The 2007 World Conference, presented by the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC), will take place September 12th – 15th this year. Because of the pro-contemplative persuasions of the AACC, it is not surprising that contemplatives such as Dallas Willard, John Ortberg, Larry Crabb, and several others will be part of the speaking platform. Larry Crabb, the spiritual director for the AACC, has shown his spiritual persuasions in his books, such as The Papa Prayer, where he states:
I’ve practiced centering prayer. I’ve contemplatively prayed. I’ve prayed liturgically….I’ve benefited from each, and I still do. In ways you’ll see, elements of each style are still with me (The Papa Prayer, p.9).
The AACC is supportive of contemplative spirituality (mysticism), as can be seen in their Code of Ethics where they admit they are “influenced” by the “paradigm offered by Richard Foster” (p. 3). With this in mind, it is surprising and disturbing to see a name on the World Conference plenary speakers list (scroll down page) that has not in the past been associated with contemplative or mystical prayer. That name is Tim LaHaye. LaHaye is known mostly for his Left Behind series, which fictionalizes a possible end-time scenario on the earth. What is surprising is that the Left Behind books have consistently shown, through the story lines, the negative effects of the New Age movement and the role mystical spirituality plays in end time deception.
Some may ask, “What’s the big deal? So what if LaHaye shares a platform with contemplative leaders? That doesn’t make him one.” That’s true. But what it does do is two things: First, it makes one ask if LaHaye’s vision has become blurry as has happened to so many other Christian leaders (e.g., David Jeremiah, Chuck Swindoll, etc.) who have been influenced by contemplative spirituality; and secondly, his participating in this event will give credence to the entire contemplative movement and has the potential to confuse countless Left Behind readers (remember, over 60 million copies of his books have sold).
Perhaps LaHaye will say (as did Kay Arthur when she spoke with Tony Campolo recently)1 that he will speak anywhere, on any platform as long as he can get his message out. In certain carefully selected situations, this reasoning could be valid, but unless LaHaye is prepared to stand on the World Conference platform and denounce what the AACC and many of the speakers stand for, unless he is going to rebuke and expose what is really being promoted at the World Conference, then for him to share the platform is misleading and is like a slap in the face to faithful believers who have defended the faith and stood against apostasy in these days in which we live. And based on many, many other similar situations, it is highly unlikely Tim LaHaye will stand at that conference and denounce contemplative spirituality (i.e., spiritual formation).
There is also something else to consider. Bringing LaHaye into the contemplative fold as the AACC is doing could help further the convergence that is taking place between contemplative/emerging participants and mainstream Christians. In essence, LaHaye’s appearance at the conference could potentially have far reaching effects. We hope and pray that LaHaye will turn down his invitation to speak at the AACC, and in so doing make a bold statement in defense of the Christian faith.
Other contemplative promoters who will be speaking at the World Conference include Dan Allender (Mars Hill Graduate School), H.B. London, Jr. (Focus on the Family) and Max Lucado. Incidentally, Kay Arthur will be there too.
See also:
Max Lucado Hops into the Contemplative Camp
Example of Workshops at the World Conference: One workshop is called “Using a Curriculum of Christlikeness in Spiritual Formation.” According to its description, the presentation is inspired by Richard Foster and Dallas Willard. Gary Moon, the presenter, is a contemplative advocate.3 (see other workshops)
