Rick Warren Promotes Contemplative Prayer
In Rick Warren's Ministry Toolbox, Issue 226, September 28th, 2005, (his weekly e-newsletter to nearly 150,000 pastors around the world), his feature article is titled: De-Mystify Spiritual Growth.
He begins the article with: "Mention
the term 'spirituality' today and many people will conjure up
images of wearing white robes, sitting in a yoga lotus position, burning incense, and chanting 'ommmmm' with their eyes closed." This
opening sentence gives the reader the impression that the article
is going to condemn Eastern or New Age mysticism. It is, however,
a misleading introduction, for Warren goes on to say that spiritual
maturity can be obtained through various "practical, everyday
habits" or "certain exercises" or disciplines that
"Saddleback places a great deal of emphasis on." While
the article itself does not say what these disciplines are, information
that Rick Warren has provided throughout his newsletter does indeed
show that these disciplines are none other than Eastern or New
Age mysticism.
Dallas Willard and contemplative Richard Foster, author of Celebration of Discipline, believe those disciplines to include the teachings of Thomas Merton who said he wanted to be the best Buddhist he could be and likened contemplative prayer to an LSD trip. Willard not only agrees with Richard Foster on these "spiritual disciplines" but also Sue Monk Kidd, whose endorsement sits on the back cover of Willard's book, The Spirit of the Disciplines. Sue Monk Kidd, author of several contemplative books said the following:
"I am speaking of recognizing the hidden truth that we are one with all people. We are part of them and they are part of us ... When we encounter another person, ... we should walk as if we were upon holy ground. We should respond as if God dwells there."
Monk
Kidd, once a conservative Baptist Sunday School teacher, is now
a strong advocate for the spiritual disciplines as described by
Willard and Richard Foster.
"Contemplative
prayer is nothing other than coming into consciousness of what
is already there." Brennan Manning, Signature
of Jesus
According to Ray Yungen, author of A Time of Departing, Rick Warren is going to do with contemplative prayer what Richard Foster could not ... take it and spread it throughout the world on a massive level. We are watching it happen with our very eyes. Rick Warren is a contemplative—perhaps he too wonders how he has gotten away with so much and been able to promote such a spirituality as this virtually unopposed. In view of the fact that the premise of contemplative spirituality is all paths lead to God, this blatant promotion is a tragedy.
universalist Henri Nouwen
and futurist Leonard Sweet
Purpose Driven Youth Ministry Goes Global, Taking Contemplative Prayer With Them
