We are happy to announce that the NEW Spiritual Research Network website is now online!
Through the month of February we will be making slight modifications, adding new pages, and updating older pages from the previous SRN site.
- SRN webmaster
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Monday, January 14, 2008
Muslim Britain Is Becoming One Big No-Go Area
Muslim Britain is becoming one big no-go area
[Excerpts]
Posted GMT 1-14-2008 18:29:14
Source: Assyrian International News Agency
[Excerpts]
Perhaps it had to be someone like Michael Nazir-Ali, the first Asian bishop in the Church of England, who would break with convention and finally point out the elephant in the room.
His comments last week about the growing stranglehold of Muslim extremists in some communities revived debate about the future of multiculturalism and provoked a flurry of condemnation. Members of all three political parties immediately clamoured to dismiss him. "I don't recognise the description that he's talked about – no-go areas and people feeling intimidated," said Hazel Blears, the communities secretary.
A quick call to her Labour colleague John Reid, the former home secretary, would almost certainly have helped her to identify at least one of those places. Just over a year ago Reid was heckled by the Muslim extremist Abu Izzadeen in Leytonstone, east London, during a speech on extremism, appropriately. "How dare you come to a Muslim area," Izzadeen screamed.
Read full Article...
http://www.aina.org/news/20080114122914.htm
Monday, November 05, 2007
"The Golden Compass": Official Website Promotes Introducing Children to DAEMONS (Demons)
"The Golden Compass": Official Website Promotes Introducing Children to DAEMONS (Demons)
Again we note that Steve Meachum, wrote about Philip Pullman's books and ideas in his Sydney Morning Herald article from December 13, 2003. Meachum points out clearly that Pullman's books have some rather bizarre ideas.
So does the Golden Compass official website which leads people into false teachings, demonic teachings, about children's souls LIVING ON THE OUTSIDE OF THEIR BODIES, IN THE FORM OF A DEMON, OF THE OPPOSITE SEX, etc.
"...For the uninitiated, His Dark Materials is Pullman's modern reworking of Milton's classic 17th-century poem Paradise Lost, disguised as a children's adventure story. On a superficial level, it relates the adventures of two children, Lyra Silvertongue (who comes from "a universe like ours, but different in many ways") and Will Parry (who comes from the world we know), as they are caught up in the battle to decide who rules Heaven. "
Meachum further notes:
Along the way, they encounter some of the most magical creatures ever devised: Iorek, king of the "armoured bears"; Lee Scoresby, the gas balloonist-aeronaut; Stanislaus Grumman, the shaman; Baruch and Balthamos, the homosexual angels; Chevalier Tialys and Lady Salmakia, the dragonfly-riding Gallivespian spies.
There are foul-smelling "cliff ghasts", kidnapping "gobblers", harpies, renegade "gyptians", love-'em-and-leave-'em witches. A rich tapestry of characters with only one common quality: in the moral maelstrom of Pullman's multiple worlds, you're never sure who is on whose side.
No doubt Pullman's imagination is the reason why the three books - Northern Lights, The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass - are so popular with children. Adult readers, however, are drawn by two other qualities. The beauty of his writing (he won the 2001 Whitbread Prize for The Amber Spyglass after the rules were altered to allow "children's fiction" in an "adult" competition); and the profundity of the philosophy that underpins the trilogy: essentially, the heretical notion that there was once a war in Heaven, and the wrong side won.
In Pullman's trilogy, Lyra is the new-age Eve, and Will is the modern-day Adam. God is a wizened spent force of an "Authority". And "The Fall" is to be celebrated as the defining moment of mankind, rather than the source of all worldly evil. Little wonder that His Dark Materials has been denounced by some religious zealots.
Pullman, though, expected more. "I've been surprised by how little criticism I've got. Harry Potter's been taking all the flak. I'm a great fan of J.K. Rowling, but the people - mainly from America's Bible Belt - who complain that Harry Potter promotes Satanism or witchcraft obviously haven't got enough in their lives. Meanwhile, I've been flying under the radar, saying things that are far more subversive than anything poor old Harry has said. My books are about killing God."
In order to really see how these strange ideas are really worked out practically through the movie and internet, we now quote from the Golden Compass official website. We quote from the DAEMONS link that leads children to "MEET YOUR DEAMON" (Demon)
How is this for introducing children to scarry things:
ABOUT DAEMONS
IN LYRA'S WORLD, A PERSON'S SOUL LIVES ON THE OUTSIDE OF THEIR BODY, IN THE FORM OF A DAEMON - AN ANIMAL SPIRIT THAT ACCOMPANIES THEM THROUGH LIFE.
A CHILD'S DEAMON CAN CHANGE SHAPE, ASSUMING ALL THE FORMS THAT A CHILD'S POTENTIAL [Website voice over says "INFINITE POTENTIAL" ] INSPIRES; BUT AS A PERSON AGES, THEIR DAEMON GRADUALLY SETTLES INTO ONE FORM, ACCORDING TO THEIR CHARACTER AND NATURE.
[Next page]
FOR EXAMPLE, A PERSON WITH A DOG DAEMON WOULD TEND TO FOLLOW AUTHORITY, WHERAS ONE WITH A CAT WOULD TEND TO BE MORE INDEPENDENT. A PERSON'S DAEMON IS USUALLY OF THE OPPOSITE SEX TO ITS HUMAN PARTNER.
IN OUR WORLD, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT PEOPLE HAVE DAEMONS AS WELL, ONLY THEY ARE INVISIBLE. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR DAEMON, AND CREATE A DAEMON AVATAR TOM TAKE OUT INTO THE WORLD WITH YOU SELECT 'MEET YOUR DAEMON.'
There are also other links within this page that show different movie characters' DAEMONS and explanations that these 'DAEMONS' can communicate"telepathically":
MRS COULTERS DAEMON
GOLDEN MONKEY
MRS COULTER'S DAEMON IS THE GOLDEN MONKEY. LIKE ITS PARTNER, THE GOLDEN MONKEY IS SLEEK, BEAUTIFUL AND VERY CLEVER WITH A DANGEROUS STREAK. DAEMONS AND THEIR HOSTS CAN COMMUNICATE TELEPATHICALLY, SO NO ONE ELSE CAN HEAR WHAT THEY ARE SAYING. THIS IS PERFECT WHEN IT COMES TO KEEPING THINGS SECRET.
For more about what a DAEMON (Demon) really is click on the following links:
Question: What does Wikipedia say about DAEMONS (demons) from Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials?
[READER USE CAUTION - DAEMONS in HIS DARK MATERIALS come from the world of the occult, Celtic Mythology, Renaissance symbology, pagan myth's, etc.]
Answer: Revelation 12:9 is the clearest Scripture on the identity of demons, "The great dragon was hurled down-that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him." The Bible indicates that the demons are fallen angels – angels who along with Satan rebelled against God. Satan's fall from heaven is described in Isaiah 14:12-15 and Ezekiel 28:12-15. Revelation 12:4 seems to indicate that Satan took one-third of the angels with him when he sinned. Jude verse 6 mentions angels who sinned. So, it is likely that demons are the angels who followed Satan in sin against God.
Satan and his demons now look to destroy and deceive all those who follow and worship God (1 Peter 5:8; 2 Corinthians 11:14-15). The demons are described as evil spirits (Matthew 10:1), unclean spirits (Mark 1:27), and angels of Satan (Revelation 12:9). Satan and his demons deceive the world (2 Corinthians 4:4), attack Christians (2 Corinthians 12:7; 1 Peter 5:8), and combat the holy angels (Revelation 12:4-9). Demons are spiritual beings, but they can appear in physical forms (2 Corinthians 11:14-15). The demons / fallen angels are enemies of God – but they are defeated enemies. Greater is He who is in us, than those who are in the world (1 John 4:4).
Question: Are Demons Fallen Angels?
In one verse, what does God the HOLY SPIRIT warn about the teachings of demons?
"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron..."
(1 Timothy 4:1)
Fiction or non-fiction, this stuff is dangerous!
- SRN
"The Golden Compass" Author Philip Pullman Interviewed by Steve Meachum: The Shed Where God Died
To read Steve Meacham's full article from the Sydney Morning Herald see below and then click on the link at bottom.
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald
By Steve Meacham
December 13, 2003
Once upon a time in an English garden, a little girl lived in a parallel universe ... and the comparisons began. But author Philip Pullman would rather be seen as a modern-day Jane Austen than the new Tolkien.
He's been called the male J.K. Rowling. Constantly compared with J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. Likened to literary lions such as Milton, Tolstoy, Blake, even Chekhov.
His best-known creation - a 12-year-old scruffy, disobedient, pubescent girl named Lyra, from a parallel universe - has been described as one of the most glorious female characters in modern fiction. Her adventures - detailed in the 1200-page trilogy collectively called His Dark Materials - were recently named among Britain's "favourite 100 books of all time" and have frequently outsold the Harry Potter stories....
As you read, you may want to remember this:
The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.
The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.
They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people as they eat bread, and call not upon the LORD.
(Psalm 14:1-4)
and...
But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
(James 3:14-16)
"The Golden Compass" Author Philip Pullman says, I'm An Atheist, There Is No God..."
The Golden Compass Author Philip Pullman says, "I'm An Atheist, There Is No God..."
Steve Meacham, writing about Phillip Pullman in The Shed Where God Died, a December 13, 2003 Sydney Morning Herald stated:
Pullman has no qualms with critics who label his books sacrilegious, so how does he describe himself?
"If we're talking on the scale of human life and the things we see around us, I'm an atheist. There's no God here. There never was. But if you go out into the vastness of space, well, I'm not so sure. On that level, I'm an agnostic.
The God of the Bible states:
The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.
The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.
They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
(Psalm 14:1-3)
How are we to believe then, Philip Pullman, or the The Word of God? Seems much wiser to believe the Bible as it has been PROVEN to be the revealed Word of God!
To read Steve Meacham's full article from the Sydney Morning Herald see below and then click on the link at bottom.
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald
By Steve Meacham
December 13, 2003
Once upon a time in an English garden, a little girl lived in a parallel universe ... and the comparisons began. But author Philip Pullman would rather be seen as a modern-day Jane Austen than the new Tolkien.
He's been called the male J.K. Rowling. Constantly compared with J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. Likened to literary lions such as Milton, Tolstoy, Blake, even Chekhov.
His best-known creation - a 12-year-old scruffy, disobedient, pubescent girl named Lyra, from a parallel universe - has been described as one of the most glorious female characters in modern fiction. Her adventures - detailed in the 1200-page trilogy collectively called His Dark Materials - were recently named among Britain's "favourite 100 books of all time" and have frequently outsold the Harry Potter stories....
"The Golden Compass" Author, Philip Pullman: My Books Are About Killing God"
Philip Pullman, "a militant atheist and secular humanist who despises C. S. Lewis and the "Chronicles of Narnia" " was quoted by Steve Meacham in a December 13, 2003 Sydney Morning Herald article as saying:
Contrary to Pullman's convictions and his attempts in his literature to convey the killing of God, Psalm 14:1 of the Bible says:
"The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.'"
We also find in the Bible that sinful passions are what drive men to hate God, to hate His Word, to hate His Son, and His Gospel of free grace for sinners.
Romans 1:18-32 states:
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. 24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. 26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality,[c] wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving,[d] unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.
Like the rest of sinful humanity roaming the earths surface, Philip Pullman needs Jesus Christ's love and forgiveness. So that it is clear to any Atheists, Secular Humanists, etc., who read this, we do not put ourselves above Mr. Pullman as arrogant Christians, but recognize our own personal need for God's mercy and grace and forgiveness.
The question today is:
"...do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?"
In context, Romans 2:1-11 states:
1 Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. 2 But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. 3 And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? 5 But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 6 who "will render to each one according to his deeds": 7 eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; 8 but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, 9 tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; 10 but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 11 For there is no partiality with God.
May Philip Pullman and all other God haters repent of their God-hating sin and come to know the love and forgiveness of the One Who alone can redeem from the curse of sin and the wrath that is to come - Jesus Christ our LORD!
18 "He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God." (John 3:18-20).
To read Steve Meacham's full article from the Sydney Morning Herald see below and then click on the link at bottom.
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald
By Steve Meacham
December 13, 2003
Once upon a time in an English garden, a little girl lived in a parallel universe ... and the comparisons began. But author Philip Pullman would rather be seen as a modern-day Jane Austen than the new Tolkien.
He's been called the male J.K. Rowling. Constantly compared with J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. Likened to literary lions such as Milton, Tolstoy, Blake, even Chekhov.
His best-known creation - a 12-year-old scruffy, disobedient, pubescent girl named Lyra, from a parallel universe - has been described as one of the most glorious female characters in modern fiction. Her adventures - detailed in the 1200-page trilogy collectively called His Dark Materials - were recently named among Britain's "favourite 100 books of all time" and have frequently outsold the Harry Potter stories....
Parental Alert!!!
The Golden Compass - Official Movie Website
CLICK ON THE DAEMONS LINK - Introducing Children to Daemons (Demons)
His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass
Christian Groups Claim Pro-Atheist 'Stealth Campaign' in Nicole Kidman Fantasy Film 'The Golden Compass'
The Golden Compass, Philip Pullmans's Books and Movie with "Killing God" Agenda
The Golden Compass, Philip Pullmans's Books and Movie with "Killing God" Agenda
This week I have received six emails from people concerned about the new Anti-Christian agenda movie, The Golden Compass. One from a friend, one from a relative, one from a former Law Enforcement Officer, one from an International Counter-Cult ministry, etc.
Upon spending 35 minutes researching this movie, the story line, the story's author and his background and affiliations, etc. we do have cause to be concerned. We believe parents should be concerned too.
Here is a brief article about the movie:
Here are some brief snipets from a news blog article:
There will be a new children's movie out in December called "The Golden Compass". The movie has been described as "atheism for kids" and is based on the first book of a trilogy entitled "His Dark Materials" that was written by Phillip Pullman. Pullman is a militant atheist and secular humanist who despises C. S. Lewis and the "Chronicles of Narnia". His motivation for writing this trilogy was specifically to counteract Lewis' symbolisms of Christ that are portrayed in the Narnia series.
Clearly, Pullman's main objective is to bash Christianity and promote atheism. Pullman left little doubt about his intentions when he said in a 2003 interview that "my books are about killing God." He has even stated that he wants to "kill God in the minds of children". It has been said of Pullman that he is "the writer the atheists would be praying for, if atheists prayed."
While "The Golden Compass" movie itself may seem mild and innocent, the books are a much different story. In the trilogy, a young streetwise girl becomes enmeshed in an epic struggle to ultimately defeat the oppressive forces of a senile God. Another character, an ex-nun, describes Christianity as "a very powerful and convincing mistake." In the final book, characters representing Adam and Eve eventually kill God, who at times is called YAHWEH. Each book in the trilogy gets progressively worse regarding Pullman's hatred of Jesus Christ.
"The Golden Compass" is set to premier on December 7, during the Christmas season, and will probably be heavily advertised. Promoters hope that unsuspecting parents wil take their children to see the movie, that they will enjoy the movie, and that the children will want the books for Christmas.
And What About the "Killing God" Thing?
To read about Philip Pullman saying his books are about "Killing God", you may click here to read the December 13, 2003 Sydney Morning Herald article entitled the Shed Where God Died by Steve Meacham.
Parents these links are for you to do some of your own research. Don't just take our word for it!
The Golden Compass - Official Movie Website
CLICK ON THE DAEMONS LINK - Introducing Children to Daemons (Demons)?
His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass
Christian Groups Claim Pro-Atheist 'Stealth Campaign' in Nicole Kidman Fantasy Film 'The Golden Compass'
What does the Bible say about these things...
"... evil-speakers, God-haters, insulting, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, ..."
(Romans 1:30)
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Recommended Reading Regarding the Necessity of Biblical Correction
Recommended Reading Regarding the Necessity of Biblical Correction:
The following is an introductory statement and article recommended by Sandy Simpson from the Apologetics Coordination Team .
We agree wholeheartedly!!!
- SRN
-------------------
"Blessings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for those who obey His Word! The feature in this newsletter is a tract from The Berean Call on what it means to be discerning and the lack of correction in the Church that results in division. There are bad types of divisions, but there are also good and correct types. The fact that many modern believers cannot distinguish between good disunity and bad show that they have not been taught fully what the Bible says on the subejct of discernment, rebuke and Christian maturity. But these teachings are needed more than ever in a day when we are witnessing the death of orthodoxy in the churches. I believe this will be a useful tract for Biblical, Christ-centered churches to display and hand out on this subject."
- Sandy Simpson, "DECEPTION IN THE CHURCH" e-Newsletter, Volume 20, Issue 2, 10/23/07
The feature for this newsletter is A Desperate Need For Correction by Dave Hunt, The Berean Call, 1998.
Correction is one of the most conspicuously absent yet essential ministries in the church today. There are those who seek to avoid cor-rection by hiding behind a misapplication of Christ's words, "Judge not, that ye be not judged" (Mt 7:1). It is conveniently forgotten that these words were spoken by the same One who warned the Jews to "judge righteous judg-ment' (Jn 7:24), told us to judge the fruit of prophets (Mt 7:16) and promised His disciples that they would sit on thrones judging Israel (Mt 19:28).
From the context and the remainder of Scripture, it seems clear that Christ was warning us not to judge motives, because these are hidden from us. We must put the best reasonable interpretation upon what others say and do, not judging their hearts, which only God knows. However, we must judge doctrines and deeds...
Read entire article - A Desperate Need For Correction by Dave Hunt
Erwin McManus Teams Up with Robert Schuller - Could Have Far-Reaching Effects
Source: Lighthouse Trails
Robert SchullerIn January 2008, the Rethink Conference will take place at Robert Schuller's Crystal Cathedral. According to Church Communication Network (CCN), the event will be hosted by Robert Schuller and Erwin McManus. Erwin McManus
On the Rethink Conference website, the event is described as: "Leading Thinkers and Influencers offer a perspective you may never have imagined." These thinkers and influencers include a wide array of prominent personalities such as Kay Warren, Chuck Colson, former president H.W. Bush, Larry King, John and Nancy Ortberg, Rupert Murdoch, Gary Smalley, and of course hosts Robert Schuller and Erwin McManus. While at first glance there might appear to be little, if anything, in common between these speakers. However, a number of them do have one thing in common, and that is a propensity toward contemplative (i.e., mystical) spirituality. Those would include Kay Warren, the Ortbergs, Erwin McManus, Robert Schuller, Dan Kimball, and H.B. London Jr. (Focus on the Family).
According to the conference site, "If you want to increase your influence as a leader in an ever-changing culture, then ... Rethink gives you the tools and perspectives you need to lead today." The event is designed for pastors and leaders in particularly, and promises that even theologically conservative pastors will feel comfortable. Ironically enough, many of the speakers whom Christian pastors and leaders might be more willing to trust (those who are professing Christians) may be the very ones who will pass on a mystical perspective. For instance, H.B. London Jr. is an avid promoter of Richard Foster's spiritual formation, and Erwin McManus, who says it is his goal to destroy Christianity, claims that the core of his book, The Barbarian Way, is mysticism.2 Kay Warren recommends Henri Nouwen's contemplative book, In the Name of Jesus, and her husband Rick Warren has supported the contemplative (spiritual formation) movement for years (see ATOD, ch. 8)
Related Articles:
What is Robert Schuller Rethinking?: Crystal Cathedral conference accused of twisting biblical Christianity by World Net Daily
Read Rethinking Robert Schuller by Warren Smith
Read Rethinking and Reinventing by Herescope
Read Reinventing Rethinking Update by Herescope
Purchase and Read:
FAITH UNDONE by Roger Oakland
Visit Some Research Sites:
Rethinking Culture: More on Rethink Conference 2008
Source: Herescope (Tuesday, October 30, 2007)
More on Rethink Conference from today's HERESCOPE
Rethinking Culture
"These culture pioneers know what is center-stage in our culture right now and also what is breaking on the horizon," says Rethink Conference executive director Bill Dallas. "This conference will confront outdated and pre-conceived ideas, offer new perspectives and open our minds to all kinds of possibilities that connect us with out [sic] shifting culture without compromising our core values."
On October 4th we posted an analysis of Robert Schuller's upcoming Rethink Conference, planned for this January 17-19th at the Crystal Cathedral. We linked to a report on the conference written by Berit Kjos and we cited some pertinent comments from ex-New Ager Warren Smith.
We want to call our readers' attention to today's headline story on WorldNetDaily, "What is Robert Schuller 'rethinking'? Crystal Cathedral conference accused of twisting biblical Christianity," and Warren Smith's accompanying article, "Rethinking Robert Schuller." And just in case this link is pulled, note the webpage where Robert Schuller is selling New Age Gerald Jampolsky's book Forgiveness, which is forewarded by Neale Donald Walsch who has written prolifically about his "conversations" with his New Age "God."
This Rethink Conference is, according to these articles, a key convergence of New Age and emerging neo-Christianity. It is this, and more. The hype for the conference states that:
Cultural Icons - Get inside their minds
For three days, you'll be immersed in the latest thoughts of respected icons in media, politics, faith, science, business and technology. Utilizing the latest media technology, each speaker will reveal their perspectives, discoveries, strategies and action plans in 20 riveting minutes. Challenged to deliver an information packed presentation, the speakers will weigh in on everything from life-changing world issues to surprising cultural trends to Christian outreach to secrets of success to the dynamics of relationships.
The Truth: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD."
(Isaiah 55:8)
Posted by permission from Discernment Research Group @ 10/30/2007 10:08:00 AM
What is Robert Schuller 'rethinking'?
The following articles shed some light on the Robert Schuller / Erwin McManus 2008 Rethink Conference.
We think you will find this quite interesting in light of Robert Schuller's long list of false teachings including his cult-like false Gospel - Self-Esteem: The New Reformation.
Read Rethinking Robert Schuller by Warren Smith
Source: World Net Daily
What is Robert Schuller 'rethinking'?
Crystal Cathedral conference accused of twisting biblical Christianity
Posted: October 30, 2007
It's an all-star conference set for the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, Calif., Jan. 17-19.
Former President George H.W. Bush will speak.
Chuck Colson will make a presentation.
Larry King will be there.
Rupert Murdoch will address attendees.
Ben Stein will appear.
And Kay Warren, wife of Saddleback Church mega-pastor Rick Warren, will join Robert Schuller, the white-haired, bespectacled purveyor of "possibility thinking."
What could such a diverse group have in common? What's the topic?
Well, it's a little vague.
It's called the "Rethink Conference," and Schuller promises 30 "Aha!" moments from the 30 different speakers confirmed for the event.
Not everyone is thrilled about this meeting of the minds. Some, including Christian author and former New Age devotee Warren Smith, suspect an agenda to subvert the church – to take the focus off biblical truth and absolutes.
"From my perspective as a former New Age follower, I believe that Robert Schuller's mission has always been to 'rethink' and 'change' biblical Christianity into something 'new' – as in New Age/New Spirituality," he says.
Smith's "Deceived on Purpose: The New Age Implications of the Purpose-Driven Church" documents Schuller's contacts and endorsements of New Age stars such as Gerald Jampolsky, Neale Donald Walsch and Bernie Siegel.
"But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not" (2 Peter. 2:1-3).
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Another Jesus Movement
Commentary by Roger Oakland
For printer friendly version, please click
Those who support the Emerging Church Movement justify that "reinventing Christianity" is necessary in order to "reach" the present generation.
Reaching the present generation with the gospel of Jesus Christ is a challenge for pastors today. Young people growing up in the 21st century have a completely different worldview than their parents. Education and society in general have programmed their minds into believing there are no absolutes. We now live in a pluralistic, relativistic society. Wrong can be right and right can be wrong. It really does not make any difference. This is what it means to be religiously correct in the postmodern era.
So how does the gospel of Jesus Christ rate in a postmodern society that claims truth is a word that should be archived in the dark ages? Now that this generation has been enlightened, how do you tell a sinner they need a Savior?
For pastors who are looking for numbers for success, the Emerging Church is the answer. The Emerging Church has a whole new way of looking at Christianity. Rather than dwelling on sin, death, and hell, the Emerging Church promises peace, hope, and experience. Rather than being concerned about spending eternity with Jesus, the Emerging Church promotes the kingdom of God in the here and now.
You see, this is why Christianity, according to Emerging Church proponents, must be reinvented. Those who say such a view has the potential to lead to apostasy are considered narrow-minded, old-fashioned resistors who need to be exterminated like rats from churches.
Since writing the book Faith Undone I have discovered that taking a stand for Biblical truth in the midst of Emerging Church propaganda, can create a lot of emotional opposition. I have received many comments from the "brethren" who say that coming against the "new thing God is doing" is divisive and counter-productive.
For example, I have been part of a fellowship of pastors for many years who are presently debating the issue of the Emerging Church. There are some of these pastors who believe the Emerging Church is "just being relevant". They say this new wave that has hit Christianity like a tsunami is similar to the Jesus Movement of the '60s and '70s.
I disagree with this view. While they may be correct in saying that it is "another Jesus" movement, it is not another "Jesus Movement". The Jesus Movement of the past was based on pointing people to the Word of God, the gospel of Jesus Christ and the soon return of Christ. The Emerging Church is headed in a direction that will soon eliminate the gospel for the sake of building the kingdom with anyone and everyone who will participate.
If you don't believe this, it can be proven. Read chapter eleven of Faith Undone called "Slaughterhouse Religion." Did you know that some Emerging leaders are saying the cross is "false advertising for God?"
I agree with the Emerging Church leaders that it is important to reach this generation. The issue is, what is it that we are going to reach them with? If we lead this generation away from the truth, we will not be reaching them, we will be deceiving them. The Bible calls this apostasy. For such, the God of the Bible will be the judge.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Europe Sets Up Paramilitary Police Force
News Source: UKIP
Europe Sets Up Paramilitary Police Force
THURSDAY, 18 OCTOBER 2007
While all eyes are watching the European Constitution summit in Lisbon, a very different treaty has quietly been signed in Holland, where a group of EU countries approved the creation of a European Gendarmerie Force.
"What we have here is a fully fledged paramilitary police force," says Gerard Batten, UK Independence Party Euro MP and spokesman on Home Affairs.
The treaty describes the organisation as a "multinational police force with military status" and its use is for "both external and internal actions".
What is more, this force will outrank local police forces when it goes about its duties, which include security and public order missions, public surveillance, traffic regulations, border policing and general intelligence work and "performing criminal investigation work, including detecting offences, tracing offenders and transferring them to the appropriate judicial authorities".
Mr. Batten said: "To add insult to injury, the organisation will be exempt from taxation, both direct and indirect. More worrying still, however, is the fact that the treaty makes plain that the European gendarmerie is a supra-national force, in the way that its communications and archives will be treated as secret, and it will operate with diplomatic status.
"Once an operation has started in a 'host' country, that country will have no jurisdiction over the activities of the force."
Mr Batten concluded: "Although the UK did not sign up to this treaty today, the fact that Gordon Brown is talking about 'opt-ins' to EU justice and home affairs issues advises us to be very wary.
"Previous experience teaches us that we eventually get these things through the back door"
Read more at UKIP:
J K Rowling: 'Christianity inspired Harry Potter'
J K Rowling: 'Christianity inspired Harry Potter'
Source: Prophezine
http://www.prophezine.com/PZArticles/ChristianityinspiredHarryPotter/tabid/644/Default.aspx
"J K Rowling: 'Christianity inspired Harry Potter" By Ray Gano
WHAT???
Yep, that was the headline in the London Telegraph.
Pretty amazing!
If you really believe that, I got a bridge I can sell you along with some great swampland.
Here is how the article opens…
"The pope may have condemned the Harry Potter books, but J K Rowling has now revealed that Christianity has been one of her major inspirations.
Breaking her silence on the much-debated question as to whether religious themes permeate her books, Rowling confirmed that they echoed her personal struggle with faith." (1)
In today's pluralistic relative ideas and liberal theology, this sounds peachy - keen and makes so much sense. The world rejoices in Rowling and her so called profession.
Here is what Rowling says about her books...
"To me, the religious parallels have always been obvious," Rowling said. "But I never wanted to talk too openly about it because I thought it might show people who just wanted the story where we were going." (1)
But here is the kicker...
"At the end of her latest and final installment in the series, there are specific references to Christianity and themes of life after death and resurrection."
"At one point Harry visits his parents' graves and finds two biblical passages inscribed on their tombstones. "(1)
Well praise the Lord and pass the potatoes!
HEY ETHEL.. These here are CHRISTIAN BOOKS fer sure. They got bible verses on some tombstones!
Do you realize there are Luke warm carnal Christians that have that exact ideals?
But here is a very troubling statement from Rowling...
"On any given moment if you asked me if I believe in life after death, I think if you polled me regularly through the week, I think I would come down on the side of yes - that I do believe in life after death.
"But it's something I wrestle with a lot. It preoccupies me a lot, and I think that's very obvious within the books." (1)
When someone is a washed in the blood Christian, they have no question as to where they will spend eternity. In fact, they don't question eternity at all. Why is that?
Here is what Christ stated...
John 14:6 (KJV) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Romans 10:13 (KJV) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Romans 10:10 (KJV) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
It is promises like the ones above which we as blood bought souls cleave too....
Read Entire Article by Ray Gano
Footnote:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml%3Bjsessionid%3DWG3UGHNSEQJLXQFIQMGCFF4AVCBQUIV0?xml=/arts/2007/10/20/bopotter120.xml We recommend you take a visit to the Understand The Times International website at http://www.understandthetimes.org
God has placed Roger in the right places at the right times for him to see firsthand and write about how the apostasy around the globe is growing exponentially.
Dalai Lama's All Smiles as He Receives Congressional Gold Medal
Commentary by Roger Oakland at Understand The Times International
October 17 - Dalai Lama's All Smiles as He Receives Congressional Gold Medal
Understand The Times sends out news alerts to inform our newsletter recipients about current events that line up Bible Prophecy. This news alert is somewhat different. Today I experienced a news event first hand while in Washington D.C. Then I had one of my researchers find the news event online to post as an alert.
I am writing this from the Washington Dulles Airport on my way to London, England. I had a one day layover in Washington, spending some time with my wife Myrna while she was attending a work related conference. This morning I went with a friend to see the Smithsonian museum located at the Washington Mall. While there we walked towards the House of Congress where a large crowd was assembling. When I asked a security guard what was going on I was told that the Dalai Lama was soon to appear following a presentation of a Congressional award.
The sound of Tibetan chanting and whaling over the loud speakers confirmed that a ceremony was about to take place. A large sign posted the following message: "There can be no world peace without first obtaining inner peace."
While the secular media would never report what I am about to state, my perception is that this event has paramount significance in the spiritual realm. Last week a so - called "born-again" President stated that all religions pray to the same God. This week in front of the United States House of Congress, Tibetan monks were chanting to the gods and a "man of peace" who some say is God was being honored.
America is on the precipice of an unprecedented disaster and a spiritual judgment. A country supposedly founded on Christian principles has now openly abandoned the God of the Bible and is headed towards Babylonism.
Worse yet, people who profess to be "born-again" Christians, don't understand the significance of what is happening from a biblical perspective. The world is being prepared for a false peace and a false Christ. The Roman Catholic Church will soon have the solution to bring about this peace plan that will be ushered in by the Queen of Peace ("Mary") and her son the (Eucharistic Christ). It is amazing when governments of the world begin to bring this about.
President Bush and the leaders of Congress put aside their differences Wednesday to bestow the nation's highest civilian honor upon the Dalai Lama, calling the exiled Tibetan religious leader a "warrior for peace."
The Dalai Lama said he was "deeply touched" by his receipt of the Congressional Gold Medal, which he received in an ornate ceremony under the U.S. Capitol dome - but not before having a hearty laugh over his inability to speak perfect English.
"It is a great honor for me to receive the Congressional Gold Medal. This ... will bring tremendous joy and encouragement to the Tibetan people, for whom I have a special responsibility," the Dalai Lama said, reading from his prepared remarks.