| In This Issue
- click choice |
| A Year-End
Message: "The Lord is calling His people out from the midst of the
false." |
| YEAR IN REVIEW:
2009 TOP 10 LIGHTHOUSE TRAILS STORIES |
| 2009 BOOK/FILM
REVIEWS |
| 2009 TOP 10
ARTICLES FROM OTHER LIKE-MINDED MINISTRIES |
| 2009 TOP 10
ARTICLES BY LT AUTHORS |
| 2009 Top 10
Out-of-House News Stories Covered by LT |
| 2009 YEAR IN
REVIEW: Christian Colleges Landslide Into Contemplative
Spirituality |
| YEAR IN REVIEW:
Rick Warren, one of the world's "top 100 most influential people" in
2009 |
| Article on Mark
Driscoll's Site Takes Scripture Out of Context to Defend
Contemplative |
| Biological
Lesbian-Turned-Christian Mom Fails to Give Up Child to
Ex-Partner |
| Move Alert:
Avatar - Could Set Up Millions to Accept the "Ancient
Wisdom" |
| Seventh-day
Adventist Theological Seminary Integrating Contemplative/Emerging
Spirituality Into Degree Program |
| 2009 LIGHTHOUSE
TRAILS PUBLISHING IN REVIEW |
| 2009 TOP 10
VIDEO/AUDIO |
| Publishing
News |
| Lighthouse Trails
Author Websites |
|
|
| Who We Are |
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is a Christian
publishing company. While we hope you will read the books we have
published and support our
authors, we also provide extensive free research, documentation,
and news on our Research
site, blog, and
newsletter.
We pray that
the books as well as the online research will be a blessing to the
body of Christ and a witness to those who have not yet accepted
Jesus Christ as their Savior and
Lord. |
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| What is
Contemplative Spirituality? |
definition:
contemplative spirituality: a belief system that uses ancient
mystical practices to induce altered states of consciousness (the
silence) and is rooted in mysticism and the occult but often wrapped
in Christian terminology; the premise of contemplative spirituality
is pantheistic (God is all) and panentheistic (God is in
all).
spiritual
formation: a movement that
has provided a platform and a channel through which contemplative
prayer is entering the church. Find spiritual formation being used,
and in nearly every case you will find contemplative spirituality.
In fact, contemplative spirituality is the heartbeat of the
spiritual formation movement.
How
Widespread Has Spiritual Formation Become? Read our
list of ministries that
are promoting it. Please pray for the leaders of these groups
that their eyes may be
opened. | |
|
| Dear
Antoon, |
|
In 2009, we witnessed a huge
growth in the contemplative/mystical New Spirituality in
the Christian church.
This is not just some kind of
fad or an isolated phenomenon. It is building momemtum month by
month, and more and more people are seeing this mystical
spirituality as a valid and powerful way to experience the
presence of God. Many influential and respected people within
Christianity view this practice as being perfectly in accordance
with orthodox Christianity. However, there is no way one can
reconcile interspirituality (the "fruit" of
contemplative) with the preaching of the Cross and
still remain faithful to biblical fidelity.
One of the things we
have noticed in 2009 is a significant blurring of the lines between
outright New Age/New Spirituality and this new
Christianity. An example of this blurring came to our
attention just as we were about to release this newsletter. In
Charles Stanley's January 2010
In Touch magazine, it features an article titled,
"I Didn't Want to Be a Christian, But . . . how running away can
take you on an unexpected journey" by Joseph Bentz. In the article,
Bentz (author of Silent
God) highlights the spiritual journeys of two women,
one of whom is Anne Lamott ( Traveling Mercies). Most In
Touch readers are probably not familiar with any problems
associated with her name. But Lamott, mentioned in several
Lighthouse Trails articles, reveals her true spiritual
sympathies when she endorsed the back cover of the
made-popular-by-Oprah book, Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth
Gilbert. The book is about Gilbert's search for spirituality, which
took her to India and eastern meditation. Her book is a virtual
primer on New Age thinking. Lamott not only endorsed the back
of her book but also has spoken with her
at various events. Of Gilbert's book, Lamott states: "This is a
wonderful book, brilliant and personal, rich in spiritual
insight." 1 William Paul Young includes Lamott in
his New Spirituality book, The Shack, as someone
he is "grateful" for.
While we are not suggesting
that Charles Stanley is a contemplative now because of the inclusion
of this article, we believe it is a perfect example of a steady
blending of contemplative and New Age to the point where eventually
no one will notice the difference, and what will be known as
Christianity will be mystical. This will fulfill Jesuit mystic Karl
Rahner's sentiments when he said "The Christian of tomorrow will be
a mystic, one who has experienced something, or he will be
nothing."2
We at Lighthouse Trails are
confident that the information that we put forth is very credible
and documentable. Over the past year, we have received much
opposition. One source referred to our efforts as "nonsense."
Another source publicly suggested that we were "haters." Even
though some may perceive our passion and persistence as being
negative or hateful, on the contrary, it is actually our love
for fellow humanity that propels our efforts. If you look
carefully at what we say in our books and newsletters, you will not
find contempt or vindictiveness toward individuals but rather a
challenge to their positions on the issues concerned.
Paul says in II Thessalonians
2 that the spiritual platform that will be reigning during the
latter times prior to the time of Christ's return will be the
mystery of iniquity, which we believe is occult mysticism.
There are two reasons why we believe this. First, the word mystery
comes from the word mysterion in the Greek (meaning mysticism
or hidden, i.e., occult), and second, the man of sin cannot show
himself to be "God" in any other way except through the occult
because that is what the occult proclaims - that man is God. And it
is this very underlying nature of contemplative/emerging
spirituality that has presented itself as a new and better kind of
Christianity that the church needs. But it actually reflects
occultism and rejects the preaching of the Cross.
An example of this is when
Thomas Merton, who could legitimately be called the father of
modern contemplative prayer, said that if we all knew who we really
were, we would fall down and worship each other because the pure
glory of God is in us - in everyone of us.3
Merton's panentheistic views
acquired from his mystical experiences gave him a very solid belief
in the divinity of man. With contemplative prayer as his tutor, an
atoning sacrifice for mankind (the Cross) waned in insignificance to
his way of thinking to the point that when a Sufi master
(Islamic mystic) told him that Islam did not believe in an atonement
for sin or the "theory of redemption," Merton replied: "Personally,
in matters where dogmatic [doctrine] beliefs differ, I think that
controversy is of little value." Merton explained that such
doctrines take away from the "spiritual realities" (mystical
experiences) and that "much more important is the sharing of
the experience of divine light, . . . It is here that the area of
fruitful dialogue exists between Christianity and Islam."4
It is in that context that we
believe that the man of sin is going to proclaim himself to be God
and dispel the "gospel myth." And this is why we don't stop
what we are doing. This is our motivation and the calling we believe
God has placed upon us.
In 2010, it is our hope that
we can continue to warn others about the spiritual deception taking
place today. It is also our desire that we can encourage
believers in Christ to stand strong in defending the faith and the
Gospel of Jesus Christ, which is the only avenue through which
salvation can come.
"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in
due season we shall reap, if we faint not." Galatians
6:9
Notes:
2. Ignacio Larraņaga, Sensing Your
Hidden Presence, p. 11, citing Rahner.
3. (from A Time of Departing,
quoting Thomas Merton, Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander
-1989 edition, pp.157-158)
4. Yungen, A Time of Departing, pp.
59-60 citing from Rob Baker and Gray Henry, Editors, Merton and
Sufism, pp. 109-110.
"Giving
thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of
the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us
from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom
of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood,
even the forgiveness of sins." Colossians
1:12-14
| |
| A
Year-End Message: "The Lord is calling His people out from the midst
of the false." |
by Kevin Reeves
History is filled with stories of those who have stood for truth,
many of whom gave their lives to defend the faith God had put in
their hearts. History is also filled with those who tried to squelch
that truth. In his riveting account of the Nazi empire, historian
William L. Shirer meticulously documents the internal workings of a
system that once threatened to take over the world. The Rise and
Fall of the Third Reich is a chilling account of the effects of
mind-numbing propaganda.1 The endless barrage of misinformation,
incredibly, molded a once-beaten and fragmented people into the icon
of elitism, which culminated in grisly death camps and the
cold-blooded murder of those deemed lesser humans. A firsthand
witness and opponent of the Nazi regime, Shirer recounted instances
of conversation with German people, when he dared contradict the
ludicrous governmental and media declarations of ethnic, cultural,
and military superiority. He was met with shocked silence or an
amazed stare. He noted that to question the Nazi machine's view of
anything was considered blasphemy of the highest order. It dawned on
him that the minds of many of the people had become so warped that
they were no longer able to think for themselves or evaluate
anything by a higher standard. Shirer observed that with the rise of
the new German empire, the truth had become whatever Hitler and
Goebbels said it was; they were the final arbiters of reality-
spiritual and otherwise.
Some may think it is extreme to compare the spiritual deception
and control tactics within the church today to that of the Nazi
regime and the death camps, but we should remember that the church
in Germany in the 1930s was very much like the church is
today-having a head in the sand mentality about spiritual deception
and turning religious leaders into super-human heroes who can do no
wrong. Perhaps we are not all that different than Christians in
Germany back then. We should not fool ourselves and think we would
never be duped like that. The apostle Paul issued a warning to
Christians:
Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they
are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world
are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed
lest he fall. (I Cor. 10:11,12)
Despite all of this, there is hope in the Lord; He is "Faithful
and True" (Rev. 19:11). And He promised to preserve His church, that
true body of believers whom He calls the Bride of Christ. Praise His
name-there is hope. When truth is challenged, mocked, and thrown
against the wind, we can be sure, it will never be altered. And that
Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.
The Lord is calling His people out from the midst of the false,
to adhere to His truth, no matter what the cost. Let us respond with
joy and thankfulness, knowing His grace is sufficient to strengthen
us and give us courage.
Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing
his reproach. For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one
to come. (Hebrews 13:13-14)
(From The Other Side of the River by
Kevin Reeves, pp.214-215)
Notes:
1. William L. Shirer, The Rise and
Fall of the Third Reich (New York, NY: Simon and
Schuster/Touchstone, 1959). |
| YEAR IN REVIEW:
2009 TOP 10 LIGHTHOUSE TRAILS STORIES |
ONE - New Age Department of Peace Bill Introduced
to Congress One Week After Inauguration: On February 3,
2009, the Department of Peace bill HR 808 was updated and introduced to Congress by
Congressman Dennis Kucinich. For those who are not familiar with the
efforts by prolific New Age leaders to bring to reality a US
Department of Peace, these efforts began several years ago at a
grassroots level. Support for the new department grew and presently
66 members of Congress are supporting the effort.* Just one week
after the new president took office, the updated Department of Peace
bill was introduced. (March 2009)
* As of December 2009, the number of supporting Congress members
has grown to 241.
TWO - Hate Crimes Bill
Passes House - Christian Leaders Partly to
Blame: On Wednesday, HR 1913 ("Local Law
Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009")passed in the US
House of Representatives with a vote of 249-175. According to one
report, "The bill is now headed for the Senate, which Obama urged to
work with his administration to 'finalize this bill and to take
swift action.'"
If this legislation is passed by the Senate (and then signed by
Obama into law, which he has promised to do quickly), this broadened
hate-crime law could ultimately affect Christians who preach, teach,
or report that the homosexual lifestyle is prohibited according to
Scripture. (May 2009)
THREE - Brian McLaren Wants
End Time Believing Christians Robustly
Confronted: If you are a
Christian who believes that the Bible is God's inspired Word and
believe that Jesus Christ will be coming again, you are being
marginalized. And you might not even know it. It may surprise you to
know where this marginalization is coming from. We're not speaking
of the world today . . . we are talking about people who
say they are Christians and who happen to be very
influential. In fact, one of them, Rick Warren, was just named by
Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in
the entire world. In an April 2009 article in
Sojourner's magazine by emerging church leader, Brian
McLaren, McLaren clearly has targeted Christians. But not just any
Christians. (May 4, 2009)
FOUR - Calvary Chapel
Termination Has Profound Implications: Lighthouse
Trails regrets to report that on May 5th, Paul Smith, brother of
Chuck Smith (the founder of the Calvary Chapel movement), was fired
from his position in the Calvary Chapel (CCOF) organization during
an unscheduled meeting that day. The motion to fire Paul Smith was
made by board member Roger Wing and seconded by Chuck Smith's
son-in-law, Brian Broderson. Other board members affirmed the
motion, and Paul Smith was dismissed.
For some time now Paul Smith, who has been in full-time ministry
since 1951, has been putting forth tireless efforts to help keep
contemplative and emerging spirituality out of the Calvary Chapel
movement. (May 2009)
FIVE - "Death by
Church" - Emergent New Paradigm Pastor to Speak at Calvary Chapel
Costa Mesa: Emerging/emergent spirituality is
making serious inroads into Christianity. Churches and Christian
colleges, unaware of the subtle undermining of such spirituality,
are embracing teachers and leaders of this movement and pointing
others to them. Often they are unaware of what these teachers really
believe and teach. In light of an event ( Movement
2009) scheduled to take place on May 29th at Calvary
Chapel Costa Mesa, the Calvary Chapel mother church, with RockHarbor
pastor, Mike Erre, Lighthouse Trails is posting this special report.
(May 25, 2009)
SIX: 15% of Hospitals Using
Occultic Practice-Reiki: In a
recent article in Reiki News, it was revealed that 15% of
all US hospitals are now implementing the practice of Reiki. In
Reiki, a type of therapeutic touch, it is believed that the ki (chi)
energy (a supposed universal energy that flows through all things)
can be used to heal people. In the Reiki News article written by
Reiki proponent William Lee Rand, Rand expresses a concern about a
statement released
by US Catholic bishops asking Catholic hospitals not to use Reiki
because of its Buddhist roots. Rand tries to show that Reiki is a
scientific method that has healing results. (June 14, 2009)
SEVEN - Will the "New Science" Prove That
God is "in" All Things?: A San
Antonio article says that science and religion "have been at one
another's throats but that has begun to shift in the last generation
or two." But it predicts that: "it should shift a lot more as one
recognizes that science is speaking a language that is very similar
to that of the mystical experiences of all the world religions, and
mainly the sense of cosmic oneness and interaction and communication
beyond space and time." (July 5, 2009)
EIGHT - WHY are Joel Rosenberg
and Frank Peretti Appearing With New Age/New Spirituality
Sympathizers?: Why are so many Christian leaders
continually appearing with personalities who claim to be
Christian yet promote the heretical "new spirituality"? In January
2010, in Alberta, Canada, such a situation will take place at the Break Forth conference, bringing
together a conglomeration of Christian figures, New Age
sympathizers, and mystic/emerging proponents. From Joel Rosenberg
( Epicenter), Frank Peretti ( This Present
Darkness), and Lee Strobel ( The Case for Christ) to
William Paul Young ( The Shack), Leonard Sweet ( Quantum
Spirituality), and contemplative proponents such as Duffy Robbins ( Enjoy the
Silence) and Brad Jersak, Break Forth will be like drawing gray
lines in the sand-blended, indistinguishable lines. (November 9,
2009)
NINE - Efforts Underway to
Train U.S. Military Chaplains and Personnel in Eastern
Mysticism: [A] project
[is]currently underway with US Military Chaplains and other military
personnel to receive ongoing training in contemplative
mysticism . . . The Center for Contemplative Mind in
Society was founded in 1991 and was inspired by retreats
led by Thich Nhat Hanh (a Buddhist) and Ram Dass (a
Hindu). The Center states that its "intention is 'not to
isolate meditation, but to reflect on the contemplative traditions
as powerful techniques that have potential for beneficial change in
American society.'" The Center's objective is to bring meditation
into all facets, both religious and secular, of society. (November
28, 2009)
On November 20th, a document called the Manhattan
Declaration was released at an event at the National
Cathedral in Washington, DC. The Declaration has received wide media
coverage, and as of this writing about ž million people have signed
the document. (December 4, 2009)
|
| YEAR IN
REVIEW: 2009 BOOK/FILM REVIEWS |
|
|
| 2009
YEAR IN REVIEW: TOP 10 ARTICLES FROM OTHER LIKE-MINDED
MINISTRIES |
1.
Rise
Up, O Men of God! Your Women Are Fighting the
Battle by
Ingrid Schlueter (Slice of
Laodicea): There
are 'mothers in Israel' who are rising up to confront Mark Driscoll
and his filthy mouth and materials. Why? Because the men in
spiritual leadership today not only refuse to, but legitimize and
endorse Driscoll's "ministry." (January 12, 2009)
2.
Faith-Based
Partnerships: Selling our souls in the name of
service? by
Berit Kjos (Kjos Ministries): Last summer, Obama gave us a
specific outline of his planned "partnerships between government and
faith-based and other nonprofit community groups." Much of it was
based on the new interpretation of the First Amendment. ( February
2009)
3.
Silencing the
Watchmen by Jan Markell (Olive Tree News): America is changing at break-neck speed and many of the
changes are not helpful! While Americans were eager for
"change," it is doubtful they anticipated the loss of free
speech. So let me explain the unfair "Fairness
Doctrine." My radio program, Understanding
the Times,
is in the target range. (February 2009)
4.
ARE
CHRISTIANS DRIVING CHURCH NUMBERS DOWN by
Paul Proctor (News with Views):The reports are everywhere
now about the declining numbers of church members and baptisms -
especially among Southern Baptists; so much so that church leaders
address it at almost every opportunity as if attempting to somehow
spark a zeal in remaining members like a coach might do in the
locker room of a losing team at halftime.
Everyone
is trying to figure out what's wrong. This might come as a shock to
many, but I would suggest that the answer here might just be
nothing is wrong - that those declining numbers that are
troubling the pulpits of American churches right now may well be
God's will being carried out by His own being called
out of a growing apostasy flourishing within them. In no way am
I condemning all established churches and religious institutions.
(April 2009)
5.
Richard
Foster's Celebration of Deception by
Bob DeWaay (Pastor Twin City Fellowship, MN): In
February 2008, Christianity Today ran a glowing cover story
about Evangelicalism's recent embrace of medieval Roman Catholic
mysticism entitled The Future lies in the Past.1 The article traced
the beginning of the movement as follows: "The movement seems to
have exploded in a 24-month period in 1977-1978, which saw the
publication of Richard Foster's bestselling Celebration of
Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth and Robert Webber's Common
Roots: A Call to Evangelical Maturity." (June 23, 2009)
6.
Do
Christian Leaders Understand The Contemplative Prayer
Movement? by
Chris Lawson (Spiritual Research Network): The concern that
has motivated the writing of this article stems from the fact that
many Christian leaders are ignorantly engaging in and outright
promoting this dangerous spiritual method. The core of this
methodology, which can lead to extreme spiritual hazards, is
meditative, contemplative-centering prayer. In light of this, vast
volumes of contemplative promoting literature is being gobbled up by
undiscerning Christians. This fact alone shouts forth with clarity
that the missing jewel in the 21st Century Church is biblical
discernment. (July 27, 2009)
7.
Why
the Heathen Rage in a World Gone Amiss by
Bill Randles (Pastor Believers in Grace Fellowship, IA):
The love of death is now in vogue, this generation loves death.
Abortion (fifty million in the USA since 1971!) birth control,
homosexual marriage, gender confusion, and much more, are all forms
of the love of death. Most of the western European societies that
bought into the Utopian vision do not even replace themselves
demographically! All those who hate the God of the Bible love death!
What will the outcome be? The nations will rage at each other.
(September 28, 2009)
8.
Do
Christians and Muslims Worship the Same
God? by
Larry DeBruyn (Guarding His Flock Ministries): Some
Christians naively and mistakenly equate that because
Christianity and Islam are monotheistic faiths (belief in one
God), Christians and Muslims worship the same God.
Any differences between the two religions are viewed to be only
apparent, not actual. Only the names are different. Muslims call Him
Allah, while Christians address Him as Lord. The singleness of
God is thought to be an ecumenical rallying point,
a basis for mutual understanding, if not spiritual
unity, between the two religions. (November 30, 2009)
9.
Today
is World AIDS Day - I Am Free From Homosexuality While Homosexual
Activists Continue To Glorify The Sin That is Leading Cause of AIDS
in U. S. by
James Hartline (Hartline Report): Today is World AIDS
Day - I have been fighting a twelve year battle with the AIDS virus,
a disease that I acquired in my former life of promiscuity, drug
abuse and homosexuality. For ten years now, I have been making my
stand for the Lord Jesus Christ to declare to America that there is
a way out of the destruction of homosexuality and its many
diabolical consequences. (December 1, 2009)
10.
ELCA
IMPLODING OVER HOMOSEXUALITY by
Ken Silva (Apprising Ministries): Apprising
Ministries
has been covering the growing gay agenda within the church visible
for the past year. It's simply beyond question that it is causing
major problems in the dying mainline denominations who long ago
kicked out Sola Scriptura in favor of highly subjective
Contemplative Spirituality/Mysticism, which is actually a new form
of Gnosticism. (December 21, 2009) |
| 2009
YEAR IN REVIEW: TOP 10 ARTICLES BY LT AUTHORS |
|
1.
Tantra
Sex: Evangelicals Catching Up with New
Agers? by
Caryl Matrisciana (Out of
India): (January 12, 2009)
2.
Is
Lighthouse Trails "Haters?"
by Ray Yungen (A Time of Departing): (June 1,
2009)
3.
Freedom
... To Die by
Anita Dittman (Trapped in Hitler's Hell):
(July 3, 2009)
4.
Rick
Warren, Leonard Sweet, and Sweet's "New Light"
Leaders by
Warren B. Smith (A "Wonderful" Deception): (July 17,
2009)
5.
Fractals,
Chaos Theory, Quantum Spirituality, and The
Shack by
Warren B. Smith: (August 9, 2009)
6.
When a Young
Girl Meets a Mystic by Carolyn A. Greene
(Castles in the Sand): (October 19,
2009)
7.
Bethel
University (MN) Throws Students to Interspiritual
Wolves by
Jan Markell (Olive Tree Ministries): (November 10,
2009)
8.
Evangelicals
and Catholics Together and the Rejection of End-Time,
Bible-Believing Christians by
Roger Oakland (Faith Undone): (December 7,
2009)
9.
Dear
"Contemplative Christian": Are you the victim of seducing
spirits? by
Ray Yungen: (December 21, 2009)
10.
A
Year-End Message: "The Lord is calling His people out from the midst
of the false." by
Kevin Reeves (The Other Side of the River):
(December 28, 2009) |
| 2009 YEAR IN REVIEW:
Top 10 Out-of-House News Stories Covered by LT
|
1.
CNN - Surviving
Beatles reunite to promote kid's meditation:
(March 4, 2009)
2.
WorldNetDaily - GLSEN
and the Hitler Youth by
Dr. Judith Reisman: (April 3, 2009)
3.
News With Views by Jim Kouri- Is
the Obama Administration Targeting "Right-Wing Extremists" and War
Vets - Reports Say Yes:
(April 15, 2009)
4.
The Times (UK) - UK
Article Predicts Mysticism to Replace
Christianity:
(July 14, 2009)
5.
Newsweek - "We
Are All Hindus Now": (August
19, 2009)
6.
Mission Network News - Hate
Crimes Bill sneaks through U.S. House: (October
12, 2009)
7.
CNN - Hundreds
of studios across country teach yoga to
children:
(November 13, 2009)
8.
Argus-Courier by Dan Johnson - Taize
services are gaining in popularity: (December
7, 2009)
9.
Underground News, US - Copenhagen
and Melbourne: World Religion:
(December 7, 2009)
10.
USA Today - "More
U.S. Christians mix in 'Eastern,' New Age
beliefs": (December
10, 2009) |
| 2009
YEAR IN REVIEW: Christian Colleges Landslide Into Contemplative
Spirituality |
|
|
| YEAR IN
REVIEW: Rick Warren, one of the world's "top 100 most influential
people" in 2009 |
 In May 2009, Time magazine named Rick Warren one of the world's top
100 most influential people. What exactly was Warren influencing
in 2009? Lighthouse Trails presented the following news stories
throughout the year. Because possibly 1/2 million churches around
the world have turned to the Purpose Driven Movement for direction,
it is worth taking some time to review these:
(January 2, 2009) News With Views by
Paul Proctor - WARREN AND OBAMA WALK HAND IN
HAND
(January 21, 2009) by Daniel Cordell - Inauguration: Rick Warren Prays in Name of
"Isa," Muslim False "Jesus"
(January 27, 2009) Kjos Ministries by Lorin
Smith - New World Order Will Echo Rick Warren -
Fundamentalists Are a Threat
(February 1, 2009) by Lighthouse Trails editors
- Rick Warren's New Magazine, Purpose
Driven Connection, Promotes the New Global Spirituality
(February 2, 2009) Herescope (Discernment Research
Group) - Welcome to the New Era of Global
Civility and Civic Common Ground
(February 7, 2009) by Joe Schimmel - Did Rick Warren Pray to Allah in the Name
of a Muslim Prophet?
(February 23, 2009) by Lighthouse Trails editors
- Rick Warren/Reader's Digest Partnership
Targets New Multi-Million Member Audience
(April 8, 2009) by One News Now - Rick Warren on Larry King: Changes
Statements on Homosexual Marriage
(April 13, 2009) Town Hall by Sandy
Rios - Rick Warren's Holy Week Crisis
(June 19, 2009) The IndyStar - Islamic Society convention lands appearance
from Rick Warren
(July 2, 2009) One News Now - Rick Warren speaking to Islamic group with
terror ties
(July 6, 2009) Olive Tree News by Jan
Markell - An Open Letter to Rick Warren On His Talk
to Islamic Audience
(July 13, 2009) CrossTalk by Ingrid
Schlueter - Rick Warren Calls On Muslims And Christians
To Work Together
(July 24, 2009) by Warren B. Smith - Chief Saddleback
Apologist Defends New Age Sympathizer Leonard Sweet(August 1,
2009) Discern the Times - Rick Warren Embarks on Followup to Purpose
Driven Life
(August 7, 2009) by Lighthouse Trails Editors -
Why Rick Warren Should Not Tell Rob Bell:
"Just wanted to encourage you to ignore critics."
(September 9, 2009) by Ray Yungen -Why is Rick Warren Included in a Book That
is Exposing New Age Interspirituality?
(September 13, 2009) CrossTalk with Paul
Proctor - Rick Warren: From Tolerance to
Respect
(September 26, 2009) by Tamara Hartzell -
Is it Through the Blood of Our Redeemer
Jesus Christ or the Lifeblood of a Local Church That We Have
Spiritual Life?
(October 15, 2009) Adullam Films by Christian
Pinto - RICK WARREN, TONY BLAIR & THE VATICAN
AGENDA
(October 17, 2009) Christian Post - Report Says Young Evangelicals Calling Rick
Warren/Bono Role Models
(November 5, 2009) New York Times - Reader's
Digest/Rick Warren Magazine Venture Ends After Less Than One
Year
(December 15, 2009) Deception in the Church by Sandy
Simpson - Rick Warren and the Uganda
Anti-Homosexuality Bill - The Rest of the Story
(December 20, 2009) by Lighthouse Trails editors
- Will Saddleback Contemplative Join Jonathan
Falwell "Team"? |
|
Article on Mark Driscoll's Site Takes Scripture Out of
Context to Defend Contemplative |
|
LTRP Note: The following comment was sent to
Lighthouse Trails from a man in Holland regarding our recent
article, Mark Driscoll IS a
Contemplative Proponent. We have posted it to help people see
how contemplative proponents have taken Scripture out of context to
erroneously defend mystical-type spirituality. To see another
example of this misuse of Scripture regarding contemplative, see Ray
Yungen's comments at bottom of this post.
I read the article 'How to Practice Meditative Prayer' by
Winfield Bevins on the website you mentioned in your newsletter. A
few things struck me as I read it:
· The Scripture verse that he is
referring to in Phil.4:8 has nothing to do with meditative prayer
but is a command to think of these things. That means I must make
a decision in my heart not to think on wrong things, but to think
on the things that are pleasing to God and that is not a matter of
meditation, but a decision of the will.
· The illustration of Martha and
Mary is an incorrect illustration out of context, as Mary was
literally sitting at Jesus' feet and literally hearing His voice.
That is quite different than a Christian sitting and reading the
Word of God and rejoicing in his heart (by the inner working of
and enlightenment by the Holy Spirit) because of what he is
reading and realizing the promises and goodness of God.
· The example of Samuel who
supposedly 'opened his heart to hear the Lord's voice' and said
"Speak, for your servant hears" is incorrect and totally out of
context. Samuel was asleep when God called him and was not at all
meditating and waiting for the 'silent voice of the Lord'. God
intruded in his life, woke Him up and spoke to him in a very
clear, loud and unmistakable way! There was not a question of
doubt with Samuel. The voice was so clear, that he thought Eli had
called him. It was only after that the Lord called him three times
that he knew it had to God's voice and answered in these
words.
It is this mystical approach to prayer and to supposedly
'silently hearing the voice of God' that is so confusing to many
people. That is, unfortunately, what I find here in
Holland.-W.E. Bible school teacher and Christ follower in
Holland
(from A Time of Departing by Ray Yungen):
Question: Isn't I Kings 19:12 an example of when
contemplative prayer is condoned in Scripture? Elijah heard a
"still, small voice." Isn't that referring to the
silence?
Answer: This passage in no way
indicates that Elijah was practicing a mantra exercise. On the
contrary, it was the prophets of Baal who "called on the name of
Baal from morning even till noon, saying, 'O Baal, hear us!" (I
Kings 18:26). Now Elijah was in a cave, not to practice
contemplative prayer, but to hide from Jezebel's threat to take his
life. Also, his encounter with God was something he did not initiate
but God initiated Himself, thereby emphasizing that Elijah was not
practicing a mantra. If anything, from his conversation with God, we
might conclude that he was also hiding from his ministry and God
Himself, as he was feeling
hopeless. |
| Biological
Lesbian-Turned-Christian Mom Fails to Give Up Child to
Ex-Partner |
 LTRP
Note: Please pray for this mom and
her seven-year-old daughter, Isabella. May the Lord protect
them and keep them safe from evil.
Parental abduction charges possible after she and
daughter vanish
Associated Press - A woman at the center of
a complex dispute with her former lesbian partner defied a court
order to give up custody of her 7-year-old daughter Friday, opening
the door to possible criminal charges.
A Vermont judge had ordered Lisa Miller to turn over daughter
Isabella to Janet Jenkins at 1 p.m. Friday at the Falls Church, Va.,
home of Jenkins' parents. Miller did not show up with the girl,
according to Fairfax County, Va., police and Jenkins' Vermont-based
attorney.
"She's very disappointed, obviously," said Sarah Star, Jenkins'
lawyer. "She's very concerned about Isabella and asks that if
anybody sees Isabella, that they please contact the
authorities." Click here to read more.
Mathew Staver of Liberty Counsel
is Lisa and Isabella Miller's legal counsel.
Related News:
You may join Lisa Miller's Facebook account by going to http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=tixinfdab.0.rd4gpfdab.r49t9yaab.5590&ts=S0439&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2F
and searching for: Only One Mommy: The Story of Lisa and
Isabella Millerstrong
Liberty Counsel Update on the
Hearing in Lisa Miller's Case (Jan. 09)
Biological Mom Ordered to Give Up
Child (Nov. 09)
Lisa Miller and daughter "disappear"
(Jan. 10) - World Magazine
A true story of civil disobedience during the Holocaust, click here.
A true story of a young mother who goes into hiding to protect
her children, click here.
"But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which
believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged
about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea."
Matthew
18:6 |
| Movie
Alert: Avatar - Could Set Up Millions to Accept the "Ancient
Wisdom" |
 The new
box-office hit, Avatar, a kind of updated version of
Star Wars, is receiving powerful reviews. New York
Times calls it "Glorious." The New Yorker says "the
most beautiful film I've seen in years." Millions of people will
view this movie - ticket sales have exceeded 600 million dollars
worldwide in just a couple weeks since its opening. This is
approximately 60-80 million people (most of them young
people) who have seen it thus far.
Avatar has a strong shamanistic, spiritual component and a
message that clearly portrays the mystical and the goddess
spirituality. It has the potential to set tens of
millions of people up to be open to the ancient
wisdom.
Before allowing your children and teens to watch this movie,
please consider this warning. Also you may wish to read the
following two movie reviews:
Heaven and Nature (New York Times opinion)
by ROSS DOUTHAT
AVATAR Get Rid of Human Beings Now!
|
| Seventh-day Adventist
Theological Seminary Integrating Contemplative/Emerging Spirituality
Into Degree Program |
In 2007, Lighthouse Trails posted an article titled Church, Congregations Increase
Focus on "Spiritual Formation." The article, released by
Adventist News Network, showed how the emphasis of
contemplative/spiritual formation was moving into the Seventh-day
Adventist organization. The article stated that "this subject [spiritual formation] is receiving
serious emphasis in Adventist institutions, as well as in local
congregations." The following Lighthouse Trails research
reveals that Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary
at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan is
promoting contemplative spirituality (i.e., spiritual
formation) through a new concentration in their Doctor of
Ministry degree program. An October 2009 Andrews newsletter, put
out by Kenley D. Hall (Andrews DMin Project
Coach) explains that "Discipleship & Spiritual Formation"
and "Youth and Young Adult Ministry" will
begin in February 2010 (see brochure).
According to the syllabus of one of the courses in
the Andrews spiritual formation program, contemplative mystic
proponents will be used to teach students this coming
February. In CHMN 705 Theological and Historical
Perspectives on Spiritual
Growth, professor Jon Dybdahl is using a
number of contemplative authors to "Demonstrate a continuing maturity
in Christian formation, personal growth and ministry." This maturity
in Christian formation is typical language by contemplatives, who
teach that true maturity can only come through spending
time in contemplative silence. Richard Foster has been a pioneer in
laying out this "maturity" doctrine. So it is not
surprising that Dybdahl is turning to Foster for guidance. Other
contemplatives being used in the class are: J.P. Moreland (Kingdom Triangle) and Peter Scazzero. A "short spiritual
retreat" will also take place during the course. Scazzero's
book, Emotionally Healthy Spiritually
(the book being used at Andrews), is a who's who of
contemplative mystics and panentheists; some of those he points
readers to are Basil Pennington, Tilden Edwards, Henri Nouwen, Meister Eckhart, Teresa of Avila, and several others.
In J.P. Moreland's book, Kingdom Triangle (also used in
Dybdahl's class at Andrews), Moreland talks about a maturing process
that takes place through "spiritual formation." Moreland tells
readers that a "treasure of deep, rich knowledge of the soul" can be
found in the writings of the Desert Fathers, Henri Nouwen, and
Richard Foster, (p. 153). Of course, all three of these sources
ultimately point followers to eastern-style meditation (i.e.,
mantra-style). A four-part series Moreland did for Focus on the
Family (click here to read further)
substantiates that Moreland is embracing contemplative spirituality
where he suggests that "Catholic retreat centers are usually ideal
for solitude retreats."
Jon Dybdahl's contemplative propensities are strongly
presented in his 2008 book, Hunger: Satisfying the Longing of
Your Soul. In Hunger, Dybdahl
favorably instructs on contemplative practices such as lectio divina, visualization (p. 64), the Jesus
Prayer, and breath prayers (p. 52). Dybdahl
explains in his book that in his "not-so-secret quest for God," he
turned to Quaker Thomas Kelly's book A Testament of
Devotion. It is Kelly, a panentheist, who said that within
every human being is a "Divine Center," a "secret sanctuary" (from
A Testament of Devotion). This "secret sanctuary"
Kelly is speaking of is what he calls "abiding Light behind all
changing [life] forms." He says: "In that Current we must
bathe. In that abiding yet energizing Center we are all made one"
(p. 38)." Dybdahl says in Hunger that Henri Nouwen
"intensified" his "craving" for "God's presence." (p.12) But
the presence that Nouwen is speaking of is the same as that of
mystics, and it is this mysticism that led Nouwen to reject Jesus
Christ as the only path to God at the end of his life
(Sabbatical Journey). Dybdahl's book is brimming with
references to contemplative mystics: David Benner, Morton Kelsey, Adele Alberg Calhoun, Tilden Edwards,
Richard Foster, Ken Boa, and Brother Lawrence. (also see
this critique on Hunger)
Another person who will be teaching at Andrews DMin in spiritual
formation is Ben Maxson, pastor at Paradise Seventh-day Adventist
church in Paradise, California and adjunct professor at Andrews
University. Maxson will be teaching Mentoring for
Discipleship & Spiritual Formation. In an article by Maxson titled
"Renewing our Minds," he says that the "spiritual disciplines" (the
tools of spiritual formation) help one develop "intimacy with God,"
and he encouraged practicing "the presence of God."
One of the other
spiritual formation courses in Andrews Theological Seminary's DMin
program on spiritual formation, taught by Allan Walshe, is
The Personal Practice of Spiritual Formation. While
the course's syllabus is not currently posted
online, we can partly identify Walshe's contemplative
propensities elsewhere. In an article featuring Walshe at a New
Zealand conference, Walshe quotes contemplative pioneer Dallas
Willard in referring to "intimacy with God." This intimacy with God
to the contemplative can only be obtained through going into the
silence through meditation.
The DMin program on spiritual formation isn't the only
avenue through which contemplative is being implemented at Andrews.
The youth ministry degree program is also involved with
contemplative spirituality and emerging spirituality. In
CHMN 720 Current Issues in Youth and Young Adult
Ministry, professors Steve Case and Allan Walshe are using
emerging church figure Shane Claiborne as well as emergent Youth Specialties author Chap Clark's
book, Deep Justice in a Broken World. The
book is about the emerging kingdom on earth theology and turns to
such figures as liberal/emerging theologians Jim Wallis and Tony Campolo.
Thus, as is usually the case, when a college or seminary begins
to incorporate contemplative prayer, eventually they begin to open
up to emerging church ideas - it is virtually inevitable. And this
is the vehicle that drives our concerns. Those who
practice contemplative prayer will move more and more toward an
interspiritual outlook. Contemplative prayer (i.e.,
mysticism) is not just some obscure subculture - it is
exploding across the Western religious
spectrum. |
| 2009
LIGHTHOUSE TRAILS PUBLISHING IN REVIEW |
| In 2009, we released
our first novel, Castles in the
Sand by Canadian author Carolyn A. Greene. As far as we
know, Castles in the Sand is the first and only novel to
address the dangers of contemplative spirituality. Many families
have contacted us to say how this book has helped them as parents
and also their teens and college children understand the
contemplative issue.
We also
released A "Wonderful"
Deception by Warren B. Smith. This book is vital to
understanding the nature of the New Age/New Spirituality that has
pervaded the Christian church through various avenues
including the Purpose Driven movement, the emerging
church, and the "new science" (which states that God is IN all
things).
Also in 2009, we
presented The New Face of
Mystical Spirituality, the 3-DVD lecture series by Ray
Yungen. Filmed at the Faith at Risk conference at Twin City
Fellowship in Minneapolis, MN, these DVDs are packed with Yungen's
research on the New Age, contemplative spirituality, and the
emerging church and its interspiritual implications.
Here are a few other things we worked on in
2009 and will continue in 2010:
CHILDREN'S COLLECTION
Our motto at Lighthouse Trails is "bringing light to areas of
darkness in the church and in our society." We seek always to do
this with the preaching of the Cross as our motivating drive. As we
are approaching the end of our 7th year, we have stayed within the
parameters of this mission. But we have broadened the scope of this
mission. For instance, in 2009 we began developing a children's
collection of books and DVDs. In this new collection, we are
trying to choose books and DVDs that will help build the faith
of children by introducing them to stories of courage in the
faith. This is why we have added the Kids of Courage books by Voice
of the Martyrs, which include the stories of John Bunyan,
William Tyndale, and Richard Wurmbrand. While we are being very
careful and prayerful about which books and DVDs to add to our
children's collection, we hope to add more in 2010.
LIGHTHOUSE TRAILS MUSIC
We have also begun to build a small music
collection. Lighthouse Trails music is going to be
by believers in Christ who are not compromising their message
in order to gain popularity and whose lyrics have a clear message of
the preaching of the Cross. And, while we will have a variety of
music style, we will choose musicians who seek to glorify the Lord
both with their lyrics and their instruments, not succumbing to the
worldly confusion and upheaval that so much of modern-day music has.
We have also been blessed to have found some extremely gifted
singers and musicians. Our present collection includes Amanda LeBail
from the UK, whose Irish-styling sound is absolutely beautiful and
comforting with hymns and worship songs, James Sundquist, who is an
incredible classical guitarist, and Bob Ayanian, whose Americana
gospel folk music always points to the Cross in an uplifting and
inspiring manner, not to mention the astounding musical talent of
his music team. And the latest music we are adding to our collection
is Dwayna Litz's new CD, My Prize. Dwayna is an evangelist,
who speaks up against spiritual deception and ministers to many
people through her street ministry, Lighting the Way International.
Dwayna was a child music prodigy who started singing at the age of
2. She gave up a promising country western singing career to serve
the Lord in street ministry. Dwayna not only has courage and
determination, she has a very beautiful voice and song-writing
ability.
THE PERSECUTED CHURCH
Persecution of the saints has happened since the inception of
the church. Many people don't even realize it has and still is
happening. We believe that as we draw closer to the time of Christ's
return, this persecution will only increase. For the most part,
believers in the Western world have not had to suffer serious
persecution for their faith, but that could easily change at any
time. We are presenting this collection
with the hope of helping believers to have courage and stand
strong in their faith.
In 2009, we added a DVD called The Radicals, a
true, independent film about a nun and a priest who left the
Catholic church to follow biblical Christianity and who paid dearly
for it. We are hoping to add Foxe's Book of Martyrs to this
collection, but as of yet we have not found an edition that is not
compromised in some fashion. One edition we found had the
endorsements of several Christian leaders inside its cover, but a
number of these leaders are promoting the contemplative/emerging
spirituality. It is very sad, and wrong, when Christian publishers
do this to otherwise valuable literature. Since Foxe's Book of
Martyrs is in the public domain, we are considering publishing
our own edition of this book.
HAUNTING BUT NECESSARY
One of the areas that Lighthouse Trails has hoped to
"bring to the light" is the area involving the sexual abuse and
pornography of children. This is one of the reasons we report on the
present-day homosexual movement - we believe our society has so
devalued the sanctity of life and also of marriage that children
have become the greatest victims of such immoral attitudes. This is
why we decided to add The Kinsey Syndrome, a haunting but
necessary film, to our Sensitive Issues
collection. This film documents how our Western society changed
its views regarding sexuality and children, with a subsequent
deterioration in our nation's effort and ability to protect its
children.
CREATION/EVOLUTION
We believe that evolution, homosexuality, mysticism,
panentheism, pornography, and abortion are all the "fruits" of
the New Spirituality, which is a "religion" against our Creator and
His plan for salvation (Jesus Christ). One of the films we began
carrying this year, God of
Wonders, is an extraordinary project that points to God,
the Creator with magnificent footage of various aspects of creation.
This DVD is evangelistic to the unbeliever and uplifting and
informative for the believer. We are grateful to Eternal Productions
for producing it and allowing us to carry it.
MAILING LIST & CATALOG
We hope our growing collection of books, DVDs, and CDs will
help you and your families stand strong in the faith and be
encouraged in these perilous times in which we live. If you
are on our customer mailing list, you will receive new catalogs and
flyers throughout the year. If you aren't receiving our
catalog/product mailings, you can request a free
catalog and that will get you on the list.
|
| Lighthouse
Trails Publishing YEAR IN REVIEW: TOP 10 VIDEO/AUDIO FOR
2009 |
|
|
| Publishing
News |
THREE
WAYS TO ORDER DIRECTLY FROM LIGHTHOUSE TRAILS
PUBLISHING:
2.
Toll Free Order Line: 866/876-3910
Quantity
Discounts: 40% off retail for orders of 10 or more copies,
50% off for international orders of 10 or more copies
We
ship both retail and wholesale orders within 24 hours of receiving
order.
BOOKSTORES
AND OUTLETS for small retail orders: Lighthouse
Trails books are also available to order from most
bookstores (online and walk-in). If your local bookstore isn't
carrying one of our titles, you can ask them to order it
for you. While you may have to wait longer to receive your order,
the advantage of ordering through bookstores is that you will have
no shipping charges.
BOOKSTORES
MAY ORDER DIRECTLY FROM LIGHTHOUSE TRAILS OR FROM INGRAM OR
SPRINGARBOR.
LIBRARIES
MAY ORDER DIRECTLY FROM LIGHTHOUSE TRAILS OR FROM BAKER &
TAYLOR.
*
* * *
SAMPLE
CHAPTERS OF LIGHTHOUSE TRAILS BOOKS:
Lighthouse Trails Publishing now has sample chapters
available online for most of the books we publish. We believe you
will find each of these books to be well-written, carefully
documented, and worthwhile. Click
here to read some of the chapters.
| |
