David Benner's The Gift of Being Yourself: A Great Book for Your Journey? Not!

David Benner's The Gift of Being Yourself: A Great Book for Your Journey?  Not!

Wanda Walborn, Spiritual Formation Director, Instructor at Nyack College, and Teacher for the CMA Women's Empower Program, touts David G. Benner's The Gift of Being Yourself  as a great book for your spiritual journey.  Sadly, she and many others have missed the red flags beginning with the covers.  In fact, a discerning reader would not even have to open the book to know here is a work that will be filled with deceptive teachings!

Front Cover Flags:

Notice the title:  The Gift of Being Yourself: The Sacred Call to Self-Discovery.  Note verses:  II Timothy 3:1-2 says, "But know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  For men shall be lovers of their own selves..."

Notice the foreword writer:  Dom M. Basil Pennington, OCSO.  Note this BP quote:  We Are God's Dream:  "We do not know how precious we are in ourselves.  As Dame Julian of Norwich, that delightful English mystic declared, we are God's dream, his homiest home.  We have too little respect for ourselves, too little esteem for our own importance.  God sees things otherwise."

Back Cover Flags:

Read that Benner is a depth psychologist, a spiritual director, a former professor of Psychology and Spirituality, a retreat leader, an author, and an editor.
Read that Benner is first endorsed by Father Richard Rohr, O.F.M., Center for Action and Contemplation, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Read that Benner is also endorsed by these contemplatives: John Ortberg, Mark R. McMinn, Margaret Guenther, and Gary W. Moon.
Read that Benner is published by "Formatio Books" from IVP Books.

First Page Flag:

Here's a Thomas Merton epigraph.  Think: Merton is much admired by Benner.  For Benner has said, "I started reading Thomas Merton in my twenties and to this day he remains my favorite Christian mystic ...  I felt drawn to the journey he described but wasn't ready to personally make it my own for many years."
Here's a Thomas Merton quote:  Think:  This quote from Merton's New Seeds of Contemplation contains the core teaching of this book and that is: "Your true self is divine."  For Merton wrote, "There is only one problem on which all my existence, my peace, and my happiness depend: to discover myself in discovering God.  If I find Him I will find myself and if I find my true self I will find him."

Formatio Flag:

Check out the Formatio publisher's chambered nautilus shell logo.  IVP writes that they use this logo as a symbol of spiritual formation because of its continual spiral journey outward as it moves from its center which sounds much like the New Age idea that it represents the expansiveness of awareness, and the evolution of consciousness.  Another telling description of its meaning can be found at "The Theosophical Society's" web site in a piece entitled "Ancient Wisdom in a Chambered Nautilus."
http://www.theosophical.org/publications/quest-magazine/1345 After reading that this shell is a piece of "sacred geometry," and a known New Age symbol one must ask why a so called "evangelical publishing house" might select it as its logo?

Check out the Formatio agenda of publishing spiritual formation books; check out the IVP authors.
Take a close look at the kinds of authors published here.  Who exactly are they?  Do they teach salvation through faith in Jesus Christ?  Next examine Benner's bio.  Look into his books by clicking on the book title, and on "details" to see the contents, various reviews, and special features of each work. 

Benner and The Basil Pennington Part:

In the David Benner article, and interview "Touched by an Author" done for the Fall 2003 Conversations about Basil Pennington's book True Self/False Self: Unmasking the Spirit Within  Benner tells how Pennington's writings impacted his life and ultimately The Gift of Being Yourself. http://conversationsjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Conversations_Journal_Issue_1_1.pdf     As you read this piece and interview you'll see where Benner gets some of his false self/true self ideas used in his book.  You will also note that Benner mentions that "a real fringe benefit" of Pennington's work is that one will be introduced to "centering prayer."  Chapter six, the Merton chapter, says Benner is so meaningful that  it would be enough if there wasn't any more to Pennington's book.  Apparently, Pennington made such an impression on Benner that he asked the Dom for his foreword endorsement of  The Gift of Being Yourself.  For more on Pennington please click on "Spiritual Teachers" and go to "Remembering Spiritual Masters" to find M. Basil Pennington.

http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/ 

Benner's Merton Thread:

From the Thomas Merton epigraph to the epilogue a Thomas Merton thread is found woven throughout the entire book in each chapter.  There's mention of Merton in the epigraph on the first page, in the preface on p.17, in chapter one on p.19, in chapter two on p.35, in chapter three on p.47, in chapter four on p.62, in chapter five on p.81, in chapter six on p.95, and in the epilogue on p.110 (Finley's Merton book)  Benner quotes from Merton's New Seeds of Contemplation, The Ascent to Truth,  and Thoughts in Solitude besides James Finley's Merton's Palace of Nowhere: A Search for
God Through Awareness of the True Self; and Ekman Tam's article: "Message to the Wounded World: Unmask the True Self -- Zen and Merton."  Truly, this book is saturated with mystic Merton.

Benner the Enneagram Man:

Benner's end notes tell us that Benner is an Enneagram fan.  He writes, "However, I am a fan of the Enneagram ...   as a tool to assist in deep knowing of our core of sin tendencies."  Benner also asserts that Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson have much to teach us on enneagrams in The Wisdom of the Enneagram.  "And for an explicitly Christian approach to the Enneagram" one should read Richard Rohr's Enneagram: Naming Our Illusions.  For the real Christian viewpoint on enneagrams read "The Enneagram GPS: Gnostic Plan to Self." by Marcia Montenegro.http://christiananswersforthenewage.org/Articles_Enneagram.html

Benner & Imaginative Meditation:

Benner teaches his readers to do what he calls "Gospel Meditation," or "Imaginative Meditation" where one uses the Ignatian (Ignatius of Loyola) Technique of imaginatively entering into an event in the life of Christ.  Benner throws in some centering prayer techniques as well as he says to quiet yourself, close your eyes, pray, and then read a scripture passage slowly, and then allow yourself "to daydream on the situation presented in the story."  He encourages "as if you were a spectator, observe the events as they unfold.  Watch, listen and stay attentive to Christ.  Don't be distracted by ... And don't try to analyze the story ... Just be present to Jesus and open to your reactions."  Further he counsels, "Wandering thoughts are inevitable.  As soon as you become aware of them, simply return your attention to the meditation." For more about "Imaginative Meditation" read "Pray with your Imagination" by David L. Fleming, S.J. here:
http://www.ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-spiritual-exercises/pray-with-your-imagination/

And why did Benner begin to use "imaginative meditation?"  It was because plain old Bible reading had become stale so he wrote, "After decades of Bible reading, I realized my relationship with God was based more on what I believed than my personal knowing."  After advocating one practice "Gospel Mediation" he goes on to also prescribe one take up "The Daily Examen."  Commit, says he, to fifteen minutes at the end of the day at first and you will soon meet yourself in deeper places.

Benner's False Self & True Self Beliefs:

Benner is a proponent of abandoning your false self to find your true self (Please see my previous blog: "Red Flag This: Ruth Haley Barton & Self")  In chapter five "Unmasking Your False Self" Benner writes, "Coming out of hiding (the bushes of our false self) is accepting God on God's own terms.  Doing so is the only route to truly finding our unique self-in-Christ."

Chapter six is entitled: "Becoming Your True Self."  Right away the word "becoming" jumps out.
The Bible does not teach about becoming one's true self.  On the contrary it says, "All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)  It also says, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved" (Acts 16:31) (not become saved)  Furthermore, it states that once we repent of our sins, and trust in the Lord Jesus as Savior that we are "a new creature in Christ, and that old things are passed away and behold all things are new." (II Cor. 5:17) 

However, Benner teaches, "The true self is who, in reality, you are and you are becoming."  He goes on, "...it is your total self as you were created by God and as you are being redeemed in Christ." (p.91)  There's that word "being" again.  He states, "Jesus is the True Self." (p.92)  But my Bible reads, "Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life and no man cometh unto the Father but by me."  (John 14:6)  Why Benner even states, that our Lord Jesus, coequal with the Father, had "to find his way, his self."  He further suggests we "speculate" about Jesus early years before he found "his true self." (p.93) Benner tells us, "Jesus was on his way to knowing his calling because he was perfectly and completely the True Self." (p.98) Jesus was not the "True Self," but he was the Son of God!"

Benner & A True Self Man-Ekman Tam:

Eckman Tam is another writer that has shaped Benner's view of both Merton, and the teachings about the false and the true self.  Tam does an article "Becoming Real: Thomas Merton and the True Self" for the Fall 2003 Conversations.  There you can also read an interview "Tam Talks with David Benner."  Tam was a spiritual director of Tao Fong Shan Christian Centre & Interfaith Dialog where he founded a formation program in Christian Spiritual Direction.  And it was to the east to Tam's Hong Kong centre that Benner and his wife--much like the revered Merton--went to spend several extended periods of time dialoging with Buddhists and Taoists.  Of these experiences, Benner commented, "Once I tasted the richness of meeting people of other faiths in this sort of sacred place there was no turning back."  For updated information on Tam see:
http://www.gtfeducation.org/faculty-staff/Tam.cfm

Benner & "The Givens of His Being:"

Benner rambles on about living out the truth of our uniqueness, and that as a teen he was pointed to the Bible to find God's calling for his life vocation.  And says he, with out downgrading the Bible, I now understand that it is a more basic place God's will has been communicated to me and that is--"in the givens of my being." (p.101)  And what is "the givens of our being?"  An answer may be found at a psychotherapy site called "The Human Givens Institute" where the term/background "human givens" is defined as knowledge we're born with which manifests itself by feelings and emotions.  These feelings, so claims the institute, have evolved over millions of years.

At the institute one can also find a book called Human Givens by Joe Griffin and Ivan Tyrrell.  With a quick "Look Inside" on Amazon.com you can get a taste of what this book will be all about.  Its prologue "Why We Need Healthy Minds," begins "IT TOOK millions of years for the human mind to evolve to the point where we have knowledge to direct our own development..." Chapter eight, "Water Babies & Our Distant Aquatic Past,"  includes topics as "Fishy Features,"  "Autistic Fishlike Behaviors," and "Casualties of Evolutionary Pressure."    http://www.hgi.org.uk/

Benner's Reference to Dr. Gordon T. Smith:

If you've followed the recent news on several apologetic sites you may have seen photos and news of CMA's Dr. Gordon T. Smith, President of Ambrose University, who has sponsored an ecumenical conference between Evangelicals and Catholics at Ambrose. https://ambrose.edu/chapel-recordings
Smith is also a Formatio author, and one whom Benner read for Smith's work Courage and Calling is listed in Benner's notes for "Becoming Your True Self." (chapter six)  And Smith, a lot like Benner, having learned at the feet of Father Thomas H. Green, S.J. in the Philippines at a Jesuit university, began a journey of ecumenicalism advocating sampling other faith traditions and dialoging with them.

Benner's Finley Ending:

Benner ends with an epilogue entitled "The Transformational Journey."  In it he quotes James Finley, a Merton contemporary and follower, who long ago slipped into the New Age.  In these pages we're told that God's intended home is our heart.  "This is where we become one," Finley writes in Merton's Palace of Nowhere: A Search for God Through Awareness of the True Self, "with the Risen and Deathless Christ in whom all are fulfilled."  (Note the "all!")

Benner's Background or "Getting to Know Benner Better:"

Finally, Benner's very own story, as told on his web site, will help you become aware of who Benner was, where Benner has been, and what Benner has now become.

Benner's Journey:

Benner comments that his apparent shift in perspective, spirituality, and personal theology has not been "a single shift, but a life-time of unfolding ... following my quest to be the truth of myself in God."  Read his bio here:  http://www.drdavidgbenner.ca/ 

Benner's Youth:

Benner mentions that his very conservative Plymouth Brethren family was deeply religious.  He states:  "I took my religion seriously."  While he credits his parents with love, he is not so generous with his praise of his PB upbringing saying it was anti-intellectual and culturally isolated.   He felt the idea of taking the Bible literally was "intellectually naïve."  He felt that it was the "restrictive and oppressive" world view that he had internalized which made him yearn for something more freeing, something broader.

Benner's First Awakening:

College was the first place where he began to have a great period of intellectual awakening.  He had now escaped the glass box.  Not too far into his academic studies he switched to psychology which fit with his increasing value of mystery and complexity.  And through his Freudian studies which pointed to Jung and others he found a way "of making psychology a thoroughly spiritual matter."  During this time he began his fascination with dreams, and began to keep a "dream journal."  His home during these years was still evangelical Christianity, but because of his quest for the mysteries of life without "hiding behind the simplistic formulaic frameworks for belief" he began to embrace a more liberal view.

Benner's Mid-Life Awakenings:

In his mid-thirties Benner was the Chair of the Graduate Department of Clinical Psychology at Wheaton College.  In those days both his family and church life were going well; but underneath he was finding that he was uncomfortable as he wrote, "with the reduction of faith to beliefs." What he longed for, he says, was an authentic knowing of God.

Benner's Later Life Awakenings:

Once he'd broken free of his past he was taken into spiritual direction, and into his first encounters with contemplative stillness and retreat.  Following this, it was on to the mystics going far beyond his evangelical traditions.  This led to the Russian Orthodox Jesus Prayer and icons, as well as the Roman Catholic Benedictine and Cistercian traditions of centering prayer and lectio divina.

These experiences in turn let him to walk through wider ecumenical portals where he sampled the writings of the Sufi poets Hafiz, and Rumi.  Not long after, he and his wife traveled to Tam's Tao Fong Shan Centre for interfaith dialogue with Buddhists and Taoists.  There he found he had more in common with those of other traditions instead of those "who had allowed faith to be reduced to beliefs and counted the holding of these beliefs to be their journey."

Journeying onward he fellowshipped with those of any faith, or no faith.  He also became an Anglican to savor its liturgy.  Now, relates Benner, my personal journey has become one of transformation rather than preservation.

Presently, having left all the old doctrines and traditions behind, he's joined forces as a writer, and master teacher with dissident Franciscan priest Father Richard Rohr, and with the Rohr Institute's Living School for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  Please see my previous blogs to find out more about Rohr and his heretical agenda.

Reader, have you noted Benner's repetitive description of his former faith that was so restrictive and so oppressive, in contrast to his present faith that has opened him to ever widening view points and traditions?

In conclusion, Benner, as related during his journey of awakenings, has left the God of his childhood, and early manhood for mysticism, contemplative prayer, imaginative meditation, lectio divina, enneagrams, the New Age, and ecumenicalism with hopes of  coming home to his true self in  God. Sadly, he's left "The Way of the Cross."  As the old hymn says:  "I must needs go home by the way of the cross, There's no other way but this; I shall ne'er get sight of the Gates of Light, if the way of the cross I miss."  As Peter penned in Acts 4:12: "Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."

Learn to Discern Granny Verse:  Proverbs 16:25

"There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death."                      

Nyack's Dr. Danaher Does it Again with Another Rohr Endorsement!

Nyack's  Dr. Danaher Does it Again with Another Rohr Endorsement!


Front and center on the "Nyack's College of Arts & Sciences January 2014 Facebook Page & Blog" is Dr. James P. Danaher's newest book: The Second Truth complete with Fr. Richard Rohr, O.F.M., Center for Action and Contemplation, Albuquerque, New Mexico endorsement.


Note also that Danaher's new book is also endorsed by one Maggie Ross.  Ross, a mystic Anglican solitary, is the author of several books including Writing the Icon of the Heart, which in turn, was endorsed (no surprise) by James P. Danaher, author of Contemplative Prayer: A Theology for the Twenty-first Century;  Fr. Richard Rohr, Founding Director, Center for Action and Contemplation; and John H. Armstrong, President, ACT3 Network.  (See previous blog: "The Naked Now at Nyack.")


For more Rohr scroll down the Nyack Arts & Sciences Facebook Page to find a prominent photograph of the Oneing: An Alternative Orthodoxy (The Perennial Tradition)  explored by 21st. century thinkers including:   Richard Rohr, Mark S. Burrows, Ilia Delio, David G. Benner, John L. Esposito, Diana Butler Bass, Mary Beth Ingham, James P. Danaher, Robert Sardello, Jamie L. Manson, James D. Kirylo, Cynthia Bourgeault, and James Finley.


Exactly who are these other authors?  What do they share in common?  What do they each contribute to Oneing?  Why would Richard Rohr select them as contributors?  For some answers go to Amazon.com books to Oneing  and click on "Look Inside."  Notice the "Contents" which lists articles written from Rohr's "Introduction," to Benner's "Ancient Wisdom for Contemplative Living," to Danaher's "What's So Perennial About the Perennial Philosophy?" to Finley's "Epilogue."  See the listing of each contributor with personal web sites.


While researching these authors, whom I'd dub: "Rohr's Radicals," I've found most of this group to be the cream of the crop of vocal liberals who've embraced Rohr's "we are all one" mantra.  And just who are the "who's who" of Rohr's ardent admirers?  To begin there's Mark S. Burrows, mystic poet and scholar, who translated Rilke poetry from German to English.  There's Sr. Ilia Delio OSF, an outspoken theologian scientist and author, who reimagines Christ by teaching evolutionary Catholicism or cosmic Christology.  There's David G. Benner, an ex-evangelical depth psychologist and soul care author, who left his former faith for mystical practices (contemplative prayer, lectio divina, icons) and interfaith dialog (Buddhists, Taoists). There's John L. Esposito, once a monk, who now is an expert on world religions and a spokesperson for Muslim & Christian understanding.  There's Diana Butler Bass, Episcopalian feminist, who is a contributing editor for Jim Wallis' Sojourner Magazine, and a friend of such Emergents as Brian McLaren, Phyllis Tickle, and Tony Jones.  There's Sr. Mary Beth Ingham CSJ, philosophy professor and author of a book with Richard Rohr, as well as numerous books on Franciscan theologian John Duns Scotus.  There's James P. Danaher, Nyack College Philosophy Chair, postmodern and contemplative author of four Rohr-endorsed  books, and advisor to and writer for Rohr's Oneing journal.  There's Robert Sardello, a leading philosopher of the soul revered by authors James Hillman and Thomas Moore, who as co-founder of the School of Spiritual Psychology has authored such books as Steps on the Stone Path:  Working with Crystals and Minerals as a Spiritual Practice and Silence: The Mystery of Wholeness.  There's Jamie L. Manson, a Catholic feminist and defender of the homosexual agenda, and columnist for The National Catholic Reporter.  There's James D. Kirylo, professor of education and defender of "Liberation Theology," who authored the book Paulo Freire: The Man from Recife.  Finally, there's James Finley, once a monk mentored by Thomas Merton, now turned clinical psychologist who teaches such retreats as: "The Four Noble Truths of the Buddha for Us All,"  "The Interior Castle of St. Theresa of Avila, " and  "Zen as a Path of Spiritual Fulfillment."


On the opening page you can also find the meaning of the old English word "oneing" as used by mystic Lady Julian of Norwich.  It is defined this way: "Oneing  describes the encounter between God and the soul.  The Rohr Institute proudly borrows the word to express divine unity between all divisions, dichotomies, and dualisms in the world.  We pray and publish with Jesus' words, 'that we may be one.'"  Ponder this statement!!  For "oneing's" meaning unlocks the reason for Rohr's purpose in promoting these mostly Roman Catholic, mystical, often radical writers.  Yes, "oneing's"
meaning is what Rohr and his cohorts are all about!


Think!  Dr. James P. Danaher, Philosophy Chair at "evangelical" Nyack is part of this group of writers promoting we are all one, and we are all divine.  And then notice the members that comprise "The Rohr Institute Advisory Board:"  James Danaher; David Benner; Ilia Delia, OSF; Sheryl B. Fullerton; and Marian Kustenmacher.  This "five some" includes: Danaher, the contemplative philosopher; Benner the mystical depth psychologist; Delio the evolutionist nun; Fullerton the mind, body, and soul literary agent; and Kustenmacher the occult enneagram specialist.  Once again the question must be raised: "How can an evangelical philosophy professor be associated with such a board?"


At the CAC web site we additionally find the "Living School for Action & Contemplation" whose all-star teachers each bear witness to the Christian voice of universal awakening, grounded firmly within its mystical and transformational tradition.  Hoping to open Christianity to more inclusive theological visions a core faculty (Rohr, Bourgeault, & Finley) and invited master teachers (Rob Bell, David G. Benner, Walter Brueggemann, Paula D'Arcy, Ilia Delio, Ruth Patterson, and Robert Sardello) will teach deep and grounded practices in contemplative prayer, chanting, and kenosis.  CAC writes:  "In the joined presence of these faculty, this School is at its heart a Mystical Christian Living School."


One can find Oneing  and many more Rohr products featured on the New Age "Contemplative-Life" page with a "Mandala" icon at the top left corner of its web page.  Read Rohr's clear and concise definition of Oneing's "Perennial Tradition Theme", which is in all the world's religions, is all about:


     *  There is a Divine Reality underneath and inherent in the world of things.
     *  There is in the human soul a natural capacity, similarity, and longing for this Divine Reality.
     *  The final goal of all existence is union with this Divine Reality.


In conclusion, with the above description firmly in your mind, I would ask why Dr. James P. Danaher can continue to teach at Nyack College, and at the same time be part of this heretical organization?  I would ask why Dr. Danaher's newest book gets top billing on Nyack's "Arts & Sciences" page and blog?  I would ask why such a completely unbiblical and radical journal would be pictured as news worthy?  I would ask exactly who it is that is responsible for allowing Danaher to be part of Rohr's organization?  Surely, not just Danaher will be held accountable; for those over Dr. Danaher will also give account for their encouragement, their endorsements, and their allowing him to continue to spread Rohr's teachings to CMA students as well as the CMA denomination and beyond.


*  See below for web site documentation!




Learn to Discern Granny Verses from Acts 20:28-30:


Paul wrote this warning in his day, and it still applies!  "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.  For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, sparing not the flock.  Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after them."


*  Danaher's book:  Second Truth 
http://www.amazon.com/Second-Truth-Introduction-Intellectual-Philosophy/dp/1557789126/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1391694275&sr=1-1&keywords=James+Danaher%2C+The+Second+Truth


*  Oneing  Journal: Danaher Author:  Click "Look Inside!"  for much more information.
http://www.amazon.com/Oneing-Perennial-Tradition-Richard-Rohr-ebook/dp/B00EVXACBE/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1391694651&sr=1-1-fkmr1&keywords=Oneing+Journal+Rohr


* "Spirituality & Practice:"  "Living Spiritual Teacher: Father Richard Rohr"
http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/teachers/teachers.php?id=212&g=


*  "Spirituality & Practice:"  "Living Spiritual Teacher: Cynthia Bourgeault"
http://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/teachers/teachers.php?id=255&g=


*  School of Spiritual Psychology: Robert Sardello
http://spiritualearthschool.com/Store/silence/


*  Nyack Blogs: Nyack College Arts & Sciences News: Announcement of Danaher's new book
https://www.nyack.edu/blog/CASNews/1722


*  Nyack College Arts and Sciences Facebook Photos:  2014  Photo of Second Truth  second row;
2013 Photos:  Photo of Oneing  Journal about seventeen rows down on far left with caption "Dr. Danaher Examines Perennial Philosophy."
https://www.facebook.com/NyackCollegeArtsSciences/photos_stream




*  Nyack Blogs: Nyack College Arts & Sciences News:  Announcement of Danaher's piece in
Oneing  with CAC store address where you can purchase the journal.
http://nyack.edu/blog/CASNews/1512


April 2014 Update:  Excellent piece "Much More on Rohr" from "Rather Expose Them."  
http://ratherexposethem.blogspot.com/2013/04/much-more-on-rohr-plus-enneagrams.html 

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

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."

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

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
 

Father Richard Rohr's Book: The Naked Now at Nyack

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 to get 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."