MY RESPONSE TO THE USMB "Emerging Church Debate Casualties" ARTICLE

The USMB article, Emerging Church Debate Casualties, criticizes authors Roger Oakland and Ray Yungen on their books warning about the emergent church, and specifically regarding their warnings against popular authors and speakers such as Rick Warren, Max Lucado, Chuck Swindoll and Mother Teresa who have promoted or endorsed either the emergent/emerging church or contemplative spirituality. Click HERE to read the USMB article, Emerging Church Debate Casualties. My response to the article appears below it on their website. It is also found here:

You make this statement, "Many of the people mentioned by these writers are familiar to me as writers, speakers and ministers whose works I have read, messages I have listened to and ministries I thought were good. Youngen’s (sic) list includes Rick Warren, Max Lucado, Charles Swindoll and Mother Teresa, and Oakland adds Roman Catholicism. Am I so blind to the deception of these people that I could not recognize apostasy right in front of my eyes? There are too many enemies!"

My question is this: What if you have not taken the time to do the hours of research that authors like Oakland and Yungen have? I have been studying the "emerging/emergent" movement for almost three years and have come to many of the same conclusions they have. Oakland and Yungen understand that authors, speakers, etc. who endorse those in the emerging/emergent church movement and its proponents are unwittingly leading their readers and listeners into contemplative spirituality (CS), the Trojan Horse of Eastern spirituality. The introduction of CS into the evangelical church was PLANNED by the Monastic Interreligious Dialogue (MID) in the 1970's. If you are willing to do your homework you can find statements verifying this information online on MID's own website. The emerging church is the primary conduit of this mystical spirituality in the evangelical churches. This doesn't mean that everyone reading/listening to them will take the bait, but doesn't it behoove those who have studied the movement to warn believers about the dangers of this movement? We are to have no fellowship with darkness; witness to them, yes, but not fellowship. The associations and promotions of those you have mentioned (Warren, Lucado, etc.)result in spiritually dangerous, and I believe, illegitimate liaisons. This also doesn't mean that these men have erred in other areas of their teaching ministries (most of their teaching is fine, but it only takes a little leaven to leaven the whole lump!.

The emerging/emergent movement has many subgroups or roads, including the theologically conservative but culturally liberal groups. What many fail to recognize is that these roads, if they once were divided, are now once again converging into one. At the least, the thing they all end up having in common is contemplative spirituality or mysticism, since they all promote authors who are contemplative, even those who claim to be theologically conservative (Mark Driscoll, for example).

A return to plain Scripture and the simple way of the cross is a fine antidote to these obscure and nefarious movements. We are commanded in Scripture to test all things. Paul warned the churches over and over again in order to protect them from error. If the emerging/emergent movement is promoting practices that come from outside of Scripture, why are we not examining them more carefully? And why aren't people being warned about the errors in these groups. Have we become spiritual pacifists?

I put forth the challenge to you and all those in positions of spiritual leadership to take your responsibility to protect the flock from wolves and from doctrinal and practical errors (such as contemplative prayer) of the faith seriously. Much of the New Testament is written to warn and protect the flock in order to preserve "the faith once delivered". In our desire to be considered relevant and world-friendly we have failed to do so, putting the flock in grave spiritual danger.

September 22, 2009 @ 6:15 PM

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I felt it was important to expand on my response as above to give concrete evidence that the Monastic Interreligious Dialogue planned an inflitration of Contemplative Spirituality into the Roman Catholic monastic communities and the Christian church at large with the purpose of spreading its interfaith message. Please note that this organization comes straight out of the bowels of the Roman Catholic "church" at the behest of Vatican II. The emerging church is enamored with the Roman Catholic practices of all forms of contemplative prayer, their love of mysticism and the practice of sharing the Eucharist, and this has led them straight into the arms of the Roman Catholic "church" and its love for exalting experience over the Word of God.

Please also read The Mystic Plague - Catholicism Sets a Spiritualist Agenda by former Roman Catholic priest Richard Bennett, describing the links between Contemplative Spirituality, Roman Catholicism, false religions and the new age.

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Evidence regarding the agenda to spread mysticism and promote Eastern religions from the MID website- a report on the October 1977 Monastic Meeting at Petersham: Opening Session with Abbot Cornelius Tholens:

This conference has the very practical aim of helping monks and nuns, as representatives of the monastic world, make better known the Oriental renaissance, the discovery of mankind’s inexhaustible riches in Asian cultures and religions, of promoting a more universal humanism and establishing communion which will result in the using of each one’s characteristic heritage for the benefit of all.

In the quest for ultimate meaning in human existence, there is a monk in every man, and each one faces the task of integrating this dimension of himself. The monastic experience can be a bond of unity transcending dividing lines between religions. Merton pointed out that common contemplative experience must precede the dialogue and theology. The study of Hinduism, it has been said, is gaining popularity in the West partly in reaction against materialism. We are living at a moment in history when the Church is for the first time beginning a serious encounter with the Oriental tradition.1.

~~~and~~~

How can we help the West open out to the East? The East around us. How can we help others share in this task? How make Christian monasticism known in the East?

Some suggestions: we need a list of experts, East and West; of monasteries; of useful publications. We need exchange of persons between East and West; visits to ashrams. How can we instruct our Christian monks in techniques and methods of Asian meditation? Yoga, etc.

In answer to questions, Abbot Tholens pointed to some texts to be found in the New Testament which can serve as links to Yogic doctrines. Contact is most possible at the highest point of each religious tradition: this contact may be made in silence, but very really. In this way the East-West dialogue differs from ecumenical reflections among Christians. We need to start where we are one, in the Spirit of God. Even as Christians we must go beyond all thought. One is first a human being, then a Christian, then a monk. Christians are always “on the way” to God. The monk, as homo religiosis, is a point of reference for all men; each of us has a point of reference to the infinite.2.

~~~and~~~

The evening concluded, as did each subsequent evening, with a short prayer service led by Father Basil. The following day’s work began, as did that of each day of the meeting, with a meditation period of an hour guided by Abbot Tholens or by another Master making use of the Asian insights into the divine nature available also to Christians. “These prayer services, as well as the daily liturgies at 5 p.m., were held in a room adjoining the main meeting room. The prayer room was furnished with cushions for those who preferred to pray seated in the Eastern postures. The adornment of the altar (quite empty on a day of discussion of Zen; adorned with flowers situated at eight points of the compass when the emphasis was Hindu) and the style of the meditation carried out the Eastern themes. A short prayer service drawing from the Chinese tradition, prepared by Sister Helen Wang, concluded each morning session.3.

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A list of quotes from the mouths and pens of emergent church leaders themselves revealing their false gospel, false doctrine and unbiblical practices, many of them adopted from the Roman Catholic cult, from calvaryadvisor.org:

"The church has been preoccupied with the question, "What happens to your soul after you die?" As if the reason for Jesus coming can be summed up in, "Jesus is trying to help get more souls into heaven, as opposed to hell, after they die." I just think a fair reading of the Gospels blows that out of the water. I don't think that the entire message and life of Jesus can be boiled down to that bottom line." —Brian McLaren, (from the PBS special on the Emerging Church)

"Emergent doesn't have a position on absolute truth, or on anything for that matter. Do you show up at a dinner party with your neighbors and ask, 'What's this dinner party's position on absolute truth?' No, you don't, because it's a non-sensical question." - Tony Jones (at the 2005 National Youth Workers Convention)

"Meditative prayer like that we experienced in the labyrinth resonates with hearts of emerging generations."—Dan Kimball, (from the Vintage Faith)

"My goal is to destroy Christianity as a world religion and be a recatalyst for the movement of Jesus Christ," McManus, author of a new book called The Barbarian Way, said in a telephone interview.

"Some people are upset with me because it sounds like I'm anti-Christian. I think they might be right."—Erwin McManus (from The Barbarian Way)

"Many Christians use "Breath Prayers" throughout their day. You choose a brief sentence or a simple phrase that can be repeated to Jesus in one breath." —Rick Warren

"The fact is that contemplative spiritualitywill play a huge part in the Church of the future, and candles are just the beginning." - Duane Cottrell

"He [Brian McLaren] cites Dallas Willard and Richard Foster, with their emphasis on spiritual disciplines, as key mentors for the emerging church."—The Emergent Mystique, Christianity Today, 11/04

"We should stop to reflect and to treasure the words, to turn them over and over in our minds, repeating them ..."—Richard Foster, (Renovare)

"Some of the values of the emerging church are an emphasis on emotions, global outlook, a rise in the use of arts, and a rise in mysticism and spirituality."—Josh Reich (Creating Worship Gatherings for the Emerging Church )

"Church Should Be Like a Dance Club" —Josh Reich (Creating Worship Gatherings for the Emerging Church)"I stopped reading from the approved evangelical reading list and began to distance myself from the evangelical agenda. I discovered new authors and new voices at the bookstore." -Thomas Merton, Henri Nouwen

Contemplative spirituality seemed to open up a whole new way for me to understand and experience God. I was deeply moved by works like The Cloud of Unknowing, The Dark Night of the Soul and the Early Writings of the Desert Fathers." —Spencer Burke, (The Ooze)

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Serious-minded Christians have every reason to be alarmed by what is going on in the emerging/emergent church movement, its fuzzy theology and its mystical practices, and every reason to sound the warning loud and clear. Preachers, teachers and authors, who have widespread influence need to be warning the flock, not endorsing these false teachers who are spreading this error. On this website I have provided as much information as I can to help you understand why the church is in the process of apostasizing. The problem is that many people do not want to accept the facts even when the evidence is staring them in the face. This indicates that there is a spiritual blindness in place. Scripture warns of the falling away in the last days, that the love of many will grow cold. It is happening faster than you think.

Examine your hearts!

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1.http://monasticdialog.com/a.php?id=648
2. ibid
3. ibid

KAREN ARMSTRONG'S CHARTER FOR COMPASSION TO BECOME A REALITY

This post is a follow-up to a series I wrote called The Golden-Rule Twisted (in 4 parts). In Part 4 I wrote about Karen Armstrong winning a TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) award for her idea of creating a global Charter for Compassion based on the Golden Rule. For the background on today's post I suggest you read the articles that I have highlighted above. The fourth article explains who Karen Armstrong is, what the TED award is and who is behind it as well as the details of Armstrong's dream for this global charter.

By the way, did you know that Rick Warren was the recipient of a TED award in 2006. That is where he gave his famous speech about identity, income and influence and the purpose of life. He is addressing the question, "What are you doing with what you've been given?". This is also where he says that God looks down on us when we are using our gifts to make the world a better place and says, "That's my boy!" Sadly, Warren misses mention something vital - being born again by the Spirit of God - confessing our sin, repenting and turning by faith to Jesus Christ for salvation - all things necessary for becoming a child of God. The Bible teaches that those who do not belong to God in Christ are His enemies. He loves them, but they are dead in their trespasses and sins and are in rebellion to God. He is telling a group of people, some who have likely never heard the gospel, some who are trusting in their own good deeds to gain favor with God, that they are His child. How can a person who is named "America's Pastor" sit before an audience in the making of a video that millions of people are going to watch and miss telling them something so absolutely vital to their eternal destiny, and then lie to them by implying they are all the children of God. This is a false gospel. If you haven't yet watched this TED video, you can see it by clicking HERE. (TED's sponsor is BMW, which supports its belief in the power of ideas. It is primarily a forum for new age ideas, interfaith teaching, and worldly wisdom. Now I wonder why they would honor Rick Warren with this award!!?)

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It was announced on November 13th that the Charter for Compassion will be moving forward to its realization by calling for people of many and diverse religious beliefs around the globe for their input towards its completion in 2009. The Charter for Compassion website has a three and a half minute video explaining its purpose. In it Armstrong calls fundamentalism a dangerous thing, but what it ignores is that biblical "fundamental" Christianity stands apart from all religions. The fundamentalism (in its traditional definition) in true Christianity is not a dangerous thing. I never met a traditional fundamental and biblical Christian yet that forces anyone to convert. It is not dangerous. It is the Holy Spirit who convicts people of sin and convinces them of truth. It is up to Christians to proclaim that truth, and to live it - that is all. Anyone who forces someone to convert does not understand the Christian gospel. Debating with someone about the validity of their beliefs is not a violent thing in and of itself. (But of course the new spirituality has redefined violence to include that.)

The definition of tolerance has been changed to mean acceptance of all religions as equal. What these people do not realize is that one can tolerate something without considering it equally valid in its teachings. In that Christianity is not a religion, as compared with all the "isms" of other beliefs, it stands apart and is unique. It alone has the truth about God, the nature of man, the deity of Jesus Christ and the eternal destiny of man. Those who are fundamental Bible-believing and Bible-honoring Christians know that they cannot compromise the truth that there is salvation in no other name than that of Jesus THE Christ. Those who make that compromise are not Christians, they are pseudo-Christians. There is no peace to be had on the earth apart from the peace that comes when an individual has received redemption through Christ's sacrifice in His blood. Any other message is not the Christian message. It is a lie.

The global "peace" and subsequent "unity" of those who have set their hearts on forming the Charter for Compassion will be the fulfillment of the Antichrist's attempt to rule the world once and for all and set himself up as God in the place of the Creator of the universe. What Karen Armstrong doesn't realize is that she is helping to usher in the Antichrist's global kingdom by using the "Golden Rule" as its "holy grail", just as Oprah and all of her fellow new age gurus are when they promote "A New Earth". They accuse fundamentalist Christians of ushering in Armageddon when they teach about the last days according to Bible prophecy, and are determined that they are not going to let it happen. Are you kidding!? It is the height of arrogance and rebellion to believe human beings are going to prevent God's predetermined plan for mankind. Instead, they are going to end up persecuting Christians for standing in the way of global unity, the new tower of Babel, and usher in the Antichrist's Kingdom.

I realize there may be people who come across my blog who don't understand what I am talking about. If there is something that doesn't seem quite right to you about all this global unity talk, I urge you to examine some of the links I have posted at the top of my sidebar. You may also email me and I will do my best to help you. The Bible prophesied hundreds of events about Jesus Christ's coming to earth so that you may be saved from the wrath of God coming against Satan and his followers, hundreds of years before they happened. They were all fulfilled. The only Bible prophecies yet to be fulfilled concern the global economic, political and spiritual unity under the Antichrist, the seven years of tribulation to come upon the earth such as it has never before experienced and the final judgment of unbelievers and the beginning of a new era under God's rule and the establishment of Christ's kingdom. Satan is a deceiver and the father of lies. From the beginning he has tried to set himself up as God in his rebellion. Throughout history he has never wavered from his goal. He, and all those he has deceived into following his agenda will be cast into the Lake of Fire that is reserved for him. Hell was created for the rebellious and arrogant fallen angel, Satan, not for human beings. But those human beings who reject the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was sent by God to save us from the evil nature that lurks within us will join him if they don't look to Christ as their only hope of salvation.

I urge you to carefully consider this. The hour is late. Don't delay. It will soon be too late to change your mind before the coming tribulation is upon this world. And then if you do, you will either be deceived into worshiping Satan wholeheartedly or be put to death for refusing to do so. He will require every man to receive a mark on his hand or forehead in order to buy or sell anything upon the earth. The failure of the nation's economies and the coming economic collapse will make this seem like a good solution. These things are all prophesied in the Bible. They will happen whether Oprah, Obama, or Karen Armstrong try to stop them or not. These people twist God's Word to suit their own agenda and to their peril. Don't fall for the deception.

ON A COLLISION COURSE WITH GOD

I like what Don Koenig of The Prophetic Years blog wrote about the coming global spiritual, economic and political unity. Regarding an article by Brannon Howse, Koenig says:

Brannon House gives a very good explanation of how three different demonically inspired worldviews have merged to create what he calls “One-World Spirituality”. After you read this article you will have a much better understanding of where Oprah, Obama, Al Gore, Tolle are leading the world via the lies from Media, Educational systems, Radical Environmentalism, Emergent Church, WCC, CFR, UN etc.

Over half of America now is under the influence of this new worldview and that includes most of those who call themselves Christians. All of the three worldviews are incompatible with Christianity and when combined they are not only hostile toward Bible believers they also have the power to carry out hostility and persecution on those who oppose them. The root teaching of all of the worldviews can be traced back to people influenced by paganism and the occult.1.

Click here to read the Howse article, One World Spirituality: Three Worldviews Emerge.

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On a related note, Slice of Laodicea reports that spiritual leaders of many faiths gathered at the Aspen Institute in Colorado (a New Age interfaith organization) this month to discuss the "healing of the nation" (USA). The article in the Aspen Times said that it was deliberately scheduled two days after the presidential election. Here are a few quotes from the Aspen Times article, Spiritual leaders gather in Aspen: group hopes to discover collective voice:

Included among the group are Father Thomas Keating, senior monastic, St. Benedict’s Monastery in Old Snowmass; Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, founder of the Jewish Renewal Movement; Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi, chairman of the American Buddhist Association; Rev. Joan Brown Campbell, former general secretary of the National Council of Churches; Swami Atmarupananda, senior monastic of the Ramakrishna Mission; Imam Mohamed Bashar Arafat, founder and president of Civilizations Exchange & Cooperation Foundation, and Brother Achalananda, senior monastic of the Self-Realization Fellowship, among many others.

The premise of the gathering is that the spiritual landscape of America is changing.

Organizers said that the religious voice of the Fundamental Christian Right has dominated the country for several years and it represents a minority of Americans.
That’s why the initiative conducted an extensive search to find respected leaders from the Hindu, Buddhist, Sufi, contemplative Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths — who aren’t advocating for the superiority of one faith, themselves or their churches. (emphasis mine)

“We have come together across spiritual lines, because that is where the great mystical energy resides,” said Benedictine Sister Joan Chittister, co-chair of the Global Peace Initiative of Women (GPIW). “There is a type of activism that comes out of contemplation, anything else is social action.”

“Our new president, Barack Obama, said there will be some changes and that is happening now, right here,” said a participant during Friday’s summit. “I hope that we can all get together, live a good life and be kind to each other.”

The summit wraps up today, starting with meditation and yoga at the Aspen Meadows Gym. Discussions begin 9 a.m. The day’s activities close at 4 p.m. with an inter-spiritual ceremony.

Merriam said she hopes the spiritual coalition will gain momentum in the coming months and contribute to the nation’s most pressing challenges, and ultimately lead to a paradigm shift in the world’s leadership.

“A new spiritual energy is emerging in the country,” she said. “Just as the political landscape is changing, so too is the spiritual landscape. We must tap this new energy to gain a forward looking vision of how to advance our national well being.” 2.

Please note the list that includes "contemplative Christian" as a faith that is not advocating the superiority of one faith over another. This contradicts Jesus words stating that He is the only way to the Father. "Contemplative Christians" try to wiggle around this by using verbal gymnastics, twisting His words and their meaning to include all people of all faiths. To those who have had doubts that the emerging church and its contemplative leanings are a danger to those who uphold the Word of God, this should make it clear where the contemplative spirituality movement is moving. It is in step with a one-world spirituality, fitting right in with Obama-style Christianity, and Oprah's and Eckhart Tolle's ("A New Earth" author) New Age christ. It leaves little to wonder about who and what the "paradigm shift in the world's leadership" (as stated in the above quote) may be referring to.

In order for many Christians to fall away in the last days they must be decieved into accepting a counterfeit christ within the framework of a counterfeit Christianity. Those who are following the "Christian" contemplative pathway are flirting with the devil who is appearing as an angel of light. Beware: the contemplative christ is the counterfeit christ. If you are following the contemplative pathway you are on a collision course with the Creator of the Universe, Jesus Christ himself (John 1).

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.

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Matthew 7:13-15

1.http://www.thepropheticyears.com/wordpress/2008/10/29/three-demonically-inspired-worldviews-merge-to-oppose-the-christian-worldview.html

2.http://www.aspentimes.com/article/20081109/NEWS/811089983/1077&ParentProfile=1058&title=Spiritual%20leaders%20gather%20in%20Aspen,%20hope%20to%20discover%20collective%20voice

THE GOLDEN RULE TWISTED ~ PART 4

I thank my fellow-blogger from Evangelista's Diary for alerting me to the following information. This post is the latest addition to a series I began in December 2007. Click HERE to read THE GOLDEN RULE TWISTED ~ PARTS 1-3.

Karen Armstrong was one of the winners of the 2008 TED Prize for her dream to build a "Charter for Compassion" based on the Golden Rule. She is the author of "A History of God", a book I borrowed from our local library last fall. I recall getting the impression that she believes that all religions worship the same god, or at least are one of many pathways to the same god. She has strong ties to the Roman Catholic church, and was a nun for a time.

The TED Community appears to be a clearinghouse for all ideas global in nature, and much of its focus emphasizes New Age ideology and methodology.

From the TED website:

"The TED Prize is designed to leverage the TED Community's exceptional array of talent and resources. It is awarded annually to three exceptional individuals who each receive $100,000 and, much more important, the granting of "One Wish to Change the World." After several months of preparation, they unveil their wish at an award ceremony held during the TED Conference. These wishes have led to collaborative initiatives with far-reaching impact.

Today, TED is ... best thought of as a global community. It's a community welcoming people from every discipline and culture who have just two things in common: they seek a deeper understanding of the world, and they hope to turn that understanding into a better future for us all."1

YouTube posts this description of the speech which won Karen Armstrong the 2008 TED prize:

"As she accepts her 2008 TED Prize, author and scholar Karen Armstrong talks about how the Abrahamic religions -- Islam, Judaism, Christianity -- have been diverted from the moral purpose they share to foster compassion. But Armstrong has seen a yearning to change this fact. People want to be religious, she says; we should act to help make religion a force for harmony. She asks the TED community to help her build a Charter for Compassion -- to help restore the Golden Rule as the central global religious doctrine." 2.

Once again the Golden Rule is being used to attempt to create global peace and harmony amongst the world's religions. However, the fact remains that they have irreconcilable differences which cannot be ignored. The differences between the world's religions and Christianity will not be tolerated by the world; or rather Christians who are faithful to God and His Word will not be tolerated in a world which preaches tolerance. Many verses would have to be cut out of the Bible or their meanings altered for the those intent on "religious tolerance" and the hoped-for peace that they believe should be the result of that.

The Christian faith stands out above all in that it is the only one which worships the true and living God, the God who has existed for all eternity without beginning or end, the God who has a Son named Jesus who is the (one and only) Christ who gave His life to reconcile man to God following man's failure to live up to God's standard of holiness. There is no peace apart from acceptance of this gift. No other "god" can claim to be a son of the living God. The histories of the world's religions have no record of any of their leaders claiming to be God's one and only Son. Christianity is the only faith in the world that bases its salvation solely on the grace of God. All of the world's religions (and here I do not classify Christianity as a religion) are man's attempts to reach God by their own efforts. None of man's efforts are sufficient to save. The Bible, the Christian Scriptures, teach that there is no other name (Jesus Christ) under heaven by which men may be saved. Jesus Himself said that "no man comes to the Father but by me", and that "it is by grace you have been saved through faith, not of works lest any man should boast".

The concept of world peace before the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ is but an illusion. One element of commonality does not harmony make. If there is any type of world-wide unity to take place (and there will be a wholesale attempt to do so) it will be because mankind has rejected the true and living God in favor of a god of their own making, a false god and a false christ. This will not create peace but destruction. One cannot turn their back on the Creator of all things and expect Him to be pleased. Those who reject God's Son as the atoning sacrifice which reconciles them to God have rejected His gift of salvation. Why should He in turn accept those who turn away from Him in rebellion? God is loving and merciful to provide the way to enter into His presence, and He is also fair and just to deny it to those who reject the greatest gift He has ever given to mankind. True peace and unity are not found in the Golden Rule. They are only found in Christ.

There are some who name the name of Christ (claim to be Christians) who misrepresent God's purpose and plan for the world. They misrepresent His Son by denying His plan and purpose for coming to earth. They misrepresent God's revelation to mankind by being unfaithful to it, by twisting it to say something other than it says, by altering its focus, or by ignoring the truths which they find inconvenient or incompatible with their religious beliefs. They are psuedo-Christians; in fact according to God's Word, they do not belong to Him at all.

I will restate what I have said in the previous related posts: The Golden Rule is a moral law or standard that has no power to save. In a court of law, the laws themselves can only condemn those who break the law. If you are guilty of one crime only, you will be judged for it regardless of other good deeds you may have done in your life. Helping granny across the street will not exonerate you in a court of law if you have just stolen her wallet out of her handbag. There is no man on earth who has ever kept God's moral standard perfectly at all times in their life except for Jesus Christ. We are all guilty of breaking His law at some point in time and are therefore guilty in spite of our best efforts to balance that with good works. God in His mercy provides a pardon to all who will accept the offer of His Son who paid the price, who satisfied the requirements and paid the penalty on our behalf through His death. WON'T YOU COME TO HIM TODAY? THERE IS NO OTHER WAY!


1. http://www.ted.com/index.php/pages/view/id/5
2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJMm4RAwVLo

RE-WHAT?

I'm getting really sick and tired of all the reinventing, reimagining, rethinking and redefining that is going on within Christianity these days. What the church really needs is to RE-PENT, as we are told by Christ in the book of Revelation, lest He remove our lampstands before He RE-TURNS to gather His bride to meet her in the air. I pray she will be found faithful and have kept herself pure and unspotted by the world on that day by washing her robes in the blood of the Lamb.

Here is a look at the reinvented and redefined "New Christianity" from a website by the same name. (Please note the Hindu concept of union with God and the unbiblical methods for doing so):

Source: http://www.newchristianity.typepad.com/

Basic Concepts of the New Christianity

1. The New Christianity (NC) presents concrete solutions to the problems of life, and concrete methods for living it. The NC seeks to clarify and explain Christian teachings.

2. The NC encompasses religion, psychology and philosophy.

3. The ultimate goal of the NC is Union with God in this Lifetime. (aka, Heaven, from “The Kingdom of God is within you”, aka Enlightened Freedom from Suffering)

4. Union with God requires control of the thought-waves in the mind.

5. Repeat: Union with God requires control of the thought-waves in the mind.

6. Everything in the Bible, and everything that Jesus Christ taught-as well as every other TRULY highly evolved spiritual leader-concerns the issue of obtaining control of the thought-waves in the mind.

7. In our current state, we do not have control over our own thought-waves. They are controlled by external stimuli and rooted in the events of our individual pasts.

8. Our thoughts lead to words, and our words in turn lead to our actions. Our actions, when repeated, become habits. Our habits become our character, and our character ensures our destiny. Thus, our thoughts-which our not “our own”-control our destiny.

9. The thoughts we plant today are the seeds of our futures. “As ye sow, so shall ye reap.”

10. Thus, we are chained and imprisoned by our thoughts: this is Hell.

11. We have the ability to become free from those bindings-to change our thoughts-and the suffering it causes: this is Heaven or Union with God.

12. The NC is concerned solely with breaking free from these bindings. Whether one “believes” in Christ or not, everyone can benefit from the methods of the NC, as the NC contains psychological truths which are universal and objective in nature.

13. Before one can break free from one’s bindings-escape from Hell-one must learn what those bindings are. Thus, the first exercise of the NC is to “Know thyself,” from which the practice of Watchfulness, or Witnessing, is derived. This directive is all over the Bible and all over spiritual texts of any sort, including Jewish, Hindu, Islamic and Buddhist teachings. The importance of this cannot be understated. (Note that the term Witness is used here in a completely different way than is commonly understood. This term will be more fully discussed in a later posting, but it is the opinion of this writer that common use of the term has arisen due to misunderstanding of its true intent.)

14. The Commandments and the Seven Deadly Sins are merely examples of common ways that human beings allow their thoughts to be controlled. They are guidelines to help one see one’s thoughts.

15. Unfortunately, in a way, the word “Sin” has itself become a sin in the sense that the word itself conjures up automatic thoughts and feelings of guilt, repulsion, judgment and/or condemnation. Some people can become stuck at these very points-thus, the teachings about sin have had the exact opposite of their original intention by imprisoning instead of showing the path to freedom.

16. The NC does not condemn nor judge “sinners”. To do so is to violate many, many passages of the Bible. Further, those who condemn and judge others reveal their own sins, for “The faults one finds in others, are the faults one has oneself.” This is a universal law. Use it when observing your own thoughts, and you will start to become free.

17. Among other things, The Devil is the personification of the Ego. It is the ego that must be subdued, controlled, destroyed. The Bible and other spiritual texts address ego issues such as self-image, pride/humility/vanity, greed/covetousness, and anger, over and over again. Many such negative thoughts originate in the ego.

18. Opinions and beliefs are dangerous when one’s self-image becomes too heavily invested in, too attached to, those opinions. This includes the beliefs in one’s religion, including Christianity. This means that one’s religion can be a source of imprisonment, the very thing religion is intended to help one escape from.

19. The NC teaches methods of obtaining control over one’s own thoughts. These methods are scattered throughout the Bible and many other texts. For some reason, these methods have been lost and are not practiced by the majority of Christians. These methods include, first and foremost, the concept and practice of Watchfulness or Witnessing, from which all other practices derive, Christian meditations, Christian mantras, prayer done correctly, and affirmations, as well as other methods.

20. Religion should not function to control one’s thoughts, but should show how one can control one’s own thoughts. Religion should not tell one what to do, but should show people how to find out for themselves what to do. Religion should not label, condemn and divide, but should deconstruct, value and unite.

The Essentials of New Christianity website had this to say about this adulterated form of Christianity with its New Age terminology (selected excerpts):

Source: http://www.newchristianity.ca/About/
WhatisNewChristianity/tabid/56/Default.aspx

This New Christianity is a spiritual renewal that will reclaim the essence of Christ’s life and teachings. For many of us the path of Jesus has been a way to awakening deep spiritual truths. As we have grown the church has failed us in its inability to move past the Old Testament war God into a relationship with the God of Love, the Source, the God of Creation, the Divine that all people of faith seek to experience.

The shift to a New Christianity does not necessarily mean that we need to abandon the organized church. It does mean that we need to move beyond rote practices and weary metaphors in order to connect powerfully with the divine energy in and around each of us. For some of us we will need to leave or at least take a sabbatical from organized Christianity in order to find our own connection with the divine through Jesus Christ.

As a Christian leader with a thorough understanding of the Christian life and a deep love for the Creator, I am developing a spiritual understanding that integrates Christ’s life and teachings with eastern energy practices that allow me to continue to deepen my connection with the divine. (emphasis in these quotes is mine - Bonnie)

This website, with four pages of recommended resources, lists the books/dvds The Different Drum: Community Making and Peace (M. Scott Peck), The Celestine Prophecy (new age philosophy), The Power of Now: A guide to Spiritual Enlightenment (Eckart Tolle, new age), A Return to Love (Marianne Williamson, new age), and Blue Like Jazz (in which the author, Donald Miller says, "I once listened to an Indian on television say that God was in the wind and the water, and I wondered at how beautiful that was because it meant you could swim in Him or have Him brush your face in a breeze."). This is pantheism, not Christianity.

It is apparent that those who haven't learned from history are bound to repeat its mistakes. Over and over in the Old Testament God warned His people not to worship the gods of the nations around them and to adopt their spiritual practices. Doing so was a serious affront to Him. He knew that doing this would lead them into spiritual darkness. The New Testament also warns us not to live like the Gentiles in the futility of their thinking with their false worship of false gods. Syncretism is equated with unfaithfulness in God's Word.

I find it very disturbing when people say we need to "let God out of the box". Christians have not put God in a box, although it certainly seems many people want to put Christians in a box by saying they do. The written Word is an inerrant account of the revealed Word of God. Is God confined to the pages of a book? Of course not, but the complete revelation to us for this age is. It seems to me that the problem is one of rebellion rather than a lack of knowledge.

In answer to those who have become disillusioned with the church, I believe the problem has more to do with our own disobedience to the words of God. Have Christians down through the ages failed to perfectly do what they are supposed to as the bride of Christ? Of course they have, and yet Christ has not given up on the church. The Holy Spirit continues to guide those who desire to be faithful to Him and His Word even though they sometimes stumble along the way. Christ continues to build His true church as He promised He would. Our infallibility is why we continually need to return to God's Word for correction. There are many in the Christian church who have strayed from God's Word: this is the real problem. It was God who instituted the church, just as He instituted marriage. If we don't like the model, does that mean we can change it. That would be like saying marriage is a good thing, but an affair on the side is a healthy thing to explore. There is no perfect marriage and no perfect church, but there are faithful marriage partners and there are faithful believers even though they may not have a perfect relationship with their spouse. But God honors and rewards their faithfulness.

Contrary to what those promoting the "New Christianity" appear to believe, the way is narrow, and there are few who find it.(Matthew 7:13-15). I have no personal vendetta against those who promote false teaching. I feel pity for those who have been led away from the safety of the Scriptures. That is why I expose doctrine that is contrary to God's Word and warn others about it, in the same way I would warn my teenagers not to drive on the wrong side of the road. The human race needs a standard to follow and an orderly way of doing things. Those who try to "wing it" with their spiritual beliefs have no assurance they are on the right track, and theology is only dry to those who have lost their first love. If you are reading this blog because you are exploring the "New Christianity" I implore you to REPENT and turn to Christ alone for salvation by the way of His atonement for your sin by His shed blood on the cross.

THE TANGLED WEB OF ECUMENICAL APOSTASY VIA THE "CHRISTIAN MUSIC INDUSTRY"

I thought that I had seen a brief glimpse of Franklin Graham at pope Benedict's side on a newscast about his papal visit to the USA yesterday. I never saw it again and wondered if I had imagined it. On another telecast I was sure I heard Graham's distinctive voice making an introduction of the pope. Please do not quote me on this, as I have as yet been unable to find any solid evidence to back this up. (Maybe one of my readers will be able to verify this).

While on the web today seeing if I could find documention of this I came across a website site called BREATHEcast which reported on April 3 that a band called Salvador had been invited to perform at the Papal Youth Rally on April 19th in conjunction with the pope's visit to the USA. BREATHEcast also reports:

Four-time Billboard Latin Music Award nominees, Salvador won the 2004 GMA Dove Award for Spanish Language Album of the Year for Con Poder. In addition to performing at the final Billy Graham Crusade in New York in 2005, the group has also appeared at Promise Keepers, Teen Mania’s Acquire The Fire youth conferences and Franklin Graham Crusades, among other events. Salvador’s radio hits include “Shine,” “Heaven,” “Breathing Life” and “Crucified.”1.

This is an example of how the Contemporary Christian Music industry has successfully promoted the ecumenical movement and apostate Christianity. The combination of a different gospel (the apostate Roman Catholic church), and a different spirit (the charismatic Teen Mania), and the mixed messages and ecumenism of Promise Keepers and The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (Franklin Graham) is leading this generation straight toward the interfaith movement. The Roman Catholic church is openly involved in interfaith alliances and anyone who desires to be faithful to Christ will separate themselves from it. The spiritual compromises of once-faithful believers and organizations with their spiritual alliances are leading this generation of young people straight into the arms an interfaith-style pseudo-Christianity. And isn't that the goal of Satan for the Christian church and a fulfillment of prophecy after all?

There are a good number of people who know me personally that do not understand my disapproval (to put it mildly) of much of the contemporary "christian" music that exists today. I think it is because they are unaware of Satan and his determination to infiltrate the church. His primary target is young people because they are the most vulnerable and most biblically illiterate. (I could also address the weak theology in much of this "christian" music, which makes it attractive to apostate churches and young people due to a poor understanding the character and nature of God, but will leave that for another time). The spirit of lawlessness/rebellion is fostered by the world's system and young people are encouraged to be rebellious by a steady diet of the world's entertainment culture in which they a fully involved. The cross-over of "Christian artists" has created a bridge that have caused more Christian youth to cross over to the secular side than the other way around. I have observed young people who have been brought up in a Christian environment who have abandoned their faith in a practical way (it is no longer evident in the way they live their lives).

By the testimony of my own children, they have observed that the majority of their friends who were brought up in a Christian home and listened to "christian" rock/heavy metal/grunge/emo/rap/et al, ad nauseum no longer live a life of self-denial, taking up their cross and following the way of Christ. They are virtually indistinguishable from the rest of the world by their lifestyle. How utterly sad for a parent to see this happen to their child. The results are spiritual confusion, involvement in all kinds of destructive behaviors, and sometimes suicide. How can this be a godly thing? The remnant of those faithful to Christ and the written Word has become much smaller with this generation. Unless there is repentance and separation from this world's system, this generation will probably be the final one before Christ calls and gathers His own to meet Him in the air.

While there is nothing we can do to stem this Flood of Filth and Compromise within the entertainment industry (Christian and otherwise), we must continue to teach, train and pray for our children, while we still can. (Click HERE to read my comment on another blog about some of the music that claims to be "christian rock" - an oxymoron, if you ask me. It is either the last or one of the later comments, towards the bottom of the page).

2 Timothy 3

1This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

4Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

5Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

6For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,

7Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

8Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

9But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as their's also was.

10But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,

11Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.

12Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

13But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

14But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

15And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

17That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

2 Timothy 4

1I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

2Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.

3For 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;

4And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

5But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

1.http://www.breathecast.com/Christian.Music.News-Salvador.Is.Aware.April.29/1_2076.htm

ROB BELL TO PARTICIPATE IN SEEDS OF COMPASSION CONFERENCE

**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

DIFFERENT RELIGIONS TO MEET WITH POPE TO FOSTER "PEACE"

Jenna, at Abide in the Doctrine of Christ blog, comments on a news article from The Earth Times on March 4th entitled "Jewish, Islamic, Buddhist, Jain, Hindu Leaders to Meet With Pope Benedict XVI in Washington", on her post Different Religions to Meet with Pope to Foster "Peace" by saying:

Here we go again.

From this article here.

"Jewish, Islamic, Buddhist, Jain, Hindu Leaders to Meet with Pope Benedict XVI in Washington"
"This meeting denotes the Holy Father's belief in the need for religious bodies to stress the goal for peace which lies at the heart of all religions. It "exemplifies what must happen all over the world." The gifts symbolize the path to peace in the deepest teachings of each group.

Umm...by the way, there is only one who is worthy of the title Holy Father, and it is NOT the Pope!

Read the rest of her comments by clicking HERE.

THE GOLDEN RULE TWISTED ~ PART 3

Read the THE GOLDEN RULE TWISTED ~ PART 1
Read the THE GOLDEN RULE TWISTED ~ PART 2
Read the ADDENDUM TO THE "GOLDEN RULE TWISTED ~ PART 2

I have been having a little trouble getting back to this topic to create Part 3 as I said I would, part of the reason being that I have been discovering a new connection to another post I wrote not long ago (END TIMES WATCH ~ NOAHIDE LAWS ~ "EVERY KNEE SHALL BEND") which also links with this topic. Anyone doing research understands that it takes time to gather material and assemble it into something that makes sense, and the revisions that have to take place when additional material is discovered and needs to be incorporated. In between I have been customizing a new computer, as my old one is on it's deathbed, so I have been a little distracted lately. But now, forward we go...

The United Religions Initiative began as an idea in 1993 in the mind of Episcopalian Bishop, Willliam Swing after a sleepless night following a United Nations invitation to host an interfaith service, when he asked himself, "If the nations of the world are working together for peace through the UN, then where are the religions of the world?". His question and the resulting idea of a united religious organization came to fruition with the creation of the United Religions Initiative, which could be considered to be the spiritual counterpart to the global political entity, the United Nations. Here is its stated purpose:

United Religions Initiative (URI) was founded in 2000 by an extraordinary global community committed to promoting enduring, daily interfaith cooperation and to ending religiously motivated violence. Today the URI includes thousands of members in over 65 countries representing more that (sic) 100 religions, spiritual expressions, and indigenous traditions. (1.)

The organization advanced until it joined together with the United Nation to declare an international day of peace:

On June 20, 2006, The Global Council Trustees, on behalf of the members of the UNITED RELIGIONS INITIATIVE throughout the world, issued a Peace Proclamation, joining with the United Nations in proclaiming September 21 as The International Day of Peace. We urge all our members to encourage all citizens of this world to work together to create peace, justice and healing for the Earth and for all living beings. (2.)

Moving steadily forward, in April 2007 the Interfaith Peace-building Initiative (IPI), a member of the URI, has proclaimed April 5th to be "Golden Rule Day", calling for it to be recognized as such by all citizens and organizations of the world, including the UN. This should not be a difficult task to accomplish, since a poster of "The Golden Rule" ala Scarborough Missions is already hanging on the walls of the UN Headquarters, and its agenda is worldwide peace. (See previous posts on this topic). Below is the news account of the "Golden Rule Day" Declaration by the IPI:

************************************************

Written by Mussie Hailu
Tuesday, 17 April 2007

Addis Abab, Ethiopia. Athlete Haile Gebreselassie Appointed Goodwill Ambassador of Golden Rule by URI CC in Ethiopia.

Golden Rule Day proclaimed for April 5. World renowned, holder of many world records and superstar athlete, Haile Gebreselassie, was appointed Goodwill Ambassador of the Golden Rule by the Interfaith Peace-building Initiative (IPI), a peace-building organisation whose purpose is to promote the Golden Rule, interfaith harmony, a culture of peace, reconciliation, nonviolence, justice and healing for the Earth and all living beings.

Handing over the certificate of appointment, trophy, peace medal and the framed “Golden Rule,” the Board Chairman of IPI and Coordinator of Golden Rule Goodwill Ambassador Program Hon. Mussie Hailu said “this honor is bestowed upon athlete Haile in recognition of his outstanding contribution in promoting a culture of peace, harmony, and international solidarity among people of different cultures, ethnic groups, religions, and nationalities through the Great Ethiopian Run program.” The Board Chairman further said “his exemplary work in promoting, throughout the world, the universal message of the Golden Rule which says ‘Treat others the way you want to be treated’ is highly appreciated and commendable.” The Golden Rule has been affirmed in many religions, traditions, indigenous cultures and secular philosophies as a fundamental principle of life and the foundation upon which a global ethic is founded. It is the best tool to educate people about respect and mutual esteem in order to achieve peaceful coexistence and solidarity among members of different ethnic groups, cultures and religions, and it has played a major role in promoting the culture of dialogue so that understanding and interest may develop among individuals and peoples as these are the conditions of authentic peace. The message is simple, universal and powerful and is the most prevalent and universal moral principle in human history.

The Board Chairman further said “It is high time to promote the Golden Rule throughout the world as it is a fundamental principle that addresses critical issues such as peace, non-violence, interfaith harmony, democracy, human rights, respect for each other, gender equity, social development, constructive dialogue among nations, conflict prevention and right human relationship.

With this in mind, IPI declared this day, April 5, as Golden Rule Day and calls upon all citizens of the world, religious leaders of the world, mayors, heads of state of the world, the United Nations, the African Union, the European Union, the League of Arab States, interfaith organisations, schools, higher learning institutions, the business community and civil society to join IPI in proclaiming this day as Golden Rule Day and to live accordingly to make this world a better place for all and the coming generation." Athlete Haile, on his behalf after receiving the award, expressed his profound appreciation for the work of IPI and thanking IPI for the honor bestowed upon him and he affirmed to the board members of IPI that he will do all he can to promote this principle which is a key to life. Further he said, “There will not be development without peace as peace is the foundation of everything.” He strongly emphasized that, by promoting the Golden Rule, it will open up the door for peace to prevail on Earth and the betterment of this world. In response to the board’s invitation Athlete Haile accepted to be an honorary member of the Interfaith Peace-building Initiative and United Religions Initiative, an international interfaith organisation which is working throughout the world to build global interfaith cooperation for a better world. IPI is a member of the United Religions Initiative.

All board members, on behalf of all the members of IPI, expressed their appreciation and gratitude for the great work Athlete Haile is doing by promoting his country and building a good image for Ethiopia and Africa through sport, and by bringing people all over the world together for the common good. This kind of collaboration is what is needed in our world to bring a positive change and create a better future for the coming generation. The Proclamation of the Golden Rule, which was declared on this occasion, will be sent to all Heads of State, religious leaders of the world, United Nations, African Union, European Union, interfaith organisations, international organisations and members of civil society and the business Community. It is the hope of IPI that this proclamation will be endorsed through the United Nations General Assembly and that “International Golden Rule Day” will be proclaimed by the UN so that all member states can use this day as a neutral platform where policymakers and citizens of the world could meet together and pave the way for a better world.

May Peace Prevail on Earth! (3.)

***********************************************

Bishop Swing, initiator of URI, also authored a book entitled The Coming United Religions, in which he equates proselytizing with religious violence. A customer at Amazon.com left this comment about the book:

Swing...identifies Judaism, Christianity, and Islam as "exclusive religions" (p. 31) and says, "if billions of people from exclusive religions are commanded to oppose the godly claims of other exclusive religions, what hope is there for peace among religions? In order for a United Religions to come about and for religions to pursue peace among each other, there will have to be a godly cease-fire, a temporary truce where the absolute exclusive claims of each will be honored but an agreed upon neutrality will be exercised in terms of proselytizing, condemning, murdering, or dominating. These will not be tolerated in the United Religions zone" (p. 31). (4.)

This is a ridiculously impossible ideal! I am not a fatalist; I am, however, a realist. Once again, we have a utopian, socialistic ideal. It has NEVER worked, and WILL NOT, because this world is full of sinners who live before a Holy God who cannot abide sin. I think it would be cruel not to be willing to share God's way of salvation with others, in effect to proselytize. He only gave the world one solution ~ His Son, Jesus Christ ~ and it is by faith in Him alone that we can escape the the eternal consequences of our sinful condition. Truth is not what we want it to be, it is what God says it is. It is narrow and concise, and it is embodied by the person of Jesus Christ, and it is exclusive by its very nature. Every time an organization has tried to implement socialistic ideals it has ended in disaster for all those involved and those who had to endure its ideology against their will. But I move on...

The following is a video of the Public Interfaith Service for Peace, hosted at NYC's historic Riverside Church - Sept. 2005. Sponsored by the Tanenbaum Center, International Committee for the Peace Council and Union Theological Seminary.

Peace Is Possible - Peacemakers read the Golden Rule



And now I assert: Apart from from faith in Christ alone and His work of atonement on the cross, PEACE IS IMPOSSIBLE! It will never prevail upon the earth until the PRINCE OF PEACE physically returns in power and glory to reign in righteousness and justice. (Matthew 24:29-31 and Revelation 1:7). Those who have rejected Him will have no part in His kingdom. The promise of worldwide peace and safety are lies of the Antichrist which will end in disaster and bondage. I am reminded of the verses in 1 Thessalonians 5: 1-11, which say ~

But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you,
For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord
so cometh as a thief in the night.
For when they shall say, Peace and safety;
then sudden destruction cometh upon them,
as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
But ye, brethren, are not in darkness,
that that day should overtake you as a thief.
Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day:
we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
For they that sleep sleep in the night;
and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
But let us, who are of the day, be sober,
putting on the breastplate of faith and love;
and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
For God hath not appointed us to wrath,
but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep,
we should live together with him.
Wherefore comfort yourselves together,
and edify one another, even as also ye do.

I am all for tolerance when it comes to believing that every human being is a creation of God, and should be treated with dignity and respect. But not all ideas, all beliefs, and all faiths are equal or valid or truthful. The battle for the truth is a spiritual battle, by the way, not a physical one. There are some who have named the name of Christ who have gone to war in His name. This is due to a false understanding of the nature of the kingdom of God, which is a spiritual kingdom at this time. I in no way advocate the use of force, physical or otherwise, and do not equate proselytizing with force. The Christian is never to force anyone to accept their beliefs, but an invitation to examine the truth is not a forceful thing. If it is done with force, it is done contrary to Christ's own teaching, and that person is no true Christian, or is one who is acting contrary to the faith. However, when Christ does return in the flesh, he will conquer the evil one and his followers and destroy them. So now is the time to choose to follow and obey Christ, before that time comes, and it is too late to change your mind.

We must be able to answer the question, "What is truth?". This is the question Herod asked Jesus as He stood before him preceding the crucifixion, and the answer and response to this question will determine your eternal destiny. Truth cannot be relative, for if that could be possible, then it would cease to exist. It would cease to be the truth. Truth by its nature is fixed and stable, not relative. Those who would claim tolerance as their creed will not tolerate this statement. And they must reject the embodiment of truth according to God's Word, Jesus Christ, who said, "I am the way, the TRUTH, and the life. NO MAN comes to the Father BUT BY ME." (John 14:6), because this is an exclusive statement, and counter to the religious tolerance movement. We cannot follow a Christ of our own making, or He is nobody but a figment of our imagination. The Christ who we are to accept is the Christ we are told of in the Bible, an historically and spiritually accurate document of His life and His nature. We can not cut out the passage in which He claims exclusivity. Those who do not have a love of this truth will accept a lie and delusion in the days to come, and must be warned of the consequences. To remain silent would be the greatest tragedy and error of all, for it is this truth that sets us free to live as we ought in this world, not any rule or law.

The golden rule is only an ethic. It has no power to rescue or save. It is a standard and a law, not a savior. It does not have the power to change a person's heart and it cannot create peace or make the world a better place to live. It never has, from the day it first came into being. It does not have the power create peace within one single individual, so how can it create peace worldwide? It does not solve mankind's inability to measure up to the standard, as it is not inherent within it. Its existence within every religion only proves that man was created with a conscience, a sense of right and wrong. This is proof that he is a created being with a sense of justice, not proof that he is capable of solving the world's problems. The power to follow the golden rule comes only outside of it, through Christ and His indwelling Holy Spirit, to the believer.

Those who would include Christianity within the spectrum of the religious tolerance movement want to say that the golden rule is what it is all about, the underlying principle of its beliefs, and the most important element it contains. But those in the movement reject its exclusivity and embrace an ethic contained within it as the basis of unity with all other faiths. Just because it contains a common element (ethic) does not mean that other religions are equal to it or should be equally accepted. That is like saying that aspirin and arsenic are equal and can be used interchangeably because they both come in tablet form or contain cornstarch as a filler ~ possibly true, but deadly if confused one with the other. The golden rule/global ethic is the filler, not the active ingredient. When it comes to matters of faith, unity in diversity is a deadly combination, with no good outcome. To believe otherwise, I would have to deny my faith. And remember, those within the movement have redefined tolerance to include acceptance and agreement without proselytizing. Shall we tolerate untruth according to these terms?

That would be THE GOLDEN RULE ~ TWISTED.

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(1.) http://www.uri.org/About_URI.html
(2.) http://www.uri.org/United_Nations.html
(3.) http://www.uri.org/CC_News/Africa/Gebres.html
(4.) http://www.amazon.com/Coming-United-Religions-William-Swing/
dp/0963789759/ref=sr_1_1/103-0203452-6738268?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1185476920&sr=1-1