Alliance Life Magazine: Nyack Student Vents by Virgin Mary Statue

In the CMA's March-April 2015 Alliance Life article "No More Faking It" Dr. Ron Walborn relates the story of one of his "fundamentalist" Nyack students who, on a spiritual formation retreat at a Catholic monastery, stood by a Virgin Mary statue while using vulgar language as he "processed" his anger.  Perhaps you are already gasping, "What!  Why would a Christian college student be venting beside a Virgin Mary statue?"
http://www.cmalliance.org/alife/no-more-faking-it/

Well, according to Dean Walborn this "fundamentalist" young man was a casualty of a "bounded-set" background that filled him with "bounded-set shame" which after being exposed during a Walborn lecture finally sets him free to let it all out.

Now, exactly what is a "bounded-set" and why should someone have "bounded-set" guilt?  According to Walborn this theory was so named by anthropologist and missiologist Dr. Paul Hiebert.  Bounded-set -- according to Walborn and missional emergents such as Brian McLaren and Phyllis Tickle-- is how many do church.  Bounded-set proponents, they contend, are rigid, rules-oriented religious souls who can just be the meanest, legalistic elder-brother-like people imaginable.     

Because these rules so weary "bounded-set" youth, suggests Walborn, they eventually feel guilty that they can't live up to these rigid standards as practiced by their churches so that they then rebel, and become "prodigal people."  Whereas, postulates Walborn, if they'd just follow a more relational, relaxed, less restrictive "centered-set" agenda which focuses on Jesus they'd be much less likely to become guilt-ridden prodigals.

Walborn in His Own Words:

Walborn says, "in bounded-set culture image is everything ... But when performance fails, guilt and rebellion follow.  At Nyack college we encounter countless students who are stressed because they can't keep up with the bounded-set treadmill.  It's not Jesus they are rejecting but bounded-set weariness..."

Now the worst of the worst of these "bounded-set" youth, writes Walborn, are those that actually are able to keep all the rules, and don't rebel but are caught in this tedious, tiresome treadmill wrapped up in their "bounded-set" shame.  To get out of this religious rat race Walborn recommends shedding one's inhibitions, and openly admitting sin while drawing near to the Lord at one's own pace.

More Walborn Words:

Walborn says, "However, if performance works, an elder brother is born.  The Christian students I find the most difficult to reach are those for whom the bounded set is working."

Using scripture as he expounds on the "bounded-set" dilemma, Walborn seems to set up his students (Might I say "intimidates"?) to break down, and process their pent-up anger (no mention of sin) so as to rid themselves of any of those bad "bounded-set" tendencies and to be transformed by a "centered- set" agenda so as to become loving, passionate Jesus followers.

Centered Set Emergents:

All this is Biblical, right?  No!  This is but a page out of the emergent play book which adapts the Paul Hiebert theory --with Walborn's own insertions-- that is followed by such emergents as Brian McLaren, Phyllis Tickle, and Tony Jones.  As you read Walborn's version of Hiebert's theory it's full of not so subtle put-downs for the "bounded-set" as: rigid, unaccepting, rule keepers, veiled, fakers, behavior oriented, performance driven, stressed out, weary, shamed, guilt filled, rebellious, elder- brother like, religious, mean spirited, angry, competitive, self-righteous, and legalistic.  While all is not quite "tidy" for the "centered-set" Walborn uses such terms as relational, fluid, accepting, transformative, unveiled, real, truth seekers, focused, helpful, fellow travelers, passionate, caring, and of course loving.  Painting people who have kept the faith, and are sincere followers of our Lord Jesus Christ with those adjectives seems to be exactly what the emergent church has done tearing apart the simple truth of the gospel for a watered down, social justice, we need something new "gospel."  And I would ask you--who are the real rebels?

Now, Wikipedia's informative article "Emerging Church" subsection "Centered Set" gives us even more clarity.  It reads, "Movement leaders such as Rob Bell (now into the New Age) appropriates set theory as a means of understanding a basic change in the way a Christian thinks about itself as a group. ... A bounded set would describe a group with clear 'in' and 'out' definitions of membership. ... The centered set does not limit membership to preconceived boundaries.  Instead a centered set is conditioned on a centered point.  Membership is contingent on those who are moving toward that point. ...  As a centered set Christian membership would be dependent on moving toward the central
point of Jesus.  Christians are then defined by their focus and movement toward Christ rather than a limited set of shared beliefs and values."  Conversely, Jesus stated it this way, "I am the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to the father but by me."  (John 14:6)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emerging_church

The Paul Heibert Theory Background:

If you'd like to read the actual Paul Heibert theory, its history, and its meaning as given by Michael L. Yoder, Michael H. Lee, Jonathan Ro, and Robert J. Priest peruse: "Understanding Christian Identity in Terms of Bounded and Centered Set Theory in the Writings of Paul G. Hiebert."  On page 184, it says, "Perhaps, the arena where Heibert's ideas on set theory have had the widest influence is in the missional and emergent/emerging church movement. (McLaren ... ; Frost and Hirsh...; Robinson ...; Jones ...; Tickle ...; ...)"  Reader, it is interesting to note that Heibert was a Mennonite missionary who taught alongside of C. Peter Wagner and John Wimber at Fuller.  It can also be noted that John Wimber used Heibert's set theory in his Vineyard Churches.  Most importantly remember this fact:  All of what Heibert taught was "theory!"
http://www.academia.edu/6810466/Understanding_Christian_Identity_in_Terms_of_Bounded_and_Centered_Set_Theory_in_the_Writings_of_Paul_G._Hiebert

The Monastery Story: "It's a Process"

Once Walborn is through making his case for a centered-set scenario he gives us an example--an appalling example-- of what he was teaching in the classroom, and how he led those students on a monastery retreat.  This story, highlighted in the final segment of the article, is called: "It's a Process."

Walborn takes us into his Nyack bounded/centered set lecture at its end-- the point at which the students have now begun to react by weeping.  Of those weeping Walborn writes, "A big young man stood up, a junior youth ministry major from a "fundamentalist" background.  'O God," he sobbed, 'I'm so                tired.'" (Language unprintable!)  Walborn then confesses that because of this student's language he imagined that the then Nyack president's wife Betzi Schroeder, who was present during that class, might react badly; but instead she told the young man not to censor a thing--just let it out.

Walborn continues, "A few weeks later I led the students on a retreat at a Catholic Monastery.  I put this young man in a field next to a statue of the Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus.  I said, 'I want you to process your anger.'  Walborn adds, "I'm just happy Mary didn't drop the baby Jesus to cover her ears ..."  Walborn then goes on to apologize to a nun that just happens by.

The Readers Respond:

Now the readers' responses to Walborn's article ranged from riveting to right on every single point.
No one dared to examine, test, or question Walborn's bounded/centered set notions, nor his use of a M. Robert Mulholland's "ground breaking" book full of contemplative and Catholic authors.

As to "It's a Process" story one lone former Catholic, now CMA member, issued a timely warning.  No one else seemed the least concerned about CMA students on a monastery retreat!

A Timely Warning: (April 6, 2015)

T. wrote, "I grew up in the apostate Roman Catholic church. ... I currently am listening to Pastor John Soper (Ridgeway, NY CMA) and his 91 week series ...  This past week I listened to his review of Luke 22, and in that review he warns about the non-biblical Roman Catholic teaching of transubstantiation ... changing a wafer into the actual flesh of Jesus (another Jesus!) ... so my concern is that Ron Walborn in "The Process" is promoting the praying to a statue of Mary, which is part of the Roman Catholic false doctrine of prayer intercession through Mary and the 'saints,' thus promoting the Roman Catholic church.  This is a very dangerous path to begin to go down, so please, stop this practice of promoting Roman Catholicism, which is not a Christian church, and its pagan practices in 'your' magazine, as it will mislead some to believe that the Roman Catholic church is indeed a bible-believing church ..."

One Last Thought:

What a contradictory article, an article where Walborn claims to want these run away sheep--these prodigal type rebels-- to throw off their worldly clothing and return to the fold; while at the same time he takes these very same students straight into the arms of Rome with all its apostasy and false teachings on a monastery retreat.  Something is wrong with this picture.  And that something is that Walborn as well as many others, are introducing a new and different gospel "a wider road gospel", and in the case of the monastery, as the former Catholic responder so clearly points out, "another Jesus gospel."  However, dear reader, what needs to be done is to return to "the narrow way gospel" which leads to real life!  As the Scripture says, "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." (Matthew 7:13,14)

Learn to Discern Granny Verses: II Timothy 4:2-4

"Preach the word; be instant in season, and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine.  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 to fables."


For More Information:

An informative Lighthouse Trails Booklet:  How to Know When the Emerging Church Shows Signs of Emerging Into Your Church by Roger Oakland.

On the back cover Oakland writes, "If the Emerging Church continues unfolding at the present pace, mainstream evangelical Christianity will be reinvented and the gospel of Jesus Christ according to the Scriptures will be considered too narrow and too restrictive.  In other words, the narrow way to heaven that Jesus proclaimed will eventually be abandoned for a wider way."

http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=11043





      

Truth or Consequences: A Booklet Highlighting Biblical Truth

Warren Smith, one of my very favorite authors, recently wrote Truth or Consequences centered round the timely message that it is "imperative that we take a look at what the Bible says about truth--
how we must love it and keep it and hold it in the highest regard." (p.9)

To enable the reader to love, keep, and hold to truth Warren has listed over fifty "truth verses"  under the section "Bible Teachings on Truth."  Over each verse Warren writes a concise title summary.
From "Our God Is a God of Truth"(Deuteronomy 32:4) to "The Truth Shall Make You Free-If You Continue in His Word!" (John 8:31-32) Smith beautifully lays out keys to truth found in the Word.
(pp. 9-15)

Of all the scriptures Smith highlights, John 14:6 is the verse that Warren refers to most for "Jesus Is The Truth!"  In "What Is Truth?," Warren explains, "The reason the Bible has so much to say about truth is because Jesus Christ is the truth.  He said, 'I am the way, the truth, and life: No man cometh unto the Father, but by me' (John 14:6)  Bible-believing Christians trust these words in the Bible because the Bible is--'in truth'--the actual Word of God." (p.5)

Speaking of "the truth verse" reminds me of the stately  "Hall of Christ" building found in the center of Chautauqua Institution, Chautauqua, N.Y.  Built in 1909, by the famed architect Paul J. Pelz, it has a gigantic pediment that features a low relief of the Bible surrounded by arms scattering its message in all directions.  Just below, inside its monumental portico, is inscribed the wondrous truth verse John 14:6!

Now, Chautauqua Institution was founded in the late nineteenth century as a Sunday school training camp for the Methodist Episcopal denomination, but over the years like so many other establishments it has strayed far from its original moorings--far from Biblical truth just as Smith talks about in his
tract article.

In July 2014 in the Hall of Christ (once declared by its founder Bishop John H. Vincent to be used solely for all things pertaining to Christ) The Chautauquan Daily article-- "The APYA Coordinators Host Jum'ah, The Muslim Friday Prayer, in the Hall of Christ"-- tells us what's now taking place in this once hallowed hall.
http://www.jstor.org/stable/3140203?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents
http://chqdaily.com/2014/07/24/jumah-prayer-promotes-islamic-education-and-community/

One wonders if any Chautauquan now glances up at the Bible on its impressive pediment, or reads the amazing truth verse over the tall portico, for if they did they might find the answers to all they are seeking!  Instead, all over Chautauqua's grounds are signs spouting words of peace and inclusion and unity--but not truth.  And just as this movement, that began founded on Biblical principles,
has turned from the way, the truth, and life so have hundreds of other institutions and churches.

And because we've turned away our ears, and hearts from truth how desperately we need men like Warren Smith who aren't afraid to declare timely warnings such as "Leavening the Truth," (p.4) or "The Right Hand of Falsehood" (p.8) as Smith has ably written in this small booklet showing us the need to return to absolute truth as found in the Word.

How we need to open our Bibles, and read and reread these "truth" scriptures over and over.  How we need to mark them too.  And more than mark them we need to know them, and we need to live them!  How fitting that Smith began his work with the Apostle John's praise of the well-beloved Gaius who had chosen to walk in truth.  (III John 1:4)  And as the esteemed Gaius did, may we too walk in truth so as to have a good testimony among the brethren!

Thank you Warren Smith for being true to the Word, and to the truth.  May we all learn from your example, and as Paul instructed in I Timothy 4:6 "be nourished up in the words of faith," and as Peter penned in II Peter 3:18  "grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."  And may
we all become "men and women of truth" (Exodus 18:21), and "fellow helpers to truth" (III John 1:8).

Learn to Discern Granny Verse:  III John 1:3

Of Gaius John wrote, "For I rejoiced greatly when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth."


For More Information:

To obtain copies of this scripture-filled truth booklet for yourself, or perhaps for a Bible Study go to:
www.lighthousetrails.com.

River of Life, or River of Deception?  A Review of Dr. Rob Reimer's River Dwellers

Christian and Missionary Alliance professor, pastor, and author Dr. Rob Reimer has recently written a book entitled River Dwellers: Living in the Fullness of the Spirit.  Now, Reimer's mission seems to be to immerse himself multiple times in deep encounters in the River, and to take as many as possible with him.  And our mission must be to ask exactly what "River" is Reimer referencing?  How is Reimer doing this?  Just who is Reimer influencing?  Who has impacted, and is impacting Reimer?  And above all, is he pursuing a "River of Life," or a "River of Deception?"

Endorsers:

Reimer's close friend Dr. Ron Walborn, Dean of the Alliance Theological Seminary, describes Rob's pursuit this way: "... Rob is a man who is hungry for God and will jump into the River every chance he gets ... he likes to cannonball into the River so he can get as many people wet as possible!"  Other endorsers include: Rev. Tom Ward, Rev. Jeff Norris, and Rev. Tom Mangham.  (p.2)

Overview:

The book, self-published, has an introduction, five chapters, and a conclusion.  Like Pathways to theKing that I previously reviewed, River Dwellers has no endnotes, nor index which often makes it difficult to trace exactly where Reimer's references and quotes come from.  However, the sermon podcasts and facebook of CMA South Shore Community Church, Brockton, MA as well as Reimer's twitter and facebook fill us in on the complete picture. (p.11)

Very First Verse:

Reimer's very first verse is Ezekiel 47:9:  "Where the river flows everything will live." (p.12)

Introduction:

His introduction highlights Rob's passion for pursuing the baptism of the Spirit.  As this has been a controversial topic, writes Reimer, we should put aside our previous mindset and as the early disciples were "Spirit people," we should be less concerned about our personal viewpoint, and recall that the early church "lived out of the book of Acts."  Additionally, Reimer says, "The key to remaining in the fullness of the Spirit is dwelling in the River of Life." (pp.15-16)

Reimer's Continuous Encounters:

In chapter one Reimer reiterates his viewpoint that the baptism of the Spirit is more than a one time event, and that we can have more than one encounter.  He states he seeks God often for fresh encounters, and fresh fillings.  (p.26)

Reimer's Multiple Monastery Encounters:

Exactly, where has Reimer had "multiple encounters?"  Well, it is at "the monastery" where Reimer regularly retreats.  Which monastery is that?  It is the Holy Trinity Monastery in Petersham, MA.
This monastery is run by the Maronite Monks of Adoration who are eucharistic, contemplative, and cloistered.  The guest master is Rev. Robert Nortz (Father Robert to Rob) with whom Reimer has conferred. (p.26)

Reimer refers to "the monastery" nearly ten times in the book.  Readers, this monastery's main purpose is to engage in eucharistic adoration where each monk, in addition to group adoration, must worship the eucharistic wafer two hours per day.  Click here to view Holy Trinity's short video showing the monks at worship, and at work.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sblQHzGBwIo

A look into Holy Trinity's online "Constitution" lists rule after rule the monks must obey in order to work their way to heaven.  It is beyond sad that Reimer can recommend this monastery suggesting that this is a wonderful place to find the Savior and draw close to him--for here is idolatry at its saddest--the worship of a wafer over and over.  For Scripture says in Hebrews 10:14: "For by one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified."
http://www.maronitemonks.org/

Reimer's Monastery References:

"I have had multiple encounters with God at the monastery where I go for spiritual retreats which have strengthened me, challenged me, and changed me." (p.26)
"I have spent larger blocks of time alone with God... I go to a monastery to pursue God ... I am on pursuit."  (p.41)
"The monastery is very quiet and remote. ...  Often as I drive onto the campus, I can feel the Spirit of God refreshing me.  It is like taking a deep breath of fresh, clean air." (p.111)
"... I went to talk to one of the monks ...  The monks and I don't agree about all theological points, but we do agree about the most important thing: our love for Jesus and for people.  It saddens me that so many people cannot learn from anyone if they disagree with them. ...so I went to Father Robert, who was the guest master ..." (p.113) 
"One day I spoke at the seminary (Alliance Theological Seminary), and I told this story about my encounter with Father Robert. ..." (p.114)
"I had just finished a ten-day stint at the seminary teaching Soul Care to doctoral students ... I had scheduled some time at the monastery on the heels of this season. ..." (p.139)
"I sensed the Lord calling me to go into the chapel and sit in silence. ..." (p.140)
"I want to be in the River of Life when I am alone with God for days at the monastery ..." (p.145)
" ... and I had read R. Thomas Ashbrook's book, Mansions of the Heart.  The first time I read Ashbrook's book, I was at the monastery." (p.159)  

What a travesty that Reimer sees the monastery as a refuge, and its monks as ones who can advise him, rather than a mission field he needs to influence.

Reimer's Nun Prophecy:

A  "My Monastery" story Reimer told, illustrating the gift of prophecy, was given on May 19, 2013 in his "Manifestation Gifts" sermon.  In it Reimer reported that he had attended a morning chapel service where he noticed a nun. Now encountering a nun was unusual, as Holy Trinity has only monks.  But the Lord seemed, related Reimer, to signal that he was to tell this nun that God was pleased with her, and that she was on the right track vocationally. This Reimer did when he met her once again in the sitting room.  How strange Reimer should share a prophecy with a nun he didn't know rather than the gospel!  Something truly is amiss here!
http://www.southshorecommunitychurchma.com/teaching/sermons/expanding-spiritual-authority-through-manifestation-gifts/

Reimer's Spirit People:

Reimer writes during a series of meetings where he and his colleagues were teaching on the baptism of the Spirit that they asked only "spirit filled people" to be  part of their prayer team.  Reimer said, "The people who were hungry for God stood to receive prayer, and these River Dwellers laid hands on people, and prayed for them." This elite group were Reimer's Spirit people. (pp.32-33)

Reimer's Passionate Pursuit:

Reimer's favorite word is "pursuit." Over and over the words "pursue," and "pursuit" pop out.  Pursue what?  Rob stresses we're to pursue an initial infilling, and then continuous encounters of the Spirit.  Once you've found "it," he contends, you will witness, have power, and do prophesy.  Will you speak in tongues?    Maybe, says Reimer, but it is not an evidence of being baptized in the Spirit. (pp.28-38)

Reimer's Recent Pursuitcast Interview:

Sam Won, a 2011 ATS grad who is part of the pastoral staff of "The Sycamore of the CMA," first interviewed his former professor Dr. Rob Reimer, upon the publication of Pathways to the King
on April 4, 2014 Pursuitcast.  Then again, Sam recently interviewed Reimer after the publication of
River Dwellers.  Listen here: https://soundcloud.com/pursuitnyc/pursuitcast-011

Sam's "Pursuit, New York City":

Pursuitcast Sam, so influenced by Reimer, is part of "Pursuit, NYC" whose vision "revival or bust" is for metropolitan NYC area.  They pursue: "His Kingdom. His transformation in us and our city. To win cities, to disciple nations, to father a generation, to transform a world, and to usher in the return of the King."

What is "Pursuit, NYC" doing this summer?  "Pursuit Summer Thursdays" gives us the scoop listing activities such as: June 18: Compelled by Love (Heidi Baker documentary); July 2: Soaking; July 9: Treasure Hunting*; July 23: Holy Ghost Documentary; and August 6: Fire in the Night.
http://pursuitnyc.org/2015/06/11/pursuit-summer-thursdays/

* From Bethel Church Web Page:  "About Treasure Hunts: "Treasure Hunts incorporate words of knowledge (clues) that you write on your Treasure Map to find Treasures (people) who need a supernatural encounter with God through an encouraging prophetic word or healing."
http://www.ibethel.org/treasure-hunts

Sam's Redding, California Pursuit:

It is noteworthy to say Sam himself, in 2014, went on a pursuit!  Where did Sam go?  Sam's 7-6-14 Sycamore sermon details how he flew to California to interview Redding's CMA Risen King Pastor
Bill Randles, as well as the Risen King church plant pastor Nathan Edwardson of the CMA's "The Stirring Church" (Sister church to Bethel!!)*  Besides these interviews Sam attended a Bethel Church conference during which time he had his picture taken with Bethel's "Bill Johnson."  Sam noted too that around Redding there's an "Open Heaven" meaning there are no hindrances.

Is Sam for real?  Yes, Sam seems like a sincere, affable Korean CMA pastor who has most certainly been influenced by Reimer, ATS, and his denomination into the NAR River.
http://thesycomore.org/audio/2014-07-06-sunday-talk-sam-won/#t=0:28.899

* The Stirring: CMA Church closely tied to Bill Johnson's Bethel.   "The Stirring" staff pastor Jim Bailey, by the way, spoke at "The Deeper Life Conference" at Nyack in February, 2015.
http://thestirring.org/staff/

Reimer's Church Seeks "Open Heavens:"
      
South Shore Community Church CMA also uses the term "open heavens"  on their church facebook on 1-15:  "Let's all join together and pray for a breakthrough and for open heavens in our region!" and "Will you contend as Pastor Rob taught, for a spiritual shift?  Take a few minutes today ... to pray that God would push back the darkness and open the heavens in our region.  We need a spiritual shift in the heavenly realms."  Prior to this on 9-9-12 Reimer taught about "open heavens" in a sermon "Open Doors, Open Hearts."
http://www.southshorecommunitychurchma.com/teaching/sermons/series/culture-connection/
http://herescope.blogspot.com/2006/02/geographical-heresies-of-new-apostolic.html

Reimer's Weighty Words:

The more power you get through numerous encounters, teaches Reimer, the more you'll notice that your words grow weightier!  Reimer attests, "When we are walking in the fullness of the Spirit, the presence of God adds a weightiness to our words, that is clearly supernatural." (p.28)

Reimer's Search for More:

Like his book Pathways to the King Reimer is into a frenzied pursuit of endless experiences chasing more of God.  He's fasted, slept less, and sat in solitude and silence.  He's been to the monastery regularly.  As Rob says, "I am on the pursuit."  Because of this writes Rob, "I've noticed that when I pray for people, more people are experiencing God's love.  More people are healed.  There has been an increase in power." (p.41)

Reimer's Impartation Quest:

In order to get more of God Reimer encourages one to receive prayer, and the laying on of hands.  Reimer states, "I love being prayed for and having people lay hands on me.  When I go to confer-
ences or when I get around people of anointing and spiritual power, * I ask them to lay hands on me and pray for me.  I want more of God, ..."

Reimer adds, "I have had people from evangelical and charismatic circles lay hands on me ... I've had world renown leaders pray for me, who were anointed by God and who impacted my life through their work ..."  (p.43)

*  My emphasis.

Reimer's 2013 Randy Clark Family Trip:

In a June 16, 2013 sermon, "Expanding Our Umbrella of Authority II," Reimer shares that he and his family were especially anxious to join a NAR Randy Clark Global Awakening Missions group going to Brazil.  There he looked forward to obtaining an impartation from Randy himself!  Did Reimer secure that impartation?  He does not say.  But, he does indicate he traveled to villages in Brazil doing healing. (p.34)  He also relates, "That summer, as part of our pursuit of revival, Jen and I went on a missions trip to a place where God was pouring out His Spirit; we were both praying and hoping for a fresh touch from God.  We saw many miracles, but the fresh touch we were personally hoping for did not come, ..." (p.154)
http://www.southshorecommunitychurchma.com/teaching/sermons/series/not-your-ordinary-life/

Reimer's Heidi Baker Impartation Story:

In the same South Shore 6-13 sermon Reimer relates the astounding story of Heidi Baker and her amazing impartation received from Randy Clark where she was "laid out" for seven days.  Readers, recall Maddy, the Alliance Theological seminarian, whom Reimer mentored, also ended up at a Randy Clark assignment in Brazil where she wrote she had listened to a "Mama Heidi" program.  And now this summer, for Pursuit NYC Summer Thursdays, Pursuitcast Sam is showing a Heidi Baker movie.

In answer to the question: "Is a transferable anointing scriptural?" read: "Is the Anointing Tangible and Transferable; Can We Impart It?" from "Let Us Reason"; or view Volume III of Caryl Matriciana's "Wide Is the Gate" Section 4:"God Chasers and Mystery Schools" with its informative material on impartations, mantles, and laying on of hands.
http://letusreason.org/Biblexp99.htm     http://www.caryltv.com/dvd-previews/222-wide-is-the-gate-volume-iii

Reimer's Dialogical Relationship:

Reimer asserts in order for our relationship with the Lord to grow, it must become dialogical.  Yes, we hear through scripture, says Reimer, but God speaks directly to us through the Spirit.  Reimer then launches into "the six ways God speaks to us directly." (pp.53,56)

Reimer's Whisper Risks:

The first way, states Reimer, that we hear God speak is through whispers.  For more information Reimer suggests we read: Bill Hybel's The Power of a Whisper.   However, I would recommend instead one read: "Hush! Whispers at Willow Creek: A Review of Bill Hybel's Book: The Power of aWhisper" found at:
http://guardinghisflock.com/2011/03/15/hush%E2%80%94whispers-at-willow/

Reimer goes on to advise, "One way to become attuned to these whispers is to take risks with them.
Did you notice the word "attuned?"  Is this term scriptural?  New Age? (pp.56-57)

Reimer's Audible Voice Teaching:

As Reimer asserted in his Pathways to the King book, so once again, he reasserts here that he has heard God speak aloud to him.  He writes, "Sometimes God speaks in an audible voice."  He continues, "Whenever I speak to an audience about prophecy, I ask how many have heard the audible voice of God, and it is not uncommon to see one quarter of the hands go up.  God speaks." (p.58)

Reimer's Audible Voice Quote:

Reimer uses Word of Faith Joyce Meyer's quote where she declares she's heard the audible voice of God several times.  The quote, undocumented in the book (pp.59-60), is taken from the "Introduction" to Joyce Meyer's book: How to Hear From God. (p. VIII)  In this same book Meyer teaches about the "rhema word" of God.

Reimer's "Does This Mean Anything to You?  Can I Ask You a Question?"

Reimer goes on to say God speaks to us via pictures in dreams and visions.  Reimer shares when he receives certain words or pictures he tests things out by asking leading questions such as: "Does this mean anything to you?" or "Can I ask you a question?"  And I want to ask a question: "In which chapter in Scripture can one find this method practiced?" (pp.61-63)

Reimer's Compassion Prophecy:

Another way God speaks, suggests Reimer, is to our body or emotions.  Reimer says that sometimes before he gives a prophetic word, he'll feel a rush of God's compassion.  He tells a story of such a time when he approached a lady saying, "I have a word from the Lord for you.  She said, 'Tell me.'  I said, 'It isn't here yet, but I can tell is coming, because I can feel the Father's compassion for you.'"  This went on for months.  Finally, relates Remer, the message came.  Thought: Did God's prophets operate on the installment plan?  (p.65)

Reimer's Mind's Eye Word:

Yet another way God speaks, instructs Reimer, is by giving one a word in our mind's eye.  As an example, Reimer retells Wimber's Power Evangelism story about Wimber's airplane "adultery" word.  Reimer also mentions Wimber's anecdotes in his South Shore sermons.  In one sermon, incidentally, he mentions that his good friend Ron Walborn had an increased gift of healing due
to a Wimber impartation. (pp.66-67)

Reimer's "Our Knower:"

Lastly, Reimer says God speaks to our spirit enlightening us with something we'd never know.  So when Reimer prays for someone, he listens.  He says, "Theology 101: 'God is smart, and He knows
stuff we don't know ... He likes to tell us what He knows.'" (p.68)  However, Samuel 2:2,3 says, "There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: ... Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed."

Reimer's Many Kinds of Manifestations:

In the section "Manifestations of God's Presence", Reimer lists various manifestations which occur  when the Spirit comes on someone producing bodily reactions.  Reimer discusses "holy laughter," and "prostration" as mentioned in historian CMA's Paul King's book Genuine Gold*
(pp.96-97)

*  Look for later review of Dr. Paul L. King's books: Genuine Gold and Come Up Higher.

Reimer's Connection with Dr. Paul L. King:

CMAers should become familiar with Dr. King for he, along with the pastoral trio of Walborn, Reimer, and Sanders, desires to lead the Alliance back into the River via Holy Spirit Revival.
The pressing question becomes which River are these men taking the Alliance to?  Unfortunately,
from all I have read, and researched the answer will be the "New Apostolic Reformation River!"

Therefore, I would encourage Alliance readers to inform themselves about who Dr. King is, who he is associated with, and what his books say.  And even more importantly one should, regardless of denomination, arm yourselves with knowledge as to what the NAR (New Apostolic Reformation) is
all about for most assuredly it is not a River one wants to be immersed in!

Dr. King recently twittered he'd been blessed to receive a copy of Reimer's River Dwellers on his birthday.  In addition he posted a photo of the book.  Reimer, in turn, had a link to Dr. King on his facebook page.  Both men closely follow the same agenda. And I might also add both are linked to Randy Clark.  Dr. King's books, and picture can be found on Clark's Global Awakening site; and Dr. King is now a mentor to Randy Clark doctoral scholars.  For much more information please look for my upcoming King book reviews.
http://globalawakening.com/home/speakers/will-hart/28-speakers/154-dr-paul-king

Reimer's Prophecy Testing Suggestions:

Reimer says to humbly test everything to see if it of God.  Reimer writes, "First, test it with Scripture.  ... test it with mature believers who are living in the fullness of the Spirit and have discernment. ... test words with someone who honors prophecy and walks in humility, and has displayed discernment."  Reimer adds, "At South Shore Community Church if I receive a prompting of the Spirit, I test it with other staff members and members of the board." (pp.69-70)

Now, one of Reimer's staff is Associate Pastor Deb Bellvue.  Bellvue, however is a spiritual director, and meditation teacher for an organization known as The Well.  The Well*, run by Katherine Forbes-
Smith also a South Shore member, is anything but a well of living water!  For it lists activities as Saturday Morning Meditation (mindfulness, relaxation, stress relief), massage therapy, yoga, and more.  And Reimer tests things with Bellvue?  Sad indeed! http://visitthewell.org/

*The Well Facebook Meditation Ads:  1-15: Two upturned hands; Touts relaxation, deeper spirituality...; Contact . Bellvue; 2-15: Meditation 101: Learn the what, why, and hows of meditation under the guidance of D. Bellvue; 5-15: Saturday Morning Meditation; Experience mindfulness, relaxation, stress relief; South Shore Facebook: 5-22-15: "Did you know Pastor D. Bellvue leads a prayerful meditation group at the well?"  Note: Well Wording Vs. Church Wording!

Reimer's Reading of Tozer's Mystics: 

Reimer shares that he has read many Tozer books, and that Tozer himself read "Christian Classics" by such ancient writers as Brother Lawrence, Teresa of Avila, and St. John of the Cross.
Reimer indicates, "These saints who have gone before me stir the longings within me for God himself."  (p.110)  However, Reimer fails to mention "these saints" were all Roman Catholics.

Reimer's Dark Night of the Soul:   

In Rob's final chapter: "Twists in the River Bend" he details how he was floundering to stay "in the River."  He writes, "But, for the first time in my life, for an extended period of time, God was nowhere to be found." (P.159)

Rob goes on, "Fortunately, I had read St. John of the Cross's work: Dark Night of the Soul and I had read R. Thomas Ashbrook's book: Mansions of the Heart.  Rob continues, that he so resonated with Ashbrook's description of how to achieve a deeper union with God.  (p.160)

While reading Ashrook's depiction of "the dark night of the soul" Reimer sobbed, and said to the Lord, "I have been in your presence so long I can't imagine living without you. ... I don't want to be with without your Presence. Please."  (p.160)  Later, following Ashbrook's prescription Rob too had his dark night.

Is the dark night of the soul scriptural?  Gotquestions.org answers, "A believer has God's peace now; he doesn't have to experience a 'dark night' first. (Romans 5:1) ... Neither Jesus nor the apostles ever taught a 'dark night' of the soul."   http://www.gotquestions.org/dark-night-soul.html

Conclusion:

Has Rob been leading people into a "River of Life," or into a "River of Deception"?  In the end, I would have to conclude that his drift into the New Apostolic Reformation river sweeps his readers, students, church, and pastoral associates into a swirling eddy of deception. Throw in his Catholic leanings, and what a polluted river it becomes.  Unfortunate this is, for Rob seems to sincerely desire a deeper walk with the Lord; but with his frantic pursuit he, as his close friend Ron Walborn declared, has gotten, and is getting many others saturated in the process--very often not in a "River of Life," but a "River of Deception."

Learn to Discern Granny Verse:  I John 4:1

"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they be of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."

For  More Information:

http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=17658


Watch for:  Upcoming blog contrasting Kevin Reeves'The Other Side of the River with Rob Reimer's River Dwellers.

Dr. Rob Reimer's River Dwellers Vs. Kevin Reeves' The Other Side of the River

Dr. Rob Reimer says pursue God passionately by immersing yourself in the River, while Kevin Reeves says pursue God passionately apart from the River.

What "River" is that?  We'll use Reeves' description which reads: "The River Revival movement--encompassing the Toronto Blessing, Brownsville Revival (or Pensacola Outpouring), Dominion, Latter Rain, Word of Faith, Rodney Howard-Browne's laughing revival, the Kansas City Prophets, and an arbitrary mix of all or some of the aforementioned--..." (p.22)

Purpose:  To enable the reader to understand there are dangers lurking in the River; and that they need to be aware of, and ready to confront these deceptions armed with Scripture.

Ezekiel 47:9: "Where the River Flows:"

Reimer's River References:  Reimer's first verse is Ezekiel 47:9:  "Where the river flows everything will live."  Reimer writes, "At the end of Ezekiel, the prophet receives a vision of water flowing and getting deeper and deeper, until finally it became a river Ezekiel could not cross."

Then, records Reimer, the Lord told Ezekiel that where the river flows everything would live.  Of this river Reimer relates, "It is the River of Life.  Jesus connected these Old Testament prophecies to the coming of the Holy Spirit.  He becomes in us that River of Life."  (pp.90-91)

Reeves' River References:  "Removed from its proper setting the 47th chapter of Ezekiel ... is used to promote a last days vision for the church.  In its proper context ... this wonderful prophecy is an en-couragement that God has not forgotten His covenant people of Israel.  But overstepping the sanctity of scriptural boundaries, this passage has been reshaped into the comfortable doctrines of easy be-
lievism and sensual manifestations that mark a shift in the church.  As believers we have taken a hairpin turn from the preeminence of the Word to a relative, experiential, and terrible apostate faith." 
(p.21-22)

Reeves on River Songs:  In the years after the Toronto Blessing Vineyard worship songs were filled with references to water.  Reeves writes, "A take off from the prophecy of Ezekiel 47, the symbol of the Holy Spirit became our gateway to the supernatural.  One song, we began singing ... told about a rushing torrent flowing from God to touch those who need reviving. ...  Another song that promoted spiritual drunkenness spoke of God's people asking for a drink of the Spirit ...." (p.162)

Quests for Impartations: Passing the Power:

Reimer's Impartation Reflections:  "There is a Biblical concept of impartation.  Jesus told his disciples, "Freely you have received, freely give." (Matthew 10:8)  Reimer states, "I love being prayed for and having people lay hands on me.  When I go to conferences or when I get around people of anointing and spiritual power I ask them to lay hands on me and to pray for me. ...  I've had people from evangelical and charismatic circles lay hands on me ... I've had world renown leaders pray for me, who were anointed by God and who impacted my life through their work. ..."  (pp.42-43)

Reeves' Impartation Reflections:  Reeves writes, "While the Bible does refer to an anointing (I John 2:27), it has in these days of sensual faith been contorted almost beyond recognition.  And as with so much of hyper-charismatic experience has been placed in the realm of something to be reached for, pursued, or worked up in order to be obtained." (p. 80)

Reeves further comments, "... some people ... are looked upon as being more anointed than others.  This naturally presupposes the necessity of making a journey to wherever they happen to be ministering in order to be touched by them, and consequently by God.  It is universally recognized by River adherents that the impartation is passed from person to person via the laying on of hands, and that belief has provoked a virtual scramble among regular church members to get to the preacher that has 'it'".  (pp. 80-81)

Randy Clark: Global Awakening:

Reimer References Clark:  In a June 16, 2013 sermon, Reimer revealed that he and his family would be going on a Brazil mission trip with the Randy Clark ministry where he planned to seek special impartation from Randy.  In this same sermon Reimer told of Heidi Baker's amazing impartation from Clark where she was "laid out" for seven days.  This 2013 Brazilian trip is noted twice in the book.  (pp.34,154)
http://www.southshorecommunitychurchma.com/teaching/sermons/expanding-our-umbrella-of-authority-ii/

Reeves References Clark:  Reeves names Clark in conjunction with the Toronto Blessing.  Reeves reflects, "... the Toronto Blessings official origin stems from a message preached by Randy Clark, who received his 'impartation' from Rodney Howard-Browne, who himself was holding services in Kenneth Hagin Jr.'s Rhema Bible Church in Tulsa in 1993.  Clark's messages in January 1994, at what was then the Toronto Airport Vineyard church, were the main catalyst for the doctrines, mani-
festations, and practices seen in the River movement today." (pp.12-13)

Global Awakening History:  "Of all the things Randy values, this ministry of 'impartation' is the most important to him. ...  He ... recognizes ... that the Kingdom of God will be more powerfully impacted by ministering a fresh impartation of the Spirit to pastors, leaders, and their people.  This causes a ripple-effect- for each pastor or leader who receives a powerful impartation, a multitude of oppor-
tunities open up for those pastors and laity to impact others."  (Global Awakening Web Site)
http://globalawakening.com/home/about-global-awakening/history-of-global-awakening

John Wimber: Vineyard Movement Founder:

Reimer on Wimber:  In regard to misusing or abusing a prophetic word Reimer quotes Wimber as once saying, "The answer is not disuse; it is right use."  He also cites a Wimber story taken from Power Evangelism where Wimber had the word "adultery" in his mind's eye that he explored with a man with whom he was traveling. (pp.55,67,81)

Reimer also tells (9-9-12) in his "Open Doors, Open Hearts" sermon how Dean Ron Walborn (ATS) had an impartation from Wimber that greatly increased his healing successes.  In another sermon (11-4-12) Reimer relates Wimber's "Honeycomb Vision."  On (3-8-2015) Reimer once more uses a Wimber example. http://www.southshorecommunitychurchma.com/teaching/sermons/open-doors-open-hearts/

Reeves on Wimber:  Reeves writes that the two words for which Wimber is remembered has to be "paradigm shift."  Reeves notes, "It was the Vineyard magnate John Wimber who ushered into popularity the term paradigm shift ... or a major alteration in our method of approaching God and allowing Him to approach us.  The old study method is ... no longer adequate.  Indeed, says Reeves, "Experience is what counts, they say, and all the head knowledge we've been accumulating all these years is a big waster of time."  (pp.166-167)

Reeves continues, "Wimber ... first introduced ... the incredibly strange manifestations that are supposedly initiated by the Holy Spirit.  Pogoing (jumping up and down in place), rippling on or under the skin, tingling, shaking, convulsions, uncontrollable laughter, --many of the same mani-
festations traditionally attributed to demonic influence ...  It is shocking and frightening to see the similarities between Wimber's manifestations and what is called Kundalini ..."* (p.167)

* The term for the force that underlies Hindu spirituality.

Holy Laughter:

Reimer's Holy Laughter Thoughts:  Reimer mentions "holy laughter" in his section "Manifesta-
tions of God's Presence."  This is akin, he says, to the disciples being filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit as in Acts 13:52.

Now, from his revival study Reimer declares that "holy laughter" has accompanied many revivals in the past--predating the "holy laughter" in a "revival that had received some press."*  So, surely then holy laughter can be sanctioned maintains Reimer.

*  Reimer fails to name this revival.

Well, one would agree there's been joy and laughter recorded in the past; and as history has recorded, ala Dr. Paul L. King in Genuine Gold, in early circles there was also much controversy about such outbursts.  But, in this day and age, video has recorded the latest rounds of radical laughter showing an out of order circus that resembles Hindu Kundalini manifestations.  One has only to glimpse various videos to see bizarre, unruly, unholy demonstrations that cannot be considered Holy Spirit manifestations!  (pp.96-97)

Reeves' Holy Laughter Thoughts:  Reeves' response to "holy laughter" is graphically described in his chapter: "The Very Last Laugh."  Reeves tells of his church's "unstoppable laughter" where folks were lying topsy turvy, red-faced convulsing hysterically.  (p.127)

As a one-time supporter of such laughter Reeves reflects perhaps this gives him "a one-up" on those who have seen it from the outside.  Reeves relates because of many personal encounters with this phenomena he feels strongly that its source is not of the Lord.  Reeves says, "If these things happened in a bar, we as Christians would be rightly appalled.  But when they occur, and continue to occur ... in the very sanctuary of our churches, then we are expected to look on with indifference and believe that somehow-- in some unfathomable way that was never revealed by our Lord, the apostles, or the prophets of old--that God is at work.  The righteous horror at such fleshly exhibition has faded in the growing shadow of popular Christian myth, fulfilling the Scripture '[A]nd the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play. (Exodus 32:6)'"  (p. 137)

Reeves also refers to Warren Smith's intriguing study of "laughter verses" in Scripture where Smith found forty laughter references.  Of these forty, twenty-two referred to scornful laugher.  And seven had to do with the Sarah/Abraham story, while three in the New Testament warn against laughter.  For much more read Smith's booklet: Holy Laughter or Strong Delusion? (p.138)

A Word From God:

Reimer on a Word From God:  Reimer reasserts that he's emphasized one must humbly test what we're hearing.  He writes, "When we receive a Word from God--whether it be a whisper, a picture, a dream, a feeling--the first things we need to do is test it."

How does one do this?  Begin with Scripture first, instructs Reimer.  If that's not clear, test it with Spirit-filled, discerning Christians.  Writes Reimer, "I won't test words with someone who treats prophecy with contempt. ... I will test words with someone who honors prophecy, and walks in humility, and has displayed discernment."  And adds Reimer, "At South Shore Community Church, if I receive a prompting of the Spirit, I test it with other staff members ..."  (pp.69-70)

Recall my Reimer's River Dweller's review where I mention that someone Reimer uses to test "words from the Lord" is a lady associate pastor, who is part of a holistic center called "The Well," where she teaches meditation and spiritual direction.  What a pity Reimer has this lady as his associate pastor, never mind testing prophetic words!

Reimer's section: "Relaying the Messages of God" has this mind-blowing statement:  "Sometimes the Lord will give us a specific word of knowledge we have no human way of knowing for someone who doesn't yet believe, and it will move the person's heart.  Jesus had this kind of encounter with the woman at the well in John chapter 4.  He gets specific knowledge about her--she was married five times before, and the man she was living with now was not her husband.  It is a game changer for her, and she ends up believing because of His prophetic insight."  The Christ, the Messiah gets specific knowledge and has "prophetic insight?"  (p.76)

Reeves on a Word From God:  In Reeves' chapter "The Word of the Lord?" in "Thus Saith ... Who?" he voices the fact that when it comes to false prophecy we've failed big time when it comes to hold-
ing to the plain truth from Scripture.  Reeves quotes Deuteronomy 18:20-22.  He especially notes verse twenty-two: "But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die."  Reeves underlines this noting, "Presumption (i.e., false prophecy) was punishable by death."
(p.88)

In his hyper-charismatic church Reeves pointed out that very few prophecies were ever corrective, but were mostly pleasant.  Reeves also noted that in his camp so called "prophets" were to grow into the prophetic, and could even be sent to so called "Schools of the Prophets" so as to mature in signs and wonders. (p.92)

Reeves writes true Biblical prophecy was never "exploratory," but always spot on the very first time!  And the perfect example, notes Reeves, is the prophet Nathan saying to David, "Thou art the man!"
(p. 96) Contrast that to Reimer who teaches one to ask exploratory questions such as: "Can I ask you a question?" or "Does that mean anything to you?"  (p.61,63 R.D.)

Being Slain in the Spirit:

Reimer on Being Slain in the Spirit:  In "Manifestations of God's Presence" Reimer mentions a mani-
festation that can be seen occurs when people fall under the weight of God's presence.  He notes that in early CMA history there were numerous people falling in prostration as recorded by Paul King in Genuine Gold.  A prime example of being slain in the spirit, states Reimer, would be the Apostle John falling at the feet of Jesus as though dead. (Rev. 1:17)  (p.97)  Note, the question here would be why did John fall down?  And the answer would be, it was in worship.

Reimer relates that during a "Holy Spirit Weekend" they often have such happenings.  For example a big man named Bill felt sure he wouldn't fall, but with one touch from Reimer down he went.  A lady tried to catch him but couldn't.  Bill then began laughing during which Reimer prayed, "Give him more, God!  He's a big man; he needs more.  Fill him up!" (p.98) 

Reeves on Being Slain in the Spirit:  Reeves, after his repeated observations, noted how disorderly much of this phenomena actually was.  He recalled one particular lady who did this rather frequently; only immediately after falling, she'd sit up to straighten her clothing lying back down quickly.  If she was truly under such power puzzled Reeves how could she get up so quickly? This then made him think of men falling atop women, and vice versa.  Reeves then quotes, "Let all things be done decently, and in order." (I Corinthians 14:40) (p.74)

Reeves asks the question, "Where did being slain in the spirit come from?'  Reeves says their favorite answer came from the passage in II Chronicles 5:13-14 where it speaks of the priests not being able to stand to minister by reason of the glory of the Lord.  But reading further on in II
Chronicles 7:1-2 reveals the reason the priests weren't ministering in the house of God was they weren't there at all but outside!  Reeves records, "While charismatic teaching would have us believe the temple was littered with ... incapacitated priests, the Old Testament simply tells us they could not even enter into the area where God had manifested His glory!" (p.77)

Don't miss Lighthouse Trails new booklet: Slain in the Spirit: Is it a Biblical Practice? by Kevin Reeves. 

Some Thoughts on Catholicism:

Reimer on Catholicism:  Into his River mix Reimer inserts references to the monastery where he had many Holy Spirit encounters.  In addition, he refers to St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the  Cross, Brother Lawrence, listening prayer, silence, solitude, monks, Father Robert, R. Thomas Ashbrook's
Mansions of the Heart, Dark Night of the Soul, and more.  Reimer writes just as if these people, and practices are what a-- saved by grace alone-- Christian should emulate, and partake of.  Not once does Reimer warn the reader what Catholicism actually embraces.

Reeves on Catholicism:  Reeves, in contrast, reveals that both he and his wife were saved out of Catholicism.  Speaking of a sermon that he once heard, he recalled that it "focused on the doctrinal abuses within the Catholic Church, spotlighting the specific practices of certain penitent of the Roman clergy.  Priests would abuse their bodies to the point of death with self imposed penance in order to secure acceptance into heaven.  Having spent twenty-four loyal years within the ranks of Roman Catholicism,  ...  I was understandably horrified.  Yet I well knew such abuses were indeed possible.  The Catholic Church's emphasis of salvation through an unceasing battery of good works was a fertile breeding ground for fanaticism." (p.16)

Reeves reports after being entrapped in Catholicism, he and his wife were later so deeply wrapped up in the River Movement that Reeves relates, "Both of us having left one system of that ilk (Roman Catholicism), we had jumped feet first into another, and avoided the liberating message set forth in the Gospel.  As with every religious system outside of the Gospel, do this, don't do that, don't touch, grab for this--a manmade set of rules had rendered the Word of God of no effect." (p.200)

More, More, More!

Reimer on the Pursuit of More:  Reimer writes, "For the past few years I have been seeking more of God.  I have been pursuing and chasing him fervently.  Sometimes I have given up food to pursue God vigorously.  I've gone on longer fasts than before.  Sometimes I have given up sleep to get up in the night to pursue God. ...  I've spent more time in worship, and I've spent more time in solitude and silence.  I have spent large blocks of time alone with God--about every other month I go to a monastery to pursue God for a day or two.  I am on pursuit." (p.41)

Reeves on the Pursuit of More:  Reeves describes his River pursuit saying, "My spiritual legs became heavy from running after every 'wind of doctrine' that blew through our ranks.  There was never a place of satisfaction, that Sabbath rest spoken of in Hebrews 4.  While the anointing we pursued promised be refreshing, all it did was hone, razor-sharp, the craving for another spiritual high.  We at New Covenant were caught up on an unceasing merry-go-round." (p.200)

Conclusion:

When Reeves realized he was caught in a web of bondage and deception to the River rituals, he courageously risked all to come out of the River.  And as the back cover of his book reads, "Even though the cost was high and even if he had to stand alone, his journey back into the simplicity of Jesus Christ would be worth the price."   Reimer, on the other hand, each day is taking those he influences --seminary students, church members, and pastors-- deeper into the River.  And while I believe he is very sincere in his desires, following his suggestions will lead one into many deceptions whether it be in the River, or into Catholicism.

In addition, I would like to challenge discerning Christians to consider Reeves' admonitions and warnings reading his book to further inform yourself, your friends, and your family of what the River really is all about!

Learn to Discern Granny Verse:  II Timothy 2:15 

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

For More Information:

Lighthouse Trails Booklets:

False Revival Coming? Part I: Holy Laughter or Strong Delusion?  by Warren B. Smith
Slain in the Spirit: Is it a Biblical Practice?  by Kevin Reeves
http://www.lighthousetrails.com/

Caryl  Productions:

Wide Is the Gate: The Emerging New Christianity  Volume 3  The back of the DVD reads: "This final Volume features the Hyper-Charismatic and Pentecostal Movements represented by a variety of names and leaders.  This supposed 'new move of the Holy Spirit' coined as the New ApostolicReformation (NAR) is also known as Third Wave, Manifest Sons of God, Latter Rain, Kingdom Now, Word Faith, Fresh Fire, and has many other names!"  http://caryl.tv/

Read  These Previous "Learn to Discern Granny" Reviews:

Kevin Reeves' Riveting Story of His River Movement Exit: A Review of The Other Side of the River
River of Life, or River of Deception?  A Review of Dr. Rob Reimer's River Dwellers

 







 

Ray Yungen's Warnings: What's Wrong with Reiki

Ray Yungen, author of A Time of Departing and For Many Shall Come in My Name,  has an outstanding five part series: "Questions on the New Age" that can be seen on You Tube.  In
Part Five the question is, "What is the major spearhead of the New Age spirituality?" Ray answers "energy healing." Ray then zeroes in on Reiki spelling out its dangers.  Filled with facts, and warnings this short video is well worth listening to.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aqL2PrnyGA

Now, a small group, that meets in our home including a lady who did Reiki as well as two chiropractors, recently listened to Ray's video and here's what we learned:

Reiki is a popular form of "energy healing." 

How true, for Reiki is right here in our little Tennessee town.  I'll always recall the day my sweet beautician friend Bonnie* called saying, "They're going to do Rakki!"  "You mean "Reiki," I replied."  And she went on to tell me one of her young clients had been very ill, and they were going to try "Reiki."  "What can I do?" she inquired.  At the time, I recommended Jan Markell's "Understanding the Times" 2013 interview with Ray Yungen on Reiki.  Here it is:
http://www.olivetreeviews.org/radio/complete-archives/779-the-truth-about-energy-healing

Indeed, Reiki is all over.  Dr. B.*, in our group, knew of a close-by hospital that provides Reiki.  And it may be that a health center close to you is one of the 800 hospitals that Ray said now do this.  So be ready for Reiki at a venue near you from day spas to hospices!

*  Name changed.

Reiki is a Japanese word.

Reiki means "universal life," or "spiritual life."  In Japan it is a generic word associated with the occult.

Reiki is related to "the chakra system."

Yes, Reiki is related to the chakra energy points or, as Yungen puts it, those "spinning balls" of psychic energy beginning at the base of the spine right up to the top of your head.

Read Ray's chakra relationship to Reiki from his book Many Shall Come in My Name here:
http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?tag=chakras

Reiki is a conduit to opening oneself up to other forces.

After having Reiki, Ray emphasized, one is often more open to practicing yoga or meditation.
Changes set in.  The person feels led and guided more and more.  It is easy to shed or cast off old belief systems.  So, beware don't partake of Reiki.

Reiki is going to be used on someone you know.

Ray warned it is only a matter of time until Reiki will be done on a loved one, or friend.  And while I was talking about Reiki, just the other day, someone close to us shared they had been given a Reiki treatment, and had experienced great results.  I then, armed with Reiki info, went on to detail its dangers.

Reiki is touted by well-known adherents.

Ray mentions Reiki is taught by Dr. Mehmet Oz, and his wife Lisa who is a "Reiki Master."  That means Lisa has "Spirit Guides" who aid her as she performs Reiki.  Then, notes Ray, there's a Reiki proponent, Raven Keyes of NYC, who says, "We all have a right to our spirit guides."

Reiki is not Biblical, so beware!

Finally, at the end of the video Ray reminds us in Leviticus 19:31 it admonishes us not to turn to mediums who have familiar spirits, and not to seek their help,  "Consider this verse; look it up!" warns Ray.  And I would add one more word-- memorize it!

Learn to Discern Granny:   Leviticus 19:31

"Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the
the LORD your God."
 

For More Information:

Excellent Article:  http://www.inplainsite.org/html/reiki.html

Lighthouse Trails Booklet:  http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=12017

The Truth About Energy Healing by Ray Yungen

The Christian and Missionary Alliance Hooks Up with the IAHR  (International Association of Healing Rooms)

The Christian and Missionary Alliance headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colorado now has a  Healing Room Ministry established by Steve Peterson, a technology group employee of the CMA headquarter staff, trained by NAR Apostle Cal Pierce's International Association of Healing Rooms, Spokane, Washington (IAHR).  Meantime, CMA Higher Life Fellowship, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma has an official healing room under the IAHR co-directed by Dr. Paul L. King.
http://healingrooms.com/    http://healingrooms.com/index.php?src=local&l=US1743

Perhaps, you're saying, "Why should this be concerning?  After all, hasn't the Alliance always supported divine healing?"  That indeed is true, however, there is a huge concern because as Pro Veritate Blog points out, and as I have pointed out in several of my blogs, "The Christian and Missionary Alliance has exhibited a worrisome move toward the direction of the New Apostolic
Reformation."

Now, the founder of the Healing Room Movement is none other than John G. Lake, the often venerated faith healer, whose healing room ministry has been resurrected by New Apostolic Reformation Apostle Cal Pierce.  Therefore, to know the roots of the healing room movement is to revisit its past history as well its recent restoration.  And to see the results of that restoration is to look into today's healing room association--the IAHR.

Take a Look at John G. Lake's Healing Room History:

John G. Lake?  Who was he?  Was he the esteemed man of God as his ardent admirers claim, or was he a con and a fraud as history seems to indicate?  There's much to read, and I would admonish one to do so before buying into the healing room mystique and hype!

To peruse most renditions of Lake's life is to read a biased view of  Lake's legendary fame that's been told and retold until Lake appears saint-like, rather than the man he actually was. In light of this, I will attempt to give the reader just a little peek into the rest of the story.
http://healingrooms.com/index.php?page_id=422

Now, a good place to start might be with "John G. Lake" found in Keith Gibson's "Patron Saints of the Prophetic" found in his book Wandering Stars: Contending for the Faith with the New Apostles and Prophets. Gibson gives us a short overview of Lake's life and legacy which, by the way, he says, "... few have actually read him, or even taken a cursory look at his history beyond the claims of the miraculous." (p.282)
http://www.thebereancall.org/content/t-mcmahon-keith-gibson-part-1

Gibson notes that Lake taught that we are "little gods."  Gibson quotes from a Kenneth Copeland publication John G. Lake: His Life, His Sermons, His Boldness of Faith that reads, "The
power of God, the Holy Ghost, is the Spirit of Dominion. It makes one a god."  Lake also
taught "dominion theology" noting that he wrote, "... that the church will 'take the world' and will crown the Son of God as King of kings and Lord of lords." Lake taught too that one could communicate with the dead as long as one did not call them up from hell!  And that was just the beginning of Lake's falsehoods. (pp.282, 283)

Lake also was a documented fraud, says Gibson, being arrested various times. Gibson details Lake's inability to heal as noted in the Oregonian newspaper.  Gibson observes, "These are not the actions of a man of God but that of a charlatan." (p.286)

Wikipedia tells us Lake was known as a faith healer, missionary, and founder of "healing rooms." Lake also was strongly influenced by one --John Alexander Dowie-- whose own checkered background one should examine as well. The article points out claims Lake made such as his having established newspapers which was patently false, having had lucrative jobs when he was but a carpenter, and having connections with prominent people of his day of which there is no record.  Historian Barry Morton documents much of Lake's questionable activities in two detailed articles: "'The Devil Who Heals" and "John G. Lake's Formative Years."  Scroll down to the bottom of the Wikipedia article, and click onto Morton's articles to read them.
https://sv.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_G._Lake

Let Us Reason Ministries also has an eye-opening article: "Reviving the Revival of John Lake" which further exposes Lake's life. It is part of a five part series on "John Lake and the Healing Rooms." I recommend you click below to read more of its "reasoned" comments.  For a compilation of this series also read: "John G. Lake and the Healing Rooms: False Teachings and Unbiblical Practices" written and compiled by Chris Lawson.
http://www.letusreason.org/Popteac41.htm 
http://www.spiritual-research-network.com/healingrooms.html

Take a Look at Apostle Cal Pierce's Healing Room Awakening:

Lake died in 1935, and after his death the healing rooms folded.  Almost seventy years later a Bethel Assembly of God (presently Bethel Church, Redding, CA) elder, now turned Apostle Cal Pierce,
moved to Spokane to resurrect Lake's healing rooms.  Pierce told how he'd spent time praying at Lake's grave reminding one of  Benny Hinn praying over Katherine Kuhlman's grave, or of  Bethel's current fascination with "grave sucking," or even of Lake's involvement with calling back the dead.  There's even a tale, as Lake's healing room was being restarted, that an angel appeared in the corner of the very room where Lake had had many amazing healings.  However, it turns out that room, and that building had burned down long ago!
http://www.elijahlist.com/words/display_word/8154

Along with his resurrection of the Spokane, Washington healing room Piece has made this ever expanding ministry just another arm of the NAR.  At present, this ministry has over three thousand healing rooms in seventy-six nations.   Leader Cal Piece, as a true NARite, follows their aberrant teachings as demonstrated by Cal's chapter nine excerpt from the book The Physics of Heaven.  In it Cal has an angelic encounter by his "supposed" angel of thirty years whom he never met until recently.  Cal recounts how upon imbibing of NAR's Tim Sheets' (Dutch Sheets' brother) teaching about "service angels"--angels that run errands Cal met "the energy angel" who according to this tale had been sent to teach Cal about "a water car" --a proposed car of the future.  Why, Cal even took a walk with his energy angel.  As a result of this "angel adventure," shares Cal, he is now into exploring how to produce power with sound!  This is but one beyond wild manifestation that NARites openly share purporting to be true.  Readers, this is exactly why the International Association of Healing Rooms Headquarters with its fire room, portal room, waves of glory room, and more are suspect; for Cal as well as his other NAR cohorts tout so many strange manifestations and prophecies it boggles the mind how people can blindly follow such leaders.  http://heavensphysics.com/chapter9/

View video  done by CBN "Reopening the Wells: Legacy of Lake's Healing Rooms" here: 
http://healingrooms.com/index.php?src=videos&category=1&video=3  At 4:10 on the video see the ad for the 2014 July Infusion Conference that was sponsored by the Healing Rooms
with Danny Silk, Graham Cooke, and Shawn Boltz.  Note Pierce's ending challenge.  http://healingrooms.com/calendar_popup.php?cid=669
            
Take a Look at CMA Headquarters' Healing Room Ministry:

In the January 2014 Alliance Life article: "The Alliance Inheritance" Steve Peterson, CMA worker, tells how he felt it was time to launch a healing prayer ministry at the National Office.  Steve recounts that his wife's fight with MS catapulted him into becoming focused in on healing prayer.
Soon, he began training and ministering with the IAHR or International Association of Healing Rooms.

Later, after submitting a proposal to establish a healing room to the National Office leadership team, and gaining approval, Steve forged ahead training a team to establish what became a weekly "healing room" in an office chapel.  Once trained the team began using their techniques on others from international workers to new US workers.  In the future Steve envisions these healing prayer techniques being used on General Council to district conference attendees.
http://www.cmalliance.org/alife/the-alliance-inheritance/

Now, it is not Peterson's wanting to pray for the sick that is in question, but where and from whom Peterson received his training that is problematic.  For, as shown above, the Healing Rooms
have a very questionable history, and at present are solidly in the camp of the New Apostolic Reformation or hyper-charismatic movement!

Pro Veritate's  Blog piece "Cal Pierce, the NAR, 'Healing Rooms,' and the Christian and Missionary Alliance" pointed out that Apostle Pierce, founder of the IAHR, is directly connected to the NAR thus supporting false claims to apostleship, and the spread of dominion theology.  Pierce himself, says the article, is a member of the dues paying organization known as the International Coalition of Apostolic Leaders.
http://www.proveritate.org/blog/cal-pierce-nar-healing-rooms-cma

Below Peterson's Alliance Life article, Pro Veritate noted, an online commenter mentioned she had met Steve Peterson at a recent Randy Clark Global Awakening conference.  Clark, a NAR super apostle, the person who began the notorious Toronto Blessing with all of its bizarre manifestations and out of order "spiritual drunkenness," is a close friend of Bill Johnson.  That is Bill Johnson of the now famous for fanaticism Bethel Church with its ever changing strange signs and wonders phenomena.  And it is with Clark and Johnson that Dr. Paul L. King is currently connected.

Take a  Look at Dr. Paul L. King's Higher Life Healing Room:

CMA  professor, and historian Dr. Paul L. King pastors a Broken Arrow, Oklahoma CMA church, Higher Life Fellowship, which has the distinction of having its very own IAHR certified Healing Room center which King himself co-directs.  And it was at these Healing Rooms recently, advertised on its Facebook, one might come and partake of "soaking prayer."  "Soaking prayer," by the way, is just another form of contemplative prayer where mesmerizing music lulls those laying on the floor into a trance like state.
http://standupforthetruth.com/2013/10/sid-roth-promotes-soaking-prayer-tutorial-on-wnd/

King, a masterful historian, has written a number of books including Come UpHigher which is endorsed by both Randy Clark, and Bill Johnson.  King is also author of Genuine Gold which is a detailed account of the early history of the CMA and its Pentecostal roots.  In it King quotes just about every early Pentecostal figure from John G. Lake to Charles Parham to A.B. Simpson.  King says of this work that he is cautiously charismatic and that he wants to be a bridge or buffer between charismatics and non-charismatics.  However, from all I've read of King he has thrown caution to the wind, and is now associated with the hyper-charismatics, and not just any of them but with some of the most well-known of the NAR movement.
http://paulkingministries.com/shop/come-up-higher-rediscovering-throne-life-the-highest-christian-life-for-the-21st-century/

Conclusion:

In the end, the CMA's hook up with the International Association of Healing Rooms is very troublesome, for once again they are connecting themselves to hyper-charismatics who are involved in experiential manifestations that supersede the Word with so called signs and wonders that in no way are of the Holy Spirit!  Therefore, I'd encourage you to dig deeper into the NAR as well as the IAHR, so you may be ready to warn others of their deceptions and dangers.  Proverbs 1:5 reminds us: "A wise  man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:."

Learn to Discern Granny Verse:  Matthew 24:24

"For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders, insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect."

For More Information:

Lighthouse Trails Booklet:  The New Age Propensities of Bethel Church's Bill Johnson by
John Lanagan.  This booklet gives a review of The Physics of Heaven of which Cal Pierce,
NAR IAHR leader, has a chapter. http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=15508

Richard Rohr's The Naked Now at Nyack

At Nyack Christian and Missionary Alliance College in Nyack, NY in the fall of 2011 Dr. James P. Danaher, professor and chair of the Philosophy Department, taught Father Richard Rohr's The Naked Now to his Nyack students.  Not only did he teach this heretical book, but Danaher dared to do it on You Tube for the whole world to see.

Clutching the book in his hand,  Danaher read aloud sections of The Naked Now: Learning to See as the Mystics See to his students.  Stopping to discuss each part he continuously endorsed all Rohr wrote.  He especially wanted to emphasize to his students that they rid themselves of all or nothing thinking, and let themselves be open to the "Yes!"  He tells the students they are "now here, (New Age for "nowhere") or in the past" but where we want to go "is to get out of our minds" so we can "just be present."  And how can one "be in the moment?"  Danaher answers: "Through contemplative prayer."

To enable the reader understand who Danaher is, and why the above scenario is so frightening the following facts will help paint the picture:

Dr. James P. Danaher, Chair Philosophy Department, Nyack College
http://www.zoominfo.com/s/#!search/profile/person?personId=139293042&targetid=profile

Wrote:  Eyes that See, Ears that Hear: Perceiving Jesus in a Postmodern Context (2006)


*  Published by: Roman Catholic Liguori Publications/ Redemptorists
*  Endorsed by: Father Richard Rohr
*  Quoted by:  Dr. John H. Armstrong, Wheaton College
http://johnharmstrong.typepad.com/john_h_armstrong_/2010/10/defining-the-most-misused-word-in-modern-christian-conversation.html

In his article "Our Perception of Reality" (February 16, 2011) Armstrong glowingly praises Danaher for abandoning the structure and the authority of modernity, and seeking to be freed of its rigidity of knowing exact truths to truth that is found in beauty and story.  He wrote,  "If you are confused ...
if you are a student... a 20 or thirty something who wonders if you can remain a Christian based upon how you were taught to perceive the world... if you older ... read Danaher."  Armstrong continues on answering the question as to why everyone should read this book.  He says, "You have heard ... how bad postmodernism is for the Christian faith, equating the word with liberalism, denial of Christ and rejection of Biblical authority. Question that premise with all your mind ..."  He then emphatically says he has read the book twice, and he will read it again.  It has become, he emphasizes, one of the most important books in his library.  He underlines the words: "I cannot encourage you too strongly toget this book."
http://johnharmstrong.typepad.com/john_h_armstrong_/2011/02/our-perception-of-reality.html

Wrote:  Article: "The Postmodern Gospel" (January, 2006)
Interview: "My Conversion to Life in Christ" (2006) 
*  Critiqued by: Robert N. Wilkin, author and editor of Journal of the Grace Evangelical Society
*  Comment about: Wilkin's paper "The Gospel According to Evangelical Postmodernism" 

In his article intro Wilkin wrote: "Evangelical Postmoderns embrace doubt. They aren't sure God exists. ... the Bible is God's Word, ... Jesus is the Savior...there is life after death, ... that they have everlasting life ... Evangelical Postmoderns put a high premium on experience. ..."

About Danaher's article Wilkin commented: "Note that there is no mention here at all of any benefits of the Postmodern gospel beyond the grave.  What Danaher talks about is "an ever greater opportunity to order our lives."  Wilkin continued: "Note too that Danaher denies any universal or objective truth.  If our truth is not universal, this implies there is another truth out there that allows other religions to find a way to order their lives around a different person, maybe a Mohammed or Buddha.

About Danaher's interview Wilkin said:  "Note what is missing here: no reference to faith in Christ, no reference to eternal life or justification, and no reference to anything related to eternity."
Wilkins also wrote:  "Note what is present here: a repeated emphasis on 'experiences with God,'
repeated discussion of 'a transformed life,''a radically new and different life' is the aim, and surrender is the condition of this new life."
http://www.faithalone.org/journal/2007i/1_Wilkin%20edited.pdf

Wrote:  Jesus After Modernity: A Twenty-First-Century Critique of Our Modern Concept of Truth and the Truth of the Gospel (2011)


*  Published by: Cascade Books
*  Endorsed by: Father Richard Rohr, Dr. John H. Armstrong, and Dr. Ronald Walborn
*  Back Cover Summary:  During modernity we came to believe truth as objective, certain, and precise.   Mathematics became the model.  This then led to how we saw truth when we presented the gospel.  Jesus' teachings, on the other hand, were often vague, ambiguous, and contradictory.
Fortunately, says Danaher, now our understanding of the human condition has debunked this once held notion of truth.  As a consequence this has freed us to rethink truth more in line with what Jesus said, and in line with what we now know as truth given the limits of our human condition.
*  Reviewed by:  Armstrong, on Amazon.com, once more strongly recommends this book.                

Wrote: Contemplative Prayer: A Theology for the 21st Century (2011)
http://www.amazon.com/Contemplative-Prayer-Theology-Twenty-First-ebook/dp/B005QEPMEE#reader_B005QEPMEE


*  Published by:  Cascade Books   
*  Foreword written by: Dr. John H. Armstrong, Wheaton College
*  Endorsed by:  Father Richard Rohr
*  Endorsed by: Dr. Ronald Walborn the Dean of the Alliance Theological Seminary, Nyack, NY
*  Acknowledged:  Michael Scales (President, Nyack College); David Jennings (VP College); David Turk (Provost of Nyack); Ronald Walborn (Dean of Seminary); & Fernando Arzola (Dean of Nyack's Arts and Sciences). 
*  Thanked:  "For Richard Rohr, 'His words always made me feel I was not alone.'"
https://wipfandstock.com/store/Contemplative_Prayer_A_Theology_for_the_TwentyFirst_Century
*  Nyack NYC Scholars Symposium, Feb. 3, 2011:  Danaher presents his book.
http://www.nyack.edu/blog/NyackNews/790

Update November 2013:

Writing: The Second Truth: A Brief Introduction to the Intellectual and Spiritual Journey that is Philosophy  (To be published: March 2014)

*  Published by: Paragon House
*  Endorsed by:  Father Richard Rohr
*  Endorsed by:  Maggie Ross
*  Description:

Enraptured by Rohr:

  *  Danaher spent eleven weeks at Rohr's "Center for Action & Contemplation" (CAC) in 2008.
  *  Danaher was an intern at CAC working on Special Projects/Stillpoint. 
  *  Danaher's summer session mentioned by Nyack's The Path (p.22).
  *  Danaher used Rohr to endorse all his books.
  *  Danaher taught a Nyack College Small Group "Jewish Prophets & the Enneagram" (Tuesdays,
2PM, Simpson 200A in Fall 2011.)
http://www.nyack.edu/files/NYACK_SmallGroups_Fall2011.pdf
  *  Danaher used Rohr's book The Naked Now for a You-Tube Course from Oct-Dec. 2011.
http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/books/books.php?id=19451
  *  Danaher told You Tube students he is so full of Rohr that he isn't aware when Rohr's thoughts leave off and his take over.
What Interns do at CAC:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7Jl6la8OBI
More About CAC:
http://www.examiner.com/article/interns-grow-spiritually-while-working-at-center-for-action-and-contemplation
Another Intern's CAC Story:
http://spectrummagazine.org/article/interviews/2010/03/01/year-center-action-and-contemplation


To know Rohr is to know where Danaher is coming from.  When you truly find out who Rohr is you'll understand why the deception Danaher teaches is so dangerous.  If possible get Rohr's book/s; look up all the web pages; and check out the critiques and you'll
know why one should "run from Rohr!"     

More about Rohr:
http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/teachers/teachers.php?id=212&g=


  *  Rohr has founded the Center for Action &Contemplation (CAC) in New Mexico.
  *  Rohr has held a conference at CAC with Emergent leaders (e.g. Brian McLaren) in 2008.
  *  Rohr has taught such topics as "God as Us! The Sacred Feminine & The True Masculine;"
"Enneagram Intensive;""Following the Mystics;""Jesus & Buddha;""The Great Chain of Being;"
and so much more.
  *  Rohr has been on Oprah & Friends; and has been interviewed by Dr. Mehmet Oz.
  *  Rohr has been criticized for his heretical doctrine by Catholic apologists.

Criticism of Rohr by Catholic Bryce Andrew Sibley:
http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=6819
Criticism of CAC by "The Catholic Media Association:"
http://www.catholicmediacoalition.org/rohr_CAC.htm
CAC's Labyrinth:
http://www.gentleartofwandering.com/walking-a-labyrinth/
Spirituality & Practice: About Rohr:
http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/books/books.php?id=16112

November 2013 Update:  Danaher contributor to Rohr book: Oneing: The Perennial Tradition
James Danaher, along with Richard Rohr, Mark Burrows, Ilia Delio, Mary Beth Ingham, David Benner (Books used by College, Seminary, Empower Program), John Esposito, Robert Sardello,
Jamie Manson, &James Finley, writes article for Oneing.  See: http://www.amazon.com/Oneing-Perennial-Tradition-Richard-Rohr-ebook/dp/B00EVXACBE

http://www.contemplative-life.org/richard-rohr/-oneing-an-alternative-orthodoxy.html
This page is from the "The Contemplative Book Store."  Notice the MANDALA in the upper left hand corner.  Scroll down to see the heretical books here. 



Danaher Endorser: Dr. John H. Armstrong:


  *  Armstrong is an adjunct Wheaton College professor.
  *  Armstrong is the President of ACT3: Equipping Leaders for Unity in Christ's Mission.
  *  Armstrong is heavily into Roman Catholicism being a personal friend of once Protestant -now prominent Catholic- Scott Hahn.
  *  Armstrong is the person who arranged for Chicago's Cardinal George to be his guest in March 2012 at Wheaton's Edman Chapel.
  *  Armstrong is also an admirer of Richard Rohr.

Danaher Friend: Dr. John H. Armstrong:



  *   Armstrong, through Eyes that See, Ears that Hear, wrote to Danaher.
  *   Armstrong telephoned Danaher; and sent him his book: No Church Is Too Small.
  *   Armstrong later endorsed two of Danaher's books.
  *   Armstrong subsequently met Danaher in person.
How Armstrong & Danaher Met:  
http://johnharmstrong.com/?p=4070
   *   Armstrong introduces Danaher to another contemplative brother-Dr. Craig Higgins.
Higgins, a Presbyterian Pastor, teaches "Contemplative Meditation" at Wainwright House,
a Spirituality Center.
http://www.amazon.com/Your-Church-Is-Too-Small/dp/031032114X

Danaher's You Tube Classes:  Danaher Teaches Father Richard Rohr's Book: The Naked Now: Learning to See As the Mystics See



Danaher's You Tube Class: Oct. 4, 2011-"Mysticism the Other Logic:"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2H1gyqD7pB8


*  Danaher begins this session discussing the modernity belief that truth can be certain; he says that's "ego" or "that's orthodoxy."  Postmoderns use "orthopraxy."
*  Danaher reads The Naked Now stopping to explain about "All or Nothing Thinking;"  and "Left Brain, or Dualistic Thought." 
*  Danaher challenges anyone not to think they can believe the whole Bible; everyone is in the middle. 
*  Danaher says the "ignorant masses" are impressed with those who never change their minds. 
*  Danaher refers to Rohr's comments on "Jesus lived personally" while "The Buddha lived experientially."
*  Danaher notes Rohr visited a Buddhist monastery ("this is really neat") where he observes their
"consequentialist debates."  (Note: the book says a friend "Thomas William" visited the monastery.)
*  Danaher reiterates the fact that he and various colleagues do not see eye to eye, but they are learning from each other and learning how to "smile" at the end of their debates as the Buddhists do. (See chapter five "A Lesson from the (Tibetan) Monks.")
*  Danaher tells a tale from his youth where he glorifies the Catholic traditions.
*  Danaher uses bad language in this lecture.
*  Danaher mentions folks ask him: "Why he is still at Nyack?  Why he hasn't been run off?"
*  Danaher also tells how he delivered his new contemplative prayer book to President Mike Scales, and how Scales said this type of prayer was something he needed personally.  And Danaher says: "So you have a president that's into contemplation, and looking for that deeper journey.  Pretty cool stuff!"

Danaher's You Tube Class: Oct.6, 2011-"Mysticism the Other Logic:" 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXwvqcewzyo

*  Danaher continues reading and teaching from The Naked Now.
*  Danaher listens as student asks about the internet Vatican warning about Rohr teaching "New Age" ideas. The student says:  "I guess he's (Rohr) not the average Catholic."
*  Danaher response is to wax eloquent on the various orders of the R.C. church as the secular priest, the Dominicans, the Franciscans... and liberty, under Roman Catholicism. that they have each having their own prelates.
*  Danaher alludes to his three-month internship with CAC, and priest he met.
*  Danaher reads more; then mentions "theology heads" are a "six" in the "Enneagram" system; a student mentions his number was a "six" too when he began these studies.
*  Danaher quotes one of Rohr's most remarkable quotes between Rohr says this, and Rohr says that.
*  Danaher uses bad language about 7:25 into lesson.
*  Danaher talks with lady who tells she wants out of a church she attends; that she is especially (bad language) about those folks who say: "They know for certain!"  But, she like Gandhi, is trying to be the change and she is teaching "contemplative prayer;" she's getting it in.
*  Danaher says the beauty of Nyack is that at one point (just like he once was) people need a foundation; but that they aren't ready for the "deeper" things he's teaching.  At Nyack, he says, there's
"conservatives" they can go to; and there's "liberals" too.

Danaher's You Tube Class: Oct.11, 2011- "Mysticism the Other Logic:"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuWRAjFB8_Y



*  Danaher continues his Rohr indoctrination.
*  Danaher teaches religious, judgmental people begin with the "No!"   Rather, they should step back, wait, and then stand in the moment.
*  Danaher jots the New Age term "now here" on the board; and he asks the class what this means.
The answer is "nowhere!" 
*  Danaher goes over the idea how active our mind always is either being in the past, or the future; but we want to quiet that and just be in the present moment--not in our mind.  We want to be in "liminal space!"
*  Danaher once again tells how he awakens, and attempts to pray using a mantra "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!"
*  Danaher reiterates "the mind wears you out" so you use a "mantra" to focus, or even Catholics use a "rosary" to focus.  We need this contemplative "discipline of prayer."
*  Danaher says we need to be a Mary, not a Martha. He then references "Brother Lawrence."
*  Danaher, next, shares how Father Rohr takes a yearly retreat to "Monk Thomas Merton's Kentucky Hermitage."
*  Danaher tells he did a talk on contemplative prayer to the Manhattan Campus, and the evaluation
was not what he wanted as people preferred he talk on "intercession."  He puts that idea down in a condescending voice.
*  Danaher uses a Rohr-like term "doing religion;" he also adds some not-so-nice language.
*  Danaher tells the students they can order Rohr videos through the internet, and names one they might like to purchase.
*  Danaher also puts down true Christian internet apologetic web sites who explain what "contemplative prayer" actually is.
*  Danaher, as in other lessons, refers to the occult practice of using an "Enneagram."



Enneagram Memo:  If you aren't aware of what "The Enneagram" is please read "The Enneagram GPS: Gnostic Path to Self" by Marcia Montenegro a former New Ager.

http://christiananswersforthenewage.org/Articles_Enneagram.html

Danaher's You Tube Class: Oct. 13, 2011- "Mysticism the Other Logic:"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kWR_ItIHeI

*  Danaher continues with more Rohr.
*  Danaher stresses we have never arrived, therefore we are always seeking forgiveness enabling us to be merciful and forgiving.
*  Danaher relates during a nightly prayer time he used a mantra over and over "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!" to keep from being distracted.
*  Danaher reteaches again that we're trained in the "Left Brain," and we need to get out of the "Left Brain" and just "let go" and "be present!"
*  Danaher often alludes to such Catholics as "Mother Teresa."
*  Danaher again and again hammers the idea of our needing forgiveness continuously so that we in turn can give "mercy and forgiveness."
*  Danaher praises Nyack for having liberal viewpoints, and providing all kinds of professors so students can get the right fit.
*  Danaher tells of an old head of the Bible Department who took him to task.  A students quizzes him as to who that was.  Danaher does not name him because he says we're on You Tube!
*  Danaher tells of students who avoid his class as they have labeled him a heretic.

Danaher's You Tube Lecture: November 8, 2011- "Mysticism-Class Discussion:"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eRP2eUrGg8



*  Danaher teaches in the twenty-first-century we think about knowledge differently.
*  Danaher says our goal is to have a "Jesus Perspective."
*  Danaher cautions, "Don't trust your own understanding; struggle with it!" 
*  Danaher instructs, "Do violence to your understanding!"
*  Danaher shares he no longer takes "Honor Students" because they just can't get with these ideas.
*  Danaher says during "modernity" mystery was eliminated for rational reasoning.  And after modernity we want to taste mystery and forgiveness.  "Open your head!" he advises.
*  Danaher once more drives home the point that contemplative prayer is being "present to God."
*  Danaher gets on his "soap box" about our continual sinning and being forgiven, so we can show "mercy and forgiveness" to others.
*  Danaher refers to Tony Campolo, a very controversial 'Christian' Eastern University professor, who used a bad word to describe a sad situation; to emphasize the word Campolo used Danaher repeats this several times.
*  Danaher says ( a few sentences later), "I was going to drop the F-bomb."
*  Danaher says "patriotism" is a form of "idolatry"; the then mocks the flag salute.
*  Danaher follows, soon after, with a sentence using still more unacceptable language.
*  Danaher believes the Bible is a "progressive revelation."
*  Danaher interjects the only answer is to get "The Jesus Revelation."
*  Danaher reiterates "contemplative prayer" means "being present" rather than "in our head" with its thoughts of the past and the future.  Saints like mystics Catherine or Genoa or Meister Eckert, he says, felt a "conscious union with something deeper."  With one last expletive, and a few more words he ends the session.
 
Note:  I listened to all of these "You Tube Lectures" sometimes several times; they speak for themselves.


Update January 2014:  After sending a copy of this article, and other information to Dr. Stumbo all of these videos have been taken down.  Hopefully, it wasn't just to hide them, for as I write in my most recent blog Danaher's book/article are still being touted on Nyack's web pages.  Please research Rohr to know why this continues to be a true travesty.    



What's Wrong With Rohr?  The Naked Now? 
 

*  Rohr refers to "the Buddha," and to "Buddhism" and "Hinduism" throughout his book.
Consider these quotes!  Notice Rohr often puts "Jesus" on the same plane as "the Buddha."

P.33  "It is the primary form of 'dying to the self' that Jesus lived personally and the Buddha taught experientially.  The growing consensus is that, whatever you call it, such calm, egoless seeing is invariably characteristic of people at the highest levels of doing and loving in all cultures and religions.  They are the ones we call sages or wise women or holy men.  They see like the mystics see."

p.35  "The fact that nonpolarity thinking is at the core of three of the world's great religions--Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism--demands that we give it at least a 'Gamaliel hearing.'"

p.39  "A Lesson from the Monks" (Buddhist Monks!)  "Do not plunder the Mystery with concepts."
(Zen Masters) and "My religion is kindness." (The Dalai Lama)

p.43  "He told me that during the young novice's training,  he or she is presented over a period of three years with each and every one of the Buddha's teachings."

p.44  "The concern in Tibetan Buddhism is not to achieve a conceptually perfect answer, which has to be defended, but to call forth a happy, loving, aware, and perceptive human being.  Is that not one type of 'salvation?'"

p.49  "Almost all spiritual teachers say something to this effect: 'Do not judge.'  There is Jesus in Matt. 7:1 and Luke 6:36-38; there is the Buddha in the Dhammapada, 4:7. Do not judge."

p.52  "In all situations, ... the all-important question  is 'Is it true?'  Not: 'Is it from my group?''Does it please me?' ...  Who cares? the saint would say.  'Only the ego cares,' the Buddhist would say; and the ego is not interested in truth or in God, only in control."

p.53  "As Rumi (Sufi) said, "There are a thousand ways to kneel and kiss the ground.'  ...  Buddhists called it meditation, sitting, or practicing.... Sufi Islam called it ecstasy. ...  Vedantic Hinduism ...
spoke of it as nondual knowing or simply breathing."

p.59  "Knowledge is the gathering of information.  It consists in knowing about "the ten thousand things," as the Buddhists poetically call it."

p.60  "We already know far more than Jesus or Buddha ever knew, but the great difference is that they knew what they did know from a different level and in a different way".
p.63  "Good religion, however, is always about seeing rightly. ...  And to see rightly is to be able to be fully present-- without fear, without bias, and without judgment.  ... this wisdom has been kept a huge secret, even though Jesus, perhaps Moses, and surely Buddha taught it to their followers."

p.75  "... I would like to point out one teaching in Luke's gospel that I think is pivotal-- one that, some would say, sounds almost exactly like the saying of a Zen Master, Jesus is addressing both the Pharisees and the disciples, therefore both outsiders and insiders at the same time."

p.77  "In both of these passages (Luke 17) Jesus is exactly repeating the Sanskrit neti, neti of ancient Hinduism. 'Not this and not that' was taught by ancient sages to protect the final unpronounceability
and full knowledge of the Holy."

p.85  "Lonergan (Jesuit) taught that the only real way to find objectivity today was to help people clarify and heal their subjectivity!  These words might remind us of the Buddha. ..."

p.99  "Ancient Hinduism actually painted a third eye onto the forehead.  The tika, which originally was a sign of this new seeing or enlightenment, eventually became a cosmetic decoration for women, as it is today."

p.100  "Some call it (alternative consciousness) by the various names of light, including enlightenment (Hinduism, Buddhism, John's Gospel), some call it conversion (the falling of scales from Paul's eyes in Acts 9:18-19), Jesus calls several people who see correctly and act on it quite simply saved (see Luke 8:48, 17:19, Mark 7:28); or in words almost too simple, 'Do this and life is yours.'" (Luke 10:28)

p.134  "Religious teachers, including Jesus, the Buddha, as well as many Hindu sages, are always telling us to wake up--to be alert, alive, awake, attentive, or aware."

p.138  Summary/paraphrase of Romans 14-16  "Mediators and Buddhists would call this the 'Stable Witness,' which is attained by discipline and practice, leading to 'realization' of union with Being Itself."

p.153  " ... I am impressed that all three of the great Asian religions-- Hindu Vedanta, Mahayana Buddhism, and Chinese Taoism-- build upon a worldview of nonduality and paradox."

p.159  "Be the change you want to see in the world." --Mohandas Gandhi

p.171-172   Christian Tantra:  The "Welling Up" Exercise:  "It is really quite similar to what the Hindus discovered in tantra, where you hold the powerful gift and do not express it, so that it can be deepened and refined.  I think it is also what Jesus is offering the Samaritan woman when he says to her: 'The water that I shall give you will turn into a spring inside you, welling up into limitless life."
(John 4:14)'"

Check out "Christian Tantra" on the internet to see why this is not "Christian" at all!  

p.177  "In India they have the notion of the darshan:  The Hindus go to the temple, not to see God, statues, or rituals, as much as to be seem by God."
    
You can go through the book choosing "dualistic thinking," "the ego,""the third eye," or any other reoccurring theme and your results will be the same; Rohr is not teaching Biblical doctrine in any form or fashion.  Instead, he is weaving in all sorts of other deceptive and destructive teachings.  To think that Danaher has the liberty to teach such a book at a Christian college is a travesty.  How very far we've fallen!



In summary, although Dr. Danaher may appear knowledgeable to his students, and even very funny at times, his conduct as well as his teachings leaves one absolutely flabbergasted as to how this man ever would be teaching future Christian leaders.
 

Learn to Discern Granny Verse from II Timothy 1:13:  "Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus."

         

        

        

The Christian & Missionary Alliance Theological Seminary: Not Your Grandfather's Seminary!

ATS has changed radically, as have many other Christian colleges and seminaries, being flooded with postmodern or Emergent teachings as well as mysticism and contemplative spiritual practices. 
And because of these teachings it is imperative for students, parents, supporters, alumni,  pastors, and missionaries to look into these teachings to learn exactly what's happening at an alarming rate inside Christian academia.  For more information on Christian colleges/seminaries which promote
Emergent and spiritual formation practices please read booklet "Epidemic of Apostasy."
http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=11923  and
http://www.lighthousetrails.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=LTP&Category_Code=BKT

To begin it is important to become acquainted with  Dr. Ron Walborn who has been leading the Alliance Seminary, and Nyack College into all things contemplative.  Thus, the purpose of this article is to document how Walborn and his colleagues have been saturating the seminary and the college with spiritual formation, and all its spiritual disciplines. While doing this he and other colleagues have been teaching books, courses, and practices that are leading their students, and others into Roman Catholicism with New Age overtones.

This paper will also show how Walborn is connected to his former student and lead Pastor Rich Villodas of the heavily contemplative New Life Fellowship church; how he's associated with Adventures in Missions (AIM) and its Emergent leader Seth Barnes; how he's acquainted with New Apostolic Reformation prophets through his former Redding, Ca. church; how he's close friends with Dr. Rob Reimer of a contemplative CMA church; and how he's part of the Global Leadership Inc. (supported/endorsed by Leighton Ford) working with Dr. Martin Sanders.   Here are the facts:

Dr.  Ron (Ronald) Walborn,  Dean of the Alliance Theological Seminary

Walborn's Bio:

*  Walborn is the dean of the Alliance Theological Seminary.
*  Walborn is the head/chair of the Pastoral Ministries Dept. at Nyack College.
*  Walborn is a board member of the Christian & Missionary Alliance Church.
*  Walborn was a pastor at Risen King Community Church in Redding, California.
*  Walborn was educated at Nyack, ATS, and Fuller Theological Seminary.
Update January 25, 2015:  See my newest blog: "ATS Dean Ron Walborn Recommends Bill Johnson's Bethel Church Podcasts for Pastors."



Walborn's Wife-Wanda Walborn:

*  Wanda Walborn, too, has played a significant role in helping introduce Nyack students to spiritual formation.
*  Wanda Walborn has been the head of the "Spiritual Formation Department" for eleven years.
*  Wanda Walborn has taught spiritual formation classes at Nyack.
*  Wanda Walborn has written Introduction to Spiritual Formation (2011).
*  Wanda Walborn has spoken at various seminars and training sessions with Ron.
*  Wanda Walborn has also been helping lead "Women's Certificate Program 2013-14-Empower Program" (Metro District CMA) with credit at college/ATS including Bible/theological studies;  spiritual formation; mandatory three day retreat; and "Soul Care" Mentoring.
http://metrocma.org/strategic-ministry/womens-ministry/empower/

How can we know if the dean is into these contemplative things? Matthew 7:20 says,
"By their fruits (spiritual formation practices, centering prayer, monastery retreats) you can know them."

Walborn's Personal Spiritual Formation:

*  Walborn teaches an eighteen-part course called: "Personal Spiritual Formation."
*  Walborn requires that all students take "Spiritual Formation PMN 346."
*  Walborn stipulates that students take required retreats to Roman Catholic Graymoor Monastery, Garrison, NY to practice stillness and solitude. In "A Bible, Journal, Pen, & Pillow" a former Nyack student describes his weekend away at Graymoor Monastery.  Of that weekend he wrote, "Over the course of the weekend our mentors  took us all over the sprawling grounds of this beautiful facility.  Leaving us only with our Bibles, our journals, and a pen we were given six hours to sit and soak with Jesus.  My mentor had given me a specific passage of scripture to soak on that day. ...  Ten years later I have returned to Graymoor for a few days of soaking ..."  Here again, we meet another of what I might dub one of Walborn's "monastery men."
http://servingstrong.com/a-bible-journal-pen-and-a-pillow/
*  Walborn endorses spiritual disciplines as "Centering Prayer."  Here's what "centering prayer" really is:   http://carm.org/centering-prayer
*  Walborn taught these podcasts during a three period from 2005-2007 at Delta Lake Bible Camp.
Listen to these eighteen podcasts here: http://www.adventures.org/podcasts/psf/
Note!  On the internet page notice the photo that accompanies the podcast list: "Two nuns" walking up steep steps.
Update March 2014:  These Delta Lake Podcasts were removed after I wrote a letter to Dr. John Stumbo at the CMA Headquarters.  However, this material continues to be taught. 



"By their fruits (contemplative course books/ personal book lists) you can know them."

Walborn's Personal Spiritual Formation Course Book List/Book Endorsements:

*  Walborn endorses the following contemplative books (among many others) for this course:
The Sacred Romance (John Eldridge/Brent Curtis); Wild at Heart; Journey of Desire; & Waking the Dead (Eldridge); "Anything and Everything Brennan Manning (Roman Catholic Priest)": The Ragamuffin Gospel, The Signature of Jesus, A Glimpse of Jesus; Abba's Child ;
Invitation to a Journey: A Road Map for Spiritual Discipline (M. Robert Mulholland, Jr.)*;
The Return of the Prodigal (Roman Catholic Priest Henri Nouwen)*;  & Into Abba's Arms (Dr. Sandra Wilson).
*  Walborn lent his support to Dr. James P. Danaher endorsing two of his books along with heretical Father Richard Rohr.  He also allowed Danaher to teach Rohr's mystical book The Naked Now: Learning to See as the Mystics See.  He again endorsed another contemplative  Barnes' book as well as AIM.  And still another contemplative endorsement by Walborn has also been given to Dr. Rob Reimer.

*  Read my article: "Red Flag This: Ruth Haley Barton & Self!" to find out why Mulholland, Rohr and Nouwen present great deception!  See Villodas' Mulholland comment below.
*  Read: Brennan Manning's "New Monks"& Their Dangerous Contemplative Monasticism" by John Craddock to find out who Manning is. 
http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=13023

"By their fruits (teaching of, use of materials, retreat requirements) you can know them."

 Some SF (Spiritual Formation) Courses at ATS:

*  SF 503  "Initiation in Spiritual Formation" (Year 1)  Required retreats.
*  SF 603  "Field Education" (Year 2)  Includes mentoring.
*  SF 703  "Spiritual Formation Capstone" (Year 3)
*  Spiritual Formation Teacher Jan Dale:  Courses Taught/Books Required:
    -Courses: Initiation in Spiritual Formation/ Spiritual Formation Capstone
    -Some Books for SF 503: Spiritual Formation Workbook (James Bryan Smith); The Practice of the Presence of God (Brother Lawrence); Celebration of Discipline (Richard Foster); What's Your God Language (Myra Perrine); Emotionally Healthy Spirituality (Pete Scazzero); & The Deeper Journey (M. Robert Mulholland).  Note:  On a book of choice the students could choose "Tozer."  I noticed in some of these classes whenever there were controversial books if one throws in a little Tozer, or A.B. Simpson this makes all the rest look good.
    -Some Books for SF 703: Live Your Calling (Brennfleck); The Call ((Os Guinness); The Return of the Prodigal Son (Henri Nouwen); The Power of Mentoring (Martin Sanders); Listening to God: Spiritual Formation in Congregations (John Ackerman); & Spiritual Formation as if the Church Mattered (James Wilhoit).

Some SF (Spiritual Formation) Courses at the College:

*  PMN 101  Intro to Spiritual Formation
*  Info from Fall 2012 Intro to Spiritual Formation Syllabus:
    -  Books to be read:  NIV Bible; Outrageous Love, Transforming Power (Terry Wardle);
    30 Days (Nicky Gumble); Experiencing God Through Prayer (Jeanne Guyon); Introduction to Spiritual Formation (Wanda Walborn); and The Shack (William P. Young).
    -  Bible Verses to memorize:  Notice three come from The Message Bible which is filled with New Age references!
    -  Students are required using resources given to write a 3 and 1/2 year Spiritual Formation Plan and present it to class as an oral presentation.
*  PMN 346  Personal Spiritual Formation

Worship Art & Disciplines Course CD701.RA:

*  Instructors:  Amy Davis, Kelvin Walker
*  Books:  Emerging Worship (Dan Kimball, David Crowder & Sally Morgan); The Divine Hours: Prayers for Autumn & Wintertime (Phyllis Tickle); Worship Old & New (Robert Webber); and Introduction to Christian Worship (James White).  Note:  These authors are all well-known Emergents.  Pyllis Tickle, e.g., is often coupled with heretic Brian McLaren.

"By their fruits (associations with, endorsements of, preaching at) you can know them."

Walborn's Connection to Contemplative New Life Fellowship Church: Pastor Pete Scazzero & Pastor Rich Villodas:

*  Walborn has spoken at services at Pete Scazzero's New Life Fellowship Church.  Walborn, in fact, has just recently spoken in the 8-25-13 morning service being introduced by Pete Scazzero.  Pete gives him a warm welcome mentioning what close ties the college and seminary have had with New Life over their past twenty-six years.  He also mentions that Pastor Rich Villodas has been really influenced by Nyack, and in particular with Ron Walborn.  He tells the audience to be sure to check out more about the college and seminary after the service with Walborn.  Walborn begins with saying. "It is always great to be at New Life."  He says, there are famous churches in New York, but that New Life makes Jesus famous! **
http://vimeo.com/73087304
*  Walborn has had close contact between NLF and Nyack.
*  Walborn has had both Scazzero and Villodas preach at chapels/meetings at Nyack.
*  Walborn welcomed Villodas this winter to preach Deeper Life meetings; and Walborn, his wife, Dr. Mike Scales, & Villodas are pictured in a photo beaming with their arms round each other.  
*  Walborn has given support to Villodas mentoring him, and naming him one of the 2013 Alumni of the Year.

**  The sermon here is not problematic; but it is the association with this church and these pastors and all they represent that makes it truly tragic!  And it is Walborn's legacy that he is leaving in having helped ready this young pastor-Rich Villodas- to assume his role as lead pastor teaching from the books and from the experiences that began at Nyack.  Surely apostasy has crept in unnoticed as Jude has so clearly warned us of!  I wonder are you aware of this, and are you doing your part to alert those in authority about what is taking place?  If not recall James 4:17 KJV that says: "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin!"  The NIV says it this way: "Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins."

By his fruits (associations, sermons, friends, books, blogs, twitter, spiritual disciplines, mentors) you can know them."

Villodas & His Nyack & NLF Connections:

*  Villodas is lead pastor (formerly associate pastor) of New Life Fellowship Church, Queens, NY.
*  Villodas is an alumnus of Nyack College (2003) and ATS (2009).
*  Villodas has preached at Nyack's Deeper Life Series sponsored by Nyack's Office of Spiritual Formation. ( Feb. 2013) http://www.nyack.edu/blog/NyackNews/1386
*  Villodas is very fond of Walborn considering him a close friend and mentor.
*  Villodas has been groomed by Pastor Pete Scazzero (former lead pastor at New Life) and Dr. Ron Walborn  to practice spiritual disciplines which lean heavily into Roman Catholicism.
*  Villodas has blogged, and twittered much about his affection for contemplative  practices, persons, and books.

 Examples of Villodas' Activities:

*  Villodas ( May, 2010) told of a "Day Alone with God Retreat" at RC Bishop Molloy Retreat House where he led thirty New Life Fellowship folks in "lectio divina" or "holy reading;" and an exploration of the "retreat grounds."
http://richvillodas.wordpress.com/2010/05/16/day-alone-with-god-retreat/
*  Villodas (June, 2010) in "My Recent Trip to a Trappist Monastery" wrote: " Last week, I went on my annual monastery retreat.  This is the second time that I attended St. Joseph's Abbey in Spencer, MA. ...  It's been my conviction since I was a student at Nyack College that the disciplines of solitude, silence and prayer are essential to the life of a follower of Jesus. ..."
http://richvillodas.wordpress.com/2010/06/17/my-recent-trip-to-a-trappist-monastery/
*  Villodas (August 2011) blogged,  "Actually, monasticism and desert father spirituality has been a love of my life since my days in college. ...  For the last three years I have spent time in St. Joseph's abbey ...  I spend 5-7 days hanging out with the monks."
*  Villodas interviewed Roman Catholic Father William Meninger, famed teacher of centering prayer, at New Life Fellowship Church.  (Fall 2011, 2012)  See "Living Prayerful Lives:"
http://vimeo.com/52860233
*  Villodas (2012 "Yes Our Pastors Get Paid to Pray and Rest" noted: "Just a reminder that we have DAWG (Day Alone with God) tomorrow. ... Here are some guidelines I encourage: ...  Another option is to bring a book which focuses on the inner life of prayer ... Books from authors like
Henri Nouwen, Merton, Benner, Rohr, ..."
http://richvillodas.wordpress.com/2012/09/19/yes-our-pastors-get-paid-to-pray-and-rest/
*  Villodas listed his best books on a "Favorites Page"  which has numerous Roman Catholic/Emergent connections.
*  Villodas (Feb. 2013) tweeted Pope Benedict's Lenten remarks.  Villodas wrote,  "For the last ten years I have read through the works of great Catholic theologians.  They have so much to teach evangelicals."  He also recorded: " ... I have enjoyed reading some of the Pontifex works.  He's quite the theologian."
*  Villodas  (April 2013) attended "The Academy for Spiritual Formation" where he heard contemplative authors Marjorie Thompson and Robert Mulholland. Villodas mused,  "I first heard of Robert Mulholland as a student at Nyack College.  His book, Invitation to a Journey was one of the first books on spiritual formation that I came across."  He also said,  "The overall thrust ... focused on rhythms, spiritual formation practices and uncovering the relationship between our 'false selves' and 'true selves in Christ.'"  (See my blog: "Red Flag This: Ruth Haley Barton & Self!") Villodas continued, "I took over twenty pages of notes.  I'll be processing this for the foreseeable future."
http://richvillodas.wordpress.com/2013/04/21/10-highlights-from-the-academy-of-spiritual-formation/
* Villodas also wrote from the retreat :  "Heard lectures on contemplation and the false self.  Really impacted my life!"
*  Villodas (April 2013)  tweeted, "So sad to hear Brennan Manning (Roman Catholic priest about whom Walborn said on his podcast, "Anything and everything Manning!") died 2day.  For the last 12 yrs has been a top 5 "mentor" to me thru his books.  Thx for everything Brennan!"
*  Villodas (April 2013) retweeted a quote from the new Pope Francis.
*  Villodas (June 2013 "My Story and Thoughts about New Life Fellowship ...") wrote, as he was transitioning into lead pastor, "When I was a college student, I spent a significant amount of time reading through the sayings of the Desert Fathers and monastic writers.  The commitment to prayer, silence and solitude has shaped me throughout the years."
http://richvillodas.wordpress.com/2012/06/08/my-story-and-thoughts-about-new-life-fellowship-and-the-future/

Here is a must see documentary on "centering prayer"& its connection to  the New Age, Yoga, TM, far Eastern religions, and ultimately to occultism.  This supports all I have written in this paper, and in my other blogs.
Please view, and share! 
http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=13554#.UmLYFm-PD6Z.facebook

Rich Villodas' Connection to Manhattan Pastor Drew Hyun:

*  Hyun was an assistant pastor at New Life along with Villodas.
*  Hyun is a good friend of Villodas.
*  Hyun accompanied Villodas to St. Joseph's Abbey/ other retreats.
*  Hyun has spoken at a Nyack Chapel.
*  Hyun admires Father Richard Rohr, met him at CAC, and shared his deep admiration with Villodas. http://drewhyun.wordpress.com/2011/01/26/my-weekend-in-albuquerque-new-mexico/
*  Hyun looks up to David Jennings, V.P. of Nyack, as an outstanding leader.

"By their (books, blogs, twitter, seminars, retreats, associations, recommendations, and so much more) you can know them."

Pete Scazzero and His Connection to the CMA & Nyack:

*  Pete and Geri Scazzero established New Life Fellowship as a CMA plant.
*  Pete and Geri Scazzero have written a series of contemplative books ( The Emotionally Healthy Church & Emotionally Healthy Spirituality) read by the CMA, and the college.
*  Pete and Geri Scazzero practice spiritual disciplines associated with Roman Catholicism.
*  Pete and Geri Scazzero preach and teach all things contemplative traveling (Now with Bill
 Hybel's Willow Creek) round the globe sharing deceptive teachings.
*  Pete is mentored by Leighton Ford who is deep into mystical contemplative teachings.

Here's a totally contemplative and New Age sermon Scazzero recently preached.  It is entitled:
"Relaxing from the Deep Center!"  Alarm bells ought to be going off , and red flags ought to be flying just by reading the title.  Try typing in those very words, and see what kind of New Age information comes up!  In this sermon Scazzero even shows someone doing "yoga" up on the screen!Watch here:
http://vimeo.com/68958052
 
Reader, I consider Pete Scazzero's "New Life Fellowship Church" (once a CMA plant) the poster child or the poster church, if you will, for all things in a church that has gone totally into spiritual formation via Roman Catholicism, and even New Age paganism.  And in turn I consider Rich Villodas, the poster boy or the poster pastor, for a young man who has gone whole heartedly into all things contemplative.  The saddest thing of all is that here is a young man, bright and passionate and so likeable, who has trusted his life and his education into the affable and well-meaning, but badly deceived, hands of  mentors like Walborn and Scazzero; and this is the end result.  This is but one example of a student who went to Nyack, and was subjected to being immersed in these spiritual disciplines which include monasteries, retreats, silence, solitude, Catholic priests and more. And here is the result--sad, sad, sad!  Dear reader, look into these deceptions by going to apologetic web sites of former Roman Catholics who came out of the bondage of good works, worshipping the Eucharist, worshipping Mary, and all the idolatry of  Roman Catholicism and see why they are so disheartened to see "evangelicalism" marching right back home into the arms of Rome!  

Here is a web site of Evangelist Mike Gendron, who was saved out of Catholicism in his thirties, and who has a tremendous desire to see Roman Catholics find Jesus as their all-sufficient sacrifice for sin.  He also has a deep burden to point out to evangelicals that Catholics are not Christians if they have never understood the gospel, and are trying to reach heaven through the teaching of the Vatican.  Please read and listen here:     http://proclaimingthegospel.org/

A second powerful web site is the "Berean Beacon," of former Roman Catholic priest Richard Bennett, which helps Evangelicals understand exactly what Roman Catholics believe; and how they need to be saved by grace through faith in order to become Christians.  Find here:
http://search.yahoo.com/search;_ylt=ArRuzvGyszp268UVOkcWs0abvZx4?fr=yfp-t-122-s&toggle=1&cop=mss&ei=UTF-8&p=berean%20beacon%20ministries

A third apologetic Christian site "The Berean Call" hosted by former Roman Catholic, Tom McMahon, has countless articles and programs on the dangers of spiritual formation, Roman Catholicism, and many more topics.  Check it out here: http://search.yahoo.com/search;_ylt=AnLqnivLukp.A2rURnVYtu6bvZx4?p=The+Berean+Call&toggle=1&cop=mss&ei=UTF-8&fr=yfp-t-122

"By their fruits (contemplative spiritual formation practices) you can know them."

David Jennings' Connection to Nyack/New Life Fellowship Church:

* David Jennings is a former executive pastor of New Life Fellowship Church.
* David Jennings is the current Executive Director at New Life Health Center
* David Jennings is the Executive VP & Treasurer at Nyack College.

"By their fruits (endorsements, Emergent acquaintances, practices, books) you can know them."

Walbon's Connection to AIM (Adventures in Missions)/Seth Barnes: 

*  Walborn has been a speaker at the World Race Training Camps.
*  Walborn has recently trained World Racers with contemplative Dr. Rob Reimer.  See
blog: "CMA's Rob Reimer Reads Ruth Haley Barton to Feed His Soul."
*  Walborn has spoken on various Emergent/contemplative topics: e.g. "The Contemplative Instinct" associated with "focus on the interior" and "listening prayer."
*  Walborn has participated in AIM's BreakThru Conferences in 2008 & 2009 speaking with Wanda
Walborn, Seth Barnes, Andrew Sherman, & Michael Hindes.
Read: http://www.adventures.org/docs/breakthru.pdf?tuid=62226
*  Walborn has given his endorsement to AIM's program.  See here:
Walborn wrote:  "Adventures in Mission does an amazing job of blending healthy discipleship and spiritual formation with Holy Spirit empowered missiology.  ...  I strongly recommend to you the powerful ministry of Adventures in Missions."
http://www.adventures.org/about/index.asp?iname=missions#
*  Walborn has endorsed Barnes' book Kingdom Journeys: The Lost Spiritual Discipline (2012).
Walborn said:  "...  I was convicted, challenged and encouraged as I read this great book.  I have another new tool for Kingdom growth: Kingdom Journeys."
-- Dr. Ron Walborn, Dean of Alliance Theological Seminary and the College of Bible and Christian Ministry at Nyack College http://kingdomjourneysbook.com/endorsements/

Note, too, who else endorses this book!  Dissident Franciscan Fr. Richard Rohr, O.F.M.
For much more on Rohr and his various endorsements -including Dr. James P. Danaher-
see older blogs on "Father Richard Rohr's Book: The Naked Now at Nyack."  Also see:
"Red Flag This:  Ruth Haley Barton & Self!"

To know AIM is to know its leader and workers; Seth Barnes from his blog "Radical Living" makes crystal clear who, and what he endorses!

"By their fruits (Heretical Roman Catholic priest/book; New Age guru, & so many more) you can know them."

Quotes from Seth Barnes'"Radical Living" Blog:

12-13-2007  "Richard Rohr: A Conversation"

Barnes recorded: "I met Richard Rohr at a retreat ... for an extended conversation.  I'd read a few of his books and found his insights profound. ...  The first book of his I'd read, Adam's Return, helped me understand the importance of initiating men.  ...  I told him about The World Race and asked him for advice about how to design it to initiate young people.  ... Another of Rohr's books, Everything Belongs, has been a huge influence in my thinking about how we grow. ... We talked about ... (that) we need to give God undistracted space in our schedule so that he can speak to us. ...  At the end ... I asked Rohr to pray for me.  He held both of my hands ... and gave me a wonderful blessing.  Since he is ... a Franciscan, I suppose some of that great saint's anointing filtered into my spirit.  I don't really know how it works, but I'll take whatever I can get."
http://www.sethbarnes.com/?filename=richard-rohr-a-conversation

 3-3-2011:  "Our Deepest Fear" Poem by well-known New Age author: Marianne Williamson.

For an in depth look into who Seth Barnes is, and to what his organization involves please read
Claris Van Kuiken's "An Open Letter to Ingrid Schlueter, VCY Crosstalk America Concerning Adventure's In Mission's (AIM)"
http://ingridschlueter.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/articleonaim.pdf
Or order her book: Missions, Mysticism, & Magic (2012) here:
http://www.amazon.com/Missions-Mysticism-Magic-ebook/dp/B007R6KUGY#reader_B007R6KUGY

Walborn's Connection to Risen King Community Church, Redding, Ca./New Apostolic
Reformation's Prophet's Bill Johnson, & Tim Fox:

*  Walborn was a former pastor at Risen King Community.
*  Walborn was at Risen King in February 2013 for a "Kingdom Come!- Redigging the Wells of the Supernatural" Conference.
*  Walborn  & Reimer are to be at Risen King February 2014 for another "Kingdom Come!"
Conference.  New this year is the addition of Spiritual Director Sarah Herring.
http://risenking.org/KingdomPower/index.html
*  Walborn had a special meeting with Prophet Tim Fox (2013) who is associated with radical New Apostolic Reformation Prophet Bill Johnson.
http://prophetfox.com/   See link at right to "Risen King Church" of which Fox is a member.
*  Walborn preached in 2010 with Bethel Church's Bill Johnson, and others at a May 2010 "Kingdom Power Conference."  For just how radical and how controversial Bill Johnson is see:
http://www.johnthebaptisttv.com/warning-bill-johnson-and-bethel-church/
*  Walborn taught in Feb. 21-28, 2013 a "Kingdom Holiness" class in Redding with 30 some ATS
students.  Worship at this class included Bethel Church's Jeremy Riddle. 
http://life.nyack.edu/back-from-redding-ca/

Walborn's Connection to Global Leadership, Inc. & Dr. Martin Sanders:

Dr. Martin Sanders Info:

*  Sanders is the Director of Global Leadership, Inc.
*  Sanders is the Director of Doctoral Programs at ATS.
*  Sanders was interim CMA pastor at Living Christ Church.
*  Sanders works closely with six couples including: Ron & Wanda Walborn; Rob & Jen Reimer; and Chuck & Ingrid Davis.

Global Leadership Activities:

*  Global Leadership sponsors Global Leadership Development Conferences.
*  Global Leadership sponsors "Soul Care" Conferences.
*  Global Leadership sponsors Inner Healing, Breakthroughs, & Holy Spirit Conferences.
*  Global Leadership sponsors ATS Seminary and Doctoral Students Programs.
*  Global Leadership sponsors Missional Community Seminars.

"By their fruits (endorsers, partners, books, practices) you shall know them."

Global Leadership Link with Leighton Ford Ministries:

*  Global Leadership has partnered with Leighton Ford Ministries.
http://www.globalleadershipinc.org/#!__resources/vstc1=partners
*  Global Leadership has a large Leighton Ford endorsement on one page.
http://www.globalleadershipinc.org/#!__ministries/blank
*  Global Leadership has had Leighton Ford speak at several functions.
*  Global Leadership has had Leighton Ford endorse two of Dr. Sander's books.

To understand why Leighton Ford and his ministry are into contemplative spirituality please consider the following facts:

*  Leighton Ford was once an evangelist with the Billy Graham Association.
*  Leighton Ford has now turned to all things mystical, and contemplative.
http://www.cephasministry.com/evangelists_grahams_fruit.html
http://zondervan.typepad.com/npc/2008/10/meet-leighton-f.html
*  Leighton Ford writes for InterVarsity Press publisher of mystical/contemplative books.
*  Leighton Ford has written e.g. The Attentive Life reviewed by Gary Gilley here:
http://www.svchapel.org/resources/book-reviews/4-christian-living/619-the-attentive-life-discerning-gods-presence-in-all-things-by-leighton-ford

Benner, Benner, Benner & More Benner!

Dr. Martin Sanders & Dr. David G. Benner:

Small Sampling of Benner!
*  Spring 2009:  "Emotional & Spiritual Development Weekend"
*  Books Required: Reggie McNeal (Get a Life); Read one: David Benner (Care of Souls;
The Gift of Being Yourself; Healing Emotional Wounds).
*  Fall 2013: "Christ's Mission & Spiritual Gifts for the "Empowering Women Program"-The Gift of Being Yourself (Selected Bibliography).
*  Fall 2008: SF 505:  Sanders/Reimer: The Gift of Being Yourself;  SF 770RA Sanders: The Gift of Being Yourself; Care of  Souls; Spring 2009: SF772.RA Sanders: Care of Souls; The Gift of Being Yourself; Healing Emotional Wounds; Fall 2009: CD 702 Sanders/Russ: Strategic Pastoral Counseling; SF 505.RB Sanders: The Gift of Being Yourself;   
 
Spiritual Formation Jan Dale Professor & Benner:   Dale too has a list of Benner books as well as many more contemplative books of every stripe.
 
*  And who is David G. Benner?  The story is a sad one for once David G. Benner was raised in a godly home--a Plymouth Brethren home in Canada--a home like I too was raised in.  But today Brenner, by his own words, tells us how far he has fallen.  For Dr. Benner, enamored by Father Richard Rohr like so many others I have written about, is now a Master Teacher, and contributor  to the Oneing Journal at the heretical "Rohr Institute's Living School for Action & Contemplation."  Please read his stories here:  http://www.drdavidgbenner.ca/my-journey/   Also see: "Professional Bio,""My Family," and "Reader's Questions" at the same site. 

Recall!  Speaking of Fr. Richard Rohr that Dr. Ron Walborn has endorsed Danaher books, and a Seth Barnes' book along with Richard Rohr.  I challenge you look into Rohr!!  No one who calls himself a true Christian should be associating themselves in any way with his totally heretical beliefs!  

Wanda Walborn & Benner:
*Fall 2012:  Spiritual Formation Course Assignment for "Empowering Women Certificate Program":  Read: (David G. Benner): The Gift of Being Yourself: The Sacred Call to Self-Discovery.  Write a brief summary of the book and what was helpful to you in your spiritual journey.
http://metrocma.org/metro-wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Spiritual-Formation-Assignments-for-November.pdf

Benner Again!

November 2013 Update:  Wanda Walborn/Spiritual Formation Empower Program Component:  Again Wanda highly recommends the book The Gift of Being Yourself by David Benner as an excellent follow up for your spiritual journey.  Would that Wanda would find out what David G. Benner really is all about, for Benner's very own words should awaken discerning believers to BEWARE of Benner, period! 

I would end by pleading once more, if you are truly a caring CMA Christian rise up and do something before it is forever too late!!  Remember Jude warns that certain men have crept in unnoticed, and that we must be earnest contenders for the faith!  How about you?  Are you intentionally contending for the faith?  Or do you choose to ignore this apostasy?  May we all intend to contend, and to stand for the truth regardless of cost!

Learn to Discern Granny Verse:  Jude wrote:  "I found it necessary to write you an appeal, that you vigorously defend the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints."  From Jude 3
 

A Review of "Another Jesus" Calling by Warren B. Smith

"Person to Person Calling"  was a particular kind of telephone call, that I as a telephone operator, performed over and over in the days before unlimited long distance rates.  And this "person to person" calling is what Sarah Young purported to have heard in her best selling book Jesus Calling.

The question for us is:  "Was Jesus Calling?"  Former New Ager, Warren B. Smith, gives us the answer in his provocative little book: "Another Jesus" Calling.  And the answer, Smith most decisively proves, is this, "No, Jesus was not calling!"  And here's why:

Saturating his thirty concerns with scripture, as to why Jesus did not personally speak with Sarah Young, Smith lays out a precise picture providing us with a book of which you can, with confidence, share with skeptical friends or family that have been deceived into devouring Young's channeled devotional.

Smith first introduces us to Sarah Young, who seems like an unlikely person to have been lured into receiving channeled messages from "another Jesus," having once been a student at Francis Schaeffer's L'Abri, but in spite of  this background this was where Sarah became aware of a lovely presence whom she called "Sweet Jesus."

Smith next introduces us to God Calling- the book Sarah embraced  before she, too, became a listener with pen in hand.  In this section Smith provides numerous scriptures along with each of his ten concerns, as to why God was not calling those two lady listeners; and as to why Sarah was deceived from the get-go when she based her own book on the listener's spiritual dictation.

Each concern is in a separate chapter which is short, but presented in such a clear and compelling manner. Smith's ten concerns from God Calling include these examples:  Concern 1: Channeling a book from "Jesus."  Scripture:  Deuteronomy 18:10-12 warns "a consulter with familiar spirits" is an abomination unto the Lord.   Concern 3: Opening the door to Universalism. Scripture:
John 14:6 states there is but one truth.  Concern 4: Teaching God is "in" everyone.  Scripture:
Includes John 2:24-25 to Ezekiel 28:2 which tell us that God is not in everyone!   Concern 6:  Replacing God's Word with experience.  Scripture: I Timothy 3:16,17 which shows, above all else, scripture supersedes all experience.  Concern 7: Jesus is needing us more than we need him.  Scripture: Acts 17:25 says that Jesus Christ, creator of the universe, who gives us life, breath, and all things certainly doesn't need us more than we need him.  Concern 9:  Connecting Psalm 46:10 to entering the silence has to do with God's rebuke to the nations!  Concern 10:  Equating the New Age with Christianity  Scripture:  Galatians 5:7-9  describes that the "Jesus" of  God Calling asserts that God is "at the centre of every man's being" helping expose the fact that this book is most assuredly New Age-- for this is its core teaching.  

Smith,  himself, having come out of the New Age, teaches us "new age" terms that we should be looking for, and be alert to that are woven so deceptively into Jesus Calling by Young's "Jesus."
Therefore, make note of these terms and phrases --and yes, use your computer and look them up yourself.

Lastly, Smith introduces us to Jesus Calling- the book from which Sarah takes pen in hand to write down her channeled messages from "another Jesus."  Here are some of Smith's twenty concerns from Jesus Calling:  Concern 1:  Treasuring a  channeled book. Scripture: A "treasure verse" from Matthew 6:21.  Concern 2:  Bringing channeling into the church.  Scripture: John 8:31-32 says we are called to be disciples, not channels. Concern 5: Laughing at the Future.  Scriptures:  Matthew 24, Mark 13, & Luke 21 refute the idea that we are to laugh at the future. Concern 6: Flattering  by "Jesus."  Scripture:  Proverbs 26:28, instead, warns that "a flattering mouth worketh ruin."  Concern 7:  Resting by the Wayside:  Scripture: Luke 8:11-12 shows that the wayside is where the devil waits to snatch away the Word of God.  Concern 8: Visualizing Jesus.  Scripture:  Jeremiah 10:2 warns us not to adopt the ways of the heathen which includes meditation, contemplative prayer, and creative visualization.  Concern 9:  Imagining the night of Jesus' birth as dark.  Scripture:  This revisionist idea does not sound like the voice of our Savior; but, as it says in John 10:5, it sounds like the voice of a stranger.  Concern 10:  Describing Abraham as being guilty of "idolatry," and "son-worship."  Scripture:  Hebrews 11:17 pictures Abraham as faithful and obedient, rather than a son-worshiper or idolatrous.  Concern 11:  Connecting contemplative prayer, the New Age, & Psalm 46:10  Scripture:  I Peter 1:13 admonishes us "to gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end..."  not let our guard down, relax, and be defenseless.  Concern 13:  Co-creating with God.  Scripture:  Ephesians 3:9 shows that man is neither one with God, nor God's co-creator.  Concern 14:  Teaching about the quantum leap and the Quantum-"Christ."  Scripture:  I Timothy 6:20-21 teaches we are not to trust in science over faith.  Concern 17: Teaching Jesus is above all and "in" all.  Scripture: John 2:24-25 refutes this by stating that Jesus knew what was in man.  Concern 18:  Moving toward a New Age/ New Worldview  Scripture:  Matthew 24:23-25 Jesus warns us that false Christs and false teachings would come in his name, whereas the "Jesus" in Jesus Calling doesn't warn us at all but instead insists, "I am totally trustworthy."  Concern 19:  Magnifying "Jesus" presence above the Word of God.  Scripture: Psalm 138:2 tells us "thou hast magnified thy word above thy name."  Concern 20:  Spreading the idea "Another Jesus" is calling.  Scripture:  Mark 13:22 asserts that even the elect can be seduced by false Christs and false prophets with their signs and wonders.
    
Smith's cover subtitle says:  "How False Christs Are Entering the Church Through Contemplative Prayer" which highlights the contemplative connection of hearing new revelation from God from other sources than God's holy scriptures.  Of contemplative prayer and the New Age Smith says,
"Countless references to meditating, being quiet, being still, relaxing, resting, letting go, and reciting Psalm 46:10 are found throughout God Calling and Jesus Calling.  They all suggested ways of entering the silence in order to experience God's presence.  The NEW AGE/Spirituality likewise places great emphasis on these same ways of entering the silence in order to experience God's presence."

Included also at the end are three terrific appendixes which include warnings about deception, the gospel of the true Jesus Christ, and ways to be more discerning.  Following these are Warren Smith's well-documented endnotes and index.  This book, a little gem, is full to the brim with scripture and material you need to know in order to steer clear of deception!

A suggestion: As you read Smith's book have your Bible handy, and be ready to highlight each scripture reference Smith lays out.  If you do this, I guarantee that you'll be so much the wiser, and so much more discerning yourself when you're through. 

If only we'd remember that even the best intended people--the very elect the Bible says-- can be deceived.  Peter warns us to beware that we're not led away with the error of the wicked and fall from our own steadfastness, but instead we should grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  And where does this knowledge come from?  It comes from the pure milk of the word.  It comes from the holy scriptures--there and only there is where we will hear from the Lord.  In conclusion, as Smith so aptly shows, counteract deception with scripture, and hang up immediately on "Another Jesus!"

Learn to Discern Granny Verse:  II Corinthians 11:4
"For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him."

The Elijah List: A Prophetic Portal Into the Heart of the NAR

The Elijah List, a prophetic portal into the very heart of the New Apostolic Reformation, is a far reaching prophetic network promoting the revelations and prophetic words of the very elite of the
NAR.  Begun in 1997 Elijah List leader Steve Shultz opted to share positive prophetic words with a few choice friends.   Fast forward to today, and Shultz's list of thirty has grown to nearly 150,000
subscribers world wide.

Connecting these "apostles and prophets" together has produced, as apologist Sandy Simpson wrote in 2008 in "Deception in the Church,""The Elijah List: The Biggest Distributor of False Prophecies in Cyperspace."  http://www.deceptioninthechurch.com/elijahlist.html

The Elijah List Leader: Editor Steve Schultz

Steve Schultz, its prophetic leader, wears many hats from its chief prophetic coach to prophetic huckster to prophetic teacher.  Schultz, according to "Our History," in the 1990s began dabbling more and more in "the prophetic stream" greatly enhancing his prophesying abilities.  To further increase his knowledge Schultz enrolled in courses at Christian International headed by Bill Hamon.  http://www.elijahlist.com/ourhistory.html

Several years later Schultz began the site which is now known as "The Elijah List" whose
purpose is, according to Steve, "to give trustworthy, daily prophetic worship and intercessory prayer 'content' to as many Believers (and even Unbelievers) as possible."  Thus, presently "The Elijah List" disseminates its prophetic proclamations world wide with prophetic elder Schultz as its inveterate cheer leader!  http://www.elijahlist.com/mission.html

The Elijah List: A Prophetic Potpourri

Opening "The Elijah List" Home Page, with its lion banner and Amos 3:8 scripture, one encounters a page crammed with doorways into the prophetic-- "The Elijah List Daily Word,""The Elijah List Breaking Christian News,""The Elijah List Subscriber Boxes,""The Elijah List Upcoming Conferences,""The Elijah List Facebook and Twitter,""The Elijah List Prophetic TV,""The Elijah List Shop," and "The Elijah List Listen to Elijah Stream" and "The Elijah List Services."  From this prophetic potpourri one can delve into many hyper-Charismatic venues.  And sadly, all of this centers around idolizing man and his words, rather than the words of the Lord. For as the Psalmist reminds us in Psalm 119:105:  "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."  http://www.elijahlist.com

The Elijah List Lists:  From Prophetic Words to Prophetic Ministry Links

The Elijah List: The ABC Prophetic Ministries List

When I first heard the title--"The Elijah List"-- I supposed it was just a list of names of prominent prophets, but when I clicked onto the site I was blown away by its lists within the list.  And where was that elusive list of "prophets" and their ministries?  Well, that "list" could be found by clicking on "About Us" and scrolling down to "Links."  Click on "Links," and finally one will find that ABC List of the who's who of the Elijah List elites--its super apostles and prophets.

This ABC list not only gives names, but photos, and below them the name of that prophetic ministry.  While it's not necessary here to delineate all of the eighty-four ministries nor their founders (my 9-2015 count) some of its better known players include: Che Ahn, John/Carol Arnott, Heidi Baker, Mike Bickle, Shawn Bolz, Wes/Stacey Campbell, Mahesh/Bonnie Chavda, Randy Clark, Kim Clement, Paul Keith Davis, Lou Engle, Francis Frangipane, James/Michal Ann Goll, Bill Hamon, Rodney Howard-Browne, Cindy Jacobs, Bill Johnson, Bob/Bonnie Jones, Rick Joyner, Patricia King, Chuck Pierce, Larry Randolph, Dutch Sheets, Kris Vallotton, C. Peter Wagner, and Bill Yount.
http://www.elijahlist.com/links.html

The Elijah List Daily Word: Prophecies by the Fifties

At the very heart of the Elijah List is "The Elijah List Daily Word" where it's claimed, that in accordance with scripture, "fresh daily prophetic 'manna' from the Lord" will be given.  However, much of this "manna from the Lord" seems instead to be "manmade manna."  Jeremiah, a true prophet, reminds us in Jeremiah 17:5: "...Cursed is the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.  On the other hand, Jeremiah 17:7 says: "Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is."

When an approved apostle or prophet receives a fresh revelatory "word" they may be featured on "The Elijah List Daily Word."  This word, always prefaced by "From the Desk of Steve Shultz" commentary, endorses this person, and their message encouraging the reader to partake of its "revelations."

Akin to a prophetic cheer leader Shultz writes things such as: "Enjoy!  Forward this! Now, grab a cup of coffee, and pull up a chair."   And like a prophetic huckster Shultz adds, "HEY!  Please EXPLORE our more than 4000 Christian prophetic books, CDs, and gifts at elijahshopper ...."  Then, after you've pulled up that chair, and begin to read that prophetic word you'll also learn of recent prophetic
products that prophet has produced, as well as their ministry address and upcoming itinerary as well.

Now, these dated prophecies come in fifties--you can receive the previous fifty words, or the next fifty words; or you may search the archives. Should you wish to send the daily word to a friend send it with text only, or send it with pictures.

A Recent Elijah List Daily Word: Doug Addison's "Doorway to Advancement"

Go to ABC Ministry Link; and find the "A" ministries.  There you'll note that the first name is Doug Addison and his ministry is listed as "In Light Connection Ministry." Research Addison's bio/info at his web site to find he is a prophetic dream interpreter, speaker, writer, Life Coach, and stand-up-comedian.  In addition Addison, as the Tattoo Prophet, specializes in prophetic tattoo and piercing interpretation.
http://dougaddison.com/about-us/  http://dougaddison.com/training/prophetic-tattoo-interpretation/

As per usual Steve Shultz on 9-9-2015 gives Addison a "thumbs up" rating when he writes, "I always look forward to ... Addison's word for the month.  Doug has a unique pulse from the LORD on what HE has in store for the Body of Christ each month."  "... but during this time, I try to be very attuned to what God might be saying to me, either in a dream or as I listen to His Voice!  I encourage all of you to do the same! ... Blessings.  ... And thanks for forwarding this to your friends! ..."

Addison's prophecy suggests September 13-23 is the time to hear God more clearly.  For at this time, says Addison, as God spoke to the Jewish people on their holy days, we too can gain direction.  What's more, continues Addison, God is redistributing gifts and callings --those of people who don't use them or those of people who have died--to those who will advance the Kingdom.

At this point Addison inserts his dream of meeting of the Tarnished Key Angel who hands Addison "The Key of Life and Death" which he says helped lift him out of sickness.  So, advises Addison, watch for something to be given you.
http://www.elijahlist.com/words/textonly.html?ID=15134

Speaking of angels, Addison on his In Light site September 10th wrote "A New Season, New Dreams, and An Angel of Bliss." In a dream Addison tells of buying a house in which a spirit resided.  When Addison went into this house the spirit appeared as a brilliant white Angel like transparent white rain. Was this angel evil?  No, insists Addison, this was an angel from God. This was the "Angel of Bliss."  Now this dream indicates, claims Addison, that God is moving in new ways that might be out of our comfort zones.  Watch, intones Addison, for new seasons of ecstasy and bliss to be coming.
http://dougaddison.com/2015/09/a-new-season-new-dreams-an-angel-of-bliss/

Steve Schultz may be enthused over Addison; but it would seem that readers, with even a smidgen of discernment after researching Addison's present and past prophetic utterances, should know to avoid a list that would promote his words as something God wants the body of Christ to read every month.  Surely Timothy's words in II Tim 3:13 are so apt: "But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived."

For an in depth look at "prophetic evangelist" Addison read Mike Oppenheimer's "Let Us Reason" articles "When Psychology Meets Psychic: What do You Get?" Part I and II here:
http://www.letusreason.org/Popteach62.htm.

The Elijah List Events List:  Upcoming Conferences/Schools

The Elijah List Event's list enables one to check out the latest prophetic conferences/schools world wide by clicking on a conference/event to register, or to peruse its agenda.  Events are dated, by city, state, country, and category.  There's even a place where starting at $99 an ad for your own conference can be arranged.
http://www.elijahlist.com/conference/index.html

The current list covers September/October 2015 with one exception--that is the January 7-9, 2016 "Elijah List Ministries Conference" --"What's God Saying for 2016: Don't Miss This One!"-- which takes place in Albany, Oregon.  Hosted by Elijah List founder Steve Shultz its speakers include Chuck Pierce (NAR's #2 in command behind C. Peter Wagner according to Dr. Orrel Steinkamp); Dutch Sheets (#3); Jane Hamon, and Dr. Alveda King (first time ever) niece of the Dr. Martin Luther King.  Schultz reminds all that 2016 will be a very pivotal year with presidential primaries and elections.
http://www.deceptioninthechurch.com/plumblinearchive.html  Scroll down to Dr. Steinkamp's
article: "Chuck Pierce, The Kabbalist Apostle and Heir Apparent for the NAR" (March-April 2010)

One sentence, part of this announcement, gives a window into Shultz's perception of prophecy fulfillment.  It reads, "The accuracy level of these prophetic voices have always been very high concerning what God is about to do, and it gets more accurate each year."  Along these same lines, The Zedekiah List gives several Shultz quotes about prophetic certainty.  Here are two.  Date: 8-12-2000:  "No prophet or prophetic voice is without error when they give specific prophecies.  However, some have developed more credibility over time, and with a track record of Words that come true."  Date:  12-4-2007: "When we post any word at all on the Elijah List website--ANY word some think it's from God and some think it's NOT from God.  So, that's the way it's supposed to work.  Over time, you will decide literally for yourself which words you feel are trustworthy for YOU and/or which prophets you feel have the least or best credibility."  
http://www.zedekiahlist.com/index.html

In Wandering Stars author Keith Gibson often refers to and examines Elijah List prophets, and prophecies.  He especially takes on the Schultz's notion that prophets grow in accuracy.  In chapter twelve: "Oops! They Did it Again" he chronicles some Elijah List examples of failed prophecies.
(pp.243-259)

Of these false "prophetic practitioners" Gibson notes that they make "prophecies that are unverifiable" with "words that are so vague as to be essentially meaningless though they sound
impressive."  Gibson cites such Elijah List prophecies as those by Kim Clement, Bob Jones, Rick Joyner, Bobby Conner, Chuck Pierce, Catherine Brown, and many more.  Gibson also states, "In
light of the litany of failed prophecies with the modern prophetic movement the words of Richard Fisher seem particularly relevant, 'today's modern prophets are like a child playing an instrument and making numerous mistakes all the while claiming to be a prodigy. We are just supposed to ignore all the sour notes.' Today's apostles and prophets are truly wells without water. They boast great things but produce little results."  (p.258)
www.thebereancall.org/content/t-mcmahon-keith-gibson-part-1

The Elijah List Shop List: Pick from Over 4000 Products

Begin your Elijah List shopping by clicking on "Shop" which takes one to the "Elijah Shopper's"  ABC List of products such as Art Prints, Books, Christmas/Holiday, Conference Sets, ElijahRain Magazine, Gift Certificates, Oils and Scents, Teaching Messages, and so much more.  Click on "Review" to see pages of "real shopper's" opinions.  Shop by category: angels/supernatural, destiny/personal growth, dreams/visions, prophetic/prophecy, worship/dance plus more; or shop by author, artist, or brand name with hundreds of choices.

Here's a sample of one "heavenly product" that Keith Gibson describes in his excellent book Wandering Stars.  From the 2005 Elijah List Shopper Gibson describes "Third Heaven Vision Anointing Oil" like this, " ... for the person who has difficulty getting caught up to heaven on their own and for whom the many teachings by the prophets on how to make this happen have proven insufficient , the Elijah List provides the following: ...  Third Heaven Vision Anointing oil ... made from six ingredients around the world: ... Each fragrance was chosen from different nations and was indi-vidually prayed over and sanctified for the work of the Lord.  May you have 'third heaven' visions."  (p.104)  Shopper beware, for this is but one of the 4000 plus products that the Elijah List advertises -- products often full of deceptive and aberrant teachings.
http://www.elijahshopper.com/

The Elijah List Services List: An International Association of Healing Rooms Index 

Another list within the Elijah List is the "Services" page which includes advertising, healing, and prayer.  One service that the Elijah List sponsors is a list from the Spokane's Cal Pierce run
IAHR where the user can find instant access to over three hundred twenty-two of the over three thousand world wide healing rooms in its IAHR Index. 

This index shows the name of the organization that hosts a healing room, its location by state or country, and its operating hours.  Should you need further locations contact information for the IAHR is given: its website, email, and telephone.  Of the over three hundred healing rooms listed there's an ABC list of the USA states; and also a list of  countries as the United Kingdom, South Africa, Singapore, Malaysia, Croatia, Canada, Australia, and so on.  For much more information on the Healing Rooms see my previous blog which details its ties to the New Apostolic Reformation.

In Summary:  The Elijah List portal is like a prophetic megaphone spewing out prophetic propaganda and prophecies to many in the body of Christ.  These are prophets and prophetesses, who do not stick to the Bible, are willing to add to it, or subtract from it teaching false doctrine from their prophetic pedestals. These men and women crave power, and are willing to do anything it takes to have people idolize them.  And while they are at it they aren't shy about helping themselves, through their prophetic products, to plenty of money from the undiscerning. As true discerners we need to educate ourselves, warn others, and turn away from such publications as the Elijah List.
http://www.elijahlist.com/healing_rooms/index.html

A Scriptural Word: 

As for you and me, let us choose the Word of God--the forever in heaven settled word, the truth word, the pure word, the sweeter than honey word, the lamp unto my feet word, the light unto my path word, the hide in my heart word, the not to be forgotten word, and the full of hope word.  For as the Psalmist says in Psalm 119:104: "Through thy precepts I get understanding; therefore, I hate every false way."

Learn to Discern Granny Verse:  Romans 16:17

"Now, I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them."

 

Fox News' Contributor Kirsten Powers Exits Evangelicalism to Embrace Catholicism

Kirsten Powers, Fox News' pundit, happily announced on October 9, 2015 to "The Five" on "One More Thing" that the next day she would become Catholic.  Immediately, Powers was "high fived" by Kimberly Guilfoyle, and Eric Bolling.

Exactly why was this announcement so news worthy?  Well, for starters Kirsten, once an Episcopalian and later an atheist, had shared a "conversion story" about nine years ago.  At the time well-known Presbyterian Pastor Tim Keller of Redeemer Church in New York City had played a role in unveiling her eyes to the truth that God existed.  Further time at Redeemer had her calling herself an "orthodox Christian," and sharing her story with Christianity Today.  One wonders was there anything Keller shared about his own affinity with Catholicism as found, for example, in his book Reason for God  that gave Kirsten the impression Catholics are surely true Christians?  Dr. E.S. Williams in his article "Keller's Affinity with Rome" would support this.  Read more here:
http://www.newcalvinist.com/kellers-affinity-with-rome/

In an article, "Fox News's* Kirsten Powers Announces: 'I'm Becoming Catholic,'" Catholic Deacon
Greg Kandra of the Diocese of Brooklyn writes that during a 2006 trip to Taiwan Powers felt she had had a visitation from Jesus.  Kandra further writes, "She has called her conversion a 'a bit of a mind bender' due to her political beliefs and former atheism, and prefers the term 'orthodox Christian' over 'evangelical' to describe herself due to the 'cultural baggage' around the word 'evangelical.'  She has said that the biggest impact her new found faith had on her political beliefs was that she came to 'view everyone as God's child and that means everyone deserves grace and respect.'"  However, I would point out, that the Bible does not say everyone is God's child.  GotQuestions.com puts it this way, "The Bible is clear that all people are God's creation (Colossians 1:16) and that God loves the entire world (John 3:16), but only those who are born again are children of God (John 1:12, 11:52, Romans 8:16; I John 3:1-10)."  http://www.gotquestions.org/Printer/Gods-children-PF.html
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/deaconsbench/2015/10/fox-newss-kirsten-powers-announces-im-becoming-catholic/
* Kandra's error. 

In another piece, "Kirsten Powers Awakens to the Beauty and Depth and Riches of the Catholic Faith," Rick Rice wrote of Msgr. Charles Pope's* article that told of Kirsten's beautiful conversion story to Evangelicalism.  Rice noted that Msgr. Pope, at the time, prayed that Kirsten would to know that Jesus is Lord and the lover of her soul.  Of the Msgr. Pope piece Rice quotes, "But Father, but Father... 'She did not become Catholic.'"  However,  Msgr. Pope wrote, "Well, all I know is that she is on a journey.  And the Lord has surely led some of the best Catholics through the Evangelical denominations to the Catholic Church.**  ... In fact some of the greatest converts to the Catholic Church bring many gifts from their time as Evangelicals ...  At a personal level, I would love for Ms. Powers to find herself in full union with the Catholic Church. ..."  Rice went on, "Well Msgr. Pope, that one day has apparently arrived: Welcome Ms. Powers to the faith that challenges and enriches."  Rice ended by saying to Powers, "May God use you ma'am to bring others to His embrace."
http://wizbangblog.com/2015/10/09/kirsten-powers-awakens-to-the-beauty-and-depth-and-riches-of-the-catholic-faith/

*  Msgr. Charles Pope is pastor of the Holy Comforter- St. Cyprian Church that is part of the Arch- diocese of Washington, D.C.  Pope has also led Bible Studies in both Congress and the White House.
http://hcscchurch.org/  http://blog.adw.org/monsignor-charles-pope/

**  This could certainly refer to former Presbyterian Scott Hahn who converted to Catholicism some years back, and has become a best selling Catholic teacher, author, and speaker. 

In still another "Home to Rome" article: "Fox News' Kirsten Powers: Welcome Home to the Catholic Church" from Catholic News Live, Kate O'Hare writes "Deo Gratias!  Welcome Home!"  O'Hare also mentions Kirsten's tweet note of gratitude to Father Jonathan Morris for being instrumental in leading her into Catholicism.  O'Hare also adds, " ... maybe we can get her to tag-team with Father Morris and plant seeds to change the heart and mind of fallen-away Catholic Greg Gutfield of 'The Five.'"  As Powers has proven it may be a long and winding road, but there's no greater joy then finally crossing the Tiber.  Come on in Greg, the water's fine."
http://www.catholicvote.org/fox-news-kirsten-powers-welcome-home-to-the-catholic-church/

Dear reader, this is why Kirsten, a well-known writer and contributor, is such a prize convert for her opinions and thoughts influence many.  For us as Evangelicals, it is time to awaken and to understand that the Catholic Church teaches another gospel.  And rather than praising the Catholic Church and seeking common ground, we need to be planting our own seeds of the true gospel as found in Romans 3:24-26, and 28 where Scripture declares we are justified freely, and by faith without or apart from the deeds of the law!

While at Fox, Powers would have much contact with the large number of Catholic contributors.  And as Kirsten twittered about her conversations over dinner at Del Friscas, a ritzy Manhattan restaurant, with Fox's resident Catholic "evangelist" --the ever charismatic Father Jonathan Morris who had swayed her to make her decision.  This same Morris, you may recall, was on evangelist James Robison's program where Robison spoke of Evangelicals and Catholics joining together.  Morris was also on "Hannity" (9-24-15) along with Dr. Robert Jeffress of First Baptist Church, Dallas as they discussed their positive reaction to Pope Francis' visit.
https://twitter.com/kirstenpowers  https://www.facebook.com/drjeffress

Certainly, it seems Powers knows of, and has met Jeffress. One might ask did she hear Jeffress' clear affirmation of the pope declaring Francis "a humble Christ follower" for whom he had much respect?  Did she hear him state that he had more in common with his Catholic friends than his liberal Baptist friends?  Did she hear him say he differed with the pope only on secondary issues?  If Powers didn't, hundreds of others did!

A second prominent priest, Father Roger J. Landry of the Holy Family Catholic Church, an attache to the United Nations and a permanent observer of the Holy See to the United Nations also heavily influenced her to convert.  On Kirsten's October 11 Twitter to Landry Kirsten wrote: "Day 1 as a Catholic: awesome!  Wld not be here w/out the brilliant, kind, sacrificial, thoughtful, @ Fr.RogerLandry."
http://churchholyfamily.org/  http://churchholyfamily.org/people/father-roger-landry-1
https://twitter.com/kirstenpowers

And it was Landry's homily about which Kirsten tweeted, "Happy to share the phenomenal homily from my baptismal Mass by Fr. Roger Landry "The Continual Conversion..."  The homily: "The Continual Conversion Asked of the Rich Young Man and of Us, October 10, 2015"  (Mass of the Reception into Full Communion with the Catholic Church) was given at Manhattan's Holy Family Church whose building was dedicated in 1965 by His Eminence Francis Cardinal Spellman to serve the needs of the UN.  The church, by the way, is located just one block from the United Nations.
https://twitter.com/kirstenpowers

Holy Family was designed by architect George J. Sole to reflect the contemporary, post-Vatican II Church to fit into the United Nations neighborhood.  Its art and design reflect "a spirit of ecumenism and multi-nationalism."  To the left of the main altar stands a large Byzantine icon--"Our Lady of Peace."  Its eastern church style and subject matter, says the parish history, reflects the themes of universality and peace. http://churchholyfamily.org/about-the-church
http://churchholyfamily.org/parish-history

Just prior to her conversion Power's twittered her awe with the Pope on his recent papal visit by saying she was waiting for "Papa Francesca;" and later by writing she "was at the Pontifex Mass in DC." 

Yes, Kirsten was, as Bob Smietana of Christianity Today wrote in a Gleanings News piece, "Pope Francis' Latest Convert: Kirsten Powers."  Smietana said, "Fox News' highly reluctant Jesus follower
has found a new church."  Smietana also noted, "Powers gave few details about her decision to become Catholic.  She did thank Father Jonathan Morris, pastor of Mt. Carmel Church of the Bronx, on Twitter."
http://www.christianitytoday.com/gleanings/2015/october/pope-francis-newest-convert-kirsten-powers.html

How many like Kirsten have received, and are receiving confusing messages about Catholicism from pastors such as Keller, Jeffress, and a host of others.  In light of this, may we be ever ready to share the gospel that in order to reach heaven one must be born again, not join a church or do good works.  For as Acts 4:12 says: "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."  May we avail ourselves of every opportunity to share the hope that is within us with truth, and love.  And may we stand true to the faith that Jesus Christ is the only way, the truth, and the life; and that it is through Christ alone that we find salvation.

Learn to Discern Granny Verse: I Peter 3:15

"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear."


For More Information:

Pope Francis and the Thomas Merton Connection by Ray Yungen--A Light House Trails Booklet
http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=18379

My Journey Out of Catholicism by David Dombrowski--A Light House Trails Booklet
http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=10964

The Catholic Mary and Her Eucharistic Christ by Roger Oakland--A Light House Trails Booklet
http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=16870

Mudras, Chakras, Mantras: Deceptive Meditative Techniques

A recent Facebook Post captioned: "Help Your Child Achieve Calmness!" showed a picture of a little girl sitting cross-legged, eyes closed, hands out, and with her fingers fixed in a mudra position.  What finger position is that?  To be precise, it is the "Gyan Mudra" or "Chin Mudra" finger position in which the index finger touches the thumb tip to form as perfect a circle as possible with the other fingers extending upward.

Why do people do this?  Yoga aficionado Gertud Hirschi, in her book Mudras: Yoga in Your Hands,  tells us why: "We can effectively engage and influence our body and our mind by bending, crossing, extending, or touching the fingers with other fingers."  Hirschi goes on to pinpoint just what this finger position really means: "The thumb is symbolic of cosmic (divine) and the index finger is symbolic of individual (human) consciousness.  The ultimate goal ... is oneness of humanity with cosmic consciousness."
http://www.amazon.com/Mudras-Yoga-Hands-Gertrud-Hirschi/dp/1578631394

Now, the purpose of this article is to inform teachers, parents, and grandparents that when either a child or adult uses mudra gestures, along with mantras, one is setting himself up to open up body areas designated as chakras.  So, readers beware, each mudra gesture has far more wrapped up in in it than you might imagine; and it is not just an innocent finger technique to get one into a calmed state.  To find out more--more on mudras, chakras, and mantras read on.

Mudra Information:

Mudra Definition: (muh-drah)  A mudra is a symbolic or ritual gesture in Hinduism and Buddhism.  It is a spiritual gesture and an energetic seal of authenticity employed in the iconography and spiritual practice of Indian religions. (Wikipedia)  Right up front, these gestures are spiritual, but most definitely not Christian!  For nowhere in Scripture do we read of various ways to fix our fingers; as a matter of fact Scripture does not even tell us to fold our hands!  However, it does tell us that we can stretch out our hands toward heaven, and call to the Lord who will hear our prayer.

Another Mudra Definition:  One of the symbolic hand gestures used in religious ceremonies and dances in India and in yoga. (Merriam-Webster) 

Mudra Introduction: 

The Eclectic Energies web page states, "Mudras have been in use in the East for thousands of years, particularly in Buddhism.  Buddha statues often have the hands in certain hand positions.  They have been used as a spiritual practice ... as a way on the path to enlightenment."
http://www.eclecticenergies.com/mudras/mudra.php?num=1

Buddha Mudras:

There are a number of sites where one can glimpse close up photos focusing in on the mudra gestures of the Buddha.  One such site reads: "Mudras of the Great Buddha: Symbolic Gestures and Postures" while another says: "Hand Gestures of the Buddha (Mudras) and Buddha Iconography."  Looking at these Buddha hands brings to mind the verses from Psalm 115:4-8 where it says: "Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands. They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not: They have ears, but they hear not; noses have they, but they smell not: they have hands, but they handle not; feet have they, but they walk not; neither speak they through their throat.  They that make them are like them; so is every one that trusteth in them."  Truly sad, that the hands of precious children, along with undiscerning adults, are being taught to form Buddhist mudras.
http://www.exoticindiaart.com/mudras.htm  and
http://www.buddha-images.com/hand-gestures.asp

Children's Mudras:

Speaking of children's hands, the book title: Yoga for Busy Little Hands: Mudras for Children          
by Marsha Therese Danzig says it all.  Under its title it suggests this book is "great for kids with ADD, ADHD, Autism, and in the Classroom."  And its back cover reads, "Yoga Educator and Founder of  'Color Me Yoga for Children' Marsha Therese Danzig, Ed. M. Harvard, Registered Yoga Teacher 500 Hours, illustrates the wonderful world of mudras, or sacred hand gestures."  (Reiki Master too.)*

It continues, "Mudras are ancient healing techniques relevant to children in modern times.  The hand has a series of meridians or rivers of energy that link the body, mind, and spirit.  Mudras teach child-ren self-empowerment, allowing them to access and send energy where it needs to go for physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.  Yoga for Busy Little Hands, first in Color Me Yoga's Educational Yoga Series for children, "satisfies the linguistic learner with foreign language skills, (Make that Sanskrit.)* ... the music learner with the rhythm of affirmation and mantra, ... the intrapersonal learner with meditative practices, and the spiritual learner with expanded conscious awareness."
*Note: I have highlighted some words, and added inserts.
 
This book description describes what mudras are all about showing these finger actions are not akin to nursery rhyme movements, or action rhyme movements used by teachers of young children.  The book also paints mudras as something very educational--yes, educating one into deceptive meditative techniques!

A look at the book contents reveals even more of its spiritual agenda.  Here are some of its "Mudra Categories" such as "Energy" as Live (Prana); "Nature" as Flow (Varuna); "Confidence" as Focus (Hakai); "Healing" as Surrender (Suchi); "Calm" as Quiet (Dhyana); and "Spirit" as Om (Shunya).

In addition, Danzig designed an hour webnar: "You've Got the Whole World in Your Hands: Mudras for Children."  (No!  He's Got the Whole World in His Hands!) to "illuminate the many ways specific, purposeful hand movements can increase positive energy ...."  "Mudra means seal," explains Danzig, "so in practicing a mudra, it is like sealing the body, mind, and spirit together."  Just simple hand movements?  No, one hundred percent no!  These are hand movements taking one straight into a New Age spirituality!
http://www.amazon.com/Yoga-Busy-Little-Hands-Childrens/dp/1495380858
https://kidsyogaacademy.net/faculty/marsha-therese-danzig/

More Mudra Materials for Kids:

The Global Family Yoga publishes a downloadable eBook Mudras for Children with an introduction to mudras, how and why to practice mudras, and instructions for ten simple mudras suitable for children.  Of mudras they write, "They are like mini yoga poses for your hands and are one of the many techniques used for self-regulation and to develop awareness.  Mudras tune us into the subtle energies of the body."  Of mudras and meditation they observe, "Meditation is one of the best ways to give the mind a rest and mudras are a wonderful way to facilitate the one-pointed concentration that leads to meditation."  http://globalfamilyyoga.com/mudras_for_children/

An enticing book, Evyatar's Mudras or Magical Hand Gestures by Alex Man, and Elizabeth Futerman, pictures a very young child meeting the morning by doing mudras in his bed.  This book includes nine basic mudras, and how to practice them on one hand or two.
http://www.amazon.com/childrens-books-Evyatars-Attention-collection-ebook/dp/B00RCIMTUM

Another tool is Lori Lite's mudra poster entitled "The Feelings in You Are the Feelings in Me" which shows mudra hand positions demonstrated by eleven children photographed listening to Indigo Dreams CD/Audio and book.  These mudra gestures include: heart, vision, peace, color, imagine, universal, truth, love, create, intuition, happy, and breathe.  Below the poster it says, "Yoga mudras have new meanings when children explore hand positions that empower them to be active participants in their own healthy, heart driven lives."  Notice the kids' poster photos as they sit cross-legged listening to mesmerizing stories, and music all the while doing sacred mudras.  Awaken!  This is not what one would desire for any child, or student!
http://www.amazon.com/Kids-Yoga-Posters-Mudras-Feelings/dp/0970863381

Don't Do Mudras!

Be warned when one allows a child to do mudras to calm down, they're being set up to go deeper into meditative techniques that will teach them to affirm their own goodness, and their own divinity.
They will also be taught that they can control their bodies, and that they can use these mudras to learn to open up their "chakras."  All the hype about de-stressing, relaxing, calming, and breathing will have that child, at some point, ready to be a full blown meditator falling into very dangerous habits.  Instead of being "from a child knowing the Holy Scriptures" they will be hooked on mudras and
mantras, and the pagan worldviews associated with them.  And instead of trusting Jesus as Savior, and protector they will be looking within themselves as divine.

Chakra Information:

Chakra Definition:  Chakras are centers of energy, says Eclectic Energies, are located on the midline of the body.  There are seven of them, and they govern  psychological properties.  The chakras located on the lower side of the body are the instinctual side, while the highest ones are the mental side.  http://www.eclecticenergies.com/chakras/introduction.php

Chakra Description:  The Sanskrit word chakra literally translates to wheel or disk.  In yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda this term refers to wheels of energy throughout the body.  There are seven main chakras which align the spine beginning from the base of the spine right up to the crown of the head.  One can visualize a chakra as a swirling wheel of energy where matter and consciousness meet.  This invisible energy, called prana is a vital life force, keeps one vibrant, healthy, and alive.

Chakra Chants:

In "Opening the Chakras" from Eclectic Energies it explains in detail how to use chakra chants that use mudras to open the chakras.  The mudras, says the article, have the power to send more energy to particular chakras.  Basically the mudra method involves fixing your hands in a designated arrangement, concentrating on a particular chakra, and chanting sounds to awaken it.
http://www.eclecticenergies.com/chakras/open.php
 
"How to Open Your Seven Chakras-As Explained in a Children's Show":

Aired on October 18, 2013 on Nick TV a chilling kids' show, "The Last Airbender," now a You Tube video, vividly described how a young boy was taught by his guru to open his chakras.  The video,
labled Y7 FV, demonstrated step by step how this cartoon character opened up all his chakras--from the earth chakra right up to the crown chakra.  Adults should watch this ten minute video to get an eye-opening glimpse into some of the mind-blowing teachings on this kids' cartoon.  Watch here:  
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02FkMr21xOA

Check Out These Children's Chakra Materials:

Chakra Webnar:

Marsha Danzig has recently developed a new webnar "Little Spinning Wheels: Chakras for Children." In it she says one can fine tune children's sensitivities to the chakras--those related to specific glands and earth qualities as roots, water, fire, air, ether, sound, light, and space which will make them better beings on the planet! 

While looking at this site click on the colorful butterfly to see it up close, to notice the wing colors beginning with the red (root chakra) color and the bottom all the way to the violet (crown chakra) at the top.  Notice, too, its black body with the colored chakra energy balls from the bottom right up through the top.  Clever!  Deceptive! https://kidsyogaacademy.net/faculty/marsha-therese-danzig/

Chakra Book:

A 2015 book titled: The Rainbow Tower: Understanding Chakras, Auras, and Reiki Energy for Kids can be viewed on Amazon.com books.  Click onto the book photo "to look inside" and what a tale you'll find there.  Its author, Kytka Hilmar-Jezek, has spun a story even the youngest child can understand all about the Chakra Tower with its colorful chakra lotuses.

Hilmar-Jezek wrote a parental letter saying in part: "Have you always wondered how to explain chakras, auras, and reiki to your children in a way they would understand?  Maybe you are a beginner looking for answers about auras, chakras, reiki, and healing energy or life force."  We all, asserts Hilmar-Jezek, have this Universal Life Force with an energy field made up of aura which shows itself in seven colorful layers and the chakra system.

Note: While indoctrinating children, these books go after parents too.  So, take heed!

Then in giant print Hilmar-Jezek emphasizes, "Even the youngest kids can learn the most about theseven chakras through the color story in the book."  Later, the author again uses oversized print to add, "This book helps children easily begin to understand their body as energy cen-
ters."http://www.amazon.com/The-Rainbow-Tower-Understanding-Chakras-ebook/dp/B00YYUJJ40 

Chakra Poster:

A Lori Lite Stress Free Kids'"Chakras Color Our World" Poster (March 2005) from Indigo Dreams renamed the chakras this way: earth (red); creativity (orange); feelings (yellow); love (green); voice (blue); knowing (indigo) and angel (purple).  These seven, says the poster, will empower kids to be active participants in creating their own healthy, heart driven, peaceful lives.  Marketed as a great tool for teaching chakras to children of any age this poster boasts that kids of any nationality may look different on the outside, but inside we all share the same inner colors.  However, Isaiah 53:6 says that inside we're all sinners who have gone astray, turning everyone to his own way, and that because of this we need a Savior.
http://healing.about.com/od/chakraimages/ig/Chakra-Posters/Chakra-10.htm

Kids' Chakra Affirmations:

Affirmation Book/CDs:

Lori Lite wrote Affirmation Weaver: A Believe in Yourself Story.  In this innocent sounding tale about sea creatures, Lite uses the oft repeated reason one needs such a book for children who are stressed out, and need calming, that she, Lite, has the book for you--a book that will boost your child's belief in himself through the repeating of positive sounding affirmations.  Now, an affirmation, according to Lite, is a compliment that you give to yourself.  Here's a Lite quote, "I love myself the way I am.  I can do anything I believe I can."
http://www.amazon.com/Affirmation-Weaver-Yourself-Self-esteem-Decreasing/dp/0983625697

Discerning reader, stop here, recall that this view is so opposite of what the Word teaches.  For it clearly says in Proverbs 20:11: "Even a child is known by his doing whether his work be pure, and whether it be right."  Jeremiah 17:9 sums it up like this, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked and who can know it?"

As Christians we want our children to trust the Lord Jesus as personal Savior.  However, no amount of positive affirming meditative mantras are going to prepare a child to know the Lord; rather they are going to prepare him to focus in on himself speaking to his chakras and saying things to his "root chakra" as "I am divine being of light, and I am peaceful, protected, and secure."  But, only the Lord is divine!  He is the Light of the World wanting to rescue us from the darkness of sin.  Flee from these techniques, open up your Bible, and teach from it!  Check out chakra affirmations and know where Ms. Lite is leading you in such "relaxation" books filled to the brim with mudras, mantras, and more.

Be aware too Lite produces CD story sets as "Indigo Dreams," and "Indigo Ocean Dreams" with kids' stories said to reduce stress, anger, and anxiety while increasing kids' centering on self.  Both covers show a child seated in the lotus position, eyes closed, hands fixed in a mudra with the caption that these CDs will one de-stress and relax.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012ARCA8?ie=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0
http://www.amazon.com/Indigo-Ocean-Dreams-Self-Esteem-Self-Awareness/dp/0970863365

Think on II Corinthians 6:17: "Wherefore come out from among them (idolaters, unbelievers ...), and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you, ...."  We need to leave behind these New Age ideas that purport to help us, but instead lead us and our children far from the Lord.

Mantra Information:

Mantra Definitions:

A mantra is a motivating chant.  A mantra is usually any repeated word or phrase, but it can also refer more specifically to a word repeated in meditation.  Mantra comes from  Sanskrit word meaning a "sacred message," or text, charm, spell, counsel.  (Vocabulary.com)

A mantra is (Originally in Hinduism and Buddhism) a word or sound repeated to aid concentration.
A mantra is also a Vedic hymn. (Oxford Dictionaries)

A mantra is (Hinduism or Buddhism) any sacred word or syllable used as an object of concentration and embodying some aspect of spiritual power. (Dictionary.com)

Mantra Materials for Kids:

Liz Bragdon of "Move with Me" (Yoga Adventures) has written an article entitled: "Affirmations and Mantras for Kids."  In it Liz lays out what a mantra is, and what a mantra will do.  Liz says, "When you think of a mantra ... you will probably think of the recitation of beautiful Sanskrit phrases with a spiritual purpose.  In a nutshell, the idea behind mantras is that the specific words you repeat may become part of you and reveal, over time, truths about yourself and your connection to a deeper source, when recited regularly with faith and feeling."  Liz asserts, "Mantras ... encourage us to tune into our authentic inner voice and tune out the negative, distracting, thoughtlessly repeated messages that divide us from that authentic, wise, and loving voice."

Liz then goes on to list six simple mantras for children that are fun.  "However," she adds, "they are also for grown-ups.  A simple message is sometimes a powerful message."  Liz shares that some of her favorite kids' mantras taken from the performance of well-known chant artist--Snatam Kaur. 

Three of her favorites include: "Sa Ta Na Ma" a mantra that uses finger movements with a lovely song from Snatam's video.  Another: "Peace: Om Shanti, Shanti, Shantih" should be repeated three times: for oneself, for all living things, and for the whole world and the universe.  She also finds lovely: "I am Happy, I am Good" with its "Sat Nam, Sat Nam, Sat Nam ji," and its "Waheguru, Waheguru, Waheguru, ji" from Snatam's video.  Always these mantras teach children that in ourselves we are good, just the opposite of what our Bible says in Romans 3:23: "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; "
http://move-with-me.com/uncategorized/affirmations-and-mantras-for-kids/

When one views these little tots using mudras, and loudly chanting the "Wahe Guru" mantra one might smile, and think how cute!  However, here's what "Wahe Guru" really means, according to Kunalini Yoga Boot Camp (KYBC): "Wahe (Wha-hay) means 'Wow' or 'Ecstasy'" ... while Guru (goo-roo) means that force which brings one from darkness into light."  KYBC comments, "For example Wahe Guru is another way of expressing the joyous ecstasy that comes from knowing your true essence--call it God, call it soul, call it Self ... whatever."  Sad indeed that Christians today are allowing little kids to learn yogic techniques, and who knows what teacher just might teach your young child to chant mantras declaring they are divine in themselves.  How deceived, and naïve are the parents who think these so called "calming" mantras will help their children.
http://kundaliniyogabootcamp.com/wahe-guru-a-little-meaning/

Another article by Shannon Sexton gives "Six Reasons to Chant with Your Kids."  Sexton says, "There's a new generation of yoga-children out there who calm down and find peace through mantra musical meditations as "Kirtan" which is a form of call-and-response chanting from India.  Sexton lists six reasons why your child should become a yoga kid beginning with it helps kids focus--therefore try "bedtime mantras" which are sure to soothe!  Mantras help diffuse conflict too, says Sexton, so "Let's 'Om' Together!"  Besides, Sexton maintains that Sanskrit mantras are great for teaching yogic values.  Of course, these mantras will help kids quiet their minds, and help kids to know they are "spiritual beings."  "Just imagine," muses Sexton, "if we were all walking around singing, 'I am divine love.'"  Yes, becoming a "chanting junkie" will help one bond.  And finally, suggests Sexton, sing mantras with others, or join a live Kirtan event which will help one connect with community.  Discerning reader, I challenge you to research what is out there to entice parents, grandparents, and teachers to try out these wondrous mantra methods with their little ones.  Beware!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/shannon-sexton/6-reasons-to-chant-with-y_b_5439564.html

Like an Angel of Light--Snatam Kaur--Sacred Chant Artist and Kids' Kundalini Yoga Teacher

If ever there was someone who appears quite angelic Snatam Kaur would have to be it.  To watch her beautiful face, and to listen to her melodious voice as she teaches those she calls her "Little Yogis," or "Tomorrow's Teachers" one would think she is a goddess herself.  But, do not be deceived, these chants are sacred mantras to captivate and to lead precious children deep into a New Spirituality.  To open your eyes watch this seductive video here:  http://www.spiritvoyage.com/yoga/Shanti-the-Yogi---Mountain-Adventure-DVD/Snatam-Kaur/DVD-002410.aspx

One of Kaur's DVDs is "Shanti the Yogi"--Mountain Adventure DVD" which is filled with beguiling illustrations as well as alluring musical mantra lyrics.  Composed of eight tracks the words to the lyrics can be found on "Welcome to Shanti the Yogi Dot Com" by clicking on "Lyric Sheets" PDF.  Oh, and there is a Coloring Book PDF as well. http://www.shatitheyogi.com/shanti_frame.html

Just a brief look at the lyrics will quickly let you know that each track song has teachings exactly opposite to Scripture.  Track 1, for example, "Feeling Good Today" teaches the idea that we're feeling good today for God who is in my inside is in you too.  Verse three reads: "God and me, me and God, are one, Sat Nam."  "Sat Nam," the common Kundalini mantra greeting, means "I see your true nature, " or "I recognize the divinity within you."  Similar to "Namaste" it acknowledges we are the same, we are one.  A site named the "Kundalini Way" explains, "Sat Nam is a mantra commonly used in Kundalini Yoga and is repeated three times at the end of a yoga session. ... It has been called the process of naming one's self  'Truth.'"  But in John 14:6 Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me."  For we are not truth, nor are we divine; but we are sinners in need of a Savior!  https://kundaliniway.wordpress.com/sat-nam/

Then there is Track 6, "I Am the Light of My Soul," that teaches the child he again is divine by having him sing, "I am the light, light, light, light of my soul.  I am beautiful, I am bountiful, I am bliss.  Beautiful I am, I am, Bountiful I am, I am.  I am bliss."  No, we are not any of this!  Once again our Bibles tell us Jesus is the Light, and he is the great I Am.  For as Jesus said in John 8:12: "I am the light of the World: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."

Track 7, "Sa Ta Na Ma," is one of most common mantras of Kundalini Yoga, which young children learn with ease belting it out while doing mudras.  Bragdon, in her affirmation piece named above, mentions Kaur's video of this mantra by saying, "This mantra incorporates finger movements, or mudras.  For kids they are just fun things to do with your fingers.  Both hands are doing the finger plays (hardly finger plays!!), simultaneously.  Bragdon then details the motions touching pointer finger to thumb for "Sa," and so on.  Below this explanation Bragdon includes this disturbing mantra video from Kaur.  Hear here:  http://move-with-me.com/uncategorized/affirmations-and-mantras-for-kids/  The bottom line is: stay far away from this seductive female Sikh, New Age Indian devotional musician, Kundalini Yoga teacher for kids, and meditation and Kirtan guru--Snatam Kaur, and anyone else endorsing these practices!

"Stand Up for Truth" has an in depth article "Warning: Kundalini Yoga's 'Highest Mantra Meditation'"--the Sa Ta Na Ma-- describing its mudras and mantras in detail.  It says, "You will notice the very same greeting in Kundalini Yoga 'Sat Nam' contains the Sa Ta Na Ma components.  Sat Nam is the seed mantra ... while Sa Ta Na Ma is understood as Existence, Life, Death, and Rebirth.  Kirtan Kriya makes this most important mantra the centerpiece of the meditation."

"Kirtan Kryia," the article explains, "exploits the power of mantras, hand positions (mudras), mind power, naad yoga (yoga of sound) to work its magic ...."  For more of this informative warning read here: http://standupforthetruth.com/2011/12/warning-kundalini-yogas-highest-mantra-meditation/

In Conclusion: We Can Choose!

We can choose to follow the gods of the people around us as did the Children of Israel, or we can choose to follow the Lord.  For as Deuteronomy 5:14 noted, "Ye shall not go after other gods, the gods of the people which are around you."  Or as Joshua 23:7-8 reads, "... neither make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause to swear by them, neither serve them, nor bow yourselves to them: But cleave unto the Lord your God ...."

We can choose to form sacred mudras, or we can stretch out our hands to the Lord.  For as Psalm 44:20-21 records: "If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out our hands to a strange god: Shall not our God search this out? ...."  Or as Psalm 63:3-4 so beautifully describes, "Because  thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.  Thus will I bless thee while I live, I will lift up my hands in thy name."

We can choose to mumble Sanskrit mantras--to multiply sounds and words; or we can choose to exalt the Lord of Lords, and King of Kings!  For as Matthew 6:7 reminds us, "But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking."  Or as Psalm 8:1 says we can shout out, "O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth."

Yes, we have a choice to follow the way that seems right to a man, or the one way of truth--we can allow our children, or even ourselves to follow after pagan techniques touted to calm us, and ground us; or we can choose, as the Psalmist penned in Psalm 19:14, to declare: "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in they sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer."  We can choose, it is our choice; but as Joshua of old may our choice be to say: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!" (Joshua 24:14)

Learn to Discern Granny Verse:  Matthew 21:16  

"Hosannas, Not Mantras!"

"And they said unto him, Hearest thou what these say?  And Jesus said unto them, Yea, have you not read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise."


More Information:

For Many Shall Come in My Name by Ray Yungen (Lighthouse Trails)

Out of India by Caryl Matrisciana (Lighthouse Trails)

Mandala Color Books: Conduits to New Age Meditation

Adult coloring has recently become a national passion.  Proof of this can be found in any book store where the first thing you'll see upon entering are shelves brimming with every kind of color book imaginable.  And congregated around these shelves you'll find enthusiastic colorists who'll be eager to share how enjoyable this current color fad can be.  And like many others it may not be long until you'll be picking up a book or two just to try it out.

Now, from your first examination of these color books you'll note they aren't like the color books of your youth, for at least half of them are distinctly New Age in look, and content.  And second, you'll note that they almost all purport to help calm, soothe, de-stress, and relax you into a meditative state.  Finally, you'll soon discover some of these intriguing books have tantalizing patterns called "mandalas" that will entice you to look at them over and over.  These mesmerizing "sacred circles"  are designed to visually take you to their centers to discover "Your Higher Self."  And yes they are deceptive, and no they aren't Christian!

So be aware that there are many seductive 'spiritual' color books out there both for adults and children alike.  Thus, should you decide on trying out some coloring, or buying some for others, one should ponder the Biblical warning from Psalm 101:3 that states: "I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes; I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me." And because "mandalas" have a hidden agenda this article is written to inform colorists, and non colorists exactly what they are, and what they are made for.

Sacred Circle Mandalas: Conduits to Meditation

A mandala means "circle" in Sanskrit--a sacred circle, or container that uses alluring symbols, dazzling colors, and mystical patterns.  Alberta Hutchinson, in the Mystical Mandala Color Book (Dover) defines mandalas this way: "symmetrical geometric designs which are traditionally used for meditative purposes by drawing our eye to the center of the circle."  A Little Mandalas (Dover) color book calls them "mystical motifs which symbolize the universe, wholeness, and eternity."  And a kids' color book: My First Mandalas (Dover) by Anna Pomaska maintains mandalas are a Far Eastern tradition with "intriguing centers and fascinating focal points."  In summary, "Mandala" from "Religionfacts.com" says, "Simply stated, a mandala is a sacred geometric figure that represents the universe.  When completed a mandala becomes a sacred area that serves as a receptacle for deities and a collection point of universal forces. By mentally entering a mandala and proceeding to its center, a person is symbolically guided through the cosmos to the essence of reality."
http://www.relgionfacts.com/mandala

Mandalas are a visual tool to take one into a meditative state just as mantras are a vocal tool to lead one into emptying one's mind.  As one repeatedly gazes, contemplates, looks upon, stares at the mandala while following its hypnotic patterns it can have the effect of relaxing the person into an altered state, or even a trance.

Speaking of a "meditative state" on December 12, 2015 the Orlando Sentinel had this front page article: "Adults Find Meditative State Coloring Away Stresses of Life" by Bethany Rogers.  The accompanying photo showed grandmotherly types coloring "Color Me Calm" pages at the Minneola Schoolhouse Library.  This was but one of four "Color Me Calm"* sessions where ladies gathered sipping tea, coloring, and listening to a flute tune titled "Morning Stillness."

The article noted that of the top twenty selling books on Amazon.com ten of these were adult color books.  It also said these books had page after page of intricately drawn mandalas, animals, inspirational phrases, and woodland scenery.  The article quotes devotee of Zen meditation Gabe Coeli, co-founder of Blue Star Coloring Books, who in the middle of the day often takes a short cut to mindfulness by doing a little coloring. 
http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/2015/12/13/adult-coloring-books-stress/76916842/

*  The name of a color book: Color Me Calm

Buddhist Sand Mandalas

A must-see mandala You Tube video "Tibetan Buddhist Mandala" (July, 8, 2011) is a good jumping off point into understanding the background, and true meaning of mandalas.  After viewing the short video below, read the accompanying description by Karen H. Sallick.

In her vivid depiction Sallick walks one through the process of how the monks funnel hand-ground precious stones onto a grid to create magnificent mandalas.  Sallick points out that every aspect of a mandala has a meaning.  Its center represents "The Buddha of Compassion" while  the next circle contains four different Buddhas.  After, there's a circle of lotus leaves, and as Sallick says, "The family of Buddhas that are in the center are sitting in a ring of lotus." 

Outside those circles comes a protection ring keeping one from negative thoughts; and finally, comes a fire ring helping one burn through ignorance into enlightenment.  No sooner do the monks complete their mandala masterpiece, than all its deities are swept away into an offering vase.  This deity offering is then dumped into flowing water to spread its blessings back to earth.  Buddhists believe all who have watched the construction, and destruction of the sand mandala can gain merit, and take on the Buddha nature.  Recall Biblical deities were dumped into water too, not as offerings but because they were idolatrous-the work of man's hands!
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/?p=4423

Shakti Color Book's Goddesses and Mandalas

A look at Ekabhumi C. Ellik's color book should be an awakening to any who are considering mandala coloring. To view this color book with Bhuvaneshvari, the goddess of spaciousness, regent of manifest creation, and universal earth mother on its cover go to Amazon.com or on Facebook under: The Shakti Color Book.

On its Facebook page you'll see pictures from the book colored by people who post them to the site.
One very disturbing post showed a child posing as a goddess while her mom told how obsessed with the goddesses her child was.  Ellik's reply to this mother was, "I'm so happy to contribute to helping girls recognize their inner divinity."  A comment below read, "Beautiful little goddess, keep that feeling."  Another post photo showed a young girl proudly holding up a goddess in a mandala she'd colored.

YogaDork's article: "Grab Your Crayon's and Say Om: Coloring Art as a Meditative Practice" has an excerpt from Ellik's book.  In it Ellik speaks of the goddesses depicted in the book by saying, "The goddesses who appear in the The Shakti Color Book encompass the entire spectrum of cosmic phenomena, mirroring our most expansive Self. ... Their mystic diagrams--their mandalas and yantras --have a powerful influence on our awareness when we mediate upon them and visualize them internally.  Our energy body is repatterned ... helping us to recognize behaviors that our of alignment with our most expansive nature, which is the Goddess herself."
http://yogadork.com

Ellik has also begun a "Shiva Color Book."  And Ellik asks readers: "What images ... forms of Shiva ... related deities ... mandalas or yantras ... should be included?"  Ellik also invites all to join him at an "Embrace Your Shakti: A Yoga Coloring Workshop" where they can begin their New Year with some goddess power.

In an August 2015 comment Ellik sums up the purpose of his color book when he says, "it's an opportunity to introduce sacred art as an intrinsic part of YOGIC practice to a HUGE number of people who may think it's only stretching and feeling calm."  He also notes,  "... to have readers introduced to this book is a great way to help shift public opinion away from yoga-is-exercise-to-look-and-feel-good-and-back-toward, well YOGA."  Ellik gives us a truth many undiscerning Christians are not acknowledging about yoga and mandalas!  Think about it!
http://www.facebook.com/shakticoloringbook

Carl Jung's Mandalas

It was Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung who helped bring "mandala making and mandala meditation" to the West.  His classic mandala work Mandala Symbolism is named as a resource by the Mandala Project.  Here's an article "Psychology of the Mandala" from Creatingmandalas.com that tells how Jung used mandalas himself, and how he used them with his clients.  This is the same Carl Jung who had a life-time spirit guide named "Philemon."  For more about Jung's life from a Christian vantage point read the transcript from the John Ankerburg Show: "The Seduction of Christianity Part I" by Johanna Michaelson and Dave Hunt done in 1985.
http://creatingmandalas.com/psychology-of-the-mandala
https://www.jashow.org/articles/general/the-seduction-of-christianity-program-1/


Color Book Mandalas: Conduits to Meditation for Kids of All Ages

Children's Mandala Color Books and More:

Joy Mandalas
"Mandalas of Joy for Children" offers thirty free color pages that will free the child's mind to think out of the box, for they say there's is no right or wrong way to color.
http://mandalacoloringmeditation.com/mandala-coloring/free-children-coloring-pages/
 
Crayola Crayon Mandalas 
Crayola offers a school plan to enable kids to work in groups of four to create a large mandala just as the monks used to do.  Make that "just as the monks do today!"
http://www.crayola.com/lesson-plans/school-mandala-lesson-plan/

Preschool Printable Mandalas 
Preschool mandalas are available from Education.com. so even the youngest colorists will become familiar with the term "mandala."http://www.education.com/worksheets/preschool/mandalas/

Meditation Mandalas
Do You Yoga tells kids their whole body is a "mandala" with its center being their "belly button."  Kids, in a "child's pose," color mandalas with quiet background music.  The site advises when a mandala is finished hang it up, and use it for meditation.  It suggests one breathe deeply, gaze at the center of the Mandala, and let thoughts and emotions come without following them.  Then, "slowly dive deeper into the center of the Mandala and into the harmony and love it represents."  And Do You Yoga says kids from five and up can participate.
http://www.doyouyoga.com/mandala-coloring-meditation-for-kids-96460/

Rainbow Mandalas
Rainbow Crystal Connection describes how kids can make a "Rainbow Mandala."  The author says "When I explain Mandalas to kids I tell them they are a reflection of 'you'-of how you are feeling and how complex and beautiful you are."
http://www.rainbowcrystalconnection.com/2011/11/05/mandalas-with-kids-part-1/

Activity Book Mandalas
Everyday Mandala for Children is a series of activity books designed for ages four and up based on "The Shichida Method" that uses mandalas with youngsters that requires them to capture the image of a Mandala within seconds, and apply the colors onto an uncolored Mandala.  The method boasts even a child of two can do it.  Its method includes holding a Mandala against a plain wall, asking a child to stare at the Mandala focusing on its center, and then visualizing it in their mind.  Children are told to hold that image there as long as possible.  And suggests the article you as an adult should also join in.
http://www.homeeducation.sg/

Guided Meditation Mandalas
A teacher taught mandala art and meditation to a group of first-third graders "which took to mandalas very easily."  Her simple guided meditation had the kids drawing their inner flower, their inner sun, inner light, and peace.
http://www.michelefaia.com/classes/class-schedule/class-photos-art/childrens-mandalas/

Dream Music Mandalas
"Pure Relaxation for Children" produces a You Tube video of mesmerizing music with vibrant mandalas shown in kaleidoscopic fashion.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hv97d5l9SHg

Kids' Magical Mandalas
German author Arena Verlag has created a color book Kids' Magical Mandalas found on Amazon.com.  A "Look Inside" note reads, "When kids start to color ... magic happens.  Suddenly they quiet down, become deeply drawn into the image ....  The reason: all the patterns are evenly distributed around a center ... of balance and harmony that no youngster can resist."
http://www.amazon.com/Kids-Magical-Mandalas-Arena-Verlag/dp/1402717210

My First Mandalas
Anna Pomaska's color book My First Mandalas says this book is an invitation for little artists to experience mandalas.  Its "Note" inside states mandalas were once used for healing and offerings but now they are "just for fun."  False, for as this paper proves they are very definitely made for other than fun!
http://www.amazon.com/First-Mandalas-Coloring-Dover-Books/dp/048646556X

Kids' Mandalas
Arena Verlag has a second Kids' Mandalas color book which brags, "This isn't a color book--it's a calming book with beautiful patterns and inviting images that help kids concentrate."  Ah, there is that bait again this will help youngsters calm down, de-stress, and chill out so they will surely focus better.  Don't buy it.

Mindfulness Mandalas
Here's a piece from Kids' Yoga Resource that tells how middle schoolers form a circle with mats to create a "sacred space."  Into this they quietly create a mandala from found objects as stones, shells and so on as soft music is played in the background.  They dismiss with a savasana or "corpse pose," and a "Namaste" or "I bow to the god in you, and you bow to the god in me."
http://www.thekidsyogaresource.com/2010/04/experiencing-mindfulness-through-mandalas-a-meditative-activity-for-children.html

Easy Mandalas
Free for the printing a site offers easy mandala coloring pages for kids, and even adults with various styles and themes. http://www.free-mandalas.net/niveaux-de-difficulte/easy-children/

Active Meditation Mandalas
An article From Kids Growing Up Psychic Series by psychic Melissa Leath details how she uses "active meditation" or anything that keeps kids focused and calm as e.g. making mandalas.  Afterward kids softly stare at their mandala while trying not to blink.  As they breathe in and out, Leath explains, "a shift" comes while colors in the mandala seem to change and move.  At this point, says Leath, kids will feel energy flowing from the mandala.  They are then to close their eyes to see an inner vision, and to feel more energy.  And so Leath a medium, mentor, and author leads kids into her psychic world. http://shaheenmiroinsights.com/2015/03/30/active-meditation-for-kids-creating-your-own-mandala-by-melissa-leath/

Momma 'N Manila's Meditation Mandalas
In "Meditating With Children" a yoga teacher uses many meditative methods such as meditation with a felt heart during  chakra lessons, and meditation with mandalas they have created.
http://www.mommanmanila.com/meditating-with-children/

Everyone's Mandalas
Psychotherapist Monique Mandali has written a series Everyone's Mandala Coloring Book: Vol.1-3 created for all ages 4-104.  About one someone wrote, "Finally a coloring book for kids and adults.  I bought one for my grandson and my 85-year-old mother ... they both love it!"   Of mandala meditation Mandali said, "The act of coloring the mandala is all about connecting with it as a calmer, peaceful, more balanced version of yourself ... (so) take a deep meditative breath and step into the circle."  http://www.mandali.com/  and http://www.mandali.com/uses/

A Billion Peace Mandalas
Mandali has also created a Peace Mandala Coloring Book with twenty-five mandalas with the help of kids ages 6-15 from around the world.  This book, maintains Mandali, will help spread the seed of harmony for the next 1000 years!  An inner city school teacher shares how her entire school is now making peace mandalas crediting Mandali with saying "it may take a billion peace mandalas to bring tranquility to human kind."  And a pediatric neurologist testifies, "My doctor's office is full of Monique's colored mandalas."  How clever to create "mandalas" under the guise of peace.  As Christians we know that there will be no peace until The Prince of Peace returns!

Monkeymind and Mandalas
The Toronto District Schools features "Meet the Self" for kids K-6 that includes "Monkeymind" an excitable puppet who has trouble with self-regulation.  In hour long sessions kids do mindfulness, breathing, regulation methods, and meditation.  To end the course kids make a whole-group mandala.
http://meettheself.com/classes/monkeymind-and-me-a-mindfulness-course-for-children/

Mandala Project Mandalas
The Mandala Project dedicates itself to promoting peace through art and education.  If one clicks onto its intertwining mandala logo you can learn of: "About the Project,""What Is a Mandala,""Links and Resources,""Education,""What's New,""The Labyrinth Project," and "Mandalas."  The Mandala Project also hosts: "Circling the Curriculum: Mandala Workshop" for teachers on how to insert the mandala into every aspect of the curriculum.  All sorts of lesson plans are offered as "Mandala Storymap" using mandalas as a tool for reading, or "Middle School Mandalas" using mandalas in math and history.  Its links/ resources provide such New Spirituality materials as e.g. Judith Cornell's "Mandala Healing Kit" with a workbook and guided CD of Cornell's meditations.  All of this is at the fingertips of  teachers ready to be used with innocent children to introduce them to a variety of New Age practices!  Be on the alert!  http://www.mandalaproject.org/Index.html

There are even more children's mandala materials that can't be listed here; but the bottom line is that the mandala coloring craze is not just an adult coloring book problem, it is being used  with children and teens.  Be watchful!  Teach your children what these seducing circles really are about!


Adult Mandala Color Books and More

Coloring Mandalas
Susanne F. Fincher, founder of Creatingmandalas.com., Presbyterian, Jungian psychotherapist, counselor, art therapist, author mandala books, and mandala intensives has led thousands to the spiritual, psychological and health enhancing dimensions of creating mandalas.  Author of four Coloring Mandalas books by Shambhala Publishing Fincher's first book, Coloring Mandalas 1: ForHealing and Self-Expression, says that as a symbol of Self, the mandala connects us to our innermost being.  These mandalas are organized according to the "Great Round of the Mandala"-- a scheme of twelve archetypal stages of human growth.  http://creatingmandalas.com/susanne-f-fincher

Coloring Mandalas 3: Circles of the Sacred Feminine is totally pagan beginning with "Prayer to the Earth Mother."  Inside notes tell the colorist to consider these sacred images holy, and to set aside a sacred space to work on them.  Doing this will allow their "harmonious designs" to kick in just as their ancient chants will resonate within one in calming and revitalizing ways.  And says an "introductory description" of this idolatrous book: "Coloring the circular designs ... is a relaxing, meditative activity enjoyed by adults and children alike.  ...  The mandalas in this book are ... designed to provide a creative encounter with the Divine as a feminine presence."

Three-D Mandalas
Lisa Tenzin-Dolma, of the UK , is an author of a number of mandala books including the Mindful Mandala Colouring Book that contains seventy-eight meditative mandalas each containing an "elaborate explanation" and a "guided meditation."  A reviewer, "Colour with Claire" declares "it (colour book) does feel like a bible for mandala lovers." 

Besides the colour books, Tenzin-Dolma has also put together a 3D multimedia mandala kit for lovers of sacred patterns as well as meditators where one can put on 3D specs, drop in a CD, and follow a step-by-step guide into mandala contemplation.
http://www.amazon.com/Mindful-Mandala-Coloring-Book-Contemplation/dp/1780289197

Color Me Calm Mandalas
A Zen Coloring Book, Color Me Calm by Lacy Mucklow, author and art therapist, has 100 coloring templates for meditation and relaxation.  It has seven therapeutically themed chapters beginning with "Mandalas" and ending with "Spirituality."  Of this very popular color book it is said, Color Me Calm is a guided color book for harried adults."
http://www.amazon.com/Color-Calm-Templates-Meditation-Relaxation/dp/1937994775

Reading Session Mandalas
The Mandala Lady, Maureen Frank, is a mandala artist and intuitive reader, who does channeled visualization "Mandala Reading Sessions" for customers via Skype or telephone.  Maureen relates that during a Reiki session she was told she wasn't into the creative side of her brain, and she should get herself a color book.  Maureen did.  Later, at a New Age book store she came upon mandalas.  First she colored them, but soon she began to create them.  And then it was on to meditating on them, and soon she had "mandala messages" for others.  Now, she creates daily, week, monthly, and yearly mandalas as well as a whole line of "color your own" cards, prints, and color books.
http://themandalalady.com/bio/

I Love Mandalas
Jim Gogarty, of iheartmandalas.com (I Love Mandalas) calls himself "Mandala Jim."  Gogarty began drawing mandalas in 2005 after a spiritual awakening during meditation.  This meditative moment catapulted Jim into the mandala making business with its "About Mandalas,""Simple/Advanced Mandalas,""Mandala Tutorials,""Mandala Clothing," (Kids too!), and "Mandala Prints and Merchandise." 

Jim is the author of The Mandala Coloring Book with its 100 mandala coloring pages.  "This book," asserts Gogarty, "encourages you to use your imagination to create vibrant patterns that bring you closer to your true self."  Its "Introduction" attests, "By mentally 'entering' the mandala and moving toward its center, one is guided through the cosmic process of disintegration."  Its intro ends with this tidbit, "A clear mind and healthy body are just a meditation away, so pick up your pencil."
http://www.iheartmandalas.com/

In Love with Mandalas
Christina, a mandala mom, records she came across mandalas by accident when buying a mandala color book for her son.  Instantly drawn to it she next went out and bought a mandala one for herself, and now is in love with it!  She recommends you too try out this amazing mandala coloring by sampling pages from Alberta Hutchinson's Mystical Mandala Coloring Book --the one with the dazzling sun mandala on its cover.  An inside "Note" contends, "These exotic mandalas hold a special significance and provide a focal point for meditation."
http://www.amazon.com/Mystical-Mandala-Coloring-Dover-Design/dp/0486456943

Sacred Art Mandalas
Michal Beaucaire and Paul Heussenstamm's The Art of Mandala Meditation unlock what mandalas are made for--meditation.  A "Look Inside" this book reveals its true New Age colors.  Its back cover reveals Paul has been a spiritual artist for years now traveling with the Deepak Chopra Center.  One glance at Paul's web page, "Mandalas.com" will set off alarm bells signaling this is a site full of "sacred art" ready to seduce and entice any naïve colorist. http://www.mandalas.com/

One of the mandalas Paul creates, is the Hindu Sri Yantra a type of mandala with a Bindu center, of which he writes, "This pattern is considered the 'Mother' of all mandalas ..." 

Michal wrote that when she selected Paul as her artist she visited his site "Mandalas.com" and found 2,000 mandalas to pick from in just the right colors and shapes for each meditation in the book.  Michal shares, "The colors of each mandala bear the right energetic frequency of the meditation ....  For example, all inner strength meditations are in yellow ....  Yellow is the color of the Solar Plexus Chakra, and the essence of 'I' is connected to this chakra."
http://www.amazon.com/The-Art-Mandala-Meditation-Designs/dp/1440541140

Healing Mandalas
A Steven Vrancken in "Your Introduction of the Healing Powers of Mandala Color Pages" spells out the powers behind the mandala in this quote that says, "I awaken to the power of the mandala, A sacred circle of light and energy, A pathway to center--to my center and to the Universal All, A channel for healing body, mind, and spirit." 
https://mandalacoloringmeditation.com/mandala-coloring/mandala-articles/about-mandala-coloring-healing/

Meditative Mandalas
David Fontana has written Meditating with Mandalas: 52 New Mandalas to Help You Grow in Peaceand Awareness.  Fontana maintains that the mandala is like a mirror that helps to do discover who we are. ... Like a mirror it accepts all that it sees."  Every mandala like others mentioned is accompanied by a guided meditation.  Speaking of a mirror, it is the Word of God that is like a mirror which reveals our true nature as a sinner falling short of the glory of God.
http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/books/reviews/view/9635


Prayer Circle Mandalas: Conduits to Prayer for Contemplatives

Sunday School Mandalas
Baptist Global News Asst. Editor Jeff Brumley wrote a piece: "Adult Coloring Books Emerging as Popular Spiritual Practice."  How so?  Brumbley says, "Using crayons ... to focus the mind while praying or to contemplate Scripture can be as beneficial as walking a prayer labyrinth or creating an icon, say ministers of spiritual formation."

Brumley goes on to say that Blake Burleson, his co-editor and senior lecturer in religion at Baylor University, who with spiritual formation minister at Freemason St. Baptist Church, Norfolk, Virginia Michael Sciretti Jr., wrote Entemplating: Baptist Wisdom for Contemplative Prayer, teaches that praying while coloring puts the mind on hold while elevating the role of the heart in prayer.  Burleson also states, "Every religion uses art to express itself--whether it's an icon, a mandala, calligraphy, or a cave painting."  Maybe, Burleson should turn to Ezekiel 8 to see what the Lord had
to say about idolatrous wall art in the temple!

Burleson confides he uses various contemplative practice while teaching Sunday school.  He writes, "I'll bring in a mandala ... read Scripture ... and (we) color the mandala."  Burleson says such practices especially appeal to young adults, for in our spiritual lives certain forms become boring.  Note; A Carl Jung mandala reproduced by Burleson accompanies this Baptist article.
https://baptistnews.com/culture/item/30471-adult-coloring-books-emerging-as-popular-spiritual-practice

Hands-on-Mandalas 
How about a "Pray-date" with hands-on mandala prayers?  Rev. Sharon Garner, a United Methodist pastor and Ignatian Spiritual Director, suggests this.  Garner also conducts "Praying Mandala Sessions" with one to be at a Jesuit Retreat House as well as a United Church of Christ location.  To further her mandala cause she's written: Praying with Mandalas: Contemplative Coloring forContemporary Christians.  Here the mandala becomes a "tool" to enter a contemplative state, and to do contemplative prayer!
http://www.bellyofthewhaleministries.net/directors-welcome/



Faith Circle Mandalas
Bro. Michael O'Neill McGrath, OSFS in "Faith Circles" in America Magazine in October 2012 wrote of the mystic St. Hildegard of Bingen, a Benedictine spiritual guide, who chanted meditative melodies and painted circle mandalas.  This mandala making, says McGrath, will allow one to paint, and pray at the same time.  McGrath reflects, "The process leads the painter to deeper levels of self-awareness and to the presence of God within."

In addition, McGrath notes, "The time spent creating a mandala is a mini-retreat that teaches me to be still and listen to the quiet voice within.  As Teresa of Avila used to say, 'God cannot rest in an unquiet heart.'"  http://americamagazine.org/issue/5155/art/faith-circles

UK Kids' Mandalas 
This UK Hallem Diocese admires Hildegard's sacred circular drawings too. The article then mentions that a number of schools are now using Mandalas as part of their spiritual curriculum, where a whole school "stills" and "calms down" while listening to meditative music as they make mandala booklets.
http://hallam-diocese.com/

Devonzine Magazine Mandalas
In "Color Yourself Closer to God" Robin Pippin from the Upper Room's Devonzine shares that while working with a child's spirituality program, "The Way of the Child" by Wynn McGregor that she discovered mandalas.  Pippin contends, "The purpose of coloring mandalas is spiritual ... designed to bring me closer to God and to get in touch with my heart."  Yes, in touch with one's Higher Self as New Agers call it!  See Ray Yungen's book For Many Shall Come in My Name chapter one for an explanation of what "The Higher Self" entails!
http://www.lighthousetrails.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=LTP&Category_Code=NA

Pippin points out that prayer circles focus our attention on one thing thus producing relaxation. In a "Dig Deeper" section Pippen suggests teens try out coloring a mandala.  She directs: get a Bible, light a candle, and color a mandala.  If more mandalas are needed she tells the reader to click on a place labeled "Patterns."  This will bring one to June Moon's "Free Visionary Art"   "This art," says June, "is my gift to you."  And what a New Age pagan gift that is: Mandalas, Kitchen Kali, Wave of Bliss, Ganesha 01, Sri Yantra, Shiva Yantra, Fractal Heart, and more.  Imagine a teen, or teacher coming upon this art site while using this magazine!
http://devozine.upperroom.org/spiritual-practices/color-yourself-closer-to-god/

As a Side Note: "The Way of the Child" teaches contemplative techniques to young children in quiet peaceful rooms lit with a candle.  The children go to reflection stations such as "gazing" or "contemplation at the sand table."  At the sound of a chime the kids move on to a circle for discussion ending in a calm, peaceful exit.  At every step these lessons reflect New Age overtones.



Prayer Space Mandalas 
In "Upper Room Ministries Current News, Stories, and Insights" an article "Creating Prayer Spaces"
lists twelve sacred spaces where one can renew the soul in times of busyness, and as you guessed "Mandala-God at the Center" was one.  There was also "The Blessing Bowl,""Audio Lectio," and "Drumbeat of Mercy" among others.  http://voices.upperroom.org/prayerspaces/

A Monstrance Mandala
Kathryn Costa, mandala artist, designed "Mandala Inspired by Monstrance" that she found at St. Joseph's Cathedral in Manchester, NH. An article "Prayer, Adoration, and Mandalas" from a Heart to Heart Column (November 2015) tells of Costa's art, and names different ways to pray which "also incorporates from the Eastern traditions of creating a mandala as an expression of contemplative and intercessory prayer."  It also notes that just creating a mandala can be a meditation to help one maintain order and balance.  The article ends with a sample presentation as to how to project the mandala image, listen to relaxing music, color and pray with the mandala monstrance page, and finally, practice Eucharistic Adoration.   Read about Costa, and her book: The Mandala  Guidebook: How to Draw, Paint, and Color Mandala Art at  www.100mandalas.com .

Contemplative Cottage Mandalas
The author who works with theology grad students writes this, "When I began doing 'Sabbath Space' with the ... students I filled the air with yummy candle scents and had quiet corners set aside for peaceful reflection. ... But people need a little guidance ... so I went looking for something like a coloring book for adults.  Instead, I found hundreds of mandalas on the internet ... intricate geometric shapes just begging to be colored."  http://contemplativecottage.com/tag/mandalas/

New Way to Pray Mandalas
In "Coloring IS a Spiritual Practice" the Rev. Dr. L. Roger Owens contends during his spiritual formation retreats he'd notice a few people "will be bent over their desks with intricate mandalas in front of them ... listening to me ...." as they color.  Now does Owens feel these "poor souls" are being duped by falling for this new color fad?  Does Owens feel they should be "engaging in a real spiritual practice like praying or reading Scripture?"  "No," says Rev. Dr. Owens, "I give thanks that they are discovering a way of prayer their churches never taught them, but that is helping them listen to God and be present to others.  And when I enter Barnes and Nobles ... I only hope that more Christians might discover this practice and deepen their lives with God."

Now Owens, after thinking of the Biblical Martha's distractibility, reflected:  "Do you know what Martha needs?  A color book."  A coloring book, avows Owens, is just a form of "mindfulness practice."  However, mindfulness is a practice based on Zen Buddhism.  Read more here:
"Mindfulness: No-Mind Over Matter" from Stand Up for Truth. http://standupforthetruth.com/2012/02/mindfulness-no-mind-over-matter/ 
http://www.pts.edu/blog/coloring-books-spiritual-practice/

Color Me Discerning, or Color Me Deceived: Which Will It Be?

We're in the midst of  "a meditation invasion via color books" --and specifically through mandala
color books and like New Age books as I've shown in this article.  My question is if you've already bought into this color book craze under the guise of finding relaxation, and calm will you continue as a deceived colorist, or will you become a discerning one?  Will you understand that although coloring is not evil in and of itself, if it leads one into idolatrous sacred circles or like images then one must be very careful not to get entangled in this color book web.  May we, as the Lord warned in the Old Testament, "... Repent, and turn yourselves from your idols;  turn away your faces from all your abominations."  Ezekiel 14:6.  And may we strive to become discerning, rather than deceived.

Mandala circles will not give one true rest, or peace, or hope for this can only be found through the Lord Jesus who said,  "Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28   May our desire be to do as the old hymn admonishes: "Turn your eyes unto Jesus, Look full in his wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace."        

Learn to Discern Granny Verse:  Psalm 119:37
"Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way."

For More Information:

Light House Trails Books: For Many Shall Come in My Name  by Ray Yungen.
http://www.lighthousetrails.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=LTP&Category_Code=NA

Light  House Trails: "Question to the Editor: Any Information on Adult Coloring Books?"
http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=18387s

"The Connection between Mantras, Mandalas, and Spiritism" by Dr. John Ankerberg and Dr. John Weldon (c.1999)
https://www.jashow.org/articles/new-age/the-connection-between-mantras-mandalas-and-spiritism/






 







         

Disney Kids' Pixar Short: 'Sanjay's Super Team' Shocks with Hindu Story!

Imagine the shock and confusion recently when a friend went to see the kids' movie The Good Dinosaur,  and was met with the short Sanjay's Super Team.  Without warning, or explanation this wordless seven minute film burst on the screen showing what appeared to be an Indian boy in front of a TV, and his father worshipping before an open shrine.  What was this film all about with its scary idols and an evil monster?  How in the world did this connect with the movie The GoodDinosaur?  None of it made sense!

And none of it would make sense until further research gave the answers.  As many are aware, some Disney movies are preceded by an entertaining animated film done by Pixar.  But this preview short was decidedly different, and had an apparent agenda.  So what was this agenda, and why this short?

For a quick answer one can turn to Wikipedia's Sanjay's Super Team.  This article tells us this mini-film was directed by Pixar animator Sanjay Patel, and produced by Nicole Grindle.  The film was Patel's own story about his conflicts and problems growing up in a Hindu family in which he had to participate in his father's daily Hindu meditations.  To counteract this, Patel, as a boy, chose to imagine the Hindu gods as super heroes.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanjay%27s_Super_Team

To tell his personal story Sanjay and his team used fast moving, even terrifying at times, animation to mesmerize the viewer.  For this seven minute short exposes viewers to Hindu practices at every turn starting with the "motel room meditation." 

West Meets East: Super Hero TV Infatuation VS Hindu Shrine Meditation

Patel's Short Introduction

From the get go we find young Sanjay at his TV watching a "Super Team" cartoon as his dad is at his shrine worshipping his Hindu idols--Vishnu, Durga, and Hanuman.

At the sound of the ghanta bell, Sanjay is forced away from his TV adventure over to his dad's open shrine altar with its trio of idols.  Here the dad anoints each one with a red powder dot on their forehead.  The bell is rung again.  And Sanjay and his dad fold their hands, while the dad begins to chant "Om!"

Patel's Motel Room Description

The article "Pixar Looks East" notes the film unfolds in three locations, each marked by Hindu symbolism.  In the square motel room there's a square TV opposite a square shrine separated by a shaft of light from a window that symbolizes East versus West.  In another piece Patel characterizes the short as an East-West handshake.

Patel's Actual Motel Room Description

At the start of the short the title "A True Story" flashes on the screen, followed by the word "Mostly" so the actual title is "A Mostly True Story."  Thus, in order to unlock the real story one may find additional details in Patel's numerous interviews.

In The Fader's"Sanjay Patel Finds His Super Power," with Anupa Mistry, Sanjay shares more of his boyhood story when the says, "... I'd go out to the Lido Motel parking lot and my dad had marigold plants.  I'd pick about ten ..., wash them ... and bring them to him.  He'd be sitting cross-legged in front of his shrine and there were rows and rows of framed images and statues of deities.  He'd
anoint them with red powder and a marigold petal, and ... ring the bell."  Sanjay then had fifteen minutes to watch TV until the bell rang again.  After he had to sit for twenty minutes while his dad did aatri, and used his mala beads in meditation.  See: Puja (Hinduism) at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puja_(Hinduism)

Patel's Puja Worship Contrasted to Scripture

The Murtis:

Patel mentions his dad worshipped "murtis" or images of deities that are considered divine once consecrated.  However Exodus 20:3-5 warns: "Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image or any likeness of any thing ... Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them or serve them ...."

In the film one views a square box-like shrine with "an eye hole" opening.  In actuality, as Patel shows in a power point show, a bigger shrine area still exists with its numerous murtis at the motel.

The Cleansing:

In a Huffington Post interview Carol Kuruvilla tells how Patel's dad would daily bathe each idol before expecting Sanjay to pray with him.  In Ezekiel 36:25, 26 the prophet records: "Then I will sprinkle clean water upon you, (Israel) and ye shall be clean from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.  A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: ...."  In sum, it isn't idols that need washing but us.  Psalm 51:7 says: "Purge me with hyssop and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow."
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/sanjays-super-team-short-preview_us_562130e6e4b069b4e1fbf480

The Food Offerings:

Sanjay, in an art museum power point talk, showed pictures of food placed before his parents' deities, and a Hindu saint picture smeared with food.  In fact, shared Patel, his parents fed their deities before they ever ate themselves.  I Corinthians 8:4 mentions idol offerings like this: "As concerning ... the eating of those things ... offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one."  Deuteronomy 4:28 notes that idols "... neither see, nor hear, nor eat, nor smell."

The Flower Offerings:

Patel tells of anointing the deities with marigold petals.  Acts 14:11-15 gives us the story of Paul being taken for a god, and the people bringing garlands to him.  But Paul told them, "to turn from their vanities unto the living God, which made the heavens and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:"

The Diya Oil Lamp:

In the short, the diya lamp is present which is always used during aarti worship.  II Samuel 22:29 tells us that's its not a diya that gives light in darkness, but as David says, "For thou art my lamp, O LORD: and the LORD will lighten my darkness."  Also see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aarti

The Om Song/The Om Bell:

During aarti worship, mantra songs are chanted using the most sacred sound of Hinduism-- the Om!
The ghanta bell too puts forth vibrations having the Om sound.  Of repetitive chants or sounds done to clear one's mind during meditation Matthew 5:7 warns: "But when you pray, use not vain repetitions as the heathen do: for they think they shall be heard for their much speaking."
For info see: "Heart of Hinduism: Hindu Symbols" at: http://iskconeducationalservices.org/HoH/lifestyle/806.htm  
and "Ghanta" at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghanta

Patel's Vedic Temple Description

When Sanjay, in the short, is catapulted from the motel shrine into the dark temple one notices its Hindu yantra in the center of the floor, its three wall idols, as well as the central candle or diya.  Patel relates, " ... we go from a box to a circle that looks like it's an ancient temple.  And in fact, Vedic temples have the same underpinnings in their floor plans."  Patel continues, " ... once the boy lights the diya ... I really wanted to transform what was finite, the circle, to the infinite.  And I wanted to take what was physical and make it more subtle."

Patel in, "Pixar Looks East," references sand mandalas and yantras when he says, "I mean we've all seen sand mandalas and yantras that help one focus and meditate."
http://www.filmjournal.com/features/pixar-looks-east-%E2%80%98sanjay%E2%80%99s-super-team%E2%80%99-studio%E2%80%99s-first-india-themed-short

Patel's Temple Adventure

In the eerie temple Sanjay faces the demon Ravana whirling out of the candle, and throwing the shrieking Sanjay over to the temple door. The shimmering gods come to life battling Ravana.
Vishnu's bell ringing topples the evil demon, while Sanjay's hitting of the central fire dish sends rainbow vibrations causing Ravana to fade away.  After these terrifying encounters the gods bow to the boy, and Vishnu gives back Sanjay his action toy.  Suddenly Sanjay is whisked back to the shrine.  His dad allows more TV time, opens the shuttered window, sits by Sanjay, and smiles as he views his super hero idol drawings.

Of the temple scenario Huffington Post religious editor Carol Kuruvilla enthuses, "... he encounters
a fantastic trio of Hindu gods-the blue god Vishnu, the warrior goddess Durga, and the half-monkey god Hanuman.  The gods accompany Sanjay on a grand adventure and the boy begins to get a glimpse of the cosmic beauty and brilliance of his dad's faith."

Siddnant Adlakha, of Birth.Movies.Death., mentioned the scene this way, "Sanjay is magically transported to another realm, where he's confronted by a demon in an ancient temple, and the Gods in his father's shrine come alive to save him. Adlakha adds, "... their designs ... already stem from an origin that's a cultural hybrid: Goa Trance album covers."  Adlakha also says, "Each character (god) was designated a specific style of classical Indian dance (which the animators ... learned firsthand!) ...."
http://birthmoviesdeath.com/2015/11/02/sanjays-super-team-reconciliation-through-art

Patel's Short Music

Siddnant also noted that Mychael Danna, part of Patel's team, having married a Hindu woman and raising two sons Hindu, understood, "... the significance of each sound and instrument, even making use of the bansuri, a wooden flute associated with Vishnu's seventh incarnation-Lord Krishna."

Patel's Short Dance

Sanjay's team hired an Indian classical dancer, Katherine Kunhiraman, to show them how to have the short's idols perform mudras and dance moves accurately.  A brief look at "Kunhiraman-Indian-Classical-Dance" with host Eva A. Ma gives a close of "Shiva, Lord of the Dance" at 2:30.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCKzt8OTZ0c

Patel's Behind the Scenes Story

Pixar encouraged Sanjay to share his personal story of being a person of color caught between two cultures.  Of course, there's much more to this story than told in the film for prior to  its production Sanjay had already begun his journey to reconnect with his family's Hinduism.  And here's that part of the story.

Patel's Hindu Heritage Rediscovery

In "'Sanjay's Super Team' Is a Deviation from All Other Pixar Short Films"  Emily Rome relates how Sanjay once again was drawn back to his roots when he experienced "Goa Trance" raves that became popular in his area.  Images of Hindu gods were on CD covers, and Hindu sounds and chanting were everywhere in the mid 1990s.  This then spurred Sanjay to explore the Hindu deities
through a book of Indian miniature paintings, and more.
http://www.hitfix.com/news/sanjays-super-team-is-a-deviation-from-all-other-pixar-short-films

Patel's Hindu Deities Book

Eager to share his new found fascination with others Patel wrote and illustrated The Little Book ofHindu Deities for kids.  In The Fader Patel relates, "The first book ... was self-published ... for my education, it was my homework."  Patel adds, "My first book looks like a hybrid-children's book and it was designed like this because most people know zero about these deities, so you have to start at a child's level."  https://www.thefader.com/2016/02/24/sanjay-patel-sanjays-super-team-pixar

Cute and clever as this little book may be, as Gheehappy.com describes, it's "chock full of monsters, demons, noble warriors, and divine ones."  http://www.gheehappy.com/

Patel's Book About Ramayana

Patel then went on to lavishly illustrate the Indian epic tale he titled Ramayana: Divine Loophole.
Until adulthood Patel had never read this classic tale of the god King Rama, whose wife Sita had been kidnapped by Ravana, and later rescued by Rama and Hanuman. 

After reading this tale Patel realized why a picture of Hanuman standing on a mountain hung on the motel wall over the shrine; why his parents said, "Sita Ram!" when someone sneezed; and why his dad had him repeat the mantra, "Rama, Rama, Rama!" as he counted mala beads during puja.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sanjay-patel/my-graphic-ramayana-adven_b_486279.html

Patel's Ganesha Book

Patel also wrote a captivating kids' book about the elephant god titled Ganesha's Sweet Tooth.  For a look inside watch the You Tube video below.  On another You Tube reading of the book a cute
little gal shared they were reading the story because it was "Ganesha's birthday."  And she added, "He's a god, and he's invincible!"  But this little one does not know the true God who declared, "I am God, and there is none else." (Isaiah 45:22)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3X7YMBxCDOE and
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDwUXc_m_aM

Patel's Museum Exhibitions

Sanjay, in addition to his books and other art work, has done large exhibitions at the Asian Art Museum in California, and the Brooklyn Museum in New York.  These shows were overflowing with all things pagan: Hindu idols, avatars, demons, and more.

In conversation with Quamar Adamjee at the Asian Art Museum, Patel did a power point presentation in which he showed a photo of a "rangoli" he painted for his exhibit.  This rangoli* (related to mandalas and yantras) was a mandala-like sort of mat complete with center foot steps said to invite deities to enter into the room.  Hindu households especially create rangolis outside their door ways during celebrations.
https://www.commonwealthclub.org/events/archive/podcast

*Note:  One also can find Rangoli Color Books and Rangoli Coloring Pages and much more on line.

At the Brooklyn Museum art work from Patel's deity book was used on tiny cards attached to strings that youngsters could chose to wear to find particular "Avatars" of Vishnu at the museum.
Most likely Sanjay's site, "Gheehappy.com," was busy after that show with its shop full of gods and goddess books, posters, t-shirts, and free Ganesha Color Kit.

Patel Finds His Religion

In a 2007 interview with David I. Miller "Finding My Religion" done almost nine years before "Sanjay's Super Team" Patel in answer to which god or goddess he particularly liked answered, "I like Vishnu a lot.  He reincarnates himself 10 times in the form of various avatars or reborn gods to right injustices in the world."  And in answer to which god or goddess his family favored Patel related Durga was the mother goddess his dad worshipped.  Patel said, "I really like her ... she is one of my favorites." 

Patel even shares during middle school, a Christian friend invited him to his church.  How sad that Sanjay never found the God that said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6)  By the time "Sanjay's Super Team" aired, Patel had made great progress in reconnecting with his Hindu heritage as well as reconciling with his dad.
http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/FINDING-MY-RELIGION-A-Pixar-animator-gets-back-2623367.php

Seven Minute Short Hypes Hinduism

As much as this film tugs at one's heart with its depiction of immigrant Sanjay trying to fit into a
Western culture, this short glorifies Hinduism and its deities and opens the doorway wide for
more shorts, and more movies to be made in the name of culture, color, inclusion, and religion ready to influence every age toward acceptance of its meditative practices. 

Therefore, as born again Christian teachers, parents, and grandparents it behooves us to teach our children exactly what is really being presented in this film-not super heroes but pagan idols.  To do this one must teach children Scripture relating to idolatry so they will be able to discern between truth and error.  In addition, we must warn others how movies have radically changed and one must be alert, and informed so as to be able to stand up for truth!

So may you, and I determine as Deuteronomy 5:32 admonishes, "Ye shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left."  And may we be "narrow road" runners in this race!

Learn to Discern Granny Verses: Deuteronomy 6:6-7

"And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thine children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."

For More Information:  Out of India by Caryl Matrisciana

Don't miss Caryl Matrisciana's riveting book Out of India telling how she grew up in India experiencing Hinduism every day.  Here's just a little sample of three paragraph's describing Hindu deities she saw firsthand.  "Every little shop and street vendor's cart we passed was cluttered with photos, paintings, or idols of fierce-looking gods.  These deities were adorned with garlands of marigolds.  Sticks of incense burned in front of them.  Shiva, Vishnu, Kali, and Durga were the ones I immediately recognized because they were most frequently worshiped.

Some of the other gods had bodies of half-animals or trees.  Others had faces of monkeys and elephants.  And there was always the snake.  Sometimes it was entwined around the gods.  Sometimes it covered them in protection.  It always made goose bumps run up my arms.  It looked scary.

Kali stuck her tongue out, blood dripping everywhere.  She wore dozens of skulls around her neck ...  All this frightened me.  These gods looked so threatening!  How I asked myself, could people worship such terrifying deities?"  pp.37-38

Order from:
http://www.lighthousetrails.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LTP&Product_Code=OIA&Category_Code=BKS

Note:  Should you wish to see this short yourself it is possible to purchase The Good Dinosaur movie which contains Sanjay's Super Team on its bonus section. 

What's Up Disney?  Zootopia's Hippy Yax Oms at Mystic Spa

Remember characters like Donald and Daisy Duck and Huey, Dewey, and Louie?  Well, things have changed!  Instead Disney's Zootopia, Pixar's latest animation marvel, has a cast of characters that includes "Be the Change Judy Bunny,""Oming Yax the Hippy Yak," and "Nudist Yogi Nangi the Elephant" among other animal prey and predator characters making one query, "What's Up Disney?"

While much has been written about Zootopia this review will zero in on its "middle of the movie moments" which include Judy and Nick's meeting of the zoned out nudist Yax the Yak, who mans the desk of Zootopia's Mystic Oasis Springs Spa; and their introduction to Nangi* the Yogi Elephant and the other animal "nudists" cavorting round the spa's "Pleasure Pond" in provocative positions.
http://disney.wikia.com/wiki/Yax  http://zootopia.wikia.com/wiki/Nanga

*Note:  "Nangi" means "naked" in Hindu; and Nangi is voiced by actress Gita Reddy.

Thus, because of the disturbing content of these scenes this back story will give the reader a better understanding of what makes these middle of the movie scenes so troublesome.

Zootopia's Meditation Moment: Yax Yak Oms

Main characters Judy and Nick meet Yax seated behind his candle lit front desk in front of a sacred mandala.  Yax's mouth is opened letting out a continuous stream of that most sacred Hindu sound: OM or AUM!

Now OM is the symbol you'll see resembling a three having a tail with a tusk-like-shape and a diamond over it.  Aliyah Schick in her book: The OM Meditative Color Book: Adult Coloring forRelaxation, Stress Reduction, Meditation, Spiritual Connection, Prayer, Centering, and Coming Into Your Deep True Self  describes OM as the original primordial sound that created the universe.  It is the name of God.  OM is the vibration of God's manifesting into form."  Schick further says, "OM is the most recognized symbol of Hinduism ... widely used in Hindu traditions, by yoga practitioners,
by Buddhist, Janists, and others."  Schick continues, "OM is a whole prayer within itself, and is often used as a repeating chant ....  It attunes us to higher levels of being.  It is said that the vibration ... penetrates all the way to our souls."

Schick says chanting OM will enable one to find their "deep true selves."  But the Bible says in Jeremiah 17:9 that our true selves are "desperately wicked and who can know it?"  And that the only way we can find life and hope is through Jesus Christ, not through chanting OM.
http://www.amazon.com/Meditative-Coloring-Book-relaxation-meditation/dp/098827311X

If you've read my previous blog: "Disney Kids' Pixar Short: 'Sanjay's Super Team' Shocks with Hindu Story" you'll recall how Disney also inserted a meditative scene with  Sanjay's dad "oming" in the short preceding the recent movie: "The Good Dinosaur."  Recall this seven minute short was sprung on the audience without any warning.  And when the short ended the audience had its eye-full of Hindu idols and a Hindu demon.  Disney's insertion of such meditative methods was not part of its past fun-filled films.   However, content has changed, so be alert!

Disney Zootopia: The Essential Guide 

Yax Meditating on the Cover

A look into Dorling Kindersley's Disney Zootopia: The Essential Guide by Victoria Saxon will help give even more incite into Zootopia's mid-movie-encounters.  Just a glance at its cover shows five of its characters; Judy front and center surrounded by Yax, Flash, Nick, and Clawhauser.

And what is Yax doing?  He's meditating in the lotus position with his hooves in a mudra, and mouth opened in the "OM" position.

Yax Meditating in the Center

Just past the midpoint of the book once again we find Yax featured in a two page spread.  Yax, "the naked yak on Mystic Spring Oasis's front desk," is described as a "laid-back dude who doesn't seem to notice anything much."  Around the illustrations in DK fashion there are boxes.  One entitled:
 "A Warm Welcome" tells us Yax lights lots of candles on the front desk.  Yax's "Fact File" box lists  his hobbies as: "chanting and burning incense." 

Yax's "In the Zone" Box shares, "Yax won't let guests interrupt his meditation.  The more they try to bother him, the louder he chants."  Behind Yax you'll note the edges of the large meditation mandala on the spa's wall.  In the movie scenes the background mandala is very noticeable!

Moving over to the full page picture of Yax chanting while sitting with his legs crossed in the lotus pose with labeled arrows pointing out: "flies buzzing round,""shaggy unwashed hair,"""mystic orange beads with green charm," and "meditating in the lotus pose."  A blurb beside him is labeled: "The Body Is a Temple."  It reads: "Yax believes that his body is awesome, and he wants to keep it pure and natural."  (pp. 42-43)

Yax Meditating at the End

Just in case you didn't get enough of the "Yax" who do we find pictured on the "Acknowledgement" page at the very end?  Yes, Yax oming as the flies swarm round his mangy hair.
http://www.amazon.com/Disney-Zootopia-Essential-Guide-DK/dp/1465444289

Mystic Springs Oasis

The Essential Guide has another two page spread describing "this awesome spa" as "the best place in the city to chill out and feel good."  This Mystic Springs box says, "Dudes of all types are seriously welcome here, from business yaks to bear cops.  Visitors can relax with meditation, yoga, hot springs, and lots of warm mud." 

Around the two pages, boxes highlight various parts of the springs.  The far left box "Top 3... Yoga Positions" are given as "Downward dog, Half moon, and Tree Pose."  The next box "Pleasure Pool" says the spa's pool is an "outdoor haven" where animals splash and snooze.  The "Take a Break" box tells that upon entering the spa all mammals are to encouraged to breathe in the goodness of incenses...."  It continues, "The rooms are kept dark and quiet to provide a soothing environment."

The last box "The Naturalist Life" shares this 'amazing tidbit':  "The fact that guests exercise in the nude also keeps them cool--the spa is a naturalist's club, which means all the animals are naked."
(pp. 40-41)  And this is a children's book? movie? 

Disney/Subway Kids' Meal Decals

Along with Subway's kids' meals for six weeks this winter, children could collect large Zootopia wall decals that kids could peel, stick, and reuse.  Just who was featured on the very first pack?  Why, Yax in his lotus pose, Nick the Fox, and a Zootopia cityscape.  I would love Disney/Subway to tell us why this blissed-out Yax was a good character kids should stick on their toys or books?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU7MsKlugJ0

Disney Movie Reward Mother's Day "Ohm Card"

View this Mother's Day card titled "Ohm...Ohm...Ooohmmmm..." with the in the zone, Yax in that same hideous--now colored almost all orange-- picture.  One can get this "chill card" with its "enlightened look" complete with a frame inspired by Zootopia.  To many this oming Yax is extra cute because Yax's voice is done by New Age actor Tommy Chong.
http://www.disneymovierewards.go.com/rewards/zootopia-yax-moday-cardframe-6796

Zootopia's Not So Nice Nudist Playground

In the movie, just as Judy and Nick go out to meet Nangi the Yogi Elephant at the Oasis' exercise area, Yax brazenly turns round lifting his tail into Judy's face.  With much more on these playground moments Johnny Brayson's "The Zootopia Nudity Scene Makes It Worthy of Its PG Rating" (Bustle) shows movie clips of the next scenes: the naked hippo and giraffe volleyball game, the seductive panther on the velvet couch, and the giraffe's position as it takes a drink.

Brayson writes, "Yes, the most talked about scene in Zootopia involves an animal nudist colony."  Brayson also notes that the idea of animal nudity is so clever for animals are always nude.  Just the way the animals are posed, relates Brayson, is "pretty hilarious."  Brayson mentions also Judy's shock at the risqué images she sees as she strolls through the naturalist club.  And " ... this super funny scene," asserts Brayson, "is one of the many reasons why Zootopia is going to be remembered as one of Disney's best."

The truth is that, contrary to Brayson's opinion, anyone caring about young children would never consider these titillating scenes as hilarious or funny!  The question to Disney would be exactly what was the purpose of these naturalist club scenes in the first place?  If youngsters performed  these actions in their play time they most certainly would be reprimanded, or punished.  This portion of the movie not only is not a part to be remembered, but one to be lamented that Disney has reached a new low!  Parents should be cognizant of the content of all future Disney films.  As one young mom commented in a review she should have done her homework before taking her children to see it!  Amen to that!
http://www.bustle.com/articles/145038-the-zootopia-nudity-scene-makes-it-worthy-of-its-pg-rating
 
Christian Reviews of Zootopia

Several Christian sites review the movie.  One "Christian Spotlight" missed the mark when it rates its moral content as "Average" rather than "Negative."  However, others commenting within the piece had far more discernment than its reviewer Blake Wilson giving its moral content the negative rating it so rightly deserved. A "Plugged In" review by Focus on the Family neglected  to mention anything about Yax's meditation, yoga, or the obvious meditative mandala.   Once more this highlights the fact that many Christian groups, churches, or pastors fail to step up to the plate and address current issues so as to alert their readers, or members!  Would they would awaken, and be serious contenders for the faith as Jude of old!
http://christiananswers.net/spotlight/movies/2016/zootopia2016.html
http://www.focusonthefamily.com/media/plugged-in-entertainment-reviews/movie-zootopia

Pixar's Future Animation Agenda

Does Disney have an agenda incorporating meditation moments with Hindu content, or nudist clubs with cavorting critters?  Does Disney poke fun at family values, or anyone who would appear like a prude or a goody-two-shoes as Judy did in these clips?  The Guardian's "Cannes 2015: Disney Unveils Toy Story 4-and Their First Nude Scene" by Henry Barnes gives a sneak peek into Pixar's animation future plans.

Barnes shares that topics that will be popping up on the Disney slate in coming years will be "grief, racial profiling, and gender bias" among others.  At the time of this May 2015 article, the Mystic Spring Oasis scene was unfinished.  However, Barnes notes that, Pixar's Chief Creative Officer of Disney John Lasseter said, "This is Disney animation's first nude scene. ...  It's been a long time coming."  And what else, Mr. Lasseter, has already come in "Sanjay's Super Team, " and in "Zootopia?"  And what more will come?  Parents and teachers should stay tuned!
http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/may/20/cannes-2015-disney-unveils-toy-story-4-and-their-first-nude-scene

Pixar's World Trust Collaborator

Apparently with their upcoming agenda in mind Pixar hired a most interesting consultant, World Trust's Dr. Shakti Butler, to give them feedback on Zootopia's content.  Butler, a doctoral graduate of
the School of Transformative Learning and Change out of California's Institute of Integral Studies,
specializes in race relations and social justice.  Featured on the Institute's facebook, with its SriYantra logo, Butler is praised for her role in Zootopia in interrupting biases and stereotypes.
http://world-trust.org/dr-shakti-butler/

In Conclusion

In this upside down world where evil is good, and good is evil a cleverly animated animal film has all sorts of hidden agendas, and topics that behooves one to be ever alert as to what future films will entail.  So be nourished up in scripture, and be able to stand up for truth.  For as I Peter states one should be prepared, with courteousness and respectfulness, to give a logical defense to those who question one's faith!

Learn to Discern Granny Verse:  Isaiah 5:20

"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"

Mindfulness Meditation and Yoga Infiltration of Major School Systems:  A Look Into 'Mindful Kids Miami' and 'Breathe for Change' Madison

Miami-Dade County Schools Partner with Mindful Kids Miami

Miami-Dade County Schools (Fourth Largest School District in the U.S.A.) is being transformed into a mindfulness-yoga school system through its partnership with Mindful Kids Miami, and its mindfulness lady leader--Valerie York-Zimmerman.

Yes, grades Pre-K through 12, students as well as teachers and administrators will be instructed in mindfulness meditation. Training centers have been set up all over Miami even in the sanctuary of the "most progressive church in the city"--Riviera Presbyterian Church (USA).  Recently Riviera adherents proudly held up a banner reading, "We All Are God's Beloved Children: No Exceptions!"
http://www.mindfulkidsmiami.org/upcoming-events/

Now, Valerie York-Zimmerman, devotee of famed mindfulness zealot Jon Kabat-Zinn, passionately shares mindfulness practices everywhere she goes.  And just what does this partnership between MKM and M-DCPS involve?  And what will the children/teachers of Dade County be subjected to?  To begin read about its "Inner-Journey Poster" below.

Ponder This MKM Poster: MBSR Teachers/Administrator Course for 2015-21016

A colorful printable poster designed to hang in faculty rooms touting the Mindful Kids Miami's pilot program for professional development for its classroom educators and administrators shows the MKM and M-DCPS logos side by side at the top of the poster.  Just below the logos is a serene beach scene complete with a sacred stone stack.

Stating the official agenda of MKM, the poster declares, "Mounting scientific evidence supports mindfulness-based programs help teachers reduce stress and burnout, anxiety disorders and depression, and improve immune function, attention, memory, executive function, compassion,
resilience, among other benefits."

To find more information about this fully funded program one is encouraged to visit www.MindfulKidsMiami.org. Participants also were told to go to M-DCPS Employee Portal to register so they might receive their "26 Master Plan Points."

In small print at the bottom the poster says MKM is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit dedicated to bringing benefits of mindfulness to all children, grades Pre-K through 12, in Miami-Dade County.  The intention of MKM is to teach "mindfulness skills" to children and adults in schools, hospitals, and institutional settings.

Valerie York-Zimmerman: Founder of "Mindful Kids Miami"

Exactly who is York-Zimmerman?  And what is her agenda?  "The One Quality You Must Instill in Your Child" by Amanda McCorquodale fills us in when it says that secret something for York-Zimmerman "is mindfulness, a daily meditative practice that brings one's complete attention to the present moment."
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/08/mindful-kids-miami_n_4226800.html

And the article informs us that York-Zimmerman has studied with Buddhist monk and author Thich Nhat Hanh as well as mindfulness guru Jon Kabat-Zinn.  In addition, Valerie's extensive bio "About the Teacher" on her web site points out that she's studied with many other "auspicious" masters from both the East and the West.  Besides, she and her husband Dr. Zimmerman have even built "The Sanctuary" which is a meditation hall "nestled in the tranquility of a Zen garden."
http://www.miamimindfulness.com/about

When one reads where she's studied, and with whom she's trained it's impossible not to wonder how such an organization, that's so blatantly based on Buddhism, can penetrate into a public school system such as Miami, and seemingly no one even challenges these obvious religious ties.

Prayer Stone Stacks: Their Association with Mindfulness

As noted the MKM's Poster had a prayer stone stack pictured on its M-DCPS' faculty poster.  So too, it can be noted, that both Thich Nhat Hanh's book The Mindful Survival Kit, and Jon Kabat-Zinn's book Mindfulness for Beginners had similar prayer stacks on their front covers.  So what is the significance of this?

The Daily OM's article "Prayer Stone Stacks: Intention Set in Stone" gives us one answer when it says, "Out in nature, mindfully placing a stone on a stone pile leaves a prayer in its wake for those that follow after you."  An article form The PranaShanti Yoga Centre of Ottawa, Canada "What Do Stacked Stones Mean for Mindfulness?" notes that building such stacks requires full attention to the present moment thus making the process "meditative."  After, one can infuse each stone with a prayer or intention and when something disrupts that pile those prayers have done their work, and are released.  http://www.dailyom.com/cgi-bin/display/printerfriendly.cgi?articleid=23084
http://pranashanti.com/meditation/what-do-stacked-stones-mean-for-mindfulness/

Thus, MKM's sacred stone stack on its poster brings up the question is mindfulness secular, as MKM suggests, or is there a religious component as even their poster would seem to signal?  And one might also ask how did all this mindfulness infiltration get started any way?  For the answers one must turn to Jon Kabat-Zinn and his karmic saga.

Jon Kabat-Zinn's Karmic Saga: The Mainstreaming of Mindfulness

Mary S. Wylie, in "How the Mindfulness Movement Went Mainstream--And the Backlash That Came With It," tells the story of how Buddhist student, and MIT molecular biologist Jon Kabat-Zinn received "his karmic assignment" vision during a meditation retreat. What was this assignment?
Why it was to bring his Eastern disciplines of yoga and mindfulness to people of the Massachusetts hospital in which he was then working.

How did he then achieve this mainstreaming of Buddhist mindfulness?  Wylie writes it this way, "... he approached the challenge by adopting a mainstream and commonsensical American vocabulary that described meditation as a way or paying attention and cultivating awareness in everyday life, and by practices that were easily accessible and straightforward."  In other words, he removed every shred of Buddhist terminology that he could!

This "little pilot project" begun by Kabat-Zinn flourished as his patients took responsibility to practice watching their breath, utilizing body scans, doing home yoga, and learning to meditate.  Over and over Kabat-Zinn emphasized this mindfulness meditation meant: "To pay attention on purpose in the present moment nonjudgmentally."

Fast forward thirty-seven years later, and today you'll find his mindfulness in hospitals, schools, colleges, prisons, military training, sports, corporations, and more.  As Wylie wrote, "mindfulness is a "boffo bestseller" both as a product, and its endless spinoffs.

Now, notes Wylie, numerous studies were made but almost all of them, but for forty-three, were deemed unusable as found by John Hopkins Asst. Professor of Medicine Madhav Goyal.  Wilie also described how such famous personalities as the Dalai Lama, Oprah Winfrey, and Bill Moyers helped push mindfulness to the forefront.

Wylie, however not only described the successes of mindfulness, but its downfalls.  One of these downfalls, seldom told to the public, is the fact that, according to Willoughby Britton of Brown University, mindfulness has a shadow side or a dark side.  Britton found that those who deeply meditated often experienced disturbing results such as hallucinating, reliving old wounds and traumas, feelings of intense fear, and having psychotic outbreaks.  Britton called this her "Dark Night Project."  Britton noted, "If we think anything is going to fix everything, we should probably take a moment and meditate on that."  Click here for the Wylie's entire article:
http://www.alternet.org/personal-health/how-mindfulness-movement-went-mainstream-and-backlash-came-it

Major Spokesman for Mindfulness Congressman Tim Ryan: Part of Honorary Board of Mindful Kids Miami

One doesn't have to do much research to discover MKM has its roots in the University of Miami's mindfulness program.  In fact in April of 2015 there was presentation sponsored by MKM and the university featuring Tim Ryan, Amishi Jha, Scott Rogers, and Valerie York-Zimmerman herself.
http://www.mindfulkidsmiami.org/a-mindful-miami/ 
http://www.mindfulkidsmiami.org/honorary-board-of-directors/

It's interesting to note that Congressman Ryan, speaking at a 2013 Wisdom 2 Conference, along with Jon Kabat-Zinn and Marianne Williamson, testified how Kabat-Zinn had won him over to mindfulness meditation during Tim's first silent retreat.  Ryan then went on to write A MindfulNation which has a foreword by Kabat-Zinn.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOnwBg08geU

Amishi Jha, an ardent Buddhist, is also a contemplative neuroscientist researcher with the U. of Miami.  Now, her research has been to show how mindfulness impacts the brain.  However, if you examine Jha's speaking engagements it will immediately show her strong ties to Buddhism, and the New Age with her presentations at Naropa University, Upaya Zen Center, Omega, and Windmill Meditation.  Once again, mindfulness aficionados who declare mindfulness secular, and not religious should note who is championing this approach, and their associations with Buddhist organizations.
https://www.naropa.edu/media/press-releases/press-2014/amishi-jha.php

University of Wisconsin/Madison's Public Schools Partner with Breathe for Change

Much like Mindful Kids Miami the University of Wisconsin and Madison Public Schools are partnering with Breathe for Change.  Again like Miami, Breathe for Change is run by an ambitious lady leader- Dr. Ilana Nankin.  http://www.breatheforchange.org/

This youthful "change agent" Nankin, who worked for the Biden-Obama campaign, is out of Berkeley with a triple agenda for America's kids: social justice, yoga, and mindfulness all rolled into one.  Nankin, in a few months, has put together an organization that has, according to its web site, already "reached remarkable milestones" since its startup in 2015 at U. of Wisconsin.

Under its banner of "change and transformation" B4C boasts that it offers "the world's only 200-hour wellness and yoga teacher training designated specifically for educators."  This sixteen day training, associated with the  Cloud Nine Yoga Schools headed by Erika Faith Calig, promises to take educators through a "transformational progression" that includes yogic principles and postures, mindfulness and breathing, and powerful group exercises.  Grads of this training earn a "Yoga Alliance 200-hour Certification" (From Cloud Nine) and become Breathe for Change champions.
http://cloudnineyoga.com/erika/

A closer look at the Madison Yoga Certification Schedule from last year should make the discerning reader cringe at what public school youth are about to be taught through this coming army of mindfulness and yoga educators.  It's day by day, and even hour by hour schedule is laid out for all to see--things such as eight limb yoga, yamas and niyamasas, asana intensive, breath and sun salutations, yin/yang yoga, pranayama and bandhas, meditation, kids' yoga, kids' moving meditations, blissful breakfasts, love lunches, divine dinners, chakras east and west, chakra affirmations, ayurveda, intro to mudras, mantras, kriyas, kundalini, the Bhagavad Gita, Hinduism, deities, avatars, partner yoga, Thai massage, and the list goes on and on!

Concerned reader:  This list is "religious" through and through for these topics are straight out of Hinduism and Buddhism.  Remember, this is all going into public schools.  And this summer B4C is moving on to NYC, and on to the "Sesame Street Program."  Be watching!

The May 20, 2016 Yoga Journal features B4C asking:  "Can Yoga Save Our Schools, One Teacher at a Time?"  The answer is, says the YJ Editor, is Breathe for Change "thinks it can."  However, no program or person will save our schools for we've swept God out, and brought other gods in.  Isaiah 45:22 says, "Look unto me, and be ye saved all the ends of the earth, for I am God and there is none else."  Just one person can make all things new, transform us, and calm us and that person is Jesus Christ!
 http://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/balance/career/can-yoga-save-our-schools-one-teacher-at-a-time/

Mindfulness and Yoga Are In Our Schools: What's Your Response?

Not only is mindfulness and yoga in Miami and Madison but in many other places as well; in fact it could be going on right in your own school via the Smart Board, the school TV system, the PE program, or elsewhere.  And very soon mindfulness and yoga programs are going to require true Christian teachers (parents too) to take a stand against participating in training classes, or having such practices in the classroom as those taught by MKM, or B4C.  And jobs may be lost.  Some of these may be pilot projects for now, but total control is right around the corner in the name of science, health, and wellness.  The handwriting is on the wall!

With school systems all over the country ready to embark on a mission to incorporate mindfulness meditation, and yoga into their curriculums what will your response be?  Will you keep silent, or will you speak up?  For this is the time now to take a stand for truth.  Inform your pastors, youth leaders, administrators, teachers, parents, grandparents, and others of what is happening.  Wake up for the time is late!

Should such a time come when teachers and parents are forced to take a stand on these issues I hope with the songwriter of  "The Solid Rock" you can respond, "My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus' blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus' name.  On Christ the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand, All other ground is sinking sand."

Learn to Discern Granny Verses:  Psalm 1:1-2 

"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.  But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night."

Note: Mindful meditation asks you to close your eyes, clear your mind, and focus on your breath; while Biblical meditation asks you to fill your mind with the Word of God, and think of it over and over.

For More Information:

"Coming to a School Near You?  Mindfulness Meditation for Public School Children
in Wisconsin"  Lighthouse Trails Blog
http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=20674

Meditation!  Pathway to Wellness or Doorway to the Occult? by Ray Yungen 
Lighthouse Trails Tract Booklet
http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=18828

D Is for Deception by Kevin Reeves and the Editors at Lighthouse Trails
Lighthouse Trails Tract Booklet
http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=18753



















   

A Christian's Mission:  'Gotta Know, Gotta Learn, Gotta Discern, Gotta Go!' into the Pokémon World with Truth

For Pokémon Go gamers their "Gotta Mantra" is "Gotta Catch 'Em All!"--Pokémon that is.  However a Christian's motto must be: "Gotta Know, Gotta Learn, Gotta Discern, Gotta Go!"  And just what it is that we as born again believers gotta know, gotta learn, gotta discern, and gotta go will be the theme of this post.

Our world is just one month into the Pokémon Go Mania that's taking the country, and a number of other countries by storm.  It was on July 6, 2016, via one's smartphone, that players could download a free app and get set up to head outdoors to begin to catch Pokémon Pocket Monsters.  Soon befuddled folks were bumping into gamers congregating at designated PokeStops be it at a church, a parking lot, a body of water, a library, a museum, a park, or the mall to name a few.   

TV hosts, You Tube video makers, newspaper reporters, and online authors alike were scrambling to describe exactly how these frenzied gamers were zipping Pokémon balls on their phones to catch Pokémon seemingly popping up all over the place.  Meantime, all kinds of safety issues were cropping up--kids in the middle of streets, folks walking into objects, a pair walking off a cliff, and even unsavory characters luring kids into unsafe places.  All of this madness was taking place over one hundred and fifty-one little characters of which some seemed to be cute and clever, while others really are violent, ugly, and frightening.  So with this in mind, what is it that we gotta know?

Gotta Know

At the outset we gotta know some basic Pokémon info-- such as the game of Pokémon, designed by Satoshi Tajiri in 1990s, is managed by the Pokémon Company which, according to Wikipedia, is a Japanese consortium between Nintendo, Game Freak, and Creatures.  Tajiri designed these Pokémon characters so gamers known as "Pokémon Trainers could catch, and train to battle each other for sport."

Officially introduced in 1996 Pokémon now is celebrating its twentieth anniversary in 2016.  So the new phenomena Pokémon GO is an augmented reality game currently using the original Generation I Pokémon beginning with Bulbasaur to Mew.  However, it's also important to know that now there are 722 Pokémon which means in the last twenty years 571 more have been designed influencing youth and adults via video games, trading card games, comic books, TV shows, movies, and toys.  For more "gotta know" info read "Pokémon" from Wikipedia article here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pok%C3%A9mon

Pokémon site Pokémon.com is filled with info you gotta know in order to be able to interact with Pokémon Goers!  It includes a Pokedex, TV Programs, Trading Card Games, Video Games, A Shop, Attend Events, Pokémon GO and more!  It even has a Trading Card Game Tutorial where one can learn to play the card game. Two sections: "The Pokedex," and "Pokémon GO" are explained further below.  http://www.pokemon.com/us/

The Pokedex

Click "The Pokedex" to get to know individual Pokémon-- their pic, statistics, type, strengths/ weaknesses, evolution, T.V. episodes, and cards.   For example here's "Horrid Haunter's"*
description: "Haunter is a dangerous Pokémon.  If one beckons you while floating in darkness never approach it.  This Pokémon will try to lick you with its tongue and steal your life away."  Find out too this gas ghost can "levitate."  View its "evolution strip" to see it evolved from "Gastly" and can evolve into "Genger."  Check out Haunter's card moves such as tongue spring, hidden poison, psyshot, confuse ray, sleep poison, haunt, dream eater, Gothic fear, and hoodwink to name some.  How gruesome! No wonder this Pokémon has given kids horrific nightmares!
*My name for it.

Pokémon Go 

Click various circles such as "Pokémon Go Plus,""Explore Pokémon,""Teams and Gyms," and "In App Purchases" to find out more game details.  "Explore Pokémon" gives blow by blow info about how the game is played including safety, catching a Pokémon, completing one's Pokedex, the
traits of Pokémon, Pokémon evolution, and Pokémon eggs.  Out of all of this one has "gotta know" that the goal of this game is: "Gotta Catch 'Em All"-- yes, almost all of the original 151 from the Kanto Region.   

Gotta Learn

The Pokémon (Gotta Catch 'Em All) Deluxe Essential Handbook: The Need-to-Know Stats and Factson Over 700 Pokémon is a useful tool to help grandparents, parents, family, and friends learn much more about Pokémon.  Published by Scholastic in 2015 this information-packed book with its glitzy golden title lettering, and its shiny Pokémon pics begs one to open its cover. 

But, before one opens the book carefully look at the deceptive Pokémon ball-like pics. When you do you'll note most of the pics which they chose are happy, and smiley making the Pokémon appear as if they are just a bunch of cuddly stuffed animals.  However, in a few moments, you'll realize how alluring the cover art is, for the Pokémon are anything but cuddly, rather they are often hideous and evil looking.     

Title Page:  The title page done in Pokémon logo colors of deep blue, golden yellow, and white has the Pokémon mantra "Gotta Catch 'Em All" below the Pokémon logo.  Then it once again restates the title, and lists the publisher Scholastic Inc.*

*Scholastic Books- the book club used by teachers all over the USA!

The Welcome Pages:  A two-page spread highlights the red page on the left with the rainbow-horned fairy Xerneas sprinting onto the page, while on the right the blue page there's: "Welcome to the World of Pokémon."  Below the welcome is listed the six Pokémon regions --Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, and Kalos--each full of fascinating Pokémon.

This book also lists the Pokémon picture, type, species, height, and weight which "can make all the difference in Gym battles, in the wild, and anywhere else you might meet Pokemon." Besides, this deluxe handbook, it is said, will enable "Trainers" to master any Pokémon challenge.

How To Use This Book:  This two-page section goes into detail about each Pokémon's name, pronunciation, height and weight, description, evolution, mega evolution, type, and region.  It is
such info that one has "gotta know and learn" to equip one to do spiritual battle with anyone questioning whether this is "just an innocent game" without any concerns as to its background, and agenda!  Along with Scripture, it is knowledge that one can use when a "Deuteronomy Moment" comes.  For as Deuteronomy 6:6,7 reads: "And these words which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."

Guide to Pokémon Types:  The next pages explain the eighteen Pokémon types: fire, grass, water, normal, electric, bug, ghost, flying, fighting, psychic, steel, rock, ground, ice, poison, dark, dragon, and fairy.  This ends the seven pages of explanatory notes, and begins the ABC pages which begin on page eight with "Abomasnow" to page four hundred and thirty-two which finishes with "Zygarde".  In between are seven hundred more to scrutinize.

The Back Cover:  The back cover displays the logo, the mantra, and the message:  "Your favorite Pokémon are all here inside this book!  We've got Fairy-type ... Legendary ... Mega-Evolved ... and every Pokémon in between.

To Conclude:  I would highly recommend purchasing this book as you can back up your stories, and words with the Pokémon pictures and info thus adding weight to your warnings.  View the book here and click "Look Inside" to see its cover, its opening pages, and the Aa Pokémon from Abomasnow on page 8-Avalugg on p.28.
https://www.amazon.com/Pok-mon-Deluxe-Essential-Handbook-Need/dp/0545795664/ref=dp_ob_image_bk

Gotta Notice the Names 

Many Pokémon names* say "Watch out!":  Names such  Abra-Psi Pokémon, Absol-Disaster Pokémon, Alakazam-Psi Pokémon, Arbok-Cobra Pokémon, Arceus-Alpha Pokémon, Beheeyem-Cerebral Pokémon, Carvanha-Savage Pokémon, Chandelure- Luring Pokémon,
Cofagrigus-Coffin Pokémon, Darkrai-Pitch Black Pokémon, Darumaka-Zen-Charm Pokémon, Dialga-Temporal Pokémon, Dragonair-Dragon Pokémon, Drapion-Ogre Scorpion Pokémon,
Eevee-Evolution Pokémon, Delphox-Fox Pokémon, Flylon-Mystic Pokémon, Gengar-Shadow Pokémon, Giratina-Renegade Pokémon, Gothitelle-Astral Body Pokémon, Gothorita-Manipulate Pokémon, Gourgeist-Pumpkin Pokémon, Gyarados-Atrocious Pokémon, Houndoom-Dark Pokémon, Hypno-Hypnosis Pokémon, Jynx-Human Shape Pokémon, Kirlia-Emotion Pokémon, Krookidile-Intimidation Pokémon, Lampent-Lamp Pokémon, Latias-Eon Pokémon , Lucario-Aura Pokémon, Manectric-Discharge Pokémon, Mawile-Deceiver Pokémon, Medicham- Meditate
Pokémon,  Mew-New Species Pokémon, Mewtwo-Genetic Pokémon, Mismagius- Magical
Pokémon, Munna-Dream Eater Pokémon, Ninetales-Fox Pokémon, Riolu-Emanation Pokémon,  Sigilyph-Avianoid Pokemon, Spiritomb-Forbidden Pokémon, Thunderdurus-Bolt Strike Pokémon, Uxie-Knowledge Pokémon, Xatu-Mystic Pokémon ,Yamask-Spirit Pokémon, Yvetal-Destruction Pokémon.  These are but a few of many to watch out for!

Delphox, the Fire-Psychic Pokémon, is one name to notice!  It's name has two parts which is a combo of the "Oracle of Delphi" and "fox."  However, even before I found that info I used Thesaurus.com (a terrific source) to find synonyms for psychic, occult, witch etc.  Under occult I noticed "Delphian," and "Delphic."  I wondered if any Pokémon had a name similar to this, and sure enough there was the mystical Delphox.  Looking up "Delphox" on Pokémon.wikia.com I found that this was a fox with the elements of a witch or mage. My Pokémon handbook further said that it held a flaming branch in its hand upon which it focused its eyes giving it psychic visions helping it to see into the future.  After reading about the "Oracle of Delphi" Delphox's story became even clearer.  This then can be woven into the Acts 16 story that involves the Oracle at Delphi.  See  http://biblehub.com/commentaries/acts/16-16.htm. Related topics include: occult, Delphic, witch, wizard, mage, focus, psychic, psychic visions, oracle, Oracle at Delphi, Apollo, spirit of divination, and Acts 16.  https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oracle_of_Delphi

*Note:  Pokémon names were first written in Japanese, and later changed into more suitable names for English speaking gamers. Bulbapedia.com is a site which can provide much additional insight by clicking onto the "Origin" section.  Bulbapedia.com, by the way, is named after Generation One's first Pokémon Bulbasaur.  Find here: http://www.bulbagarden.net/

Gotta Notice the Types, the Moves, and the Illustrations

In all there are eighteen types, and oh, the evil behind these types.  Words can not even describe the things these characters are teaching innocent young children and youth.  As I researched the game  handbook a good number of the 700+ Pokémon were "Psychic"* with psychic terminology and moves and stories.  This brought up the question of the 722 Pokémon how many of the each type were there?  A Pokémon Database soon gave me exact numbers: Water was first with 126, Normal followed with 102, Flying was next with 101, while Psychic took fourth place with 90.  Ice had the least with 38.   See other types here: http://pokemondb.net

*Psychic:  Relating to or denoting faculties or phenomena that are apparently inexplicable by natural laws, especially those involving telepathy or clairvoyance: "psychic powers"  Synonyms: super-natural, paranormal, other worldly, preternatural, metaphysical, extrasensory, magic, magical, mystical, mystic, occult, clairvoyant, telepathic, having second sight, having a sixth sense (Oxford Dictionaries)  Be sure to check out Thesaurus.com synonym list!

The adjectives describing the game moves would make up one eye-opening glossary with most having absolutely horrendous names.  Be sure to peruse "Possible Moves" in the handbook or on a Pokémon info site noting the viciousness of many,  and evilness of others.  This activity alone--the noting of the descriptive names for each move--will surely enable one to discern that this game is literally overflowing with words and concepts and teachings far removed from the Bible. 

Pause and consider the possible moves for Banette, a ghost puppet-like Pokémon, that like a voodoo doll, sticks itself with pins to curse others!  Its moves are: knock-off, screech, night shade, curse, spite, will-o-wisp, shadow sneak, feint attack, hex,* shadow ball, sucker punch, embargo, snatch, and grudge trick.  Stop and imagine youngsters seven and up familiarizing themselves with such a character.  Bulbapedia says, "Banette is a ... doll-like Pokémon that is possessed with pure hatred."

A hex is: to practice witchcraft; to put a hex on; and to affect as an evil spell: jinx.  Synonyms are:
charm, enchant, bewitch, overlook, spell, strike.  Related words are: curse, jinx, possess, voodoo, attract, beguile, captivate, mesmerize, spellbind, entice, lure, seduce, tempt.  (Merriam-Webster)  Deuteronomy 18:10-14 makes it very clear what God thinks of those who use witchcraft or other practices named in this piece.  It reads:  "There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or observer of times, or a witch, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.  For all these things are an abomination unto the Lord:...."

Another need-to-notice activity would be to flip through the book, or scroll through a site with all of the Pokémon pics and simply notice the ferocious or scary looking parts of each character.  Just a few pages into this any one with a smidgen of discernment would have to concede that these atrocious characters have no place in the life of a precious young child, or teen.  For Philippians 4:8 declares, "...whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

Gotta Know Pokémon Back Stories

Highlighted here are back stories about various types of Pokémon-- stories one can easily recall to share with others who need to become aware of just how deceptive is the Pokémon agenda.

Some Third Eye Pokémon:
Dark:  Absol:  Disaster Pokémon:  George Hutcheon, Bulbapedia contributor, shares Absol is based on a "Bai Ze" a creature from both China and Japan who warned good rulers of impending disaster.  In Japan images of the Bai Ze were made into "good luck charms" to ward off monsters and disease.  Absol, says Hutcheon, resembles this monster with its dark horn, feline shape, and black oval third eye. http://bulbanews.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Column:On_the_Origin_of_Species
Ghost/Poison:  Mega Gengar: Shadow Pokémon:  Gengar is a "third eye" Pokémon with an oval yellow third eye on its forehead.  Its "malicious," says Bulbapedia, laughing at and
delighting in its victim's terror.  It hides in the shadows hoping to attack its prey, and enjoys casting curses. How horrible is this powerful mega Pokémon which has evolved from the evil Gengar with his sinister leer and giant teeth.  Its "moves" include hypnosis, curses, night shade, sucker punch, dream eater, dark pulse, hex, and nightmare.
Steel/Psychic:  Jirachi: Wish Pokémon: Jirachi is another Pokémon which has a hidden third-eye or "true eye" concealed within a seam.  Its eye is said to absord energy to aid in its hibernation.  If awakened it might grant your wish if you write it on one of its tags, and sing to it with a pure voice.  View this Pokémon with its yellow and green third eye revealed in the "Doom Desire Move" description in Bulbapedia.
The Psychic Third Eye Trading Card:  The Trading Card Game has a supporter card labeled "The Psychic Third Eye."  See it here. 
http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/pokemon-cards/xy-series/xy9/108/
A third eye is: "A point on the forehead corresponding to one of the chakras in yoga, often depicted as an eye and associated with enlightenment and mystical insight." (Free Dictionary)
 
Aura Pokémon:
Fighting/Steel:  Lucario:  Aura Pokémon:  Canine-like Lucario (evolved from Aura Pokémon Riolu) raises its four aura appendages to read and manipulate its opponents'aura.  Aura Sphere or "wave bomb" is its very special battle move.  Mega Lucario becomes even more ferocious with additional spikes coming from its hands, feet, and shoulders.  As its aura heightens black patches appear on its body.  It's said too that it can activate crystallized Time Flowers by shooting out aura.
Ghost-Dragon:  Giratina Original/Altered Forme:  Renegade Pokémon:  Dragonic, demonic appearing Giratina in either form was banished, the Pokémon handbook states, to another dimension where all is distorted and reversed.  Like Lucario, Giratina battles with "Aura Sphere."
Aura Guardians:  In the Pokémon world Aura Guardians sense aura and control its power.
Aura Capabilities:  Bulbapedia lists aura capabilities as being able to read minds/actions of others, sense other auras, view thru objects, project aura barriers, transfer aura to others, and activate Time Flowers.
An Aura (in Japanese means "wave-guiding") is: an energy field that is held to emanate from a living being (Merriam-Webster) 

Meditation Pokémon Trio:
Fighting-Psychic:  Meditite:  Meditate Pokémon:  Meditite's Japanese name is "Asanan" which comes from "asana" a name for various yogic poses.  It does such intense meditation it nearly starves itself never missing daily yoga practice.  This routine, says, the handbook, intensifies its inner strength.  Meditite also levitates.  Pics of Meditite can be found sitting in a lotus position with each hand fixed in a mudra.
Fighting-Psychic:  Medicham and Mega Medicham:  Medicham meditates so much it has developed a sixth sense.  Its picture shows it doing a yogic asana with its hands held in a mudra position.  Some say Medicham resembles a good luck charm doll known as a "Daruma doll."
A sixth sense is: a power of perception but not one of the five senses: a keen intuitive power  (Meriam-Webster)
A Daruma doll is: a hollow and round Japanese wish doll with no arms or legs modeled after Bodhi-
dharma, the founder and first patriarch of Zen.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daruma_doll

Hypnotic Dream-Eating Pokémon: 
Psychic:  Drowzee: Hypnosis Pokémon:  Drowzee lurks near by to draw out dreams.  Drowzee, a dream eater tapir-like Baku-based Pokémon, uses moves that include hypnosis, meditate, zen-headbutt, psychic, psybeam, poison gas, psyshock, and future sight plus more.
Psychic:  Hypno: Hypnosis Pokémon: Hypno uses a pendulum for putting one into a hypnotictrance. Hypno, too, is able to sense what its victim is dreaming.  A movie "Hyno's Naptime" tells how Hypno's sleep waves have caused children to disappear, and Pokémon to grow sleepy.
Self-Hypnosis with a Pendulum:  On line steps to use a pendulum to self-hypnotize can be
found at several web sites. 
Psychic: Munna: Dream Eater Pokémon: IfMunna, a Baku inspired blimp-like Pokémon, eats a happy dream it gives off pink mist.  Some of Munna's moves include: lucky chant, hypnosis, nightmare, future sight, dream eater, and telekinesis. 
Psychic: Musharna: Drowsing Pokémon:  Musharna resembles a tapir-like pink pig with its dream stream coming out of its forehead.  Some say Musharna seems like a traditional Japanese incense burner called a "koro." that appears on Buddhist altars.
Baku:  M.R.Reese of Green Shinto writes that a Japanese child having a nightmare is told if they wake up to repeat "Baku-san, come eat my dream!" three times.  After, the legend says, the Baku will enter the room, and eat up the bad dreams. However, this mustn't be over done or it will devour their hopes and desires leaving them with an empty life.  Kids to this day keep "Baku Talisman" by their bedsides. An on line site offers a ring, said to have the Baku spirit in it, that one could wear or hang up for protection.  http://www.greenshinto.com/wp/2014/12/16/baku-the-dream-eater/
Lucky Chant:  This move's meaning was, on Bulbapedia, described as "a good luck charm in Japanese," and an incantation toward the sky to stop an opponent.
Telekinesis is: the production of motion in objects (as by a spiritualistic medium) without contact or other physical means.  (Merriam-Webster)

Psychic Pokémon:
The Psi Quartet: Abra, Kadabra, Alakazam, and Mega Alakazam:  These four "Psi" Pokémon, all of the Psychic type, possess many powers. Abra's signature  move is to "teleport" away.  Kadabra uses one spoon to greatly increases its powers.  Super intelligent Alakazam has two spoons. Lastly,  Mega Alakazam has five spoons over head while seated in a lotus position with each hand fixed in mudra.  Note his distinctive red third eye.  He, records Bulbapedia, is based on a wizard or sorcerer, or a Hindu sadhus--a holy man who is a yogi.  A Wikipedia article on "Sadhus" has quite a photo display of many holy men with their prominent third eye markings.  For more read "Abra, Kadabra, and Alakazam" at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abra,_Kadabra,_and_Alakazam

Ghost/Spirit Pokémon:
Ghost Pokémon: Yamask: Spirit Pokémon:  Yamask, a very disturbing Pokémon, has a Japanese name Desumasu which comes from death and mask.  It also means "Yama" or Lord of the Dead in Buddhism/Hindusim, and "weeping mask" in Chinese.  Its based too on the Egyptian Ba holding a death mask.  Pokedex entries say its mask makes it cry as it wanders round ancient landmarks.  Should one accidently wear this mask it can be "possessed."  On a post entitled "Pokemanical" a gamer shares stories of really dark Pokémon especially ghosts as Yamask and Cofagrigus. A picture of some of the worst of the worst Pokémon has a comment that says, "Yet still allowable as kids' game. Huh!"
http://pokemaniacal.tumblr.com/post/17760681303/yamask-and-cofagrigus
Ghost Pokémon: Cofagrigus: Coffin Pokémon:  This coffin Pokémon who lurks in tombs and ruins is an Egyptian sarcophagi that eats people, and mummifies them! Grave robbers who come too close to its shadowy ebony hands find themselves locked inside Cofagrigus.  Its name is a combo of sarcophagus and egregious which means coffin and grim.  And grim they are!

Light Pokémon: "A Ghost-Fire Trio:"
Ghost/Fire: Litwick: Candle Pokémon:  This small candle has a purple flame that's powered by "life energy".  To get this energy Litwick, a pretender, seems to light the way through darkness all the while sucking life energy from its victim.  A Bulbapedia description says, "Litwick leads people astray and sucks out their life force." What an apt description of Satan!  For II Corinthians says, "And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light." And I Peter 5:8 adds, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour."
In Bulpadedia "Origin" section it says: Litwick's name is a combo of hitodama or a blue, black, and purple flame associated with ghosts, yokai, and candles.  It can also be associated with the leader of a Japanese funeral procession carrying a torch. Some of its "moves" are: ember, will-o-wisp, hex, curse, and shadow ball among others.
Ghost/Fire: Lampent: Lamp Pokémon:  Lampent, an ominous Pokémon, lurks round hospitals "waiting for someone to die" at which time it absorbs their departing spirit which in turn fuels its flame.  However, II Corinthians 5:8 says of those who die in the Lord that we are "absent from the body and present with the Lord!"  And Hebrews 9:27 reads, "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment."
Ghost/Fire: Chandelure: Luring Pokémon: Third in this spirit sucking trio is Chandelure whose name is like a "sentient" chandelier and lure.  Chandelure based also on hitodama which Wikipedia defines as Japanese meaning "human souls" that are like balls of fire floating in the night -- departed souls that have been separated from their bodies.  The Deluxe Essential Handbook says, "Chande-
lure's spooky fames can burn the spirit right out of someone.  If that happens the spirit becomes trapped in this world endlessly wandering."  One of Chandelure's "moves" in the game is to put a "hex" on someone.
Will-o'-the-wisp-is: Wikipedia says a will-o'-the-wisp is an atmospheric ghost seen by travelers at night by bogs, swamps, or marshes which if approached can lure travelers from safe paths.

The Kami Trio: Tornadus, Thundurus, and Landorus:
Flying: Tornadus: Legendary Cyclone Pokémon:  Tornadus, a kami of wind, is based on the Shinto god Fujin.  Tornadus is a wizard-like Pokémon that is carrying a bag of wind.  Japan Talk's
"Raijin and Fujin: Fearsome Japanese Gods of Nature" by John Spacey tells how when Mongol Fleets attacked in 1274 and 1281 Fujin was thanked for protecting Japan.  From this came the word kamikaze (note "kami) which literally means "divine wind."
http://www.japan-talk.com/jt/new/raijin-and-fujin
Electric/Flying: Legendary Bolt Strike Pokémon:  Thundurus, a kami of lightning and thunder, is inspired by one of the most feared of Japanese deities Raijin.  It's said of Raijin that if there's a storm Japanese children were told to cover their belly buttons for Raijin might eat them.  People prayed to Raijin for rain and lightning.  A rice field hit by a lightning bolt, it was believed, would be fertile and produce a good harvest.  Spacey says statues of both protector gods are seen at gates, shrines, and temples through out Japan.  Muza-chan in "Japanese Traditions"* says Raijin comes from "rai" for thunder and "shin" for god.  It was known as a "kamiari" or "kami" for spirit or deity and "nari" for thunder.  Muza-chan notes you'll find this beautiful "red demon" Raijin statue at the Kaminarimon Gate in Asakusa, Tokyo.  http://muza-chan.net/japan/index.php/blog/japanese-traditions-fujin-god-wind    http://muza-chan.net/japan/index.php/blog/japanese-traditions-raijin-thunder-god
*  This blog is packed full of Shinto stories.
Ground/Flying: Landorus: Legendary Abundance Pokémon:  Bulbapedia states that Landorus was the master of this "Forces of Nature" kami trio. In the Pokémon universe region called "Unova" there's a shrine in honor of the "Great Landorus" named "The Abundant Shrine."  Landorus is based on a third kami--the Kami of Fertility--also named Inari.  http://pokemon.neoseeker.com/wiki/Kami_Trio
A Kami is:  In the Shinto religion, kami are spirits/phenomena that are worshipped.  According to Wikipedia:  "They are elements in nature, animals, creationary forces in the universe, as well as spirits of the revered deceased."  Under "Etymology" Wikipedia notes: "Kami is the Japanese word for a god, deity, divinity, or spirit.  It has been used to describe 'mind,''God,''supreme being,''one of the Shinto deities,''an effigy,''a principle,' and 'anything that is worshipped.'"  For further info:    
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kami.  The Bible, however, in Exodus 20:3-5 says, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me.  Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them: for I the LORD they God am a jealous God, ..."   

A Creator 'God' Pokémon:
Normal: Arceus: Mythical Alpha Pokémon:  Areceus is the god Pokémon of the Pokémon Universe.  It's based on a creator deity with a stance like an Egyptian bull or calf idols particularly Apis.  It has an arc on its back, says Bulbapedia, that is used to represent reincarnation in Hinduism.

Arceus is connected to the Shinto gods Kunitokotachi and Amenominakanushi who summoned the first goddess and god Izanami and Izanagi to create Japan with a spear. The reference to its having 1000 arms comes from Buddhism.  Arceus, its said, created Sinnoh, a Pokémon area, and the three Pokémon Lake Guardians Uxie, Azelf, and Misprit and the Creation Trio Dialaga, Palkia, and Giratina.

Upon reading its English name "Alpha Pokémon" one can't help but think about the Biblical reference in Revelation 1:8 that declares, "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty."

These stories are but the tip of the iceberg as to what terms, and concepts are being put into the receptive minds of our kids straight out of Shintoism, Buddhism, the New Age and other pagan religions. As Matthew 6:33 says, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you."  And as the prayer the Lord taught us to pray which ends in Matthew 6:13 says: "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever."

Gotta Learn About the Shinto Connection

Shintoism in Pokémon:  In his July 18, 2016 article "Pokémon Go and Its AR Universe", Ray Tsuchiyama shows how much Pokémon is connected to Shintoism. Ray says the Pokémon Go gamers out on their Pokémon hunts are "almost like a new religion of seekers."  "They," says Ray, "are seeing 'otherworldly' aural specter/image in the middle of the 'material world' of buildings, shower trees, and beaches."

Ray also recalls Satoshi Tajiri, the Pokémon founder, was into his bug collecting world as a child, and later the anime character Ash with his electrifying Pikachu was made to resemble Tajiri.  Ray says Tajiri's childhood hobby surely contributed to Pokémon with all its curious critters.  "But," writes Ray, "there is also the deeper cultural, mythological, and animist religious history of Japan that influenced this global game."

Ray goes on to show how closely tied Pokémon is to Shintoism when he writes, "In fact Ninetales is obviously the fox god of Shintoism.  Also the water Pokémon ... Whipcash ... is like a blue catfish ...(which)... in Japanese mythology a catfish ... triggers earthquakes....  Lombre ... has the greatest resemblance to the Kappa a Japanese water demon.  ... the Pokémon Shiftry evokes a Japanese goblin that lives in trees and cause windstorms. ... Kyogre and Groudon ... (are referred to in the Hoenn region) ... which is a retelling of the mythological creation of the Japanese island chain by the primordial male and female.  A Shinto 'world flood' myth has been worked in Mewtwo's character.

"In the original game," maintains Ray, "when a Pokémon lives long enough in the material world, this character 'ascends' to a higher plane, kind of like astral projection, and again, the spiritual motif returns.  Also in the game, Pokémon trainers gather to mourn and present offering for 'dead' Pokémon, since without the chanting of the Pokémon 'souls' will wander the material world and transform into vengeful spirits--again evoking Shinto beliefs."

Ray declares, "Pokémon characters clearly resemble Shinto gods that hang out in rivers, rocks, trees, and other places--and following Shinto, when offered food and incense, Pokémon and friends/allies and bring players all sorts of rewards, like points (blessings?)."

Even your smartphone muses Ray can "be warm and full of good thoughts" since we have become disenchanted (in a spiritual way) with our daily lives ..."  "So," says Ray, "Pokémon players can inhabit two worlds: one that is 'real' and one that is 'imaginary'...."  Ray ends by noting that Pokémon
GO isn't the original "character hunting" mobile app.  Ray writes, "For years in Japan game firms like Yokai Watch and Monster Hunter, have spawned thousands of small groups ...  All these games are heavily influenced by Shinto Mythology." 
http://www.mauinews.com/page/blogs.detail/display/5619/Pokemon-Go-and-Its-AR-Universe.html

Gotta Learn About the Yokai Connection

Yokai are: (ghost, phantom, or strange apparitions) a class of supernatural monsters, spirits, and demons in Japanese folklore. (Wikipedia)  They can, says Wikipedia, be malevolent to mischievous, or even bring good fortune.  Yokai can appear in different ways: as animals, as humans, as inanimate objects, or as shapeless.  They have spiritual supernatural powers with obake shapeshifting being one of the most common ones.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Y%C5%8Dkai

An informative article entitled "Who's That Pokémon? Yokai Edition" by Kristen Dexter starts out "But some of my favorite Pokémon were inspired by yokai: supernatural monsters, ghosts, and phantoms of Japanese folklore.  Says Kristen, "Gotta catch 'em all, yokai!"

Kristen then lists the Japanese term for a particular yokai and its definition.  She then asks:  "Who's that yokai?"  After there's a large picture of each Pokémon that fits this definition, and a further reference to its/their traits.  Here's the yokai covered: Sazae Oni, turban shell ogres, like Slowbro and Slowking; Sogen Bi, a fireball floating head, like Gastly; Baku dream eaters, like Drowzee, Hypno, Munna, and Musharna; Jinmenju, human tree heads, like Exegguter; Yamauba, old woman turned witch, like Jnyx; Nekomata, Bake split tail cats, like Esperson; Nukekubi, cursed headless woman or girl, like Misdreavus;  Kamitachi, ambusher attacker weasels, like Sneasel and Weavile; Futakushi Onna, two mouthed cursed woman, like Mawile; Tsukimogami, spirit inhabited inanimate objects, like Banette; Hitodama, graveyard colored light, like Litwick; Kodama, ball of light tree spirits, like Celebi, Phantump, and Trevenant; Chochin Obake, paper lantern inhabiters, like Dusclops and Dusknoir; Yuki Onna, evil woman freezer of travelers, like Froslass; and Nurarihyon, old man yokai leader, like Jellicent.   Read it at:  https://www.tofugu.com/japan/pokemon-yokai/.

Gotta Read Up on Church Reactions to Pokemon

One last thing to look into and become aware of is the number of churches that have been designated Pokémon Go Pokestops and Gyms.  Churches, in any number of articles, are crowing about how unbelievably wonderful it is that they have been named stopping places for Pokémon Go players to pick up items to help catch those hidden Pocket Monsters.  Now, is it because most churches see it as a reason to share the gospel with those that happen by, or is it because they think the game is clever and yes even fun and they get to share things like water, or a place to recharge smartphones?    Unfortunately, it is the latter in many instances.    

I even read where an Episcopal church attendee declared if you're going to do 'evangelism' you might as well have fun doing it.  Another "evangelical millennial" opined all that old "Pokémon is of the devil drivel" why that's a thing of the past; and just think there is not one of the 721 Pokémon now here, and more coming that have a name that in way is devilish or Satanic--not a one.  Read here:
http://www.millennialevangelical.com/is-pokemon-satanic/  How I'd challenge this uninformed
millennial, or any one else regardless of age to do the research using sources quoted in this piece that show how infiltrated Pokémon is with every sort of evil idea that could be thought up.  In fact, the verse that that best describes Pokémon could be Genesis 6:5 that reads: "And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of his heart was only evil continually."  And as it was in the days of Noah, so it is today!

Gotta Discern, Gotta Go

In summary, once one grasps that Pokémon is inundated with deceptive teachings, one must
determine to research Pokémon lore and backstories to more fully discern the agenda, the culture,
and the religion from which this game has arisen. The question then becomes: "What must one do with this information?  Just as Berit Kijos in her excellent 1999 article: "The Dangers of Role-Playing Games-How Pokémon and Magic Cards Affect the Minds" listed ideas on how to teach
one's children or grandchildren on ways to resist occult entertainment I too would urge parents, grandparents, and friends to be ready as Deuteronomy Moments arise, and during devotional times to talk to your children on a regular basis about key words and ideas presented in Pokémon and Pokémon Go and how they contrast with scripture.

Point out that Proverbs describes the simple--the naïve ones--those who are open to anything that comes down the pike as contrasted to the wise-- the knowledgeable ones-- those who cry out and search for wisdom as to which paths to take.  And as Solomon said in Proverbs 4:10-15: "Hear O
my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many.  I have taught in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in the right paths.  When thou goest thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.  Take fast hold of instruction ; let her not go; keep her; for she is thy life.  Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the path of evil men.  Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away."           

What opportunities await informed Christians, who with both scripture, and pertinent Pokémon information, can clearly point out how deceptive, and evil these alluring Pokémon are.  Yes, we gotta be ready to go for not only must we warn about Pokémon Go, but as Mark 16:15, a Bible go verse, reads, "... Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."

Learn to Discern Granny Verses:  Proverbs 4:26, 27

In this Pokémon Go world how apt are these verses:  "Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.  Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil."

For More Information:

"How Pokémon and Magic Cards Affect the Minds and Values of Children (and a Warning About Pokémon Go)  (1999) by Berit Kijos 
http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?tag=berit-kjos

"Gotta Catch 'Em All" (2009) by Mike Oppenheimer at: http://www.letusreason.org/Current17.htm



   

 

Remembering Ray Yungen

Ray Yungen, Lighthouse Trails special author and supporter, died October 16, 2016 much to the sadness of his many Lighthouse Trails friends, and readers.  And although I never met Ray, his writings and warnings impacted my life many times over! 

Here are a few of the things I remember from his book: A Time of Departing.

I remember reading that book, now well-marked, and well-worn, while trying to wrap my mind round all of its new ideas, and new names I was encountering. 

I remember beginning to understand the scope of the New Age, and the Emergent Church and how it had impacted so many churches and denominations.  I began to be able to use this new found information to "red flag" words, teachings, and persons that Ray had written about.

I remember Ray's use of key scripture at every turn (highlighted in small gray boxes) to substantiate his findings.

I remember Ray's writing style as never nasty nor mean, but sincere and truthful pleading with the reader to be aware of the movements that had crept into the churches.

I remember wanting to share the book with others touting its chapters, glossary of terms, list of
questions, list of past Christian mystics, endnotes, and index.

I remember being amazed at the degree of, and depth of Ray's documentation with his twenty-four   end note pages.  Truly Ray's work was never just hear say or conjecture, but based on solid
research.  (pp.208-231) 

I remember Ray's amazing ability to cite succinct quotations that he reiterated over and over that  stuck in a person's mind.  One Nouwen quote oft repeated by Ray was: "Today I personally believe that while Jesus came to open the door to God's house, all human beings can walk through that door, whether they know about Jesus or not.  Today I see it as my call to help every person claim his or her own way to God." (p.62)

I remember how often I have used Ray's index to find some particular person, or term.  Just a perusal
of this index highlights exactly what Ray covered in this book.

I remember Ray writing (and telling) many times that he loved to scout out bookstores, and would often count the shelves filled with New Age spirituality as opposed to those labeled Christian.  Yes, thanks to Ray we, his readers, were the grateful recipients of the results of his endless research. (p.13)

I remember Ray naming the Baptist Sunday School Teacher Sue Monk Kidd and her decent into paganism through a Thomas Merton book.  This made us want to read the Monk Kidd books too.  Not long after we met someone enamored by Kidd, and were able to share why this was a problem.  Now this was but one name, and work among dozens that Ray opened our eyes to.
(pp.135-137)

I remember all the references devoted to Reiki in Ray's book.  Strange, I said to my husband, Ray was the one who wrote about Reiki (pronounced ray-key).  And so we were ready when in our home group we met someone who had studied Reiki, and others familiar with it.  (pp.94-98)

I remember discovering that on page 132 (pinched at the corner now) that Ray quoted the late Dr. Paul Bubna, President of the Christian and Missionary positively.  This made me curious if there
was a CMA church in Salem, Oregon.  Yes, there was.  Once found I noted,  much to my dismay, its pastor then was reading Thomas Merton.  Immediately I recognized this church leaned emergent.  Later on, I also found that Ray had heard well-known contemplative Richard Foster speak there. (pp.72-82)

Soon, while researching that Salem pastor, I came to CMA Nyack College site that noted a professor had just written a book on contemplative prayer.  From there much came to light about the CMA denomination, college, and seminary and its decent into contemplative spirituality.  Besides, it led to a personal meeting with the CMA President Dr. John Stumbo who took over for the Salem Oregon CMA pastor before becoming president of the denomination.  And all of this began with a sentence about the CMA in Ray's book, and the Lord's amazing direction!

My most recent remembrance of Ray was shared with our small house group gathered round listening to Ray answer questions along with Warren Smith, and Gaylean Goodroad at the late August 2016 Berean Call Conference with Tom McMahon.  Little did we know how very sick he soon would become.  How much we will miss him!

Most assuredly we'll remember Ray's diligence to point out to the body of Christ how late is the hour, and how far many have departed from the faith. Most certainly we'll remember Ray as a masterful Berean, and a faithful teacher of the Word. Lastly, we'll remember how this humble man, now absent from the body but forever with the Lord, impacted so many lives with not only last day warnings but the gospel. 

As Ray wrote in his "Special Note from Ray" at the end of A Time of Departing,"If you have never found the peace of knowing Christ I urge you to read the first five chapters of the book of Romans and allow the Holy Spirit to draw you to what is being said and offered.  The only prerequisite is to recognize your inability as a sinner to save yourself.  Then, in simple faith, tell God you are now trusting Christ, and Him alone, to be your Lord and Savior."  (p. 201)

Learn to Discern Granny Verse:  Ray's Key Verse  I Timothy 4:1

"Now, the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart, from the faith, giving heed to
deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons."

A Time of Departing by Ray Yungen:
Reader, if you've never read any of Ray's books may I suggest you begin with A Time of Departing, and share it with all you can.  For it is truly a "classic" in apologetic writing!

The Story Behind Lighthouse Trails by Deborah Dombrowski and the Editors at Lighthouse Trails: 
May I recommend, too, this most interesting booklet of how Lighthouse Trails began, and how Ray played a pivotal role in its founding.

Order the book, or booklet or both from:
http://www.lighthousetrails.com/

The Lynch Foundation Lures Schools Into TM Quiet Times

Perhaps you've read of the Transcendental Meditation guru, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, and his famed Beatle aficionados.  And maybe you've surmised the TM mania had mostly gone away.  But, you're dead wrong, for there's been a recent resurgence of TM training aimed at vulnerable young tweens and teens in our public schools under a benign sounding program called "Quiet Time."

Yes, "Quiet Time!"  Now what could be wrong with that?  Plenty!  Most certainly it's not a "quiet time" such as a nap time, nor is it a time of daily devotions; rather it is a "quiet time" where kids, twice a day in their classrooms, are going to use a TM mantra to practice fifteen minute periods of meditation.

The Lynch Foundation Leaders

Now, the foundation sponsoring this time of silence is headed by the eccentric TM devotee, famed film producer David Lynch, who can be labeled as an apostle, guru, evangelist, proselyte, teacher, and passionate promoter of the practice of TM.  Lynch, along with his loyal longtime TM co-meditator, and executive director Bob Roth of the foundation, declare that TM is not religious, nor is it philosophy but just a simple way to tamp down stress and promote calm especially among youth with special needs or the inner city poor.

However, one thing Lynch and Roth neglect to say up front is that in order for teachers to teach TM or for students to practice TM is they all must attend an "Initiation" time with a personal TM teacher that includes attending a Hindu puja ceremony, learning a personal Hindu mantra, and kneeling down to Guru Dev the revered mentor of the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.  Oh, all initiates must bring along an offering of a piece of fruit, some flowers, and a handkerchief.  And one other thing TM is not free-- it costs money!
https://www.davidlynchfoundation.org/

The Lynch Foundation Chicago Forum

So, exactly how do Lynch, and Roth sell such a program to public schools?  Well, for starters they've assembled quite an entourage of famed meditators such as Dr. Oz, Oprah Winfrey, Katie Perry, Jerry Seinfeld, and so many more to champion TM, and to raise funds for it.  In addition the Lynch Foundation has a well planned program that it uses to sell "Quiet Time" to public schools.

A March 23, 2016 video "Chicago Education Forum" exposes exactly how this TM infiltration is carried out.  The forum, led by moderator CNN news lady Candy Crowley, allows one to peek inside the presentations presented to, and foisted on school administrators, teachers, parents, and youth.

To put forth their agenda the DLF assembles charismatic administrative staff, and teachers already trained in TM to talk up the technique.  In addition, they invite well-known professional TM meditators of varying stripes who tout TM as the best answer to every ill in our schools.  Always, they include Bob Roth, past devotee of the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, meditator extraordinaire to sell the program.

At the Chicago forum besides the above attendees, John Wolf, a speaker for the University of Chicago's Crime Lab and Urban Education Lab announced its studies being conducted on meditating students in both Chicago, and NYC public schools.
http://www.davidlynchfoundation.org/emailing/2016_02_ed-forum.html

Included in this forum was a principal who meditates along with her students making it a practice to pop in on various classrooms as they engage in "Quiet Time."  Another gregarious educator testifies, after learning TM, she taught it to her own children (including a four-year-old), and soon her husband too had become part of their now TM family.  Imagine if a Christian teacher in a public school arena told how he or she had become a Christian, and how their whole family now followed Christ.
Certainly, this bubbling TM testimony could be likened to a religious conversion.  Ah, this process, despite DLF statements to the contrary, is religious through and through; but oh how devoid of God it is, instead it is centered on the diving into the divine self within!

Following up on the educator recitations of their successes with TM moderator Crowley quizzes Bob Roth, who was on the panel, as to just how one might get a four-year-old to meditate explaining she'd love to have her own young grandchildren meditate too.  Roth replies that young children between four or five and up to ten are able to do "walking meditation."  Roth then stresses older children ten and up can do "sitting meditation."  While he mentions a personal TM trainer, nary a word is said about the mantras!
https://www.davidlynchfoundation.org/chicago.html#video=IPTGjKub9-E and
https://www.davidlynchfoundation.org/schools.html

Some Lynch Foundation Information 

A hot-off-the-press article relating to the above forum featured in the December 2016 Smithsonian Magazine by Jennie Rothenberg Gritz titled:  "Director David Lynch Wants Schools to Teach Trans-cendental Meditation to Reduce Stress" mentions more about the Crime Lab's multiyear study of "Quiet Time", the DLF's school meditation program.  With 6,800 subjects in Chicago and New York City, it's one of the largest randomized controlled studies ever conducted on meditation for children.

Gritz tells how Lynch himself has meditated since 1973, and how his foundation raises money from events by stars such as Perry, Sting, and so on.  Gritz emphasizes that TM is different than mindfulness.  Gritz reveals she herself has been a meditator since when?  Ten!  Gritz says, " People who learn TM are given a mantra, or sound, and a specific technique for using it.  You repeat the mantra, and, if all goes well, your mind settles down into a deep, expansive silence."

Of course, this validates the well-known fact that all TMers, kids or otherwise, must have their own personal TM teacher to introduce via Hindu puja and Sanskrit chanting their own mantra.  Interestingly, one can read Gritz grew up in Fairfield, Iowa attending the Maharishi School of the Age of Enlightenment now part of Maharishi Vedic City.
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/peacemaker-david-lynch-winner-smithsonian-ingenuity-awards-education-180961126/

Transcendental Meditation in the Public Schools

Gritz, fascinated by the fact TM had become mainstream again in of all places, public schools, also wrote a November 10, 2015 piece in The Atlantic: "Mantras Before Math." In it she shares her childhood connections to TM.  She also notes because TM is trademarked, all who use it must receive the same personal instructions.  With one's mantra, Gritz explains, TM is so automatic that the meditator just begins their mantra and transcends.

Because Gritz questioned exactly how TM would work in a school setting she visited several Cali-
fornia schools to see what the kids were doing.  A Redwood City High School principal gave her some answers--one being that meditation wasn't just for students, but for the staff as well.  Aha, just as one would suspect--they are going after all the teachers too.  And sooner or later shame on the educator who doesn't buy into the system!

Gritz found some "Quiet Time" programs have full-time site meditator managers whose salaries come from the DLF or the Hass Fund.  One school even rewards kids who meditate for certain periods of times with parties.  Some schools use upperclassmen to form an "Advanced Meditators Crew" to teach their peers to meditate.  Gritz' lengthy article, and its findings can be read here:
http://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2015/11/mantras-before-math-class/412618/

Transcendental Meditation Guru Lynch

Claire Hoffman, with a childhood background in TM like Gritz, wrote a another revealing article "David Lynch Is Back ... as a Guru of Transcendental Meditation" in the New York TimesMagazine in 2013.  In it Claire details her attendance at a David Lynch meeting in LA of newly initiated TMers, youthful Hollywood actor types, who had gathered round Lynch in his studio for a morning of meditation and instruction in the nature of consciousness.

After the meditation, which was led by Lynch, there was a Question and Answer Session.  Asked about his first meditative experience Lynch told the group precisely the time and place there in LA where he'd begun his lifelong meditation habit.  In contrast, a Christian can tell the time and place where they repented of their sins, and asked the Lord to come into their life.

Of Lynch's life Claire wrote, "... Lynch drank, made money, married a number of women, and directed violent and dark movies.  Still he loved meditating-- 'diving within.'"  Reflecting on this quote one would have to note that Lynch's own life surely had not demonstrated the "peace" and "calm" he advocates others buy into by practicing TM. 

Claire shares Lynch once had a rare opportunity to bond with the late Maharishi by taking an Enlightenment Course offered by the guru to the tune of about a million dollars per student.  After Lynch signed on, he went abroad only to find this conference would be telecast without any personal time with the guru.  In spite of this, Lynch returned home with a new sense of mission, and in 2005 founded his foundation.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/24/magazine/david-lynch-transcendental-meditation.html

Transcendental Meditation Memoir Overview

In addition to the above article Claire wrote a recent 2016 book Greetings from Utopia Park: Surviving a Transcendent Childhood  that pulls back the curtain to reveal exactly what TM is all about.  In it Claire tells the poignant story of her own TM besot mother, and her TM saturated childhood in Fairfield, Iowa.  Her book is dedicated to her mom who believed in Utopia, and to her daughters who forced her to see it might be true.

The beginning chapter "Initiation" tells of Claire's first step in the pathway of Enlightenment-- the receiving of her own private "Word of Wisdom" at the age of three. (pp.3-7)  Chapter three "Stanger in a Strange Land" finds Claire in Fairfield where she and her sibling were unable to afford the Maharishi School, and instead were forced to attend the "Townie" public school.  Marked as a "'ru" or "guru"  or "meditator"  the children were often mocked. (pp.44-47)

The chapter "Levitation" tells how the Maharishi dictated one December would be called "A Taste of Utopia" where hundreds would come together to meditate.  Claire recalls how eager her mom was to take a course to become a Siddha--someone who had superpowers--so she might learn to "fly" or "levitate." (pp.49-57)  In "Taste of Utopia" she details the arrival of seven thousand who gathered to meet the Maharishi, and to meditate in The Shed.  The event began with a greeting "Jai Guru Dev!" (Praises to Guru Dev; god-like guru who was mentor to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi) after which school children sang the Maharishi School anthem announcing that diving deep within The Self Life would be bliss.  Bells rang out.  The guru reported they'd all just reached "the first Taste of Utopia for all mankind." (p.65)

"Fortunate Are We!" tells of Claire's first days at the Maharishi School where she learned to recite the Maharishi's Sixteen Principles of SCI or Science of Creative Intelligence.  In that school it seemed that, wrote Claire, "everyone stated every sentence with 'Maharishi says ....'"  Besides SCI, a Vedic prayer before meals had the children saying they were radiating the light of life, and that they were never to entertain negativity. (p.78)  However, the most important thing emphasized was the phrase "Being on the Program."  This meant all who climbed the seven rungs or ladder of consciousness would become like Maharishi--"blissful or enlightened." (p.79)

Clair also reminisces "... friends in Fairfield always remarked how lucky we were to learn meditation so young.  ... Even our teachers treated us like chosen ones--Brahmin reincarnated ... selected because of an infinite lifetime of good karma to be leaders in the Age of Enlightenment."  (p.84)

In "On the Program" Claire recalls her ten-year-old sitting meditation initiation in an incense filled room kneeling before a picture of Guru Dev while her teacher rattled off a long list of Sanskrit words--names of the many gods who had helped them meditate.(pp.111-112)  In short, Hoffman's book enables one to understand what school systems are really buying into when they adopt TM programs!

In the book Claire updates the reader on changes in Fairfield, and her adult search into TM through her journalism.  She describes one interview she had with David Lynch in which she relates how Lynch nearly wept on the phone as they discussed 2008 death of the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.
Claire wrote, "I felt pushed away. ... I didn't love the Maharishi."  She also spoke with Deepak Chopra, once heir apparent to the Maharishi, who had had a falling out with the late TM master.
(p.241)

As Claire discussed her growing doubts about the Maharishi's program (2013 meeting) Lynch challenged her.  She also wrote how TM is said to better one's health.  As an example she names Dr. Norman Rosenthal,* avowed TM practitioner and author of Transcendence, with his endorsements; and she cites Dr. Mehmet Oz, famed doctor, with his positive TM video testimonial.  But, still she had doubts.  In the end, she felt that Lynch when confronting the public made TM seem to be nothing more than a simple meditative practice; but in private "wanted to make sure I believed that Maharishi's way was the Truth, that he hadn't been a man who made mistakes or had his own selfish impulses." (p.246) However, the Lord Jesus, in John 14:6, speaks about these very issues where he says: "I am the way, the truth, and life, no man cometh unto the Father but by me."

*  Dr. Rosenthal was one of the speakers at the Chicago DLF Forum in March 2016.

Transcendental Meditation City Revisited

After the birth of her own children, Claire once again wanted to believe in TM and the Maharishi's mission so she returned to Fairfield, took the Flying/Levitation course to try to reconnect to her past.  After, Claire wrote, "But as far as the great guru (Maharishi)-- I had to let him go." (p.255)  Claire questioned why she or her family had wanted him to be more than human, and why he himself wanted to be more than human when he was not.

Of the TM she grew up in, Claire reflected, "The Movement I had grown up in--call it a cult, a religion, a community, it was all these, it rescued my family from a scary time."  Claire adds, "We were given a sense of magic and mystery and superpowers--we believed we could control our
destinies and the fate of the world." (p.255)

Transcendental Meditation Initiation Description

In chapter eighteen Claire paints a vivid portrayal of her young daughter's TM initiation at the David Lynch Foundation in Hancock Park, California.  Deciding to keep meditation for herself, and her children Claire made arrangements with Bob Roth, the effervescent DLF executive, to be the trainer to initiate her four-year-old Josie.  Hoffman tells how she took Josie to an LA DLF house where they brought their puja offering of Starbucks bananas and street-vendor flowers.  On the walls of the house hung photos of David Lynch along with other famous meditators, among them Jerry Seinfeld and Russel Brand. 

Upon meeting Roth they entered an initiation room with golden armchairs that faced a photo of Guru Dev hanging over an altar.  In front of the altar were puja containers of incense, camphor, and rice.  There Roth gave her four-year-old her first mantra: "A Word of Wisdom."  The little gal gave Roth a rose which he crushed.  Chanting softly he lit the incense, put the petals in water, and burned camphor while Claire cried. (pp.256-258)  Readers remember that all who participate in TM must go through this ritual, and that includes all of the public school staff, and children who participate.  While the parents may have given written permission for their students to participate in what they believe to be a nonreligious program, at its core it is Hinduism.
https://www.amazon.com/Greetings-Utopia-Park-Surviving-Transcendent/dp/0062338846/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1483654919&sr=1-1&keywords=greetings+from+utopia+park+surviving+a+transcendent+childhood
   
TM Belief:  You Control Your Own Destiny-So Dive Within!  

A back cover blurb on Hoffman's book by Melissa Coleman, author of This Life Is in Your Hands, best summarizes not only how Hoffman sees TM, but also how the whole DLF portrays it as nonreligious and as a simple meditative method to produce calm and peace.  Coleman writes,   "Claire Hoffman, ... tells of the struggle to find her own path to truth while growing up amid the distraction and contradictions of a guru's prescribed utopia.  Her triumph, and the reminder for us all, is in excusing the external guru and trusting the guide within."  Notice how Coleman speaks of life being in our own hands, and truth being something within ourselves.  But the Bible tells us otherwise when it says in Proverbs 16:2: "All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the motives."  And in Proverbs 16:9 we read: "A man's heart deviseth his way; but the Lord directeth his steps.  Lastly, Proverbs 16: 25 states: "There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death."

The Lynch Foundation Links to the Maharishi University

It is a well documented fact that the David Lynch Foundation with its Hindu rituals, and TM mission is tightly connected to the Maharishi University School of Management (MUM). For Lynch has sponsored "David Lynch MUM Weekends," supported MUM on its web site, headed a graduate MUM film course, and participated on its trustee board.  In addition, Lynch was MUM's 2016 commencement speaker where he was awarded an honorary "Doctorate of Peace."  The notion there's nothing religious about TM is patently false.  Of the famed TM guru, Lynch at MUM's June graduation, called the Maharishi "the greatest master who ever walked the earth."
http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/filmmaker-david-lynch-give-2016-commencement-address-maharishi-university-management-2115565.htm and
http://www.thehawkeye.com/news/iowa_and_illinois/filmmaker-david-lynch-gives-mum-commencement-address-in-fairfield/article_1b19c99d-f9e3-5311-b20f-66c41242dc2f.html

But, the greatest master that ever walked the earth was not a mere mortal man as was the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, but was none other than the Lord Jesus Christ the Son of God.  It's not by following a Yogi, or a Guru we attain salvation or bliss or enlightenment , but it is as Acts 4:12 states: "Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."

To conclude, Isaiah 26:3-4 tells us to focus our minds on the Lord, and to trust in him forever!

Learn to Discern Granny Verse: Isaiah 26:3 

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusted in thee."

More Information:

Herescope:"Mainstreaming Mystic Mindfulness: Eastern Meditation as the Universal Cure-All" by Gaylene Goodroad.  
Find at: http://herescope.blogspot.com/2015/11/mainstreaming-mystic-mindedness.html

Home: Maharishi Vedic City, Iowa:  Tells what can be found in this model city: Vedic Architecture, Vedic Health Care, Vedic Agriculture, Vedic Education, and Vedic Administration.  Find at:
http://www.maharishivediccity-iowa.gov/ 

Home: Maharishi Vedic City, Iowa:  Outlines "Best Bet-City Tour including: Raj Health Center (TM and TM-Sidhi Program with Yogic Flying); Pandit Campus (Hindu Holy Men); and Golden Domes on MUM campus (Group Spaces for Peace and Harmony Meditation).
Find at: http://www.maharishivediccity-iowa.gov/visitors/

"Falling Down the TM Rabbit Hole"  Find at: http://www.suggestibility.org/

Another Shack Attack Coming in March via 'The Shack' Movie

It's back --"The Shack" is coming to a theater near you.  Are you prepared?  Have you armed yourself with both the Word, and knowledge of what The Shack is actually about?  If not, this update is for you.

Some Shack Back Stories You Should Know

Young's Boyhood Background

Canadian William Paul Young was born in 1955 to Christian and Missionary Alliance parents William Henry and Bernice Young in Grande Prairie, Alberta Canada.  Taken to Papua, New Guinea at ten months, Paul testifies he was raised by the Dani Stone Age Tribe whose language he learned from babyhood.  His parents, Henry and Bernice, were so busy with their mission work that they allowed the tribe to practically raise their little "ghost" boy.  Paul often reiterates that he felt estranged from his parents, and especially from his stern and legalistic father.

Beginning at age four the tribe began to sexually abuse Paul often within feet of his parents who were unaware of what was happening.  At six, following the common missionary practice at that time, he was sent to a CMA Sentani Boarding School where more sexual abuse ensued.  Profoundly impacted by these horrendous experiences Paul shares that he became adept at hiding his hurts from others.

Young's College Background

In 1965 Paul, then ten, suddenly found himself back in Canada where his dad pastored various churches.  Moving often, Paul attended a number of schools before arriving at the Christian and Missionary Alliance Canadian Bible College (CBC) in Regina.  Later CBC became Ambrose University.

And it was at Ambrose Paul, in 2008, was welcomed as an honored Ambrose alumnus.  There he spoke to the students and faculty about two unforgettable dreams he had during his third year at CBC.  In them, Paul with friends ascend a steep mountain into a large cathedral full of winding stairs, and themed rooms,

In the second cathedral dream, Paul and a classmate Terry miraculously escape the cathedral.  Once free they meet a hooded figure who advised them never to return inside for if they did they would die in that world.  Terry, says Paul, went back but he ran on.  After, Paul recalled he felt he was pulled out of his old world, and into new freedom.

As a MK Paul recalled he had been a model student as well as the Junior Class President.  However, he tells of his great disappointment when he missed an opportunity to obtain a coveted scholarship because the denomination felt he was not a "good investment."  After CBC, Paul went on to complete his undergraduate degree in Religion graduating from Warner Pacific College in Portland, Oregon. (Church of God, Anderson Indiana)

Click on "William P. Young-Testimony at Ambrose University" to hear lecture. 
http://www.cranbrookalliancechurch.com/links/
   
Young's Early Ministry and Marriage

After college, Paul led a large youth group, and met his wife to be at East Hill Foursquare Church, in Gresham, Oregon.  It was during this time that he had a horrific accident in front of his pastor's home landing him unconscious in the hospital.  Paul relates how he adapted to his role as a husband, never revealing to his wife his hidden past.

Paul doesn't share much more about his married life until he had six kids, and Kim confronted him with an adulterous affair.  It was at this low point he told her of his experiences.  After eleven years of dealing with his pain and receiving counseling, Kim is able to ask him to write the Christmas story gift: The Shack for his kids.  This story is his life story in the form of a parable with theology woven into a fictional account.

Wm. Paul Young and James B. DeYoung

James DeYoung lived close to Paul outside Portland, Ore. and was involved both with his family, and with Paul himself.  In fact DeYoung and Young were part of M3Forum, a Christian think tank, for seven years driving to and from meetings. (p. XIII)

And in his book Burning Down 'The Shack': How the 'Christian Bestseller' is Deceiving Millions
DeYoung explains how in April 2004* Young presented a paper to the M3Forum embracing Christian Universalism.  Distinct from pagan universalism, DeYoung points out, Christian universalism claims all come to God through Jesus Christ before or after death.  If after death in hell, all will be purged from their sins--even the devil and fallen angels--so hell will be emptied and all will go to heaven. (pp. XIII-XIV)  DeYoung notes, " ... hell ceases to exist.  There is no eternal judgment.  This is the from of universalism embedded in the The Shack."  (p. XIV)

*  April 2004 was before The Shack was written which shows that Young already accepted a different gospel.  As DeYoung says, "He deliberately stated that he was putting aside his earlier 'evangelical paradigm.'  He was not just considering a new belief; he had committed to it." (p. XV)

DeYoung addresses specifically fifteen views of Paul Young in the book listed on pages XVI-XVIII.  DeYoung explains, "I'm writing this book for a twofold reason: " ... to uncover the embedded errors in The Shack ... and to show from Scripture why they are serious--how they strike a dagger into the heart of the gospel." (p. XXI)

Wm. Paul Young and Anglican Rector Harold Munn

In  "Shack Author Has Personal Ties to Victoria" (Canadian Christianity)  Lloyd Mackey tells the story of Paul's mother Bernice, who as a nurse in training in 1947, courageously saved the life of a premature one pound baby--Harold Munn.  Munn then grew up to become head rector of Victoria's St. John the Divine Church.  Bernice, on the other hand, married Henry Young, had Paul, and went off to New Guinea as a Christian and Missionary Alliance missionary.
Read article at: https://canadianchristianity.com/bc/bccn/0810/i01shack.html

Fast forward many years, Bernice reconnects with Munn telling him how she saved his life.  Later on, Bernice learns Munn is encouraging his congregants to read her son's book The Shack which she has declared "heretical."  Bernice then asks Munn his opinion of Paul's book, and Munn helps allay her fears about it.  Later, Young himself conducts "Divine Intervention" sessions at St. John the Divine.

The Shepherd's Garden Blog fills in the rest of the story when its author writes, "At face value, it is a wonderful story: A Christian pastor with ties to the family reassures the elderly concerned mother about her son's theology.  But there is a reason Harold Munn has no trouble with The Shack because Munn's church holds to a wide-open interpretation of who Jesus is, and what Christianity means."  For more click here:  http://www.theshepherdsgarden.com/blog/?p=10321

Wm. Paul Young with Rick Lawrence

In a December 2014 piece "William Paul Young on the Goodness of God", Group Magazine's Rick Lawrence interviews Young.  In it Paul reflects, "... what's the truth of your being?  This is where Jesus at the center of the cosmos becomes absolutely critical.  ... Unfortunately, when we grew up the truth of our being was depravity.  That's the fundamentally massive deception in the goodness of God which is the question I'm after in The Shack."

Lawrence also quizzes Young on the "re-imagination" of the Trinity asking if he would change anything.  Paul answers as it was just a Christmas gift for his kids he would never change a thing.  Paul adds, "I didn't want my kids growing up with the God I did--white, distant, unreachable, unknowable, the darkness behind Jesus that needs to be appeased."
https://youthministry.com/william-paul-young-on-the-goodness-of-god/

Wm. Paul Young on "Ready to Roar" Podcast

In an August 2016 podcast: "The Reality and Humanity of The Shack with Paul Young" Paul tells interviewer Jon Fuller about his January 4, 1994 encounter with his wife over his affair where he says he got caught.  As he shares about this crisis time he makes a statement that unlike his conservative brothers and sisters he does not know when he was saved, and maybe that time was it.  Young also makes this startling comment, "Thank God, New Agers are ahead of us in being human."

Paul tells Jon that a person can have a "low view" of being human, or a "high view" --the high view being that we ourselves are incredible.  Paul puts down the idea that we are wretched, or in need of a Savior as taught in old hymns.  And using bad language Young declares this theology is totally untrue!

Young states, "The way of your being matches the truth of your being."  Don't believe people who are telling you that you're not good.  Young rails against believing in a mean, arrogant, malevolent God.  Young uses John 14:20 to prove all are in Jesus-- not Christ. 

At the end a very conciliatory, admiring Fuller tells Young he's gotten a word for him: "Healing--healing for the younger generation."  But rather than healing--heresy and deception-- should be the words one would take from this recent podcast!
http://rureal.org/11-the-reality-and-humanity-of-the-shack-with-paul-young/

Wm. Paul Young at the Global Grace Seminary Conference

In September 2016 Young, listed as a professor at Global Grace Seminary, spoke at the first Global Grace Seminary Conference along with Dr. C. Baxter Kruger and Dr. Steve McVey.  Young spoke on the "The Rising Tide of Reformation" in which he says we are at the cusp of a new beginning coming out of past division, separation, and categorization.
http://globalgraceseminary.net/ggs-team/professors  or http://globalgraceseminary.net/

Young, former evangelical, fundamentalist, protestant MK, acknowledged while missionaries had had magnificent intentions that caused incredible spillovers into education, health, and the
availability of truth to the world.  However, asserts Young, we caused a lot of trouble with our "destructive theology" which began with separation which was "an absolute lie."

He then pauses, and comments he's going to do something he's never done before, that is ask
forgiveness of his Asian, African, and Aboriginal sisters and brothers.  Why forgiveness?  Young states in the name of the God we spread a gospel that was not the gospel.  And adds Young, brothers and sisters all over the globe are finding this out, and experiencing a cataclysmic transition as they work their way out of bondage that we put them in with the best of intentions.  "And we were wrong!"

Young goes on to say we've been presented a God who is masochistic, who treated his Son abusively* just to be right with other people--like my dad who never knew how to be a real dad.  And relates Paul, my own experience matched my theology.  Why, explodes Young, it is all craziness this idea God would pour out wrath on his Son.  It is absolutely diabolical.

*  Language used at conference very troubling.

Then Young puts on his "angry glasses" for he is going to read verses from Isaiah 53 which he will need to "rework" for those past translators with their "angry God" were wearing their "angry glasses" writing "angry words."  Hear the video: "Wm. Paul Young-GGS Conference 2016" at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJ-wn-l893c

How heartbreaking are the above statements and language, and how absolutely sad is it that millions
have bought into the man, and his Shack gospel.  A similar 2010 Concordia College speech heard by Ray Yungen as recorded in "The Shack Author Says: "The God of Evangelicalism Is a Monster" can be read here:  https://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=4650

Wm. Paul Young's Connection to Bradley Jersak

At the GGS conference above, Young details how during a visit to Vancouver, BC he had gotten to meet author Brad Jersak and others during "The Shack" movie shoot.  Jersak, once Evangelical, now an Eastern Greek Orthodox ordained 'Reader,' is someone whom Young greatly admires.

In fact, Young is an endorser of Jersak's 2016 book: A More Christlike God: A More Beautiful  Gospel.  Along with Eugene Peterson, Fr. Richard Rohr, Brian D. McLarin, Frank Schaeffer, C. Baxter Kruger, PhD, and others, Young raves over this work as challenging our views of God.  Young also adds it is "a breath of clean and clarifying air."

Jersak, it may be noted, indicates many, whether a believer or atheist, carry "a toxic view of God."  He says, "Even the Christian gospel has repeatedly lapsed into a vision of God where the wrathful King must be appeased by his victim Son."  To interviewer Dr. Andrew P. Klager, Jersak explains his reason in writing the book was this:  "The book emerged from a growing need to ... offer alternatives to a prevailing view of God as retributive (or 'monster--god' to cite Brian Zahnd, who wrote the foreword)--a God unlike Jesus to whom many in the Evangelical tradition still cling, or from whom they are attempting to flee."  Jersak, incidentally, is known for his adaptation of a presentation called "A Gospel in Chairs."

Read articles here:
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/peterenns/2015/04/the-need-for-a-more-christlike-god-an-interview-with-brad-jersak/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/andrew-p-klager-phd/an-interview-with-brad-je_b_7235444.html

It can be noted also that in October 2016, Young and Jersak took part in "The Grand Embrace Retreat Workshop" with spiritual director Lorie Martin, and contemplative singer-song writer Cathy AJ Hardy.   
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-grand-embrace-retreatworkshopconcert-with-wm-paul-young-tickets-21458310384

Wm. Paul Young with Fr. Richard Rohr 

Fr. Richard Rohr with mystic emergent Mike Morrell recently wrote The Divine Dance: The Trinity andYour Transformation with Young writing its foreword.  Inside, its dedication says:  "From Richard Rohr: To all unsuspecting folks who do not know they are already within the 'Divine Flow'"  In the foreword Young says, "May we feel within us the eternal life of Jesus reaching through our hands--to heal, to hold, to hug--and celebrate the bread of our Humanity, the sanctity of the Ordinary, and Participation in the Trinity."

Other endorsers include Rob Bell, Brian D. McLaren, and a host of others.  As Lighthouse Trails Research points out in "In Case You Still Aren't Sure About the Shack and Its Author" perhaps Young's "Twenty Books Everyone Should Read" will convince you otherwise.  Click onto the article here: http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=17684

And Young, continuing his close association with Rohr, will join him and Cynthia Bourgeault
in April 6-8, 2017 to take part in a program titled: "Trinity: The Soul of Creation" in Albuquerque.
Its online descriptive ad reads, "Rohr, Bourgeault, and Young believe the Trinity ... has the capacity to change everything.  We already participate within this dance whether we realize it or not.  But when we consciously engage in loving communion, we open ourselves to being transformed at the deepest levels.  Bring your heart, mind, and body to this ... conversation.  Join an ecumenical and inter-faith gathering, moving together through reflective experiences, including contemplative prayer, music, movement (Yoga, Tai Chi Chin, and walking meditation), group and individual processing. ..."  https://cac.org/events/conferences/trinity/

Wm. Paul Young Promotes Another Gospel

In conclusion, the above stories are but a few of many that demonstrate clearly that Young has departed the faith for another gospel, and sadly he has deceived, and confused millions with his aberrant theology.  And as "The Shack" movie debuts, even more will travel down this destructive and deceptive pathway.  For as James B. DeYoung told Christiannews.net:  "If the film is a faithful portrayal of the events and the theology of the book, then every Christian should be gravely alarmed at the further events that smear the Evangelical understanding of the truth of the Bible."
http://christiannews.net/2016/12/20/christians-warn-upcoming-shack-movie-depicting-god-as-woman-could-far-outweigh-harm-of-novel/

Therefore, more than ever, one should heed Paul's admonition to the Colossians in verses 1:4-8: "And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words... as ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:  Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught ...  Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ."       

Learn to Discern Granny Verse:   Colossians 4:6

"Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man."

For More Information:

THE SHACK and Its New Age Leaven by Warren B. Smith (Lighthouse Trails)
https://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=12290

"Exploring the Deception of New Age Pagan Teachings in THE SHACK" by Chris Lawson (Update December 2016-Spiritual Research Network)
http://www.spiritual-research-network.com/theshack.html

"When Sexual Abuse Comes to Light" by Sarah Eekhoff Zyistra  (BishopAccountability.org)
names the CMA boarding school that Young attended in Sentani, Indonesia.  Zyistra also named
other denominations, and noted that the CMA denomination has now made changes.
http://www.bishop-accountability.org/news2014/03_04/2014_02_20_Sarah_Today_When_to.htm