CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER: SEDUCING SPIRITS AND A DOCTRINE OF DEVILS
By Christine A. Narloch
Republished: 04/06/06
INTRODUCTION
BIBLICAL
PRAYER
CONTEMPLATIVE
PRAYER
FALSE
TEACHINGS
UNFRUITFUL
RESULTS
AVOID FALSE
TEACHINGS
Our
pastor, David L. Brown, approached my husband Mike and me asking if I could take the time to carefully research and publish a report on Contemplative Prayer.
This is the report he requested. Its purpose is to compare the Bible’s model
for prayer to Contemplative Prayer thus exposing the grievous errors of
Contemplative Prayer. It is a condensed
overview providing a springboard for further research.
INTRODUCTION
According to Webster’s 1828 Dictionary, “contemplate”
is defined as “to view or consider with continued attention; to study; to
meditate on.” 1
“Prayer” is defined as “in
worship, a solemn address to the Supreme Being, consisting of adoration, or an
expression of our sense of God's glorious perfections, confession of our sins,
supplication for mercy and forgiveness, intercession for blessings on others,
and thanksgiving, or an expression of gratitude to God for his mercies and benefits.”
2
Yet there is a type of prayer being taught today
which is far from the above definitions and even further from Biblical prayer.
It’s known as Contemplative Prayer.
Since the Bible is to be our guideline for faith and practice and since
we are to use it to discern good from evil (Hebrews 5:14, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Acts 17:11), let’s compare
the teachings of Biblical prayer to those of Contemplative Prayer.
BIBLICAL
PRAYER
According to the Bible, prayer is
talking to God the Father (Philippians 4:6), through the Lord Jesus Christ (John
16:23), by people who are born again (John 3:7), according to the Scriptures (Micah
7:7, Psalm 4:3, 1 John 5:14,15).
The Bible is clear, the prayers of unbelievers are
not heard by God. “Now we know that God heareth not sinners:
but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.”
John 9:31 “The
LORD [is] far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.”
Proverbs 15:29 (Psalm 34:16, Proverbs 15:8a). Nor are prayers of disobedient born again
believers heard. “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear [me]:” Psalm
66:18 (Proverbs 28:9, James 4:3, 5:16c).
God hears the prayers of repentant sinners turning to
Christ as Savior (Mark 1:15), and obedient believers. “And
whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do
those things that are pleasing in his sight.” 1 John 3:22 (1 John 5:14,
John 15:7, Psalms 34:15, Proverbs 15:8b).
There are many examples of
Old Testament believers who prayed. Just
a few include: Abraham, Moses, Daniel,
David as well as Elijah, Ezekial, Ezra, Nehemiah and Habakkuk. Abraham prayed for a son, he prayed for
Ishmael, for
Examples in the New
Testament of those who prayed include Jesus praying to God the Father at
Lazarus’s tomb (John 11:41-42). Jesus prayed submitting to the Father’s will (Matthew
26:39-44), and he asked God to forgive those who crucified him (Luke 23:34).
The Lord Jesus Christ prayed
for believers of that day (John 17:9), and future believers (John 17:20). He requested they be sanctified by the truth (John
17:17).
He instructed his disciples
to pray to God the Father (Luke 11:2), specifically for the Kingdom to come,
for God’s will to be done, for daily food provision, for their sins to be
forgiven, they would forgive others, they not be lead into temptation, and to
be delivered from doing evil. His
instructions to believers include to pray with humility (Luke 18:13), to pray
alone (Matthew 6:6), for those who despitefully use them (Luke 6:28), that God
would send people to preach the gospel (Luke 10:2), and as you pray, forgive
others (Mark 11:2). Jesus promised that
the Father rewards those openly who seek Him in prayer privately (Matthew 6:6).
When the Apostle Paul
prayed, he prayed with understanding (1 Corinthians 14:15), and with joy (Philippians
1:4). He prayed for believers not to do
evil but good (2 Corinthians 13:7), to be filled with knowledge, wisdom and
understanding, (Colossians 1:9) to abound in
love, understanding and all judgment (Philemon 1:9), to be without wrath and
doubt in God’s Word (1 Timothy 2:8), to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians
5:17), to pray when afflicted (James 5:13), to pray for one another, (James
5:16) and to pray against evil, (Ephesians 6:12,18). Paul requested prayer for himself and those
with him to preach the word boldly (Ephesians 6:18-19), that the word they
share would do it’s work, (2 Thessalonians 3:1) and that they would have a good
conscience (Hebrews 13:18).
In Proverbs 2:1-11, God
promises to answer prayers of believers who ask to understand His word and
desire to obey it. He provides
knowledge, wisdom and understanding through the words of His mouth which are
written in the Bible. It states:
1 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my
commandments with thee;
2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply
thine heart to understanding;
3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy
voice for understanding;
4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as
for hid treasures;
5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and
find the knowledge of God.
6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh
knowledge and understanding.
7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a
buckler to them that walk uprightly.
8 He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the
way of his saints.
9 Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment,
and equity; yea, every good path.
10 When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is
pleasant unto thy soul;
11 Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall
keep thee:
An entire book of examples
concerning prayer in the Bible could and perhaps should be written. This was
just a sample.
Additionally, for believers
who aren’t able to pray, the Holy Spirit intercedes according to God’s will (Romans
8:26) and Jesus who is now at the right hand of the Father, intercedes for
believers (Romans 8:34).
The Bible also contains
several warnings concerning prayer. “Use not vain repetitions, as the heathen [do]” (Matthew 6:7), do not pray self-righteously (Luke 18:11),
avoid hypocritical prayer, praying to be seen of men (Matthew 6:5) or praying
to show off in front of others (Luke 20:46, 47).
With these examples and instructions
in mind, let’s now examine Contemplative Prayer.
CONTEMPLATIVE
PRAYER
In the 1970’s, three mystic
Roman Catholic monks, Fr. William Meninger, Fr. Basil Pennington and Abbot
Thomas Keating (head monk) labeled Centering
Prayer as a “method of
prayer, which prepares us to receive the gift of God's presence, traditionally
called contemplative prayer”. It is “…the opening of mind and heart - our whole being - to God…
whom we know by faith is within us… Contemplative
Prayer is a prayer of silence, an experience of God’s presence…” 3
The
Contemplative Outreach Ltd. website featuring Thomas Keating’s teachings,
provides further insight into the method of Contemplative Prayer and lists the
guidelines to practice it. It states:
“This method of prayer is a movement beyond conversation with Christ to communion with Him.” “The
source of Centering Prayer, as in all
methods leading to Contemplative Prayer, is the indwelling Trinity:
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. “ “It is
also inspired by writings of major contributors to the Christian contemplative
heritage including John Cassian, the anonymous author of The Cloud of
Unknowing, Francis de Sales, Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Thérèse of
Lisieux, and Thomas Merton.” Emphasis Added
Contemplative Prayer “Guidelines include:
1. Choose a sacred word as the symbol of
your intention to consent to God’s presence and action within.
2. Sitting comfortably and with eyes closed,
settle briefly and silently introduce the sacred word as the symbol of your
consent to God’s presence and action within.
3. When engaged with your thoughts*, return
ever-so gently to the sacred word.
4. At the end of the prayer period, remain
in silence with eyes closed for a couple of minutes.
*Thoughts include body
sensations, feelings, images, and reflections.” 4 Emphasis Added
In my research, it became
clear that these Roman Catholic monks were
influenced by pagan Eastern Religions. "During the twenty years
(1961-1981) when Keating was abbot,
Not Prayer But
Mystical Meditation
Contemplative Prayer is not
Biblical prayer at all, rather it is a type of mystical meditation leading the mind into an altered state of
consciousness. It goes beyond thought, providing an experiential union with so-called
God or with nature producing body sensations,
feelings, images, and reflections.
It
is based on “experiences” rather than sound doctrine. “… give
attendance… to doctrine.” 1 Timothy 4:13. Faith is to be based on God’s word rather
than experiences. “So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of
God.” Romans 10:17, “For we walk by faith,
not by sight:” 2 Corinthians 5:7.
Contemplative Prayer is also
known as centering prayer, listening prayer, breath prayer, and prayer of the
heart. It is just one of many mystical
practices taught within a confusing, mixed-up movement called Contemplative
Spirituality.
Mystical practices are now
widely embraced and taught in secular and professed Christian seminaries,
colleges, universities, organizations, ministries and seminars, etc. throughout
the
One promoter of mystical
practices, the “Center for Contemplative Mind in Society”, states:
They
“can play a part in the positive transformation of governments, businesses, and
organizations. We are dedicated to the idea that contemplative awareness, when
incorporated into contemporary life, can help produce a more just,
compassionate, and reflective society.” 6
The
following Contemplative Practices are listed on their website:
“-
Movement (martial arts, dance, yoga, labyrinth walking, etc.)
-
Creation (singing, chanting, art, music, etc.)
-
Relational (dialogue, deep listening, storytelling, journaling, etc)
-
Ritual/cyclical (shabbat, vision quest, sweatlodge, alter building, ceremonies/rituals
etc,)
-
Activist (work, pilgrimage, mindfulness, vigals/marches, etc.)
-
Generative (prayer, lectio divina, petitionary prayer, etc.)
-
Stillness (silence, prayer centering,
insight & sitting meditation, quieting & clearing the mind)” 7
Emphasis Added
Stillness, listed as the
last practice includes prayer centering also known as Contemplative Prayer.
Contemplative
Prayer is Practiced Far and Wide
While Western religions
falsely label Contemplative Prayer as “Christian” and “prayer”, Eastern Pagan
religions such Buddhism, Hinduism, Sufi Muslims have long practiced mystical
meditation. A variety of occult and New Age devotees also practice mystical
meditation styles consistent with Contemplative Prayer.
Since
this method of meditation is mystical in nature, it is
important that you know the definition of “mysticism”. An on-line Occult Encyclopedia defines it as:
“A
belief in or the pursuit in the unification with the One or some other
principle; the immediate consciousness of God; or the direct experience of
religious truth. Mysticism is nearly universal and unites most religions in the
quest for divinity.”
It
goes on to state, "Mysticism from the East or from Western traditions
relies on techniques such as:
-repetitive
prayers,
-repeating
over and over a word or phrase (mantras, which maybe names of deity),
-contemplations
of icons or images real or imagined,
-also
involved are methods of emptying the mind,
-extreme
asceticism and
-in
some cultures the use of hallucinogenic drugs.”
“Through these and other
methods the mind goes blank or passive and one enters an altered state of
consciousness. Buddhists call this state Nirvana or Satori... New Age people
call it at-one-ness, etc..., Christian mystics perceive they have experienced
some kind of ecstatic union with God." 8
“In mysticism, the altered state of consciousness may be total or
partial. When partial, the state of consciousness is usually only a feeling.
Most generally this feeling is one of unity with God, or the universe, or of
enlightenment.” “The experience of being united with God or nature is called a
mystical experience.” 9
Philosopher W. T. Stace,
“discovered seven common themes of mysticism when studying Roman Catholic,
Protestant, ancient classical, Hindu, and American agnostic mystical
experiences. They were (1) a unifying vision and perception of the One by the
senses and through many objects; (2) the apprehension of the One as an inner
life; (3) and objective and true sense of reality; (4) feelings of
satisfaction, joy, and bliss; (5) a religious element that is a feeling of the
holy and sacred; (6) a paradoxical feeling; (7) and inexpressible feelings.” 10
Are They
Experiencing God or Seducing Spirits?
Contemplative
Prayer is described as “an experience of
God’s presence” and “movement beyond conversation
with Christ to communion with Him” resulting in “…body sensations, feelings,
images, and reflections”. 11
So whose
“presence” are these people really experiencing? Interestingly, the
“If you do not already know your spirit guides, we recommend you
start speaking to them. The basic way of doing this is through meditation and
listening to your intuitive insights.”
“Meditation: Meditation is a process of moving your consciousness into higher planes while remaining
in the physical plane. There are several meditative techniques. The
“If you already know who your spirit guides are, we recommend you
work with them on a regular basis. You
can do that through channeling, visualization and ritual, divination and prayer.”
”Channeling: Channeling is a process of recording or repeating out loud for
others what your spirit guides tell
you or show you. You can do this by writing it all down or by recording
it with an electronic device. You may also do it by repeating what is said in a
private session or to a large group. You
may allow your spirit guides to bring other disincarnate people to deliver
messages to you. When you channel, you're working with your spirit guides.”
”Visualization and Ritual:
Visualization of your spirit guides is a step toward seeing them in the physical
dimension. The easiest way to learn how to visualize your spirit guides and
guardian angel is through the teachings of the Magickal Order of the Golden
Dawn. They teach both the skills of visualization and ritually working with
your spirit guides and guardian angel.”
“Prayer. Praying with your spirit guides is an excellent way
to develop a closer relationship
with them. The
Regardless of
what the “presence” is labeled (Spirit Guides, Guardian Angels, Jesus, God,
etc.) these people are actually experiencing seducing spirits also known as demons
(1 Timothy 4:1,7).
And this is all accomplished through
various methods of Spiritism, also known as Necromancy.
“Spiritism
or Necromancy is an occult activity grounded in the belief that through certain
persons acting as mediums or channels (psychics, necromancers, channelers,
etc.) the dead or the spirit world can be contacted and hidden information can
be acquired from those contacted. Trances and seances are often used by the
medium. The power behind this activity is demonic. This activity is forbidden
by the Lord. 1 Chronicles 10:13, So Saul died for his transgression which he
committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept
not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to inquire
of it. (1 Sam. 28:7 gives the context).” 13
In the case of Contemplative Prayer, the individual is really acting as the
channeler or necromancer communicating with demons. This is strictly forbidden in the Scriptures.
“When thou art come
into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do
after the abominations of those nations.
There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his
daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of
times, or an enchanter, or a witch, or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar
spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.
For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD:
and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before
thee.” Deuteronomy 18:9-12
Thus, those who practice and
promote Contemplative Prayer are really an abomination unto the LORD!
Quotes from
Promoters of Contemplative Practices
We “should all without shame
enroll as apprentices in the school of contemplative prayer."
—Richard Foster, Pastor and Author of the book “Celebration
of Discipline”, p. 13, 1978 ed.
Recommends "Richard Foster's
meaningful work... Celebration of Discipline...", p.15
"Discipline. This is the means for having intimacy with God.
... Discipline is control gained by enforced obedience. It is the
deliberate cultivation of inner order.
So how are intimacy and discipline connected? ...Discipline is the means
to that end.", p.21
—Chuck Swindoll, Pastor and Author of the book “So,
You Want to Be Like Christ? Eight Essentials to Get You There.”
(Note: Understanding and obeying God’s
word as well as prayer is the means for having intimacy with God.
Not the “discipline” of contemplative practices providing mystical experiences.)
"Contemplative prayer is nothing other than
coming into consciousness of what is already there."
—Brennan
Manning, Catholic Priest and Author of the book “Signature of Jesus”
"Use 'breath prayers' throughout the day, as many Christians have
done for centuries.
You choose a brief sentence or a simple phrase that can be repeated to
Jesus in one breath."
—Rick Warren, Pastor and Author of the book “The Purpose-Driven
Life”, p. 89.
"Choose a
sacred word or phrase. Consistently use the same word throughout the prayer.
Begin silently to
repeat your sacred word or phrase"
—Mark Yaconelli, Youth Specialties, National Pastor's
Convention
"As we find
ourselves caught up in this meditation, we soon enough realize another change
has occurred.
We have almost effortlessly
been transported over into a passive "contemplation" beyond thoughts,
emotions, images, forms, or words."
—John Michael Talbot,
Christian Musician
Promoters of
Contemplative Practices
The following is a list of just some of the secular and religious
promoters of Contemplative Prayer provided by the “Lighthouse Trails Research
Project” 14 website:
BAILEY,
BLANCHARD, KEN: Founder of Ken Blanchard Companies and “Lead Like Jesus” Leadership
Conferences.
BROTHER LAWRENCE:
(1605-1691) Carmelite layman, author of “Practicing the Presence of God”.
Believed God was in all things.
CANFIELD, JACK:
Creator and author of the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series. *New Age.
CRABB, LARRY: *Christian Clinical Psychologist, author, Spiritual Director
and Advisor for American Association of Christian Counselors.
EDWARDS, TILDEN: Founder of the Shalem Prayer Institute in Washington,
DC
FOSTER, RICHARD: Quaker and Founder of Renovare and author of “Celebration of Discipline”, *the
General Editor of “Renovare Spiritual Formation Bible”,
and “Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True
Home”.
FOX, MATTHEW: Former Dominican priest and author of “The Coming of the Cosmic Christ”; developed Creation Spirituality;
believes that God and Christ are in all things.
KEATING, THOMAS:
Catholic monk, Co-father of the modern day Contemplative Prayer Movement.
KIMBALL, DAN:
Author of “The
MANNING, BRENNAN:
Former Catholic priest, author of “Ragamuffin
Gospel”, and “Abba’s Child”.
MARX HUBBARD, BARBARA: Influential New
Ager who says of Christians: "Unaware of our evolutionary potential, they
[Christians] prevent the action and response needed to transcend the
terrestrial phase of our existence. They would annihilate the possibility of
Universal Humanity by claiming we have no right to achieve it."
MCLAREN, BRIAN: Considered the main leader of the Emerging Church
Movement, *New Age Promoter, Pastor
MERTON, THOMAS: Now deceased
Catholic monk *who wanted “to
become as good a Buddhist as I can."
(Steindl-Rast, 1969); quoted often by Richard Foster.
NOUWEN, HENRI: Deceased Catholic
theologian, *Contemplative
Universalist, author of “In the Name of
Jesus” and “The Way of the Heart”.
PECK,
M. SCOTT: *Psychiatrist, Author of “The Road Less Traveled”.
SCHULLER, ROBERT: Pastor of Crystal Cathedral and
the "Hour of Power" television program. *Promotes Psychology
SANFORD,
AGNES: *Author of ”Healing
Light”, taught that the “
SHANNON, WILLIAM:
New Age biographer of Thomas Merton.
TEASDALE,
TERESA
OF
UNDERHILL,
EVELYN: *Roman Catholic, author of “Mysticism”, wrote 39 books and over 350 articles.
WALSCH, NEAL DONALD: Author of “Conversations
with God” and New
Age leader who said, " The era of the Single Savior is over. What is
needed now is joint action, combined effort, collective co-creation." p.
157
WARREN, RICK:
Pastor and author of the “Purpose-Driven
Life”. *Promotes his Global
P.E.A.C.E. plan involving 400,000 churches.
WILLIAMSON, MARIANNE:
Contributed to making “A Course in
Miracles” well known; currently involved with the Department of Peace.
YACONELLI, MIKE: The late founder and owner of Youth Specialties;
promoted Contemplative Spirituality. [Mike passed away in 2003].
YACONELLI, MARK: Son of the late Mike Yaconelli - very active in the
Contemplative Prayer Movement.
*Extra notes added by author.
Additional Promotors
BLACKABY, HENRY:
Author of “Experiencing God”
workbook and seminars. Taught among SBC
and Roman Catholics. Promoted by Rick Warren.
HYBELS, BILL: Pastor of
JEREMIAH, DAVID: Pastor of “Turning
Point Ministries”, Author of “Life Wide
Open”, Speaker at Ken Blanchard’s “Lead Like Jesus Seminars” and America
Association of Christian Counselors.
LUCADO, MAX: Author and Founder of UpWords. Speaker on an instructional DVD on Contemplative Prayer, titled “Be Still” which includes Richard Foster.
MONK KID, SUE: Mystic Author of “God's Joyful Surprise”
a spiritual memoir describing her advent into contemplative Christian spirituality and “When the Heart
Waits”.
MOORE, BETH: Founder of Living Proof Ministries for women. Speaker on an instructional DVD on Contemplative Prayer, titled “Be Still” which includes Richard Foster.
NEE, WATCHMAN: Mystic
Author of “The Spiritual Man”.
ORTBERG, JOHN: Author of “Closer Than You Think”, 2005 favorably
quotes comtemplatives.
PETERSON,
SENGE, PETER: Buddhist, Author and
Founder of Society for Organizational Learning. New Age.
SMITH, MICHAEL W.:
Christian Musician. Promoter of
Brennan Manning’s book “Above All”.
STANLEY, CHARLES: SBC
Evangelical Pastor, Author “How to Listen
to God”. Espouses the belief that God continues to speak to man today outside of His Word. In the 9/93 In Touch magazine,
STANLEY, ANDY: Pastor, Spoke at Ken Blanchard’s “Lead Like Jesus” Conference in October,
2005.
SWINDOLL, CHUCK: Evangelical Pastor of “Insight for Living”,
author of “So, You Want to Be Like Christ? Eight Essentials to Get You There.” (A
book on the solitude and silence of Contemplative Prayer.)
TALBOT, JOHN MICHAEL: Christian Musician. Practices Tai Chi and Yoga. Writes on “Christian Meditation”.
Many
Promoted
through Church and Ministry Programs
Programs
promoting Contemplative Practices include:
Alpha Courses, Taizé, Lectio Divina, The Labyrinth (prayer walk), Renovaré, Guided Imagery, Walk to Emmaus, Cursillo, Centering Prayer, Ignatian
Awareness Examen, The Jesus Prayer, and The
Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. 16
Ministries include: Youth Specialities, Youth for Christ, Nav
Press, Church Growth Institute and Awana Clubs.
17
Promoted
through the Emerging Church Movement
Another whole paper could be
written on the
The Goal
One of the goals mentioned
earlier is to bring about social change.
Yet in reality, it is contributing to a universal spirituality (religious or irreligious) apart from
the Bible.
Ray Yungen, author of “A
Time of Departing” states "...contemplative prayer also stands on
the threshold of exploding worldwide.
Dr. Larry Crabb, spiritual director for the 50,000 member American
Association of Christian Counselors, has written the foreword to a recent book 37 that expounds on the future
of spiritual direction in the evangelical church. The authors the book promotes
are... Nouwen, Merton, Foster, Keating, Pennington, etc.
…With that in mind, Dr. Crabb predicted:
'The spiritual climate is ripe.
Jesus seekers across the world are being prepared to abandon the old way of the written code for the new way of the
Spirit.’" 19 Emphasis added.
When Clinical
Psychologist, Larry Crabb advocates not walking in “old way of the written
code”, he means abandoning a careful, obedient walk of faith according to all
of God’s word. The “new way of the
Spirit” means utilizing Contemplative Practices to experience God. The
Bible says, “Thus saith
the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths,
where [is] the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your
souls. But they said, We will not walk [therein].”
Contemplative
Outreach Ltd. states (of the false church), “For the Church's first sixteen
centuries Contemplative Prayer was the goal of Christian
spirituality. After the Reformation, this living tradition was virtually lost.
Today, with cross-cultural dialogue and historical research, the recovery of
the Christian contemplative heritage has begun. The method of Centering Prayer,
in the tradition of Lectio Divina (praying the scriptures) is
contributing to this renewal.” 20 Lectio Divina is a mantra whereby a single
phrase or word of scripture is repeated over and over; leading to an “experiential”
union with “so-called” God. It’s a vain
repetition strictly forbidden in the Bible.
The goal of the true Biblical
church is the Great Commission given to believers by Jesus Christ - not
Contemplative Prayer. “Go ye therefore,
and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I
have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the
world. Amen.” Matthew 28:19-20
Promoters of Contemplative
Practices are not teaching the commands of Jesus Christ.
FALSE
TEACHINGS
After
comparing Scriptures pertaining to Biblical prayer to the teachings of
Contemplative Prayer, the error is glaring. None of these contemplative practices are
advocated in Scripture. When anyone chooses not to abide by sound doctrine, the result
is a faulty faith based on experiences or fables instead of the sure Word of
God. Scripture states, “For the time
will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts
shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn
away [their] ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Timothy 4:3,4
Listen to this observation
by David W. Cloud: “The mystical
“spirituality” that is so popular in evangelical and charismatic circles today
is a yearning for an experiential relationship with God that downplays the role
of faith and Scripture and that exalts “transcendental” experiences that lift
the individual from the earthly mundane into a higher “spiritual” plane.
Biblical prayer is talking with God; mystical spirituality prayer is meditation
and “centering” and other such things. Biblical Christianity is a patient walk
of faith; mystical spirituality is more a flight of fancy. Biblical study is
analyzing and meditating upon the literal truth of the Scripture; mystical
spirituality focuses on a “deeper meaning”; it is more allegorical and
“transcendental” than literal.” 21
True faith can only come by
the hearing of the Word of God. “So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and
hearing by the word of God”. Romans 10:17 The
mind of the believer is then to be transformed by the Word of God which reveals
God’s will for the believer. "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing
of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and
perfect, will of God." Romans 12:2 All of the mind is to be used to love God
according to His Word. “Jesus said unto
him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy
soul, and with all thy mind.” Matthew 22:37
Believers
are to have a sound mind. “For God hath not given us the spirit of
fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7. A mind
in an altered state of consciousness inviting demon activity is anything but a
sound mind. It is entertaining a
seducing spirit masquerading as an angel of light, 2 Corinthians 11:14. Every
thought of the believer is to brought to the obedience of Christ rather than
influenced by demons, our own flesh or the world. “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself
against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the
obedience of Christ;” 2 Corinthians
10:5.
UNFRUITFUL
RESULTS
Contemplative Practices
are infiltrating evangelical and fundamental churches which is contributing to
the unbiblical Ecumenical movement already underway. This is due to Pastors ignoring sound
doctrine and allowing false teachings.
Ecumenicalism
(also known as Interdenominationism, Interfaith, and Interspiritualism) is a
movement toward a worldwide false church consisting of religions (including
false, apostate Christians) joining together by:
1. Agreeing on a
portion of biblical doctrines or as they
often state “core teachings,”
2. Ignoring the
remaining biblical doctrines and
3. Promoting false doctrines. (Psychology, Evolution, Contemplative Practices etc.)
It is a religious unity movement falsely promoted in the name of God’s love
yet it is not based on the full counsel of God. This false Ecumenical unity
causes great confusion and error to those not well grounded in God’s Word.
In Richard Foster's book “Streams of Living
Water”, he says the following with regard to his vision for "a great
gathering of the people of God: "I see a Catholic monk from the hills of
"Contemplative
consciousness," says [Thomas] Merton, is "a trans-cultural,
trans-religious, trans-formed consciousness … it can shine through this or that
system, religious or irreligious" 23
So what does the Bible have to say when
it comes to dealing with false
teachings? God
commands true believers to “...come out
from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean
thing; and I will receive you” 2
Corinthians 6:17.
Contemplative Prayer appears
to be paving the way to the False Prophet's One World Religious system
mentioned in Revelations 17 and 18. Revelation 18:4, though specifically
referring to the time when the Antichrist rules on earth, offers good advice
for believers to follow today in the matter of demonic teachings such as
Contemplative Prayer -- "And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her,
my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her
plagues."
AVOID FALSE
TEACHINGS
“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; 7 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and
exercise thyself [rather] unto godliness.” 1 Timothy 4:1, 7
First, if you are
not born again according to the Word of God, I would invite you to repent and
believe on the Lord Jesus Christ alone for salvation.
Second, to
protect yourself from seducing spirits and doctrines of devils, use the King
James Version of the Bible. Despite
numerous myths, thorough research reveals the KJV is the most accurate English
word for word translation. It includes
all of the words; no verses or portions of verses are missing. The Bible says “every word” of God is important
(Proverbs 14:15, Proverbs 30:5,
Matthew 4:4). Modern counterfeit bibles including “The Message” by Eugene Peterson and
“Renovare Spiritual Formation Bible”, have replaced God’s words with New Age
terminology further deceiving unsuspecting readers.
Dave Hunt expresses his concern. "Many Christian leaders promote wicked
Bible versions such as Eugene Peterson's The Message (NavPress, 1993: see TBC
Oct '95) that pervert God's Word. Men like Peterson have no conscience about
changing what God says, replacing His words with their own. Peterson is praised
for this perversion by many Christian leaders such as J.I. Packer, Warren
Wiersbe, Jack W. Hayford, and Richard
Foster, founder of the Renovare Movement and General Editor of the “Renovare Spiritual Formation Bible”
(Harper San Francisco, 2005”. 24
Third, study the Scriptures in
their context and define the words using a Strong’s
Concordance. False teachings are
typically based on Scriptures, or portions of verses, taught outside of the
context they were written. Satan
misquoted God’s Word to Jesus himself.
Yet, Jesus defeated Satan by quoting Scripture accurately.
Fourth, have faith in what God
teaches you in His Word and obey it.
Satan is great at leading people to doubt God’s Word. Remember, the old Serpent deceived Eve,
leading her first to doubt His Word, then deny God’s Word, which lead to her
deifying herself – she chose her own way instead of God’s way. (Genesis 3:1,4,5)
Fifth, before you choose to read any literature, research
the authors’ beliefs and practices.
Understand their definitions for terms and compare them to scripture. Also, learn who they endorse and associate
with.
Sixth, if you realize you have accepted a false teaching, confess it
as sin, repent and obey the scriptures. The Scripture promises “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
Seventh,
earnestly contend for the faith (Jude 1:3), by warning others of false
teachings. 2Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season;
reprove (convict), rebuke (admonish), exhort (instruct) with all long suffering
and doctrine. 2 Timothy 4:2
Eighth,
practice biblical separation from those who will not repent of false teachings.
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God,
a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more
ungodliness.17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus
and Philetus;18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the
resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.” 2
Timothy 2:15-18
ENDNOTES:
1
Webster’s 1828 Dictionary, http://www.cbtministries.org/resources/webster1828.htm
2
Webster’s 1828 Dictionary, http://www.cbtministries.org/resources/webster1828.htm
3
Contemplative Outreach, Ltd. http://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/cntrgpryr.htm#Centering%20Prayer
4
Contemplative Outreach, Ltd. http://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/methodcp.htm
5
Catholic Answers, "The Danger of Contemplative Prayer” by By Rev. John D.
Dreher, http://www.catholic.com/thisrock/1997/9711fea1.asp
6
The Center for Contemplative Mind in Society, http://www.contemplativemind.org/about/faq.html
7
The Center for Contemplative Mind in Society, http://www.contemplativemind.org/practices/tree.html
8
Mystical Deception Files by Noah Dove, http://www.dtl.org/cults/article/mystical.htm
9
The Mystica Mythical-Folk, Occult Encyclopedia,
http://www.themystica.com/mystica/articles/a/altered_states_of_consciousness.html
10
The Mystica Mythical-Folk, Occult Encyclopedia, http://www.themystica.org/mystica/articles/m/mysticism.html
11
Contemplative Outreach, Ltd. http://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/methodcp.htm
12
Universal Gnostic Church, http://universalgnostic.com/guides/
13
Logos Resource Pages, “Primer For Recognizing Occult Practices”, http://www.logosresourcepages.org/Occult/occult_primer.htm
14
Lighthouse Trails Research Project, http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/glossarynames.htm
15
Lighthouse Trails Research Project, http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/Colleges.htm
16
The Berean Call, http://www.thebereancall.org/Newsletters/2000+Newsletters/4493.aspx
17
Lighthouse Trails Research Project, http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/awanas.htm
18
Lighthouse Trails Research Project, http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/emergingchurch.htm
19
A Time of Departing by Ray Yungen, p.137; 37 -David G.
Benner, Sacred Companions: The Gift of SpiritualFriendship & Direction,
Intervarsity Press, Downers Grove, Illinois, 2002, p.9
20
Contemplative Outreach, Ltd. http://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/cntrgpryr.htm
21
Way of Life, David Cloud, http://www.wayoflife.org/fbns/eugenepeterson-the-message.html
22
Council for
23
“Thoughts on the East” p.34 by Thomas Merton
24
Dave Hunt, The Berean Call, August 2005 Newsletter, http://www.thebereancall.org/Newsletters/2005+Newsletters/107940.aspx
This information will be available soon in a handy booklet format. Please e-mail me if you have an interest in this.
Information on this site may not be placed on other
sites unless written permission is obtained. You are welcome to link to this
site.