On Wednesday, October 10 the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan
Williams addressed the Synod of Bishops on the New Evangelization. He
was invited to the Synod by Pope Benedict XVI.
The mystical tradition of contemplative prayer is ancient, and shows up in every major religion in some form. Buddhists are deeply contemplative, disciplined observers of their own minds, dedicated to understanding, accepting and overcoming suffering. Hindu mystics have contemplated the many attributes of God and developed a dynamic system of worship that is often viewed as polytheistic, by westerners and even by Hindus. Sufis, who make up the mystical arm of Islam, have traditions of mystical prayer expressed in dance and poetry.[1]
Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, called for a revival of centuries-old monastic traditions to help people become “properly human.” He is suggesting that schoolchildren and people with no religious background should be encouraged to try meditation as a way to help them understand Christianity. Reported in the UK's newspaper, The Telegraph, the Archbishop believes that it will better help the modern world deal with “chaotic” emotions as a result of living in an “insane” consumerist society driven by advertising and the banking system.
The statement coincides with the marking of the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council, which reformed key aspects of the Catholic Church. It also marks the start of the “Year of Faith,” an attempt by the Catholic Church to re-enthuse worshippers.
The practice of the inner life was practiced by Ignatius Loyola, a Jesuit, who eventually formed the Society of Jesus. Based on an article in Lighthouse Trails (not an endorsement), the writings and practices of St. Ignatius Loyola, “cultivate the ability to discern
the divine components” within us. This follows the course of thinking
that Thomas Merton had – that divinity is already within, and mystical
practices help us to realize what is already there. That is why Merton
said,
It is a glorious destiny to be a member of the human
race, … now I realize what we all are … If only they [people] could all
see themselves as they really are. I suppose the big problem would be
that we would bow down and worship each other…. At the center of our
being is a point of nothingness which is untouched by sin and by
illusion, a point of pure truth….This little point … is the pure glory
of God in us. It is in everybody. (Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander, pp. 157-158)
The practice of indoctrinating children with this philosophy is widespread, and involves the Evangelical Church. Sunday School curriculum has been developed to create encourage these pagan practices in the young. NavPress publishes one of these programs, and likely to be coming to a church near you. It is a great, subtle lie. Don't be taken in by it!
Pastor Joe Schimmel is the founder of Good Fight Ministries, and the senior pastor at Blessed Hope Chapel, an evangelical non-denominational fellowship in Simi Valley, California. His newly released DVD, The Submerging Church, focuses on many of the leaders within the Emergent Church movement. Since the release of his trailer, Good Fight has released additional scenes from the production.
I've been impressed with the productions Pastor Schimmel has done in the past, but I don't know if he's a member of the so-called discernment network, which is really a controlled opposition movement. He's been in Chris Pinto's productions, and I have my doubts about him. By posting the DVD excerpts, it is not an endorsement of Pastor Schimmel.
Cardinal Francis George is the spiritual leader of 2.3 million Chicago-area Catholics, and he's up to his elbows in ecumenical activity. On March 26, 2012, Reformed pastor John Armstrong and Archbishop of Chicago Cardinal George will come together at Wheaton College for “A Conversation on Unity in Christ’s Mission.” One of their shared interests has been a greater conversation between the Evangelical community and the Catholic Church.
Who is Dr. John H. Armstrong? Dr. Armstrong is founder and president of ACT 3, a ministry for equipping leaders for unity in Christ's mission. He is former pastor and church-planter, and he also has a writing ministry. Dr. Armstrong is an adjunct professor of evangelism at Wheaton College Graduate School, teaches in various seminaries and colleges as a guest lecturer, and is a seminar and conference speaker throughout the United States and abroad. He is noted for building bridges between the Roman Catholic and Evangelical Church for the purpose of missions and ecumenical unity.
Note the four triquetra within a Maltese cross. Freemasonry espouses universalism, embraces religious pluralism, and has effectively created a unique syncretistic religion.
The Church with a Mission
We would be deceived if we believed that coming together for missions was the only thing the Catholic church had in mind. There are many things wrong with this ecumenical plan for unity, and the two leaders who plan to speak at this conference.
The Knights of Malta, controlled by Jesuits and the organizations Cardinal George belongs to, are responsible for helping thousands of the worst Nazis and members of the SS escape to freedom down these Ratlines, thus evading justice and avoiding the hangman’s noose at Nuremberg. They also seek to create a counter-Reformation and bring Christ's Church under a pagan Baal-worshiping Pope. Jesuits believe the Pope is Christ on Earth, and that he is infallible in matters of religion - which is blasphemy.
One of the aspects of the Emergent church teachings, which is conveyed through Dr. Armstrong's writing, is that of Missional living. Missional living is a term that describes a missionary lifestyle; adopting the thinking, behaviors, and practices of a missionary in order to engage others with the Gospel message. Based on a Wikipedia author, the five distinctives that form the foundation of the missional perspective are:
The Church is sent by Jesus Christ
The Church is sent with the Cross
The Church is sent in Community
The Church is sent to every Culture
The Church is sent for the King and His Kingdom
These points are all essentially true, but the United Nations and the apostate church are accomplishing this plan with the help of the Church, which makes it an act of World Socialism, aka world government. It will deliver a Christ-less form of Christianity.
The artwork that coincides with the plan looks like this:
Do you see any similarity with the symbol used on the cover of Dr. Armstrong's The Unity Factor, the New Age symbol on the cover on Marilyn Ferguson's The Aquarian Conspiracy, and the triquetra of the "Third Way", also known as Fascism? Note that the center of the triquetra is used for the Illuminati triangle. This should be a clear indication that the modern way of missional living is a counterfeit to Biblical Christianity's missions work.
Let's look at this symbol again. The three intertwining circles also have the numbers 6-6-6 within them.
3. Wheaton College is a breeding ground for future Emergent church leaders. Wheaton gave us Rob Bell, Billy Graham, Josh McDowell, John Piper, as well as some other controversial ecumenical Christians. They have endorsed Freemason Billy Graham's Emergent Lausanne Movement, and are involved with the practice of mystical Contemplative prayer. The conference is based in one of the most socialist cities in the country, which is why they can find "common ground" and cooperation with the Roman Catholic church. Conclusion
This type of information is always disturbing. We are watching the Church go down the tubes.
The Bible says, "...while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also" (Matthew 13:25).
Many believers are beginning to wake up to find the Church has been infiltrated by Jesuits, and those who have been intentionally tearing the Church apart. They call it unity, but it's actually intended to have the opposite effect.
To those of us who are awake, the Lord says in verses 16, 17: "But blessed areyoureyes, for they see: and yourears, for they hear. For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things whichye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them." This indicates that not everyone will be capable of having the spiritual sight as others do. Since they don't, you'll feel a little crazy for being able to see what others can't.
It is clear that these tares are the greatest work of Satan. Surprisingly, Jesus tells us not to worry about them. He said, "Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, 'Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.'"
But does this mean that we should never say anything about the apostasy, or were these verses intended for those close to the time of the harvest? Remember that Romans 16:17-18 says, to "... mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple."
I want to suggest that we speak while we still have the freedom to do so, and since the Bible instructs to mark them and avoid them. We certainly aren't supposed to picket their churches, rather make others aware of what is going on in a respectable manner. The worse they are, the more we will need to watch them. Their words seem to reflect holiness and love for God, and they show kindness and love to those they instill their corrupt doctrines, while accosting them courteously when they intend them the greatest mischief. When you see this, you'll understand that the master they serve is not our Lord Jesus Christ.
At the beginning of this month, the Passion Conferences hosted Passion 2012. Originally founded by members of the Emergent Church movement, Louie Giglio is the speaker and co-founder of the Passion Movement. He also pastors at Passion City Church in Atlanta, GA.
The conferences reach several cities and they have ministered to other continents with a purpose of "...uniting students in worship and prayer for spiritual awakening in this generation."[1] It reaches college age individuals with their message, and raises money for social justice causes.
In the following CBN report, you can get a glimpse of the numbers they draw for this event, and the amount of money they direct toward their social justice cause.
The Catch As we have seen within the Emergent Church movement, Passion Conferences are pushing the TM-like practice of Centering/contemplative prayer - but they call it Lectio Devina for their own reasons. It is a traditional Catholic practice of scripture reading, meditation, and prayer intended to promote communion with God. Like Centering Prayer, Lectio Divinais a contemplative approach to pondering the scriptures, and they share common ground with the same prayer practices of other false religions.[2] As we learned in a comparative study of TM vs. Contemplative/Centering Prayer, there are several distinct similarities between the two, and more importantly a mystical practice used by Pagans which is practiced by Catholics - opening believers to seducing spirits and spiritual deception.
This form of mysticism is playing an important part of the ecumenical movement and the one world religion. In his book Speaking My Mind, Tony Campolo drives the point home about Contemplative prayer and mystical practices:
"Mysticism provides some hope for common ground between Christianity and Islam. Both religions have within their histories examples of ecstatic union with God, which seem at odds with their own spiritual traditions, but have much in common with each other."
With various examples, Campolo paints a picture of interspirituality through mysticism. Referring to Muslim and Christian mystics, he even tells us that the Christian mystics, such as St. John of the Cross, were enriched by the teachings of Sufi philosophers. In comparing St. Francis of Assisi with the founder of the Sufi movement, Campolo says:
"Both men sensed a sacred presence in everything and claimed to have experienced a mystical union with God."[3]
To demonstrate how this is being used to desensitize and reprogram the masses, the National Council of Churches hosted an ecumenical gathering for Protestant, Orthodox, Evangelical, and Roman Catholic churches. The article states: “Experiencing the [contemplative] prayer of another tradition can be a powerful means of understanding and appreciating that tradition and of affirming diversity.” Apparently they made no statement that these Asian and Buddhist practices are unbiblical.
Passion 2012 led college age participants into the experience of contemplative prayer. Let's see the session led by Beth Moore.
The Religious Leg of the Three-legged Stool
What the young participants of these conferences don't know is that the Emergent church is the religion of the "Third Way," and the corporate/political/religious agenda of Communitarianism. The Third Way refers to various political positions which try to reconcile right-wing and left-wing politics by advocating a varying synthesis of right-wing economic and left-wing social policies.[3] It helps to accomplish the goals of Fabian Socialists by manipulating the Church into working for the UN Millennial Goals and the global community, thus making the Church the religious leg of the three-legged stool. The Christian/Catholic/New Age blend is being orchestrated by the Emergents, although they have not been doing this alone, as to cause the same spiritual fusionthat will change the face of Biblical Christianity. If it were an equation, it would read:
Capitalism + Communism = Communitarianism
or
Communism Lite
The Fabian Socialist Window
The Emergent church, through the use of Centering/Contemplative prayer, is using it to facilitate social change - and the spiritual ramifications of the practice are paving the way. It is the vehicle which will lead us slowly down the path to a religion similar to the Bahá'í Faith.
Who is Involved with Passion Conferences?
We can see how grand this Emergent movement is getting when you see who is involved. Passion conferences, based on the Wikipedia write-up, has cooperated with:
For some secular and religious promoters of Contemplative/Centering prayer, check out Berit Kjos's list.
Sin Forgotten
The Gospel presentation will become non-existent in the Emergent church, because they have altered the biblical message. Christians will go to all nations, but there will be no Gospel presented. It only talks about the love of God, and little or nothing about fearing the wrath of God, sin, repentance, or the cross of Christ. Without those things this new Gospel is nothing but dust in the wind, and doesn't have the power to save anyone.
Beth Moore, a Southern Baptist who is influential with many evangelical women, holds nothing back at trying to influence women by her beliefs in ecumenism and the use of Contemplative/Centering prayer. She is also known for her teaching segment on James Robison's Life Today, who has stated that he would like to see the Church unite as one.
As members of the Church enter a critical time of determining which gate they will choose to enter, Beth drops the bait by enticing believers toward the wide gate. In the first video, she regards Roman Catholics as a Christian denomination, and neglects to comment on their abundance of unbiblical and pagan practices.
As we learned from a comparative study of Transcendental Meditation and Contemplative/Centering prayer, Biblical meditation involves meditating on the Word of Godconsciously, not by the practice of emptying the mind or focusing on a word. We are not told in Scripture to "experience" God or his "presence." His presence is a reality within us through "faith." Practicing God's presence is done by acknowledging Him, believing Him, and considering Him in all we do. It is my personal relationship with Him that engages His Spirit with my Spirit. If you recall, when the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, He used "words" and then commanded against vain repetition as the heathen do (Matt. 6:7).
Most importantly, since this type of meditation is a mystical practice taught in the Kabbalah, and the foundational teachings of the Kabbalah system are a complete departure from what is written and understood by Christendom, Christians should not be practicing it. Centering prayer is being used by the change agents within the Church to take the fight for what is right out of the masses, thus giving them the edge to more easily control the Christian population during the transition into the one world religion and world government. It's the great mental sedative being pushed by Beth Moore.
Centering Prayer is often incorporated into Catholic retreats and worship services.
The practice of Transcendental Meditation (TM) has been growing rapidly since its arrival in the late '50s to the U.S., and it was characterized as a new religious movement. Since this point in time, studies have been done to support the benefits of TM, which has helped to create more teaching centers. According to the movement, four to six million people have been trained in TM technique since 1959.[1]
Fast forward to the year 2003. David Lynch started a fundraising project to raise $1 billion on behalf of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the man who brought TM to the U.S.. His plan was to build a meditation center large enough to hold 8,000 skilled practitioners. David Lynch's foundation also funds university and medical school research to assess the effects of the program on academic performance, ADHD and other learning disorders, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, cardiovascular disease, post-traumatic stress disorder, and diabetes.. TM in at-risk patients was shown to reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke by 47%. In this news article, just by continually repeating a mantra, it has been found to reduce high blood pressure, cholesterol and thickening of the arteries.
Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr got top billing for the "Change Begins Within" benefit concert held at Radio City Music Hall in NY City in 2009. As part of their publicity for the event, several celebrity advocates of TM attended the press conference. The David Lynch Foundation for Consciousness-Based Education and World Peacehas an integral part of advancing TM into every aspect of society, as you will see in his website and this video.
Schools, the military, homeless shelters, American Indians, prisons, and global outreach projects are being taught TM to control difficult aspects of their lives. It is not by coincidence then that TM has been showing up in human potential seminars, some alternative holistic health practices, and certain curriculum in public and private schools.
David Lynch believes that, “Every child traumatized by violence should be given this tool to find peace within. The research is compelling and the benefits are real.” In the following video, David Lynch will show you how children are being trained TM to deal with the negative aspects of living in a lost world.
Is there an agenda?
Does this organization have genuine concern for the welfare of these social groups, or do they have an agenda? TM helps the practitioner to enter altered states of consciousness, which enables them to cope with life. As the practitioner tries to find help for their ailments, they are actually using the world's therapy. It is a big hook that reels its practitioner in and slowly changes their attitudes and creates tolerance where there once was none.
As the practitioner is seeking a "higher self," also known as the "divine-within," he is being conditioned to accept the coming Aquarian age and their philosophy that "all is One." As the population is in an altered state of consciousness, the New Age movement is making inroads into messing them up spiritually and creating an age of occultic mysticism.
This wave of the future was planned by New Agers to assist in bringing in their New Age "christ" and a one world government. Alice Bailey, a Theosophist/occultist, desired the time when the 'Christian churches' would embrace the New Age concepts of illumination and self-realization. She knew it would make the Church ripe for the Aquarian Age. She said:
"The Christian church, in its many branches, can serve as a St. John the Baptist, as a voice crying in the wilderness, and as a nucleus through which world illumination may be accomplished."
The ultimate goal of Transcendental Meditation is peace. Peace within ones self and peace around the globe.[2] One of the organizations Maharishi Mahesh Yogi founded before his death was the Global Country of World Peace (GCWP). He started "to create global world peace by unifying all nations in happiness, prosperity, invincibility and perfect health, while supporting the rich diversity of our world family."[2] Sounds great, but it's a counterfeit. Peace only comes through a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
In the following video, John Hagelin from the Maharishi University of Management, claims that research hypothesis states that by the use of TM, it could radiate the influence of peace. This training could affect overall society and bring peace in the Middle East.
Contemplative Prayer
As TM makes its way into the workplace and schools, Christians have come in contact with it too. TM has also shown up in the Church and is considered as a wave of the future - but it's now called Contemplative/Centering prayer. Now being accepted by many megachurches, local pastors have begun accepting Contemplative/Centering prayer as a lost art of the early Church. But is there a reason why it became a lost/hidden art?
Let's look at this subject more closely. Is TM really being repackaged as Contemplative Prayer/Centering prayer, as many say it is? Has the terminology from TM been Christianized and modified to fool the Church? In order to provide these people a fair shake, we'll do a comparative study of both. Since I encourage everyone to test everything for truth, and to assure us that the information and cautions being disseminated by discernment ministries is valid, let's check it out.
One View of Christian Meditation
Those who practice Christian meditation often issue warnings on differences, and potential incompatibilities, between genuine Christian meditation and the styles of meditation used in eastern religions. These warnings point to fundamental errors when combining Christian and non-Christian styles of meditation.
It is presented that Christian meditation aims to heighten the personal relationship based on the love of God that marks Christian communion with Him. The focus for many is primarily on the Holy Spirit inhabiting the Christian, which is the divine-within, and tries to place credibility on the meditative practice.
All of this sounds great, but after being in the Pentecostal and Charismatic for most of my Christian walk, it makes me wonder if it is just another bait and switch. Just as Christians have been fooled for generations with the second-filling experience of the Baptism of the Holy Ghost encouraged by Christian Gnostics, perhaps we should carefully compare the actual process.
Steps to Christian Meditation
There are different forms of Christian meditation, and I will focus on Centering prayer. Centering prayer is when you silently repeat a word and it places a strong emphasis on interior silence.[2] According to Basil Pennington, a Trappist monk, you should follow this process:
Sit comfortably with your eyes closed, relax, and quiet yourself as you listen to music. Be in love and faith to God.
Although not mentioned in every source, it is recommended that you place thetongueto the roof of your mouth. (Note that the tongue activates the pineal gland.)
Choose a sacred wordthat best supports your sincere intention to be in the Lord's presence and open to His divine action within you (i.e. "Jesus", "Lord," "God," "Savior," "Abba," "Shalom," "Spirit," etc.).
Let that word be gently present a sincere intention to be in the Lord's presence and open to His divine action within you. (Thomas Keating advises that the word remain unspoken.)
Use the word forcefully to eliminate thoughts. Whenever you become aware of anything (thoughts, feelings, perceptions, images, associations, etc.), simply return to your sacred word, using it as your anchor. Progress in intimacy with God means progress in silence. [3]
Experience the divine presence of God.
Ideally, the prayer will reach the point where the person is not engaged in their thoughts as they arrive on their stream of consciousness. This is the "cloud of unknowing" referenced in the books of Christian mystics of the 14th century book. It involves heartfelt spiritual union with God, and it is an experience of God's presence.
To make it clearer to exactly what Centering prayer is, these short statements are all based on the thoughts of Father Thomas Keating. He is a writer, teacher and founding member of the Spirituality branch of Integral Institute. Centering prayer is the movement toward the center of our being. [4] It is a process of emptying and surrendering, which makes room for God's infinite love. [5] According to the video, Father Keating, in order to reach the final goal, "you must pass through the spiritual level to awaken to the true self, and to whatever the divine presence God wants to share with us....It is the same union and unity that Jesus experiences with the Father and the Holy Spirit. What is brought about through centering prayer is the mystical depth, which can't be attained through conventional prayer."[6]
Those who practice centering prayer are advised to do it twice a day for 20 minute sessions.
Health Benefits of Centering Prayer
Since TM has health benefits, let's compare it with the benefits of Centering prayer.
The relaxation response - prayer elicits the relaxation response, which lowers blood pressure and other factors heightened by stress
Secondary control - prayer releases control to something greater than oneself, which can reduce the stress of needing to be in charge
The placebo response - prayer can enhance a person's hopes and expectations and that in turn can positively impact health
Healing presence - prayer can bring a sense of a spiritual or loving presence and alignment with God or an immersion into a universal unconsciousness
Positive feelings - prayer can elicit feelings of gratitude, compassion, forgiveness, and hope, all of which are associated with healing and wellness.
Mind-body-spirit connection - when prayer uplifts or calms, it inhibits the release of cortisol and other hormones, thus reducing the negative impact of stress on the immune system and promoting healing.
Transcendental Meditation
To do it correctly, it is advised that you learn from a trained instructor.
Sit comfortablywith your eyes closed, relax, and quiet yourself as you listen to music.
Although not mentioned in every source, it is recommended that you place the tongue to the roof of your mouth - and activates the pineal gland.
The mantra is a sound or word that has no meaning, and is thought (but not spoken) during meditation. For example, you might repeat the sacredmantraAUM a certain number of times. Repeating a mantra forces the mind to focus on a single thought. The mantra is repeated mentally, to help keep focus, and it is used as a vehicle that allows the individual's attention to travel naturally to a less active, quieter style of mental functioning.
The object of the exercise it to eliminate thoughts and transcend consciousness, continuing to use the sacred word forcefully to eliminate thoughts.
The mind is left fully awake with no boundaries. This is the silent state of the mind and it is supposed to be fulfilling. It uses the natural tendency of the mind to go toward greater happiness, so the mind effortlessly transcends to its most silent state.
There are several levels of consciousness, with Infinite intelligence (christ consciousness) being the highest level of awareness.
After learning the proper methods of TM, it is recommended that you meditate twice a day for twenty minutes each session.
Additional Info
As stated by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in 1955 in The Beacon Light of the Himalayas: "For purpose we select only the suitable mantras of personal gods. Such mantras fetch to us the grace of personal gods and make us happier in every walk of life."[7]
In this natural state, which Maharishi describes as “the simplest form of human awareness,” the mind has settled inward, beyond all perception, thought, and feeling. The mind becomes restful yet remains fully awake and alert. What is consciousness aware of in this state? Itself alone — one experiences consciousness in its pure state, silent and unbounded. Consciousness becomes its own object. In Transcendental Consciousness, “the subject and the object are one.”[8][9][10][11]
Conclusion
All of the information I found on TM was taken directly from the masters and TM sites. The information I obtained for Centering prayer was taken directly from the experts, not from the discernment ministries. I have made this research and conclusions as unbiased as possible.
Based upon information in this TM blog, not all meditation is the same, therefore not all meditation is transcendental. It states:
"During TM practice, one experiences that it is the mind's 'nature' to settle inward and experience the state of pure awareness. Because transcending is a natural process, it's possible to transcend during any form of meditation if the right conditions are present. However, practices such as mindfulness, guided meditation, "Christian centering prayer" or common "mantra" meditation — which have their own valuable benefits — typically engage the mind within the realm of thought, sensation or emotion and are not designed for automatic self-transcending. Such practices tend to keep the mind active and do not spontaneously induce the deep, inward settling associated with transcendental consciousness."
Therefore, in spite of the distinct similarities between Transcendental Meditation and Contemplative/Centering prayer, I believe they are not entirelythe same, though they are very close. They borrow terminology and the step-by-step descent into the meditative state, but Centering prayer stops at a given point where TM continues the descent.
Does this mean that Centering prayer is completely safe? Absolutely not! The origin of the practice is from Mystics and Contemplatives from the Kabbalah. Since the the foundational teachings of the Kabbalah system are a complete departure from what is written and understood by Christendom, I believe there is some price to pay for practicing it.
Contemplatives claim that while they use Centering prayer, they feel closeness to God. Well, I believe that whatever they sense as closeness to God is the same false phenomena similar to that of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. This provided a definite sense of cleansing, happiness, and closeness to God that anyone could possibly experience, but it is also shared with the Pagan religions - and straight from the Kabbalah. Since Pagans use Centering prayer to get close to god, I believe Centering prayer is Pagan also.
One definite risk with Centering prayer is taking it too far. Ray Yungen and the Lighthouse Trails website have stories about Christians who started to use the practice of Centering prayer and they are now fully involved in the New Age movement. There is a hook Satan uses to reel in unsuspecting Christians.
Biblical meditation involves meditating on the Word of God consciously vs. emptying the mind. We are not told in Scripture to "experience" God or his "presence." His presence is a reality within us through "faith" - not an experience. If you recall, when the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, He used "words" and then commanded against vain repetition as the heathen do (Matt. 6:7).
If you listen to TM and Contemplative practitioners on YouTube who have used these techniques for any length of time, they sound like dopers who have used marijuana and drugs way too long. They speak slowly, softly, and they seem like their mind is on another planet. If the Contemplatives sound this way, then it is having the same effect on this group.
Is Transcendental Meditation and Centering prayer being used by the Illuminati to take the fight out of the masses, thus giving them the edge to control the population? Yes, I'm convinced that it is.
"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..." 1 Timothy 4:1
Added 2/29/2012
If you still aren't convinced that these spiritual exercises could be dangerous, listen to some history about its beginnings in the Roman Catholic church.
This trailer from Caryl Matriciana's production company provides you a look into the future of Christianity. This segment is from part 1, and was released in the spring of 2011. Part 2 is presently in production and will be released in Summer 2012. It can be pre-ordered at a discounted price.
Experiences can be deceitful and counterfeit. Manifestations of the Holy Spirit are often misinterpreted and actually the workings of evil spirits - leading you away from a solid relationship and toward experience.
Since many practices of Eastern Religions have been introduced into the Church, evil spirits have been gaining access into believers lives. They destroy discernment and builds a bridge for the New Age christ.
Mike Bickle, from the IHOP church, has introduced contemplative prayer to his congregation. He tells his congregation that this type of prayer strengthens the inner man, and it's all about the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. Like all Christian contemplatives, Bickle works hard at presenting this as biblically acceptable. He states there is “…a lot of counterfeit mysticism…” Before teaching his Christian mantra method, he again emphasizes he is not talking about Eastern or Oprah religion.(video here)
Bickle has been quoted as saying that the most inspiring light in all of Christianity came from the Roman Catholic mystics during the dark ages. The mystics who practiced contemplative prayer were Jesuits, who sought after the restoration of the Catholic church after the Reformation and practiced the dark arts. No good thing ever came from the Jesuit mystics.
In the following video, Mike Bickle downplays the Christian walk of mainline Christians as a dry, boring experience. Then he goes onto explain the real vs fake manifestations of the Holy Spirit, both occurring at the same time in the same room- some fake and some genuine. Are any of these experiences in the Bible, Mike? It's all fake! It's all manifestations of Kundalini.
Bickle and the Apostolic/Prophetic movement are “dominionists.” There is nothing new in what he is teaching, with regard to Dominionism and the false manifestations of the Holy Spirit. To Bickle, Jesus is sitting and waiting for the Church to mature and get herself ready to be used as God’s instrument to effect global transformation. But in actuality, Bickle is helping to blind the Church in preparation for the coming false christ and global government.
In the book For Many Shall Come in His Name, Ray Yungen claims that meditation, also through the contemplative prayer, will work together in an extraordinary way.
"When this man [the false christ] comes forward, all those in touch with their Higher Selves (familiar spirits) are going to automatically recognize him as "the Coming One" and give him their allegiance. He will have a ready made contingency, many in key positions, to help him reconstruct society. This will be the final culmination of the paradigm shift."
Many believe it is wrong to warn Christians about apostasy, and that it is divisive. When they say this, they are doing a great disservice. It is important that they wake up before it is too late.
In the latest edition of Share International videos, Benjamin Creme explains Transmission Meditation. Since there has been more of an emphasis on meditation in the Emergent, Purpose Driven, and Roman Catholic churches, it is interesting to note that this form of meditation is done in a group setting.
In Creme's book titled Transmission: A Meditation for the New Age, he asks:
"Do you want to help the world and build a stronger connection with your own spiritual nature? Transmission Meditation is the simplest way to do both ― at the same time."
The Share International website the book description states, "Transmission Meditation is a group service activity which 'steps down' the great spiritual energies that continually stream into our planet. During transmission, the Masters of Wisdom [demonic spirits] direct these energies from the spiritual planes through the energy centers (chakras) of the group members in a highly scientific manner. This process, which makes the energies more useful to humanity and the other kingdoms in nature, is similar to that of electrical transformers, which step down the power between generators and household outlets."
The video explains that along with reciting the Great Invocation, it acts as a conduit to link everyone together. The site then says, "The Masters re-direct these stepped-down energies to wherever they are most needed at that moment in time. In response to these energies, for example, nations that have been enemies for centuries may now find they can talk together around a table and peacefully work out solutions."
It is blatantly obvious that the interest in meditation in the Church is all linked together with the New Age movement. Creme says that there are several types of meditation, but the concepts sound very similar to transcendental meditation. In the second video, Creme says that the first step of all meditation is the same, and practicing it will eventually change the person. It becomes a natural inclination to want to serve.
Just listening you realize how dangerous this practice truly is. These practices are also connected with the meditation of Yoga, and he mentions it in the video.
If you are not familiar with Benjamin Creme, please be warned that he is heavily involved with the occult. He only explains the concepts and history of meditation, but you may choose not to watch the video.
According to Bible prophecy, a one-world religion that will offer the promise of peace throughout the world is going to commence prior to Christ’s return. To most, this global body will seem like a wonderful thing and very possibly will be a pseudo-Christianity (coming in the name of “Christ”); however, contrary to how the masses will view it, it will actually help establish and set up the antichrist and his one- world government.
In order for this to happen, all religions must come together in an ecumenical plan. Today, as part of this Satanic scheme, the evangelical/Protestant church is being drawn seductively into the Roman Catholic church, largely through what we call “The Jesuit Agenda.” Incredibly, while the evidence is obvious to some, the majority of proclaiming Christians are not at all aware it is happening.
So, what should we expect if we are in the time when such a system unfolds? First, many who once were Protestant and evangelical will become ecumenical and eventually assimilate with the Roman Catholic church. Second, all religions will unite in solidarity of purpose. Understanding the Jesuit Agenda is essential if we are to understand how this worldwide deception will come about. (Read more)
Pine cones have always been occultically associated with spiritual enlightenment. Whether we look at ancient Babylonians, Egyptians, Greeks or Christians, the pine cone has represented the mysterious link between the physical and the spiritual worlds, which can be found in the human brain. The pineal gland, also known as the third eye, is represented by the pine cone in occult symbolism. It is taught by Mystery schools to open the doors to spiritual perception once the seven Chakras are properly activated.[1]
Pictured below, the Pine Cone Staff of Osiris is surrounded by the two serpents of the Kundalini, which represent the spine, and the pine cone represents the pineal gland. This tiny gland is located at the center of our brain and is involved in the production of a variety of important neurotransmitters, and facilitates altered states of awareness, as you will learn.[1]
Pagans revere the Evergreen because it symbolizes eternal life. They have always coveted eternal life, and have sought it by worshiping and revering many objects they find in Nature. Of course, this type of worship is the Biblical definition of what a Pagan is.
"Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshiped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen." Romans 1:25 KJV
The pine cone, the fruit of evergreen, has been used in Pagan symbolism and in Roman Catholicism.
Pagan groups have used the pine cone in their ceremonies, their rituals, and their art. The Roman Catholic Church uses the symbolism of the pine cone, just as any good Pagan religion would do. This fact is firm evidence that Roman Catholicism is Pagan, not Christian. In fact, we would say that Roman Catholicism is counterfeit Christianity, with Paganism at its heart.
In Paganism, the pine cone, as previously stated, is used as a symbol of the solar god Osiris, but also as a symbol of regeneration and fertility.[2]
The pine cone has also shown up in Crop Circles,
and in Nazi Germany.
Manly P. Hall, a well-known Masonic historian, explains the importance of the pine cone in Freemasonry and ancient civilizations:
"Sufficient similarity exists between the Masonic CHiram and the Kundalini of Hindu mysticism to warrant the assumption that CHiram may be considered a symbol also of the Spirit Fire moving through the sixth ventricle of the spinal column. The exact science of human regeneration is the Lost Key of Masonry, for when the Spirit Fire is lifted up through the thirty-three degrees, or segments of the spinal column, and enters into the domed chamber of the human skull, it finally passes into the pituitary body (Isis), where it invokes Ra (the pineal gland) and demands the Sacred Name. Operative Masonry, in the fullest meaning of that term, signifies the process by which the Eye of Horus is opened. E. A. Wallis Budge has noted that in some of the papyri illustrating the entrance of the souls of the dead into the judgment hall of Osiris the deceased person has a pine cone attached to the crown of his head. The Greek mystics also carried a symbolic staff, the upper end being in the form of a pine cone, which was called the thyrsus of Bacchus. In the human brain there is a tiny gland called the pineal body, which is the sacred eye of the ancients, and corresponds to the third eye of the Cyclops. Little is known concerning the function of the pineal body, which Descartes suggested (more wisely than he knew) might be the abode of the spirit of man. As its name signifies, the pineal gland is the sacred pine cone in man – the eye single, which cannot be opened until CHiram (the Spirit Fire) is raised through the sacred seals which are called the Seven Churches in Asia.”
~Manly P. Hall, Secret Teachings of All Ages
Why is the occult interested in the pineal gland?
The third eye, via the pineal gland, controls the attributes and functions of the 6th chakra (Ajna in Sanskrit) which include: clairaudience, clairsentience, clairvoyance, telepathy, ESP (extra sensory perception), intuition, and what the New Age calls the Christ consciousness (or Cosmic consciousness).The third eye, via the pineal gland, also controls the attributes and functions of the 7th chakra (called Sahasrara in Sanskrit) which include: linkage with the Higher Self, astral projection and astral travel, and ascension to the Akashic Records.[3]
How do you manipulate the pineal gland?
The awakened pineal gland can give you a sense of well-being, and altered state of consciousness. There are different methods for doing this, but the most common today is achieved through meditation, Yoga, labyrinth walking, contemplative prayer, QiGong, and Transcendental Meditation - accompanied by by the tongue touching the roof of the mouth. This stimulates the crown chakra. When the tongue goes way back so the tip touches the soft palate, it stimulates the pineal gland.
In the Taoist tradition, the tongue connection is used to complete the Microcosmic orbit of energy [chi]. In the Tantra practice it is used primarily to quiet the mind; when you feel the Kundalini energy moving up and down the spine you have a sense of control.[4]
Pineal Gland and the Bible The Bible has a Christian interpretation, and a gnostic or occult interpretation. This is why you have regular Judaism, and its mystical component or aspect called Kabbalah. This is the same with Christianity and Islam. Christianity has regular Christianity and its mystical component called Gnostic Christianity.
Since there are unbiblical practices in the Bible, the Gnostics have read it from their point of view and see nothing wrong with how they receive it. This is exactly what occurs when interpreting the verses that pertain to the pineal gland. The gland is mentioned in the Bible, but can be associated with hidden knowledge. Such as in Ecclesiastes 12:6-7: "Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern; Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it."
The silver cord in this verse refers to the connection between the physical body, astral body, the Higher Self, and the near-death experience. As you may recall, Solomon, the author of Ecclesiastes, fell into the evil practices. Solomon had many wives, thus breaking God's commandments to not marry pagan wives. He also built pagan temples in Israel, and all Israel was judged for their apostasy, leading to the civil war that split Israel into two nations. It is clear that God was not pleased with the way Solomon spent his time.
Then in Genesis 32:30, the Scripture reads, "And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved." Some people feel that Jacob knew about the pineal gland and was accustomed to using it. It was an ancient mystical tool used back then, however it was later stopped due to the lying spirits that could be met in that dimension. Basically, God has laid ground rules for Christians not to receive information by way of supernatural sources, and it is therefore considered as a Pagan practice.
The Pineal Gland and Fluoride
Today's fluoride use has affected the pineal gland. Dr. Jennifer Luke from the University of Surrey in England discovered that the pineal gland is the primary target of fluoride accumulation within the body. In fact, the aged pineal contains more fluoride than any other normal soft tissue. [5] Although this is a fairly recent finding, the occult world knew it all along - since they have their ways.
Update:The Pineal Gland and Vegetarianism
By eating more raw food, and by becoming a vegetarian/vegan, youcan also activate your pineal gland. I agree that eating meat daily can be harmful for you, but eliminating meat completely from your diet can harm you spiritually. If being a vegetarian is supposed to heighten psychic awareness, as this one New Ager advocates, then why do it? It only means that you are opening yourself to spirits. And besides, humans were omnivores - and the Bible clearly shows that we can eat meat.
"Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you;
even as the green herb have I given you all things." Gen. 9:3
Conclusion
The practice of TM, contemplative prayer, QiGong, vegetarianism, and many other practices that are said to be healthy, but are not always healthy for you spiritually. The coming world government will gradually eliminate meat-eating, and encourage heavy doses of meditation. Not only does it open the Christian to spiritual blindness, but it creates the docile personality the world government is seeking.
Proverbs 20:12 says:
"The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them."
They are provided for the Christian, however there are things we do to hinder that sight.The god of this world is attempting to veil the eyes of believers, so they will choose an esoteric path to destruction - even after they have become a child of God. Leave the pineal gland to the Pagan world of the occult, and walk the narrow path.
"Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way,
which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." Matt. 7:14
"For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works." 2 Cor. 11:13-15 KJV
The True Conspiracy
"The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, 'Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.' He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision." Psalm 2:2-4
Unholy Alliances of Church & Government
"Would that I had the power to bring to your minds the vision as it unfolds before me! I see all denominational emphasis set aside...I see the church molding the thought of the world as it has never done before, leading in all great movements as it should. I see it literally establishing the Kingdom of God on earth." ~John D. Rockefeller Jr.
Don't be like the one who thinks that if you can't see it, then it can't see you.
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Listening to Another Viewpoint
"He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him." Prov. 18:13
"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." Matt. 7:15
Are we to be ignorant?
"It's Christians who haven't got the faintest idea in the world what's going on. Christians are the most ill-informed ignorant people on the face of the earth." Jordan Maxwell
Wall of Shame
Are we to look the other way when we hear false teaching?
"Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple." Romans 16:17-18
"And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. " 2 Thess. 3:14
The Church: The Devil's Playground
"I know that charity covereth a multitude of sins; but it does not call evil good, because a good man has done it; it does not excuse inconsistencies, because the inconsistent brother has a high name and a fervent spirit. Crookedness and worldliness are still crookedness and worldliness, though exhibited in one who seems to have reached no common height of attainment." Horatius Bonar, (1808-1889)
Is Bible doctrine important?
"Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee." 1 Tim. 4:16 (KJV)
A Reader's Comments
"Rick Warren's a fake, the tablets---fake, the shroud---fake, the media---fake, the government---fake, the food---fake. Did I miss anything?" ~Karen
Disclaimer
Dear Blog Reader
This site has information compiled for research purposes only. I am a woman, but I don't consider my self an authority on the subject. I do not consider myself as a discernment ministry, rather a believer that finds many teachings to be problematic, and I want others to be aware of them.
I do not promote any Bible teacher, ministry, or author. If there is a video by any particular Christian minister within a post, it does not mean that I have endorsed their work. If you disbelieve anything presented on the site, please follow-up by doing your own research. Don't just consider it as being wrong.
This blog has over 1000 posts, and it has taken over 3 years to compile. Attempts are no longer being made to keep these posts up-to-date. Many links lead to a dead-end, and I'm sorry about that. Many earlier posts may seem vague, but they were written while I was still putting the pieces of the puzzle together.
A word of advise: Learn what you can, but don't get consumed by it. Bring your head out of the sand, check out the ugliness of the Satanic conspiracy, then proceed with your life. I do believe that this is a time when the Lord is separating the sheep from the goats. Praying that you won't get caught on the wrong side.
