**Also read The Gospel According to Rob, another article I have written about Rob Bell's propensity for New Age doctrines, and an off-site article by Carla at an older blog, Books and Things, written on March 25, 2006 (look for the picture of Bell about a third of the way down the page).**
Why would someone who claims the name of Christ choose to participate in a conference (The Seeds of Compassion) co-founded by the personal emissary for peace for the Dalai Lama, as reported by UWNews? The article makes this statement about the Dalai Lama:
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is both the head of state and the spiritual leader of Tibet. He was born on July 6, 1935, to a farming family, in a small hamlet located in Taktser, Amdo, northeastern Tibet. At the age of two the child, who was named Lhamo Dhondup at that time, was recognized as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso. The Dalai Lamas are believed to be manifestations of Avalokiteshvara or Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion and patron saint of Tibet. Bodhisattvas are enlightened beings who have postponed their own nirvana and chosen to take rebirth in order to serve humanity.(1)
Could Rob Bell possibly participating in this conference in order to preach about the exclusivity of Christ's claims to messiahship and godhood, and His work on the cross? Could it be to call for repentance of sin and humility before the Creator of the universe who is going to judge the world because of its rebellion and rejection of His Son? Highly unlikely, considering that Rob Bell is an emergent pastor who promotes an eastern-style meditation to his followers and dos not accurately represent Christ.
I find his participation in this coming event very disturbing, since Rob Bell's Nooma videos are being used far and wide in Christian youth groups. The Christ Bell worships is beginning to look more and more like the New Age christ all the time. He uses an emotional appeal backed up by Scripture to teach. I say "uses" to refer to what he does with Scripture as well, because there is evidence to believe he is not "rightly dividing the word of truth". He preaches a watered-down version of the gospel.
It can be disheartening for those who want to remain faithful to Christ to realize that many of those new in leadership are altering the message and the meaning of the gospel to include a New Age or Eastern worldview, and ultimately a global spiritual unity. At this point it becomes a belief that looks more like the New Age than Christianity, all the while remaining under the guise of Christianity.
When does a person cross the line from being a biblical Christian to being a New Ager? I used to believe that Oprah was a Christian, but I now see that she speaks from both sides of her mouth, claiming the name of Christ while promoting New Age authors and their techniques. I think she has crossed the line and is now worshiping the christ of the New Age. Jesus said that there would be many deceivers and many deceived in the latter days before His return. People like Oprah, Ken Blanchard, Ken Wilber and Rob Bell will not give up their associations with Christianity, because part of the plan is to infiltrate the Christian church and overtake it for the New Age christ (antichrist). How else could Christians become deceived and fall away as prophesied in Scripture, if the deception did not come from within and use the same language (albeit, with altered definitions)?
Scripture commands us to be sober and vigilant, as our adversary, the Devil, is seeking whom he may devour. His days are numbered, and he is anxious for victims, especially looking for unwary Christians to deceive. I urge you to warn the brethren of this deception and to read the Word and pray as this day comes upon us like a woman in labor and the birth pangs increase.
Click HERE to read the latest newsletter at Lighthouse Trails, which reports this event (scroll partway down the page).
(1) http://uwnews.org/article.asp?articleID=39958
6 comments:
Not only participated but called the Daili Lama his holiness. Only god his Holy.
2Cr 6:14 Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?
2Cr 6:15 Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever?
2Cr 6:16 Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, "I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM; AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE.
2Cr 6:17 "Therefore, COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE," says the Lord. "AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN; And I will welcome you.
2Cr 6:18 "And I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me," Says the Lord Almighty.
Todd Edwards
Hi Todd, Just wondering if you could verify that by providing a tangible source that could be posted.
Were you present at the conference, did you read it in a newspaper or online? Although I wouldn't be the least surprised at this, it is only fair for me to verify something like this with some solid evidence.
Thanks for your comment and for standing firmly on God's HOLY Word.
Hoping to hear more about this from you.
In His grace, Bonnie
alittleleaven.com has a video clip of Rob Bell at the Seeds of Compassion event that shows him calling the referring to the Dalai Lama as 'his holiness' It's the 3rd clip.
If you go to the Seeds of Compassion website, I think you can watch every session as well.
-Jenna
Thanks for providing that Jenna. I hope people will check it out. There is nothing holy except that which God has declared in His Word, and the leader of a false and idolatrous religion does not qualify.
Actually, the Pope is also referred to as "his Holiness," and we call judges "Your Honor." Are we honoring others above Christ?
I think that calling the head of the Roman Catholic church "his holiness" is ALSO wrong. Another name given to and taken by him is "vicar of Christ" which means "standing in the place of". I believe it is the book of Hebrews which says that Christ is our High Priest and that there is only one mediator between man and God, that being Jesus Christ himself. According to Scripture we do not need a "Pope" or anyone else to forgive our sins. Christ alone stands in that role. I understand that The RC church has built a whole theology around Peter being the first pope, but this is impossible to prove both biblically and historically. The Bible teaches the sainthood and priesthood (not in the same capacity as Christ of course, and much of that will take place in the future kingdom of Christ) of ALL believers (those who have confessed their sin to God, repented and turned to Christ alone for salvation). I would be seriously offended if anybody would ever call me "his/her holiness". Benedict XIV and the "Dalai Lama" are mere men, just as you and I. Christ alone is deserving of that title (although I must say that is not one of the names He is given in Scripture even though He is worthy of it).
As for calling judges "your honor", I would say that is a little different than calling someone "your Holiness". However, as a matter of conscience, I would have difficulty doing this as well. I have not yet been put in that position, but my daughter has, and for the same reason, she refused to address our local mayor as such.
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