Contemplative Prayer - Sinister Perversion

“Lectio Divina”

The next major topic covered by the source document brought into question in this series[i] is “Lectio Divina.”[ii] Our anonymous author merely refers to lectio divina as “Bible Reading” in his heading of the subject and provides this as his opening statement:

“For many Christian leaders Bible reading and study has become the means to preparing a teaching or preaching assignment.”

This is probably truer than most would care to admit; and I am willing to say that it may possibly be true of some, even many, who would profess to embrace reformed theology and the doctrines of grace; many more than we, who are quite orthodox and reformed, would care to admit.

Although the author of this piece quotes Emergent leader, Tony Jones, and states that the origin of lectio divina occurred approximately 500 years after Christ, instituted by a monastic priest, Benedict, aka Saint Benedict,[iii] he does n0t give much of a definition for lectio divina. Then again, he did not have to because he cites the four phases of lectio divina in his paper (which we will look at one by one). Prior to explaining each one of the components, however, the author does provide an especially revealing paragraph: Read it all HERE

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Contemplative Prayer - Subtle Promotion

In this article, we want to look at contemplative spirituality’s subtle promotion. In other words, we will examine how this error creeps in and takes minds captive unawares. To illustrate the point, we will use the document found at the Alabama Baptist Convention website.

In the very first paragraph, the document quotes Contemplative Mystic, Richard Foster:

“Superficiality is the curse of our age. The doctrine of instant satisfaction is a primary spiritual problem.”

That’s actually a pretty good observation. I would agree with its fundamental premise but I would disagree with the statement as a whole (but more on my disagreement a little later). Most ministers, even most confessing Christians, might look around and say, “Hey, he sure nailed that one.” This basic agreement on a major observation automatically lends validity and credibility to its spokesman. A powerful sentence draws us in, and the following sentence illuminates more specifically the severity of the problem. The unsuspecting, undiscerning Christian will read on willingly because, after all, “It’s about time someone uttered the very same thoughts I was thinking with regard to the Christian religion as we know it today.” Those who are completely unfamiliar with Richard Foster will buy into a whole lot more than the snake oil he’s selling because Mr. Foster is one that has mastered quite readily, manipulation by and through his words. In his form and format, he typically uses only one or two power sentences (two in the case above), and then slithers beside the slippery slope in order to catch the undiscerning in a fall. We will see that in a moment because the specifics he mentioned in the second sentence to reinforce the first, will be lost by the third or fourth sentence. The hook was powerful enough to grab its reader, so once apprehended, he can virtually say anything he wants.   Keep Reading...

Contemplative Prayer - Sinful Practice

Contemplative Prayer - Sullied Perspectives

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5 Reasons To Be Cautious with Tim Keller’s Theology

Last night a ‘new calvinist’ young buck let me know in no uncertain terms that my concern for Tim Keller’s theology was ‘silly’. Fair enough. I disagree with that of course. The sounding alarm of error is never silly.

Now, I have received many questions by some who are quite fond of Tim Keller and have been blessed by his preaching and teaching. Great. I myself consider Tim Keller an ally for the sake of the Gospel, but there are some things that cannot be ignored when it comes to Tim Keller’s – and others – theology, and here are five of them:

1) Endorsed Eastern Mystic feminist Adele Calhoun’s Spiritual Disciplines Handbook, also endorsed by mystic Ruth Halye Barton. Read more here.

2) Believes true Christianity is attractive to unregenerates and one purpose of the local church is to exist for and welcome unbelievers to worship with believers. Read more here.

3) Recommends Roman Catholic mysticism. Read more here.

4) At Tim Keller’s Redeemer Presbyterian Church, teaches contemplative spirituality, eastern mysticism and held classes on The Way of the Monk where students were helped to get in touch with their ‘inner monk’ – another term for the ‘inner self’.

Here’s a promotional quote of the classes:

The Way of the Monk (April 28, May 5 & 12)
Do you long for the great theology in your head to be more real to your heart? Come discover age-old methods of contemplative prayer and worship that can help you encounter Christ in a more intimate, experiential way. In this hands-on workshop, you will experience theancient art of chanting the Psalms (they were meant to be sung!), embark on a practice of authentic Christian meditation, discover how a simple, time-honored tool can help unleash the prayer warrior in you, learn what a typical monastic day is like and how you can make your own, private retreat at a monastery, and much more!

Read more here.

5) Denies the biblical truth of young-earth creation and literal six 24-hour day creation:

“I believe in the historicity of Gen 1-11 and Adam and Eve and I don’t believe in young earth-creation or six 24-hour day creation.”

Read more here.

There are more reasons, but these alone should raise your eyebrows and give pause. It is my hope that those who snap up every book and lecture of Bro. Keller will be made more aware of what’s going on within the camp of ‘new calvinism’. By no means is Tim Keller the only reformergent to endorse and promote these things and people. Again, for the record, I do consider Tim Keller an ally for the sake of the Gospel, but we cannot condone the admittance of error into the Church. We simply cannot turn a blind eye to corrupt doctrines in the name of unity and peace. Truth in doctrine and it’s application must be paramount.

“Let God be true though every one were a liar…” – Romans 3:4

HT: 5ptsalt

See Also: Tim Keller: “Jesus Lived like Mother Theresa”

The Myth Of Mother Theresa

Mother Teresa in Theory and Practice

How a Monk and a Mallet Changed the World

There are hundreds of books on the Reformation, but if one coming to the subject for the first time were looking for the best place to start, he would be hard pressed to find a better introduction than Stephen J. Nichols’ The Reformation (Crossway, 2007). For those who find history difficult, Nichols’ style of writing is a breath of fresh air. He does not fill page after page with dry lists of names and dates. Instead, his gift is the ability to draw readers into the lives of the people about whom he writes, allowing us to see these great historical figures, warts and all.

Nichols’ book features eight short chapters, each containing numerous illustrations. As is the case in many Reformation histories, the chapter topics of Nichols’ book are devoted to the various “branches” of the Reformation. Thus, there are chapters devoted to Luther and the reformation in Germany, Zwingli, the Radical Reformers, Calvin, and the English Reformation. However, unlike some books on the Reformation, Nichols also includes chapters on the Puritans, and on significant women of the Reformation. Read the rest HERE

How Believers Hold Communion with the Lord Christ

What is Contemplative Spirituality and Why is It Dangerous?

HT: Mike Ratliff