We who preach the gospel must not think of ourselves as public relations agents sent to establish good will between Christ and the world. We must not imagine ourselves commissioned to make Christ acceptable to big business, the press, the world of sports or modern education. We are not diplomats but prophets, and our message is not a compromise but an ultimatum. A.W. Tozer
Therefore let God-inspired Scripture decide between us; and on whichever side be found doctrines in harmony with the word of God, in favor of that side will be cast the vote of truth. --Basil of Caesarea
Once you learn to discern, there's no going back. You will begin to spot the lie everywhere it appears.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service. 1 Timothy 1:12

Monday, January 10, 2011

The Church as Frankenstein's Monster

This is a repost of one of the first articles I wrote for this blog over three years ago.
============================================
In the Summer-Fall 2007 issue of the Midwest Christian Outreach Journal was an article written by one of my favorite apologists, G. Richard Fisher, about the false teachings spread by Youth Specialties.  He had a really good point about the state of the church in general.


"The church at large reminds me of Dr. Victor Frankenstein. It assembles long-dead, lifeless heresies and errors, animates them and turns them loose. Main-line denominations wonder why they are losing members and money and slowly are being put to death. The lifeless bodies of beliefs these church leaders are cobbling together are wreaking havoc among those under their care. The tragedy in spiritual terms is incalculable. Those involved with mystical pursuits say they are seeking God, but they really are seeking only experiences for themselves and in themselves. We could call it the 'adrenaline church.' Self-centeredness is never a sign of spirituality, but rather it is only a ploy of the deceived imagination."


The specific teachings the article dealt with are those mystical heresies and aberrations being brought in by the Emergent movement, such as Centering Prayer (also called Contemplative Prayer), labyrinths, and "Lectio Divina," none of which is found in the Bible - or even hinted at!


Those looking for some in-depth exposure of the false teachings of the Emergent movement should get the book, "Faith Undone," by Roger Oakland. It is available through Lighthouse Trails.

No comments: