun on my post above! We all had quite the discussion on facebook today. I think my old pastor was testing me, as he liked the explanation that I gave him, and liked the article and an unsaved cousin got to hear the gospel today more plainly than she ever has I think! Thank you!

  6. John 14:6 – Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. This statement alone from our Lord and Savior is clear and enough for all to understand. Matthew 7:13-14 is also clear as to the narrow and the broad paths and the ultimate destinations of each. The Apostle Paul warns of the coming apostasy in 1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; . We are currently seeing it’s fulfillment. Please continue to pray for the Lord to open the eyes and ears of those being deceived by false teachers that they would realize the Truth and turn from the deceptions and lies and turn back to Him for Truth and Salvation.

  7. Isn’t much of the contemporary music leaning to a more mystic and contemplative perspective?
    instead of the focus, being on the hymn or praise song, changing the motives of the heart, and sanctifying the believer… contemporary music focuses on feeling, emotion, trance like state. An implication that God somehow needs our worship (kind of like the pagan gods: demanding and vain, which eventually leads to sensual indulgences and human sacrifice).
    Acts17 is clear a “he does not dwell in temples made with hands, nor is he worshiped with men’s hands as though He needed anything.“
    The study and understanding of our Lords attributes, character, and majesty, etc ..are what changes our hearts (our lives)
    Our worship is the way we live our lives and listen to his words, obey and serve .

  8. Posted this to my facebook this morning, crickets, the silence is deafening! Even pastor Howard that posts daily on my page, silence.

  9. The power of the Holy Spirit to act is through… the Word of God. If we want to be filled with… walk in… live by… the Holy Spirit, we learn about and obey the Word of God responding to conviction from Him. He’s our Sword of offense and defense to prepare us to meet and live in Jesus Christ, forever. God provides the weapon. Will we wield it?

    The Sword of the Word of God cuts down the blatant to subtle man-centered movements and religions—to dissect their founding “visions”, the roots of arrogance, pride, and denial would’ve been exposed. To bury conviction, they’ve mutated the language describing opposition to God to mean “alliance with”—wickedness is reclassified as “righteous love”….

    In name of Jesus they may speak, but their proclamations don’t match His… as written in the Bible….
    The Sword… The Word https://hopeishereblog.wordpress.com/the-sword-the-word/

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